Category: College News

Major employers have put their weight behind a pioneering scholarship scheme designed to help nurture the engineers of the future.

A series of companies have signed up to Middlesbrough College Group’s TTE Engineering Scholarship Programme, which aims to develop and attract high performing young people into engineering.

Middlesbrough College Group is already the largest engineering training provider in the country for school leavers and is hopeful that this new scheme, which starts in September, will further enhance prospects for its students.

Under the scheme, 40 of the Group’s top performing Level 3 engineering students will be matched with participating employers, get the chance to go on a work placement with their matched company and, at the end of the year, be interviewed for suitable employment or apprenticeship opportunities there.

The chosen students will also receive £50 a week – jointly funded by the College and by their matched employer – as part of their scholarship as well as accessing mentoring and other support from their matched employer.

Depending on the companies who sign up, the scholarship programme will operate right across the College’s engineering disciplines including electrical and electronic engineering, instrumentation and control engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering and wind turbine engineering.

Zoe Lewis, chief executive officer at Middlesbrough College Group, said: “While we have a long and proud history of working closely with local employers and training young engineers, we are always searching for ways to create more opportunities for students and companies to work together.

“The TTE Engineering Scholarship Programme will not only nurture and develop the next generation of talented engineers, it will also provide an excellent opportunity for companies to support and mentor the brightest engineering students in the region and gaining access to a talented pool of future professionals.

“We’ve been absolutely delighted by the response from employers to the programme so far and we can’t wait to start our first cohort in September.”

One of the companies already signed up to the programme is chemicals giant Johnson Matthey.

Jon Wright, Site Responsible Engineer at Johnson Matthey’s Billingham site, explained: “At Johnson Matthey we believe that science and engineering, and the work of STEM professionals, is key to tackling the big challenges facing the world today, to protect people and the planet.

“We are supporting the Engineering Scholarship Programme with the aim of reducing the barriers to young people entering and staying in STEM education and enabling early career opportunities for the long-term, sustainable benefit for our communities.”

Saltburn-based heavy machining specialist Tees Components has also signed up to the scholarship scheme.

Sharon Lane, managing director at Tees Components, said: “Nurturing future talent is something we are passionate about at Tees Components.

“We have been training apprentices for decades, and it is a privilege for us to be able to work with young people across the Tees Valley for them to go forward in STEM careers, be that through our apprenticeship scheme, work experience placements, or any other guidance and support we can offer.

“Middlesbrough College Group’s new engineering scholarship programme is an exciting opportunity for us to meet and support our future engineers early in their careers, and we are looking forward to taking part.”

Ian Grimes, HR Manager at Paralloy, which has also signed up to the scholarship scheme, said: “Consistent with Paralloy’s vision of the future and its commitment to fostering new partnerships within our community, we are delighted to be part of the new Engineering Scholarships Programme with Middlesbrough College.”

The new programme will start at the same time as the doors open on Middlesbrough College Group’s new £12m state of the art TTE training centre at the Group’s Middlehaven campus.

The centre will train over 300 full-time students, 300 apprentices and 500 adults each year, alongside a thriving international cohort of students.

More details on the TTE Engineering Scholarship Programme are available by contacting Matt Telling, group director of business engagement and partnerships on 07384 831289 or email mj.telling@mbro.ac.uk 

Shipley College are leading the way in healthcare by being the first college in the UK to acquire HAL simulators – the world’s most advanced patient simulators. The College are also the first business in the UK to complement them with AI-driven conversational speakers to enhance the interaction.

The College has been recognised as a leader in digital innovation for healthcare following a successful bid to collaborate with other West Yorkshire colleges for Local Skills Improvement Funding as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan for West and North Yorkshire.

Current and future Healthcare students will be trained in AI and robotics which will ultimately help reduce pressure on the frontline NHS, whilst delivering the healthcare workforce of the future.

The College will develop a curriculum to meet digitalisation in the Health sector – meaning they will soon be able to offer access to such ground-breaking resources as mixed reality (MR) robotic simulators, anatomage tables, and an immersive environment. Health students studying nursing and midwifery and those progressing to become Oncologists, Physiotherapists, and Radiographers at the University of Bradford, alongside College students, will be trained on programmable and augmented reality robotics that simulate clinical diagnostics, childbirth, emergency medicine, minor surgeries, and personal and geriatric care conditions.

