Author: Emma Wilde

Rhyllan Taperek, a Level 2 Bricklaying apprentice at Stoke on Trent College, has qualified for the national finals of the SkillBuild UK competition, a prestigious event showcasing emerging talent in construction.

Rhyllan began his education at Stoke on Trent College at age fourteen, studying Level 1 Construction Skills following elective home education. He has been familiar with the construction industry from an early age, having gained experience through his father, Simon Taperek, a College alumnus and owner of Kobra Construction.

Building on his prior exposure to construction, Rhyllan demonstrated a strong aptitude for bricklaying, leading to a first-place finish in the Guild of Bricklayers competition, where he competed in the senior category. He later secured third place in the national round of the same event.

Earlier this year, Rhyllan won the SkillBuild UK regional heat in the bricklaying category at Trafford College. He will now represent Stoke on Trent College in the national finals of SkillBuild UK, scheduled for 17–20 November at MK College in Milton Keynes, having placed among the top eight participants nationwide.

Rhyllan intends to pursue a Level 3 apprenticeship with Kobra Construction and aspires to become a site manager. He is working toward obtaining a gold CSCS card, which is required for supervisory roles in the industry.

Jenny Scrivens, Head of Apprenticeships and Skills, commented on Rhyllan’s progress:

“Rhyllan has consistently demonstrated high standards in bricklaying through both competition results and apprenticeship performance.

“The apprenticeship offer at Stoke on Trent College is focused on learners, ensuring they get the best employer to fit their career aspirations and skillset.”

Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College added,

“Stories like Rhyllan’s really resonate with our learners and the local community of Stoke-on-Trent, as it shows we are helping learners to be skills ready, future ready.

“We’re extremely proud of Rhyllan’s achievements to date, and are so excited that he will be representing Stoke on Trent College in the SkillBuild UK bricklaying finals.”

To find out more about all the different apprenticeships available at Stoke on Trent College, please visit – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/apprenticeships-2/

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – Stoke on Trent College Level 2 Bricklaying apprentice Rhyllan Taperek

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• Stoke on Trent College is the largest apprenticeship provider across Stoke-on-Trent
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Sketty Hall Business School, part of Gower College Swansea, is proud to announce the expansion of its Advisory Board with the addition of six dynamic new members:

Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of The Celtic Freeport, a project which covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering and the steel industry across south-west Wales.

Russell Greenslade, CBI Director of Wales, joins following the transition of Ian Price, former CBI Director of Wales to become the College’s Corporation Board Chair

Andrew Walker, Development Director at Resource Limited, which provides high-level commercial and management support to an ever-expanding number of partner companies

Elliott James, former College alumni and Head of Talent Development at Pobl Group, the largest social landlord in Wales

Rachael Flanagan, former College alumni and founder/CEO of Mrs?Buckét, a multi award-winning cleaning company and

Natasha Fulford, Managing Director at reTHINK, one of Wales’ longest established integrated PR and marketing agencies.

These six new appointments bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience to the Board, which plays a vital role in guiding the Business School’s strategic direction and ensuring its curriculum remains aligned with the evolving needs of employers across the region.

Paul Kift, Vice Principal of Skills and Partnerships at Gower College Swansea, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Luciana, Russell, Andrew, Elliott, Rachael and Natasha to the Advisory Board. Their insights and expertise will be invaluable as we look ahead to the next few years, particularly in addressing skills gaps, supporting economic growth and ensuring our learners are equipped for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

The Advisory Board continues to support the Business School’s ambition to deliver an employer-led curriculum that reflects regional priorities and drives economic growth. Their insight and guidance have directly contributed to new curriculum development and successful funding bids, including those through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent Programme.

Michael Kavanagh, Commercial Manager at Concrete Structures and Floors, and Chair of the Advisory Board, added:

“The strength of our Board lies in its diversity and depth of experience. With these new members on board, we’re even better placed to respond to the fast-changing needs of businesses and to help shape a future-ready workforce for south Wales.”

