Category: College News

An Oldham College apprentice has been recognised as one of the country’s top young bricklayers after being named runner-up in a prestigious national competition. 

Ethan 19, was one of three finalists in the Bricklaying Apprentice of the Year award, run by the Association of Brickwork Contractors, and the only finalist from the North of England.  

He attended the awards ceremony in London on Friday 28th February, where he and one other competitor were named runners-up alongside the overall winner. 

Ethan began his studies at Oldham College in 2021 and is currently completing an apprenticeship at Oldham College with Marlborough Brickwork, which he joined in 2022.  

His employer nominated him for the competition after recognising his dedication and technical ability. Judges praised both his skills and his career progression. 

Speaking about his apprenticeship experience, Ethan said: “My tutor advised me to do an apprenticeship because I enjoyed the more practical side of learning.  

“It’s helped me gain confidence not just in my brickwork skills but also in speaking to people and working as part of a team.” 

Ethan has worked on major construction projects, including a large tower block in Manchester and a newly constructed college building.

He believes his apprenticeship has given him the best start in the industry, stating, “I get paid while I learn, and I know I have a job at the end of it. If I went to university, I wouldn’t be guaranteed that.” 

His tutor and assessor, Paul Monaghan, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ethan for reaching the final three of the competition. His success is a testament to his hard work and the high standard of work that he produces, along with his excellent attitude and work ethic.” 

Marlborough Brickwork, which has supported Ethan throughout his apprenticeship, praised his dedication and potential. Paul Donnelly, Managing Director, said: “Ethan has demonstrated outstanding commitment and ability and has developed into an essential member of the team on a key project for Marlborough.  

“He has a bright future in the industry, and we are thrilled to see his efforts recognised at a national level.” 

Hannah Cutler, Director – Construction, added: “This is exactly what apprenticeships are about, giving young people real-world skills, qualifications, and a direct route into employment.  

“Ethan’s success highlights the fantastic opportunities available at Oldham College and the incredible talent coming through our apprenticeship programmes.” 

Ethan’s future looks bright, with Marlborough Brickwork eager to support him in progressing to a Level 3 apprenticeship. He hopes to continue advancing in the industry, with ambitions to become a site manager and eventually run his own business. 

Oldham College is proud to support apprentices like Ethan in achieving their career goals. Find out about the apprenticeship programmes available at Oldham College by visiting www.oldham.ac.uk.

Higher Education Art, Design & Media students from Selby College have launched a month-long sustainability-themed exhibition at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York.

A new piece of artwork is being installed each week throughout the exhibition, which will be on display to the thousands of visitors the shopping centre attracts.

Paul Tyler, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Selby College on this project which not only promotes sustainability, but supports and encourages local artists. The exhibition is already being enjoyed by our guests and we look forward to supporting more initiatives with the College in the future.”

Student Ruby Duffy, whose artwork was the first to be displayed at the Designer Outlet, said: “I put a lot of consideration and labour into creating my exhibition, so it feels amazing to have my work displayed at Designer Outlet York. The idea behind the piece is to showcase 32 white, flat flowers which are meticulously arranged in uniform so that you can only see them from a specific angle. It’s designed to get observers to question how we choose to see the reality we want.”

Creating sustainable artwork has been embedded into the students’ studio practice, which has seen them design pieces which are made from recycled materials.

Elaine Whitehead, Curriculum Development Manager for Art, Design & Media at Selby College, said: “To enhance their professional development, we ensure that all of our Higher Education Art, Design & Media students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork beyond our campus. This expands their experience in working to a real-life client brief, whilst also boosting their confidence in creating conversational public pieces of art.”

The work of the College’s talented Higher Education Art, Design & Media students will also be on display as part of the Department’s end-of-year shows, which will take place on Thursday 12^th June and Thursday 19^th June 2025.

In conjunction with the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Sustainability Week, Level 1 and Level 2 Art & Design students will be exhibiting their ecofriendly artwork at Selby Abbey on Monday 17^th March 2025.

As part of the project, the students have produced pieces by collecting and reusing waste materials, with Selby Abbey’s artists in residency, Mandy Keating and Helen Brook, providing them with feedback on their pieces.

Making their mark on Selby Abbey, Level 3 Art & Design students will also be taking part in a light project exhibition at the venue alongside NowThen Creative and installation light artists, Henrick and Palmer.

This includes a light trail which will start at Selby Abbey and be displayed in the shop windows of local businesses in the Town.