This project also will equip our existing clinical nursing and care wards with AI, AR/MR, and robotic simulation infrastructure needed to develop the future work-readiness of Health and Social Care professionals within West Yorkshire.

Principal and CEO of Shipley College Diana Bird explains that, “These cutting-edge resources will allow us to upskill Bradford’s current medical professionals with the AI tech skills the modern NHS needs – whilst training our students to become future-ready clinical and health care specialists.”

Stoke on Trent College ‘continues to deliver outstanding career-related learning’, after being re-accredited by Staffordshire County Council for the Quality in Careers Standard.

In 2021, Stoke on Trent College became the first College in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to gain the standard, being recognised for providing an excellent Careers service and has now overwhelmingly met the standards once again.

The report summary from Staffordshire County Council stated,

“The passion for careers at Stoke on Trent College is palpable and it was a real pleasure to assess and re-accredit the college as Fully meeting the Standard.

“….Students and parents are overwhelmingly positive in their experiences of the careers support provided…

“Students clearly value the careers information, advice and guidance available from the careers team.”

“The robust approach to delivering the Careers programme is fully embraced, promoted and endorsed by Governors and Senior Leaders.”

The re-accreditation and continued standout careers focus, forms part of the College’s ‘Career Ready’ Careers Strategy 2023-2026, embedding an engaging careers curriculum throughout the learner journey.

A thorough Careers Service, also forms part of the College’s corporate strategy, ‘Skills Ready, Future Ready’, with 96% of learners progressing to meaningful employment or further and higher education opportunities.

A vital part of the careers offer from Stoke on Trent College, is partnerships with a purpose including a number of local companies becoming Skills Pledge partners, such as Carse & Waterman.

The Stoke-based animation studio, has previously delivered a live brief to Games Art & Animation Level 1 learners to develop their collaboration, teamwork, communication and specialist skills in a professional work environment, giving them a taste of working in industry.

Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Stoke on Trent College said:

“The Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is embraced by all of our teaching departments ensuring careers-related learning is embedded in their students’ study programmes and enrichment activities.

“A fine example of this, is our collaboration with Capita & Centric, for the Regeneration Brainery, a weeklong bootcamp that gives students a real insight into the construction industry through a variety of workshops plus visits to exciting local projects such as the Goods Yard, based near Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station. Over 35 learners have attended over 2 years, and two of our learners have secured meaningful employment with construction companies as a result of attending.”

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal at Stoke on Trent College said:

“We are delighted to see this fantastic recognition for our Careers team with the re-accreditation for the Quality in Careers Standard.

“Here at Stoke on Trent College we pride ourselves on giving our learners the best journey, from the moment they walk through our doors until results day in whatever vocation they choose.

“This recognition is another example of our Skills Ready, Future Ready corporate strategy pledges, being a nurturing and inclusive college where learners can strive to reach their full potential.”

To keep up to date with the latest news from Stoke on Trent College, please sign up to our stakeholder newsletter here –  https://stokecoll.ac.uk/news-events-sign-up/

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

RNN Group (made up of campuses including Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College, North Notts College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR) received two Awards at a recent ‘Leading the Way’Conference including Most Gatsby Benchmark Progress and Achieving all Gatsby Benchmarks.

The ‘Leading the Way’ conference saw Careers leads, Enterprise Advisors, Enterprise Coordinators, Employers, Training providers and Local Authority Officials acquire updates on how the region is performing towards achieving all eight Gatsby benchmarks. 

The Gatsby benchmarks are based on national and international research and define all elements of an excellent careers programme. A range of awards were presented to secondary and post 16 providers recognising the hard work and achievements of individuals and providers supporting careers.

The RNN Group were awarded the ‘Most Gatsby Benchmark Progress’ Award which acknowledges an institution that has made the most progress with achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks this year. 

In addition to this, RNN Group were awarded the ‘Achieving all Gatsby Benchmarks’ Award which recognises an institution who has consistently achieved all eight Gatsby benchmarks this academic year. 

Mark Ryan, Vice Principal, RNN Group, said, “As a Group we have worked hard to improve and achieve all Gatsby Benchmarks, which provide a clear blueprint of what strong careers provision looks like.

“Our teams within Careers, Business Development, Personal Development, Schools Liaison and Curriculum have ensured we support our students, stakeholders and communities to provide the best possible Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance raising aspirations for the next steps and lifelong learning journey.