Sketty Hall Business School remains committed to enhancing collaboration between education and industry, creating a pipeline of talent, innovation, and leadership that will drive the region forward. Most recently, as part of its masterclass series, the School welcomed former international rugby player and broadcaster Jonathan Davies OBE to gain insight into how the disciplines of sport can directly inform and enhance strategic decision making, team dynamics, and organisational culture.

ENDS

About Sketty Hall Business School

In 2022, with the support of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, Sketty Hall was transformed into a hub of innovation, leadership and professional development. The Advisory Board is central to this mission, bringing together leaders from across industry, education, and the public sector to help shape the skills agenda for south Wales and beyond.

Members of the Advisory Board are as follows:

Alison Orrells: The Safety Letterbox Company, CEO and Managing Director and CBI Wales Chair

Andrew Walker: Resource Limited, Development Director

Chris Foxall: Hyppo Hydrogen Solutions, CEO

Deb Bowen-Rees: Non Exec Director – Dwr Cymru, Independent Non Exec Director – Airport Cood Ltd, Non Exec Director – Port of Milford Haven

Elliot James: Pobl, Head of Talent Development

Gareth Hopkins: Vodafone, Head of UK Professional Services

Ioan Jenkins: Tidal Range Alliance, Chair

Louise Harris: Tramshed Tech, CEO and Founder

Luciana Ciubotariu: Celtic Freeport, CEO

Lucy Cohen: Mazuma, Co-Founder

Lucy Hole: Secret Hospitality Group, Director

Michael Kavanagh (Chair): Concrete Structures and Floors, Commercial Manager

Natasha Fulford: reTHINK, Managing Director

Rachael Flanagan: Mrs Bucket, CEO

Rhodri Jones: Swansea Council, Head of Achievement and Partnership Service

Russell Greenslade: CBI Wales, Wales Director

Ryan Hole: Secret Hospitality Group, Managing Director

Gower College Swansea is delighted to announce that it has been named a winner in the British Training Awards 2025.

The British Training Awards is an annual campaign that sets out to discover and celebrate the teams and individuals who are truly passionate about learning and development’s role in building a thriving workforce.

“We are absolutely delighted to have won the Public Sector Initiative award for our continued focus on promoting menopause awareness in the workplace,” says Sarah King, Vice Principal People and Wellbeing.

“To have been Highly Commended in the Awareness Campaign of the Year category as well is a fantastic testament to the hard work and commitment of our HR and Wellbeing team, who have developed an ongoing programme of information sessions, workshops and professional training around the topic.”

This is just the latest in a long line of awards the team has won in recent years, following on from their success at the CIPD Awards, the British HR Awards and the Inside Out Awards. The College’s work around menopause awareness also made the news when Sarah was invited to participate in a special roundtable at 10 Downing Street to mark International Women’s Day.

This year, over 360 entries were received from organisations across the UK, so competition to be named a winner proved to be fierce. Firms taking part ranged from start-up pioneers to public sector heroes, tech trailblazers, global titans and everything in between.

Among the organisations joining Gower College Swansea in the running for awards were Routes Healthcare, GAIL’s Bakery, BT Group and Deloitte.

Winners were revealed at a special celebration event in Covent Garden, London, hosted by comedian Lucy Porter. A range of categories were awarded, including Training Initiative of the Year, AI in Learning Initiative of the Year and Leader of the Year.