As part of its efforts to enrich the learning experiences of local children, Wakefield College’s Care & Early Years Department welcomed over 50 children and their parents to a storytelling event at the College during half-term.

Hosted by its Childcare students and tutors, children aged four to seven and their families attended the event where they enjoyed a morning of fun activities, storytelling and dress-up – all to enrich children’s learning experiences.

From space to animals, science, traditional tales, under the sea and more, each classroom had a theme and were decorated to immerse the children into the stories.

Besides the storytelling sessions, the morning was full of varied activities such as arts and crafts, biscuit decorating, sandpit play and face painting, meaning there was something for everyone.

Claire Deering, Lecturer in Care & Early Years and lead organiser of the event told us: “This initiative has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and employability skills within the education and early years sector. As part of this project, students have honed their digital media skills by creating an advertising campaign, planned activities for young children with careful consideration of their developmental needs, and nurtured a love for stories. They have also undertaken critical tasks such as writing risk assessments, budgeting for resources, effectively communicating with staff, families and young children, and leading various activities. This initiative not only provided valuable learning opportunities for our students but also emphasised the significance of community involvement.”

Fiona Haddock, a parent who brought her child to the event said: “I’m passionate about the role of stories in children’s learning as they teach them skills and broaden their imaginations. The event has been a great way for children to explore books, socialise with others and have fun. It was also free which is important due to the cost-of-living crisis making it much harder to find affordable activities for children during half-term holidays.”

The Care & Early Years Department at the College is actively involved with the community in Wakefield, with many of its students currently carrying out work placements around the district including in nurseries and primary schools.

Hannah Whitby, T Level Education & Early Years student said: “I worked in the space-themed classroom where children explored their five senses through different interactive activities including the sensory den. It’s been beneficial to be involved as I’ve been able to learn what kind of activities the children find most engaging which I can use to help with my work placement at a primary school.”

Community collaboration was key for the event, with Wakefield Hepworth donating den-building resources and Bowkirk Joinery sponsoring a book for each child, enabling them to take a book home to kindle their love for reading.

Members of Wakefield’s Children’s University were also able to collect learning hours by attending the event, which encourages 5-14 year olds to take part in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school.

Carla Cantrell, Head of Care & Early Years at Wakefield College said: “It was a pleasure to welcome so many children and their parents to the College to celebrate the world of storytelling and reading. I am incredibly proud of the Care & Early Years students for leading the event, organising the activities and engaging the children in the sessions and hope to do it again soon.”

If you would like to find out further information about the Care & Early Years Department at Wakefield College, you can visit the website here: Childcare, Early Years & Childhood Studies

Learn more about Wakefield College, at: Wakefield College

Fourteen A Level students from Gower College Swansea have been offered places to study at Oxford or Cambridge University in 2025.

The students are all following the College’s GCS Honours programme at the Gorseinon Campus, which aims to provide the best possible preparation for students aiming to progress to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities. They are:

• Evie Beck (formerly Pontarddulais Comprehensive) offered a place at New College, Oxford to study Biomedical Sciences
• Mia Brown (formerly Cefn Hengoed Community School) offered a place at Brasenose College, Oxford to study Geography
• Sophie Hill (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) offered a place at Lincoln College, Oxford to study Biochemistry
• Claudia Croft (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) offered a place at Corpus Christi College, Oxford to study Experimental Psychology
• Carys Morgan (formerly Cwmtawe Community School) offered a place at Jesus College, Oxford to study Music
• Gwinnie Pinnock (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) offered a place at Worcester College, Oxford to study History
• Milly Walker (formerly Bishop Gore School) offered a place at New College, Oxford to study Law
• Jasmine Haynes (formerly Olchfa) offered a place at Hertford College, Oxford to study Biology
• Frances Mackie (formerly Glan y Môr School) offered a place at Churchill College, Cambridge to study History and Spanish
• Lily Parker (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) offered a place at Clare College, Cambridge to study Education
• Violet Williams (formerly Bishop Gore School) offered a place at Queens College, Cambridge to study Education
• Alex Mort (formerly Morriston Comprehensive) offered a place at Kings College, Cambridge to study Engineering
• Ruby Zaire (formerly Gowerton School) offered a place at Churchill College, Cambridge to study Law
• Leah Spackman (formerly Penyrheol Comprehensive) offered a place at St John’s College, Cambridge to study Education

The College’s GCS Honours Programme incorporates weekly tutorials, preparation interviews with Oxbridge alumni and local acaemic professionals, an aptitude test and assessment preparation for relevant subjects.