“I am so proud that the RNN Group has in the space of one academic year gone from achieving 100% in just one benchmark to now achieving 100% in all eight benchmarks.”

For more information, visit: https://www.rnngroup.co.uk/

Warrington & Vale Royal College is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Inspirational College of the Year 2024 Award at this year’s Cheshire & Warrington Pledge annual conference.

This accolade recognises the college’s unwavering commitment to careers as part of its curriculum, its understanding of business’s needs, and how much the college has driven the relationship with the nominating employer. Nominated alongside 8 other esteemed institutions, Warrington & Vale Royal College feels privileged to have won this award.

Warrington & Vale Royal College was nominated for the award by 10:10 Games, a close employer partner of the college who works alongside games design students within the Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy, providing invaluable insights and work placement opportunities. Their nomination is a testament to this strong partnership and shared vision for nurturing the next generation of creative and digital professionals.

Within the nomination, a representative from 10:10 Games wrote: “The college have dedicated almost their entire timeframe from February to the end of the year to allowing the students to engage in a brief that we have set for them. This brief encourages the students to work in teams, to go out and learn new skills, and importantly to deliver a project at the end of the year that mimics work they would do were they within the industry.”

Sam Kidman, Course Leader in Games Design at Warrington & Vale Royal College, said: “It was an absolute honour to be nominated for the award, but then to find out we won was incredible. The staff of both 10:10 Games and Warrington & Vale Royal College have worked incredibly hard to ensure the project is where it needed to be, and we are so thankful to the 10:10 Games team for the on-going support, and time dedicated to the level 3 provisions.”

Sam continued: “The students have gone above and beyond our expectations and everyone should be incredibly proud of what has been achieved across the past 15 weeks. We cannot wait to continue this collaboration moving forward in the new academic year.”

The Inspirational Mainstream College of the Year award highlights the college’s contributions to the education landscape in Cheshire and Warrington, particularly through its partnerships and collaborative efforts that drive student success and its proactive approach to careers within the college curriculum. Achieving this award further solidifies the college’s reputation as Your Career College and cements its ethos of Careers not Courses.

Leading motor vehicle provider Holdcroft Motor Group has become the latest business to become a Skills Pledge partner for Stoke on Trent College.

The College is dedicated to ‘Partnerships with Purpose’, aligning with our corporate strategy Skills Ready, Future Ready, which was launched recently.

The partnership with Holdcroft Motor Group, aims to meet industry needs whilst closing the skills gaps identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). The motor vehicle industry has also seen a decline in industry skills coupled with an ageing workforce, making recruitment more challenging.

Work with Holdcroft Motor Group, will see the family-run business have direct access to a pool of learners who can take part in apprenticeships, work experience plus experience industry talks from the business.

Lisa Capper MBE, CEO & Principal at Stoke on Trent College said:

“The partnership between Stoke on Trent College and Holdcroft Motor Group is a model partnership which aligns with our key strategic aims, identified in our Skills Ready, Future Ready strategy.

“Working collaboratively, we have created a robust framework that supports learner development whilst meeting the needs of the motor vehicle industry. Our learners will be able to gain hands-on experience which will help them in countless ways when looking for future employment opportunities.”

Julie Ouzman, Group HR Director for the Holdcroft Motor Group, stated,

“Our long-term vision has always been to cultivate our own talent to ensure a dedicated and skilled workforce that aligns with our values. Partnering with Stoke College for apprenticeships, provides long-term stability for both our workforce and the motor industry as a whole. We firmly believe that developing a pipeline of well-trained professionals committed to our mission and growth will secure the future of our business.”

To find out more about apprenticeships at Stoke on Trent College here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/apprenticeships-2/

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

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group is offering adults the opportunity to enhance their skills, retrain or move into employment with its latest range of adult courses.

Offering over 170 different part-time and online programmes, adults can train in a range of areas including Automotive, Business, Childcare & Early Years, Construction, Dental, Engineering, Health & Social Care, Hospitality & Catering, Sport, Teacher Training and much more.

For those interested in becoming a professional dog groomer in the animal care industry, the Group will deliver a Level 3 programme in Dog Grooming from September 2024 in its modern animal care facilities, at Wakefield College.

This will teach aspiring professionals key skills to be successful in a dog grooming environment, such as preparing and styling dogs, customer service, dog health checking and handling and health and safety.