The British Training Awards 2025 judges include:

• Sally Baines, Director of Talent, Development and Learning at OVO
• Paul Buckland-White, Senior Director of Global Learning and Development at Smith+Nephew
• Alistair Cumming, Head of Learning and Development/Talent Management at Lidl GB
• Angela Davies, Head of Learning and Development at AJ Bell
• Shannon Drew, Head of Learning and Development at Nuffield Health
• Olive Gardiner, Director of Learning and Development at Serco
• Kate Large, Director of Learning and Development at Mitie
• Sarah Maclot, Group Learning and Development Director
• Keith McDougall, Global Director of Learning and Development at Bupa
• Chris McLaughlin, Global Learning Experience Senior Manager at Booking.com
• Jenny Morgan, Head of Talent and Learning at Starling Bank
• Gemma Paterson, Head of Culture Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group
• Prachi Prasad, Global Head of Leadership and Learning Development at dunnhumby
• Jodie Pritchard, Director of Learning and Development at Barnardo’s
• Karen Suddards, Global Learning Manager at Bentley Motors
• Dr Paul Taylor-Pitt, OD Consultant and Director at Metamorphosish
• Liggy Webb, Author, Presenter and Consultant

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible, said: “Organisations increasingly need to be agile, innovative and fast – and we believe L&D is the catalyst for that. The British Training Awards are proud to celebrate the exceptional teams and individuals making this happen. Congratulations to all the Winners and Highly Commended.”

The British Training Awards is powered by New Possible, an employee insight platform. New Possible helps people leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change.

Stoke-on-Trent has done it! The Big Centenary Tea Party has officially broken the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Cream Tea Party, bringing together more than 14,000 people at 169 locations for a shared moment of celebration, pride and togetherness.

From Erlangen in Germany to Glastonbury, Ayrshire and even the House of Lords, participants raised their cups and scones at 1100 in unison to mark the city’s 100th birthday.

With five venues officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records, and thousands more people contributing to the joyful spirit of the day, the record attempt was a resounding success.

A Moment for the History Books
“This incredible achievement shows the world what we’ve always known here in Stoke-on-Trent, that when we come together, we can achieve great things,” said Nicky Twemlow from YMCA North Staffordshire, part of the event’s organising team. “Every cup of tea shared today was a reminder of our city’s warmth, pride and community spirit.”

What Our Partners Said

“Stoke-on-Trent College is truly honoured to play our part in a Guinness World Record, for the world’s largest Cream Tea Party. This is a fantastic way to continue the celebrations for the Centenary of Stoke-on-Trent.”                                                                                              Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO, Stoke on Trent College

“Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary year has been a fantastic chance for the city to come together, and to remember and celebrate the amazing community spirit that exists. The Big Centenary Tea Party is an opportunity for local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations to bring together their staff, volunteers, members, and clients to say thank you, for the people of Stoke to be part of something memorable, and for local businesses to get involved in supporting events in their local area.
To have also broken a Guinness World Record just makes the event even more special for everyone involved and proves that when we put our minds to it, The People of Stoke-on-Trent can achieve great things.”
Lisa Healings, Chief Executive, VAST

“The City of Stoke-on-Trent setting the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest tea party, during our City Centenary year, is more than a feel-good moment – it’s proof of our community’s warmth and togetherness. For the Chamber, it shows what’s possible when local businesses and residents come together with pride and creativity. In Stoke, we don’t just make the tea – we make history with it.”
Tom Nadin, Head of Project and Business Services, Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce

“That’s how you win a world record attempt! The true winner in this is our fantastic city, and this event demonstrated how much unity exists in Stoke-on-Trent. People, charities and businesses from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all environments have come together to celebrate our city and work together for one goal. It just goes to show how much we can achieve when we all pull together. That’s what makes Stoke great, and now we hold the record the world will know it too!”
Steve Adams, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire 

Well done, Stoke-on-Trent. You’re record breakers, ducks! I’m so proud that the city I love came together to celebrate our centenary by smashing an official world record. What a way to mark 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent. Families, friends, neighbours and colleagues came together proving that the simple act of sharing a cuppa can be something extraordinary when done together.

Cllr Lyn Sharpe, Centenary Champion

A Shared Celebration
The event was supported by businesses, charities and individuals across the city and beyond, with hubs including DoubleTree by Hilton, Victoria Hall, Stoke Minster, NatWest Hanley, and Stoke Town Hall playing host to record-breaking gatherings.