Learners who wish to apply to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science attend additional sessions which prepare them for admissions tests and competitive interviews. They also have opportunities to hear from guest speakers from a range of employers and university courses.

The College has also integrated the Seren Academy, a Welsh Government initiative dedicated to helping Wales’ brightest learners achieve their full academic potential in Wales, the UK, and overseas, into its GCS Honours programme. Available to all academically able learners in Year 12 and Year 13, the Seren Academy offers interactive sessions and unique study experiences to support ongoing learning and expert guidance to help young people make informed decisions about applying to leading universities.

Gower College Swansea is also proud to be part of the Step Up initiative, which is coordinated by New College, Oxford. The Step Up team support students by attending the Gorseinon campus to talk through the application and personal statement process and providing opportunities for our learners to visit Oxford.

“To have 14 GCS Honours and Seren Academy students holding offers from Oxford and Cambridge this year is an incredible achievement and we are proud of them all, I’m so pleased that all their hard work has paid off,” says the College’s GCS Honours Coordinator/Coordinator of the Swansea Seren Hub, Dr Emma Smith.

“Once again, it’s good to see that so many different comprehensive schools are represented on this list. And I’m delighted that the range of subjects these students are going on to pursue are so varied – from education and law to music and engineering – this really represents a diverse range of future career pathways. I wish them all the very best for their exam results in August!”

“Our GCS Honours provision has demonstrated once again that is the perfect springboard to success for students who are aiming to attend the UK’s top universities,” says Principal Kelly Fountain.

“To have 14 students holding Oxbridge offers in one academic year is a reflection not only of the their individual talent and dedication, but also the commitment and support offered by the GCS Honours team, led by Emma, and all of our A Level lecturers and support staff. My congratulations go to them all.”

Apprenticeship Week Wales is an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the vital role apprenticeships play in shaping the future workforce, empowering learners and driving business success.

This year, Gower College Swansea has commemorated the campaign with a week of activities including a recruitment fair, an awards ceremony, and a suite of information sessions for individuals and employers alike.

The College was also delighted to welcome Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales, to Sketty Hall Business School where she met with staff and students from a range of apprenticeship pathways including leadership and management, health and social care, accountancy, and housing.

Around 900 people attended the Apprenticeship and Recruitment Fair at the Tycoch Campus, where they were able to talk with College staff about how to access apprenticeships. Also in attendance to promote their apprenticeship opportunities were over 50 local organisations with close links with the College including Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea Council, Ecolab, DVSA and Great Western Railway.

A special apprenticeship awards ceremony was held at Swansea.com Stadium which honoured the outstanding commitment and dedication of the College’s apprentices, staff and employer partners from across Wales and England. The event, which saw over 40 awards handed out to worthy winners, was hosted by presenter/broadcaster Ross Harries with apprenticeship advocate and senior policy advisor at HMRC, Joseph Lennox, as guest speaker.

“Apprenticeships are a key priority area for many employers in terms of meeting the skills needed to develop and grow their business,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “I’m delighted that, especially in recent years, the College has been able to respond to this demand so positively, with over 2500 apprentices now enrolled with us at any one time. Our apprenticeship programmes continue to go from strength to strength, being recognised nationally at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, the Inspire Tutor Awards, the TES FE Awards, the Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards and Association of Colleges Beacon Awards.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support Apprenticeship Week Wales 2025 with so many varied and engaging events. Almost 1000 learners and parents attended our recruitment fair and the feedback has been overwhelming positive, with many now feeling more confident and informed about choosing an apprenticeship pathway.

“It was also a great honour to welcome the First Minister to Sketty Hall where she had an opportunity to meet some of our current cohort of leaners and hear from them directly how much they have benefitted from their apprenticeship and the College’s continuing support.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “It was great to visit Gower College Swansea and meet so many apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get into a rewarding profession, with opportunities across Wales for people of all ages. Apprenticeships cover everything from construction to creative industries, from energy and the environment, from financial and professional services, to tourism and the life sciences.

“All the best to the apprentices and students at Gower College Swansea with the rest of your training and in your future careers!”

Students on a range of art and design courses at Gower College Swansea had a fantastic opportunity to meet with employers and artists during the third annual Design 48 showcase, which was held at the Gorseinon and Llwyn y Bryn campuses.