The Group’s new and enhanced offer also includes brand-new Skills Bootcamps in Construction Site Operatives, LGV Driving and Heat Recovery and Transfer, providing learners with the skills and knowledge to progress or move into a range of high-demand sectors.

The Group is also expanding its Access to Higher Education offer, as it launches Online Access programmes in Computer Science, Engineering and Health Science.

Its brand-new Online Access to Higher Education courses allow students to progress to university degrees in their chosen subject after one year of studying, without having to step foot in College.

Learners can also gain a recognised qualification from the comfort of their homes with the Group’s vast range of Online Learning courses, which cover Business & Management, Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies and Health, Social Care & Wellbeing.

This includes a Level 2 in Understanding Retail Operations, which will enable learners to develop sector-specific knowledge in areas such as customer service, the selling processes within retail and much more.

Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Whether you want to upskill, retrain or do something fun, education has the power to unlock so many opportunities. We understand that studying whilst working or raising a family can be a challenge, which is why we aim to make learning flexible through our range of part-time, online and short courses. We work also closely with local and national employers to ensure our programmes provide our learners with the knowledge and skills that are highly sought in the labour market, enabling them to successfully progress onto employment or into newly developed roles, such as green jobs.”

The Group also offers a range of short courses in garment making, floristry, photography, music production and more, which are a perfect way to start a new hobby or try something fun.

This comes as former Level 2 Floristry student Caroline Poskitt was recently awarded a Special Commendation for Entrepreneurial Skills at the West Yorkshire Learners Awards 2024, held at the Civic Hall in Leeds.

The award recognises the sheer determination Caroline has put into creating her own floristry shop, Anthophilia Flowers by Caroline Poskitt – which is a unique and bespoke flower stall based in The Glass Works Barnsley Market.

Caroline said: “Studying floristry is the best thing I’ve ever done. I learnt some amazing floristry skills and met some lovely people. The course gave me confidence in all aspects of basic floristry, including finances, costing of materials and profit. Changing my career path and entering education again later in life certainly took me out of my comfort zone, but I’m so pleased that I did it. It feels so good to wake up every single morning and go to the business I have created, and that this is my life now.”

The Group’s part-time and short courses are delivered at its three campuses in Castleford, Selby and Wakefield.

Find out more about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s adult offer, by reading its brand-new 2024/2025 Adult Guide: https://issuu.com/heartofyorkshire/docs/course-guide-2024

Or view: https://www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/courses-for-adults

‘Exceptional chef lecturer and a beacon of inspiration for the hospitality industry’ were just some of the words judges at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2024 used to describe Hitchin-based Hospitality & Catering tutor, Anthony Gascoigne.

In June, Anthony and the North Hertfordshire College team visited The Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair for a glitzy evening at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards 2024.

Anthony had been nominated for Chef Lecturer of the Year by industry friends, NHC alumni, and staff due to his contribution to the Hospitality & Catering industry whilst at North Hertfordshire College.

From the day-to-day activities such as supporting learners through assessments, to going above and beyond by securing a grant from the Savoy Trust to refurbish their student-run, public-facing, fine-dining restaurant. Anthony continues to demonstrate a genuine passion for helping young talent achieve their potential.

As judges said, “His investment of time, effort and encouragement in his students extends beyond the college, as he tirelessly networks and collaborates with industry professionals worldwide.

“His extensive networking has afforded his students unparalleled opportunities, including work experience in Michelin-star restaurants and interactions with guest speakers from across the country.”

As a result of Anthony’s work at North Hertfordshire College, the Craft Guild of Chefs awarded him the title of Chef Lecturer of the year.

Judges commented:

“Anthony is not only a highly regarded member of his department, his college, and community but is also held in the highest esteem among the wider hospitality community.

“In everything he does he is proving to be an integral part of shaping the future of hospitality.”

North Hertfordshire College principal, Kit Davies added:

“On behalf of the wider North Hertfordshire College community, we are beyond proud of Anthony’s achievement.

“From the big projects to the little day-to-day moments, whether it’s securing the funding from the Savoy Education Trust to refurbish our restaurant or connecting learners with industry figures for excellent learning opportunities, Anthony’s dedication to our students’ skills development is remarkable.

“I am delighted that the Craft Guild of Chefs have recognised Anthony’s work through this award – I can’t wait to see what he does next.”