Participants can continue to share their photos and memories of the day via the online guestbook: https://tinyurl.com/285zwanh

A Big Stokie Thank You
The Big Centenary Tea Party would not have been possible without the incredible efforts of volunteers, sponsors, local organisations, and everyone who took part. Together, they’ve helped put Stoke-on-Trent in the record books — and on the map — as a city of community spirit, creativity, and determination.

For media enquiries or further information, contact: teaparty@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Follow the celebration: #Stoke100 #BigCreamTea #StokieCelebration

Digital and creative students from Stoke on Trent College are presenting their work in this year’s end-of-year exhibition Daydreaming, now open to the public at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley.

Running from Friday 4 July to Sunday 31 August, the exhibition features projects from across four levels of study and 11 different creative courses, all delivered within the College’s state-of-the-art Digital & Creative Hub at the Cauldon campus.

This year’s theme, Daydreaming, invited students to explore surrealism, imagination, and alternative perspectives. The result is a varied display of work that includes visual art, film, photography, games design, and digital media.

The exhibition includes a dedicated film section showcasing a collection of short films produced by students, which will be screened throughout the summer.

As in previous years, the College has continued to work with local and national partners to support student projects. Highlights include:

• Art students working alongside B-Arts on a series of creative collaborations.
• Media students participating in the Intercity Student Challenge, co-organised by agency VCCP and held in the College’s new Broadcast Media Suite.
• Art and photography students teaming up with Music Mania in Hanley to design new promotional artwork for the store.

The exhibition also features a large-scale Plastic Ocean installation, created by students to raise awareness of plastic pollution and its environmental impact on marine ecosystems.

Level 3 Games Design student Dasha Sokolynkova, who received two awards at the College’s recent Celebrating Success ceremony, is exhibiting a fan art concept piece inspired by the upcoming film Dune: Messiah.

“I’m proud and honoured to share my work with the people of Stoke-on-Trent,” Dasha said. “Much of this art has never been seen before, and I hope visitors enjoy exploring what we’ve created.”

One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is by Art & Design student Grace Jackson. Her installation, Growing’s Not Easy, uses everyday items that were left outside and worn by weather, turning them into an eye-catching artwork. Grace plans to study art at university after finishing her course at Stoke on Trent College.

Hassan Rizvi, CEO & Principal of Stoke on Trent College, said:

“This exhibition brings together a wide range of creative approaches and ideas. Through visual art, film, ceramics, and digital media, our students have explored the theme of daydreaming in thoughtful and imaginative ways. We are grateful to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery for once again providing an inspiring space to display this work.”

Daydreaming is on display at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery from Friday 4 July to Sunday 31 August 2025.

Watch the exhibition preview: stokecoll.ac.uk/course-areas/media-art-design
Full event details: stokecoll.ac.uk/event

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Digital & Creative learners Grace Jackson, Annabel Felton, Dasha Sokolynkova and William Okoah at the ‘Daydreaming’ Exhibition at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Saltaire’s Victoria Hall was filled with pride and excitement last Thursday, as the red carpet was rolled out for Shipley College’s annual Awards Ceremony.

Marking another year of success for the College, over 60 extraordinary students and staff got their deserved moment in the spotlight for their incredible efforts throughout the latest academic year.

A spokesperson for the College said: “Our students continue to inspire and impress us every single day. Tonight’s awards are a powerful reminder of the talent, determination, and character that defines Shipley College.

“We are incredibly proud of every single winner and nominee, who all reflect the very best of what young people can achieve with the right support and access to lifechanging learning.

“Our College is more than just a place to study, it’s a space to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. If you’re thinking about your next step, we’d love to welcome you to our campus and make you our next success story in 2025/26.”

Following internal nominations from staff, deserved learners were commended as the cream of the crop who have truly gone that extra mile in their time at Shipley College.

Among the wide range of awards, spanning every course and provision, was the highly coveted ‘Academic Excellence’ category. These accolades represent the absolute best of the best and, as always, were fiercely contested.