The idea behind Design 48 was developed by the College in partnership with Rachael Wheatley of Waters Creative.

A series of talks and practical taster sessions, Design 48 is designed to inspire learners, boost employability skills and raise awareness of the educational and career pathways available within the creative industries.

“Design 48 has become a real highlight in the calendar for our students and staff,” says Learning Area Manager for Visual Arts, Elinor Franklin. “It gives our learners an incredible opportunity to meet with exciting artists and key employers and proves once again that there are lots of exciting potential career pathways to follow within Wales.”

“Gower College Swansea is a proud member of the Creative Industries Employer Board and so we were delighted to host this fantastic event for a third consecutive year, giving our students the opportunity to explore their potential and start laying the foundation for their future creative careers,” adds Learning Area Manager for Creative Arts, Liz Edwards.

Huge thanks to our Design 48 contributors:

James Owen (Stori Cymru)
Ian Simmons (UWTSD)
Rachael Wheatley and Mike Leach (Waters Creative)
Sarah Mallabar (Mallabar Films)
Tamsie Thomas (Zodiac VFX)
David Neuman (Humber College, Toronto)
James Weaver (Musician)
Hollie Singer (Musician)
Caroline Lane (Ffilm Cymru)
Derek Ashman (Photographer)
Ffian Jones (Costume designer)
Lee Thomas (Printmaker)
Zoe Rushton (One Stop Shop)
Dawn Shackley (Jewellery designer)

COLEG CAMBRIA is at the forefront of a nationwide campaign to meet a surge in demand for tens of thousands of new welders.

With an ageing workforce of welders in the UK – an estimated 50% of which are set to retire in the next three years – the sector will need more than 35,000 skilled workers, according to a report by the Construction and Skills Network (CSN).

Tony Commins, a Fabrication and Welding lecturer at Cambria Deeside, said there has been an increase in students on the course this academic year.

However, many more learners need to pursue welding as a career if the skills gap is to close.

“More people have joined us but nationally there has been a decline in the amount of young people going into engineering, especially welding,” said Tony.

“There is a lot of demand – especially overseas – and so many opportunities in what is a highly skilled profession.

“Welders are highly sought-after all over the world, notably in the US and Australia, as well as the UK, so it’s an avenue they should think about.”

He added: “Given the move towards robotics, machine programming and operating is another area where there will be significant growth in the years ahead.

“For us it’s about showing learners welding is a trade where there is diversity, with different roles and options to consider.”

As well as a boom in numbers, the college has three students in the top 20 welding and construction metalwork apprentices in the UK.

Jimmy Smith, Zac Winn and Mark Wright participated in the recent WorldSkills UK national finals in November, with all three winning medals – Zac brought home the gold. 

“All three are incredibly talented, and to reach the finals given the institutions, manufacturing companies and training academies we were up against was an amazing feat,” said Tony.

“They competed versus the very best, and did so well – they deserved to be there and winning those medals will have a positive impact on their future careers.”

Cutting-edge technology including plasma cutters, press breaks and specialist welding sets have also attracted learners, and forged partnerships with some of the leading names in engineering in north east Wales and beyond.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on the wide range of courses and qualifications available at Coleg Cambria.

Stoke on Trent College is now a Fostering Friendly employer – a programme facilitated through The Fostering Network which demonstrates the College’s commitment to making a real difference in the lives of employees who foster, and support others in becoming approved foster carers themselves.  

The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity.  Executive Chair, Mervyn Erskine commented

“Becoming a Fostering Friendly employer is something to be really proud of. Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care – for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by their employers.  

By supporting existing foster carers and promoting the role to other employees, this helps to build on the thousands of extra fostering households needed in the UK, for the children who need them most.”

Nova Abela, Chief People Officer at Stoke on Trent College said:

“This is a really positive accolade for the College, demonstrating our support for children in care, our staff wanting to offer those children a loving home and good prospects in life, and further highlighting the College as an employer of choice.”

Stoke on Trent College recognises and values the contribution that foster carers make to the lives of children and young people in their care and understands that some flexibility in working arrangements may be required in order that they can meet the needs of their fostered child or young person. 

As such they are pleased to offer a flexible working pattern to foster carers and those going through the application process, with access to over 6 weeks extra paid leave for their fostering commitments, subject to specific circumstances.  This could involve meetings with social workers and other agencies, attending training, settling young people into their new home and more. 