Craft Guild Chef Lecturer of The Year 2024, Anthony Gascoigne, said:

“Receiving the Craft Guild of Chefs Lecturer Award is a true honour and an incredibly humbling experience. Creating opportunities, developing skills and employability outcomes for our young chefs is key to supporting the hospitality industry and for that to be recognised endorses what we aim to achieve.

“Furthermore, I hope this award can support more opportunities for our students in the future. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Guild and all our external stakeholders who have helped make the experience what it is. Finally, to our students who make this the best job in the world. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share my skills with them.”

Anthony continues to teach Hospitality and Catering at North Hertfordshire College with a devotion to supporting the development of young Chefs and waiting staff.

South Staffordshire College is delighted to announce a brand-new Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College. The building work has now been completed and we are excited to share that we will be offering free, funded and full-cost green energy courses from September 2024.

Thanks to a £1.6m Getting Building Fund, the Net Zero Energy Training Centre is a state-of-the-art skills delivery centre designed to equip the local workforce with skills needed to make the transition from carbon-based plumbing and transport technologies to carbon-free net zero technologies in line with the Government’s commitment.

The training centre is equipped with the latest advancements in energy efficiency such as photovoltaic panels, electric vehicle charging, air source heat pump installations and hydrogen boilers as well as energy distribution and management systems.

Neil Sambrook, Director of faculty at South Staffordshire College said, “The Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College offers employers and individuals the opportunity to learn and incorporate technologies that will enable transition to an alternative, cleaner future of energy generation. The flexibility of the centre offers everything from environmental awareness through to installation techniques, covering multiple industries, from construction and building services through to vehicle technologies. As the race to net zero gathers pace, the centre will continue to develop and grow its curriculum offer, meeting the demands of consumers and industry alike.”

Alongside this core training for electricians, plumbers, vehicle technicians, and construction workers, we’re also offering supplementary courses tailored to meet the evolving demands of sustainable technologies. These additional training opportunities encompass specialised modules in renewable energy systems, energy-efficient building practices, advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technologies, and sustainable infrastructure development for homes of the future.

Chris Walpole, Project Director from Inside Limited said, “From the moment we were invited to tender for this project, we were all excited. The needs of the upcoming generation are changing rapidly; for them, sustainability isn’t a buzz-word, but the biggest challenge they face. Playing our part in providing a space which will help them to capitalise on the college’s expertise in net zero technology, and arms them with skills for the future, makes us very proud. It has been a pleasure to work with South Staffordshire College, Peter Marsh Consulting and all the other consultants and specialist contractors – we have all worked as one team to deliver something special.”

Tradespeople will be able to choose courses in renewal heating, electric vehicle charging, heating and water systems, installation and maintenance of air source heat pumps, retrofit, solar PV and solar hot water systems.

If you are keen to learn more about the courses on offer in the Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College, please visit the college website or call South Staffordshire College on 0300 456 2424. 

Merrist Wood College and University Centre is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Surrey Hills Enterprises Trade Mark. This accolade is a mark of local provenance, quality and sustainability, recognising the best of what Surrey has to offer.

The esteemed membership accreditation honours local organisations of exceptional quality that embody and uphold the unique character of the Surrey Hills area, sharing a commitment to supporting the local environment.

It champions excellence and sustainability within the Surrey Hills and recognises businesses and organisations that make significant contributions to the local community, maintain high standards, and are dedicated to preserving the region’s distinct natural beauty.

Jo Manser, Group Director of Landbased Faculty and Merrist Wood College and University Centre at Activate Learning, expressed her excitement and pride in receiving this recognition.

She said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive the Surrey Hills Enterprises Trade Mark. This accreditation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence in education and sustainability.

“At Activate Learning’s Merrist Wood College and University Centre, we want to ensure that our students not only receive high-quality education but also develop a deep appreciation for and commitment to our surrounding areas and preserving the natural beauty of the Surrey Hills.

“We look forward to continuing our work in supporting the local environment and contributing positively to our community.”

This accolade highlights Merrist Wood College and University Centre’s dedication to sustainability, quality and local provenance. As a recognised institution, the college continues to play a vital role in promoting the values that make the Surrey Hills a unique and cherished landscape.

To learn more about the college’s commitment to sustainability and quality education, please visit the Merrist Wood College and University Centre website or contact Activate Learning on 0800 612 6008.