The specific category included the overall ‘Shipley College Student of the Year’, also referred to as the ‘Principal’s Award’, won by Miles Doran 2024/25.

Miles took home the trophy due to glittering results on his Esports course, 100% attendance throughout his last two years at College, and a whole host of extra-curricular work to truly set him apart.

The three other Academic Excellence Awards went to equally impressive future stars in Harvey Cepe (Academic Progress), Brody Whiteley (Overall Academic Excellence), and Leah Maughan (Special Achievement).

As well as the night’s winners, and as the cherry on the cake, the celebrations also extended a warm welcome to Isabelle Fazackerley – Shipley College’s recent NCFE 2025 Learner of the Year winner.

Ahead of the new academic year, explore all the courses Shipley College can offer and apply now!

Celebrated Welsh business leader and community advocate joins Gower College Swansea.

Ian Price, recently awarded with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to business and charity, has been appointed Chair of Governors at Gower College Swansea.

Bringing decades of leadership experience and a passion for education and community service, Ian is set to guide the College into an exciting new chapter. Ian succeeds Meirion Howells, who steps down after four years.

Ian concluded an influential tenure as Director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in Wales in December 2024, following nearly two decades with the organisation, including eight years as Director and prior to that, Deputy Director since 2005. In this role, he was the vital link between Welsh businesses and government, regularly engaging with the Welsh First Minister, Secretary of State for Wales, and key industry leaders to advocate for economic growth and vocational education.

Ian’s leadership extended beyond the CBI. He has chaired the Wales Apprenticeship Advisory Board, championing the importance of apprenticeships and vocational training as a complement to university education. His commitment to young people continues through his new role as Chair of Governors at Gower College Swansea and his ongoing chairmanship of the youth charity Vibe Youth.

Reflecting on his new role as Chair, Ian said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of Governors at Gower College Swansea. Education has always been close to my heart, especially supporting vocational pathways like apprenticeships that provide real opportunities for young people. I look forward to working with the College community to help shape a future where every student can achieve their potential.”

Kelly Fountain, Principal of Gower College Swansea, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Ian Price as our new Chair of Governors. His outstanding leadership, deep understanding of the business landscape in Wales, and passion for education make him an invaluable appointment for the College and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Gower College Swansea is proud to host a dedicated girls-only taster day aimed at inspiring the next generation of female engineers and to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day.

This taster event welcomed around 60 pupils from Dylan Thomas and Bishopston Comprehensive schools for a full day of hands-on exploration across various engineering disciplines.

Designed to showcase the exciting and ever-evolving world of engineering and technology, the event offered students the chance to experience interactive sessions in areas such as motor vehicle technology, electronic engineering, general engineering and engineering mathematics.

“We’re excited to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for girls to discover the many possibilities that a career in engineering can offer,” said Maria Francis, Assistant Learning Manager for Engineering at Gower College Swansea. “From electric vehicles to advanced electronics, we want to show how technology is rapidly changing, and how they can be part of that future.”

Each session was delivered by experienced member of staff and supported by female students currently studying engineering at the College. The goal is to break down stereotypes, boost confidence and encourage more young women to consider STEM-related careers.

In addition to engaging practical activities, each pupil received a small takeaway item relevant to their session as a keepsake.

Speaking about her time at College, Jayme-Marie Simon Vaughan, a former Cefn Hengoed pupil and now studying for her apprenticeship said: “I felt really comfortable joining the Motor Vehicle course – it really helped having Maria as my lecturer, as she’s also been through the apprenticeship programme herself.

“Roger Blackmore Autos in Sketty gave me a chance at an apprenticeship, and I’ve now been there for three years. I absolutely love the programme – the lecturers, my employer and my assessor have been incredibly supportive. I’d definitely0 recommend it to anyone thinking about a career in the motor vehicle industry.”

Gower College Swansea is proud of its commitment to gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries. The Motor Vehicle department alone currently has 11 female learners, and this event aims to inspire even more young women to join the ranks of future engineers.