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

“I am delighted that Stoke on Trent College has been recognised as a Fostering Friendly Employer. As an organisation we continue to develop support for our employees through our wide ranging CPD practices, health & wellbeing policies and employee benefits packages as part of our journey to providing a compassionate and inclusive workplace.”  

There’s a national shortage of 9,265 fostering households, and Stoke-on-Trent is no exception.

Councillor Sarah Hill, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for children’s services said:

“I’d like to thank Stoke on Trent College for being the latest addition to the list of fantastic Fostering Friendly Employers in the city. We’re committed to reducing the number of children in care and a supportive employer really can make all the difference for someone considering fostering.

There is no typical foster carer and I’d encourage anyone who has a spare bedroom, lots of love to offer and wants to make a difference to the lives of children in Stoke-on-Trent to contact our friendly fostering team to find out more. Anyone who would like to know more about becoming a foster carer in Stoke-on-Trent can visit https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk or call 01782 234555.”

The fostering community is open to everyone, regardless of your age, gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. If you are considering fostering, please get in touch with your local fostering service to find out more.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

• 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  

On Friday, Exeter College celebrated its annual student awards at the iconic Exeter Cathedral. This extra special event marked 55 years of the tertiary college, further to its inception in 1970 as the first of its kind in the UK. To mark the occasion, 23 past and present students were awarded for excellence in their field. This celebrated the diversity of student achievements across academic, professional, and personal milestones. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College congratulated students, saying; 

“This year’s awards marked 55 years since we became the first tertiary college in the UK and this year’s award winners really showed the impact of an education system where the schools, university and college all work together. 

“The award winners were inspirational, achieving maximum marks, winning awards, excelling in sport and engaging in all that the College has to offer. For me the students and apprentices that won awards were living our values of ambition, collaboration and energy.  

“I would like to extend my thanks to our sponsors: without their support, these awards would simply not happen. Their contributions help us celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and the positive impact they make to college life. 

“Our ongoing success is rooted in a unique and collaborative education ecosystem here in Exeter, where amazing students, great employers, world-class partners, fantastic staff, and strong connections between schools, the college, and the university all work together effectively. It is an absolute privilege to celebrate the people that make Exeter College and our amazing community truly special.” 

Sir Michael Barber KB, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, served as the guest speaker at the event. In his address, he emphasised the critical need for raising skill standards across the South West to support the region’s growth and prosperity. He highlighted the vital role that institutions like Exeter College will play in shaping the workforce of the future, over the next decade and beyond. He said: 

“It’s a huge honour to be at the awards evening at Exeter College, partly because I live and work in Devon and Exeter is the centre of our county, partly because it is outstanding and recognised nationally as being one of the best colleges in the country. But most importantly, it is a chance to recognise the substantial student achievements and it a real pleasure to be part of this celebration.  

“Events like this are so important. Important to recognise all types of achievement, from all types of courses in all circumstances, at a wonderful college like Exeter.” 

Megan Ginsberg won Higher Apprentice of the Year, saying; 

“It’s a privilege to receive the Exeter College ‘Higher Apprentice of the Year Award’ in the historic Exeter Cathedral this evening. A brilliant way to start 2025.” 

Megan is now working hard on her Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Exeter University. Additionally, she has joined AtkinsRéalis as an Assistant Project Manager on the Project and Programme Services (PPS) Team and Infrastructure Team. She has also set up an initiative ‘Construct Ability’, which aims to make construction accessible to all.  

“As a wheelchair user, this is particularly meaningful to the projects that I deliver and my life outside of work. 

“Exeter College provided me with a foundation that I could build my career on, supporting my academic studies with outstanding lecturers and facilities. I cannot thank the college enough for providing the resources that I needed to gain a distinction and finish my apprenticeship six months early.” 

Another award winner was Finn Phillips, who won an award for Academic Excellence. After studying A Levels at Exeter and earning un unparalleled five A*s, he is now reading Maths and Physics at the University of Bath. He said: 

“It is really nice that I am receiving an award from Exeter. I very much enjoyed my two years at college, and this will be a great reminder of these times.” 

Speaking of his future aspirations, he said; 

“I would like to get into the water-polo first team at Bath. I am going to try really hard to get a first-class degree in Maths and Physics. My course allows me to have a year abroad and I am considering going to Australia to study at the University of Brisbane.” 

Hasina Rahmani arrived in Devon in November 2021, she initially joined our community classes and has since worked tirelessly to progress to ESOL Level 2 whilst also passing GCSE Maths and is now enrolled on a Diploma in Professional Cookery. She was awarded the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Student of the Year. She commented; 

“I am really proud of how hard I have worked, and this award proves how much time I have dedicated to studying.” She added; 

“My professional cookery course wouldn’t be possible if I hadn’t studied ESOL. I have learned so much which has given me knowledge and confidence to study something I am passionate about.” 

Higher Technical Learner of the Year went to Annabel Hodnett. She is described as an exceptional student on the Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy, actively supporting and assisting with medical cover for the College’s successful Sports Academies. Annabel is now a registered Sports Therapist at Osteo and Physio in Honiton and Exmouth. She said; 

“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just recognition of the hard work I’ve put into my studies, but also a reminder that challenges like dyslexia don’t define what we’re capable of achieving. It’s proof that perseverance and the right support can lead to great things. 

“Exeter College provided a supportive environment where I could thrive despite my learning difficulties. The tutors were understanding and tailored their teaching methods to help me learn effectively. The skills I gained, both technical and personal, have been invaluable in my current journey.” 

The final award of the evening was the #ExeCollProud Award, this year going to Ayomide Okesola. 

Ayo was an exceptional student who fully immersed herself in all aspect of Exeter College life. She has now been recruited to the College’s Student Experience Team as a Level 5 Apprentice, with one of her responsibilities being to lead the Learner Leadership Team. Commenting on receiving the award, she said; 

“Receiving this award is an incredible honour. It feels like meaningful recognition of the hard work and dedication I put into my time at Exeter College, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all that I do.” 

Speaking of her current role, she said; 

“This feels like a full-circle moment for me, as the learner voice provision was something that had a significant impact on me during my time as a student. I immersed myself in it, and it helped shape who and where I am today. To now be in a position where I manage and oversee that same provision — empowering other students and ensuring their voices are heard — is truly rewarding. I am incredibly grateful to Exeter College for this opportunity to give back and make a meaningful difference.” 

The student awards evening not only celebrated the individual achievements of the winners but also served as a testament to the collective effort of the entire Exeter College community. The dedication of the broader student body, the unwavering support of staff, and the contributions of industry partners all play a pivotal role in the college’s success. 

We are delighted to announce the opening of our brand-new cutting-edge Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College, following a formal opening ceremony on Wednesday 22nd January.

Thanks to a £1.6m Getting Building Fund, the Net Zero Energy Training Centre is set to revolutionise green skills development in the region and 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.

Claire Boliver, Chief Executive Principal said “We are incredibly proud to open the Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College. This facility represents our commitment to providing cutting-edge education and training that aligns with the UK’s sustainability goals. By equipping our students with the skills needed for the future, we are not only enhancing their career prospects but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable world. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making our idea a reality”.

During the event, businesses and key dignitaries were able to take a look round the Net Zero Energy Training Centre which boasts 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.

Guests were also able to hear from our industry expert tutors about the revolutionary courses that are on offer. The Net Zero Energy Training Centre offers core training for electricians, plumbers, vehicle technicians, and construction workers, as well as 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.

Neil Sambrook, Faculty Director for Construction, Engineering, Electrical and Motor Vehicle said “The centre not only offers the opportunity to upskill and develop the existing workforce in alternative energy technologies, but to inspire, enthuse and educate the next generation entering the workforce. The last few years have seen a rise in global instability in the energy market, through adopting alternatives to fossil fuels and moving toward energy independence, the UK will be better equipped to compete both nationally and internationally.”

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

The college would like to extend thanks to Cllr Kath Perry MBE, Leader of South Staffordshire Council for officially cutting the ribbon to open the Net Zero Energy Training Centre during today’s milestone event. She said “The success of South Staffordshire has been built on strong foundations of partnerships, demonstrated by the close working relationship between the College and the Council and we’re thrilled to have supported the purchase of a hydrogen vehicle rig through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This sector-leading investment will support learners and employers across Staffordshire and beyond, in an emergent market where there is limited opportunity to upskill nationally, complimenting the wide range of provision offered by the Net Zero Energy Training Centre and providing an attractive proposition for our communities”.

If you would like to find out more information about the courses on offer within the Net Zero Energy Training Centre at Rodbaston College, please visit our Net Zero Energy Training Centre website page.