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.
There are currently three improvement projects progressing at DCG’s Roundhouse Campus in Derby, these are the East Midlands Institute of Technology development, the automotive engineering facility and the refurbishment of the hair and beauty facilities.
East Midlands Institute of Technology development
The expansion to the Stephenson Building on Derby College Group’s (DCG) iconic Roundhouse campus is taking shape. And, when completed, this will add 1100 square metres to house new facilities for construction, engineering, digital and leadership training.It is scheduled to be completed by September 2024, and the building will be net zero and will feature cutting-edge technology allowing teaching to be carried out on-site or anywhere in the world.
This forms part of the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT).The EMIoT is a partnership between Derby College Group, the University of Derby, Loughborough College, and Loughborough University.
In collaboration with businesses it will create and deliver high-quality technical training qualifications; designed to develop careers and address skills gaps, to boost the economy regionally and beyond. More information at: www.emiot.ac.uk
More information on the building and courses is available here: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/east-midlands-institute-of-technology/State-of-the-art Automotive Engineering Facility
In addition to the EMIoT project, works have now begun to the rear of the Stephenson building adding another similar square meterage to accommodate the new Automotive Engineering facility. The new state-of-the-art facilities will ensure that DCG is equipped to provide training for the changing automotive technologies including the evolving requirements for electric and hydrogen vehicles. DCG is aiming to partially occupy the building by the end of October.
Hair and beauty improvements
Works continue to accommodate the T Levels Wave 5 Hair & Beauty refurbishment on the first and ground floors of the Stephenson building. This is scheduled to be completed in September.
There will be a reconfiguration of two large rooms at the front of the Stephenson building, the major change is with Beauty relocating to the ground floor and all hairdressing being consolidated on the first floor with Level 1, 2 and 3 courses all being delivered in a centralised area allowing an improved and more efficient use of the combined resources.
Information on DCG’s Beauty Courses https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/beauty/ and Hair Courses https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/hair/
Once completed, students can access cutting-edge resources and experiences in these three wonderful new learning facilities.On Wednesday 3 July 2024, guests from across the UK descended on Capel Manor College’s Enfield Campus, to take part in the second Annual Leatherwork Showcase and Awards.
Guests were invited to join the College in a celebration of student’s achievements and, for the first time, a line up exhibits from well-known industry specialists including, The Society of Master Saddlers, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Household Cavalry and Dunhill.
The event was an opportunity for saddlery, shoemaking, and leatherwork students at Capel Manor College to display their work, network with industry specialists, and receive well-deserved bursaries and awards. Guests also enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes guided tour through the idyllic Capel Manor Gardens, to the well-equipped saddlery facilities and outstanding learning environment at Capel Manor College.
As the only college in Europe offering full-time courses in saddlery, Capel Manor College takes immense pride in the quality and excellence of their facilities, offering students the opportunity to incorporate modern technology alongside traditional craftsmanship to drive the industry forwards, while honouring its historic routes and heritage.
Following the morning showcase, the award ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Capel Manor College Principal, Peter Brammall, as well as a speech from guest speaker Frances Roche MVO, Master Saddler and Bridle Maker, and Court Member of the Saddlers’ Company.
Peter Brammall, Principal at Capel Manor College shares his reflection on the day;
“Hosting the Leatherwork Showcase and Awards is always a proud moment for Capel Manor College. Today’s event was a celebration of the exceptional talent and dedication of our students. The enthusiasm and skills displayed here today were truly inspiring. We are grateful to our distinguished guests and sponsors for their support, which makes this event a cornerstone of our academic calendar, and we look forward to welcoming you again.”
In addition to their certificates, award-winning students also received a prize for their achievements in the form of bursaries for as much as £500. A special thanks goes to the Prime Warden and Masters from the following sponsoring Livery Companies who presented students with their awards; The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, The Worshipful Company of Curriers, The Worshipful Company of Loriners, and The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers.
To learn more about the Leatherwork courses on offer at Capel Manor College visit our Saddlery and Shoemaking course page.
The achievement highlights the exceptional work and dedication of the ESOL Team, who have consistently delivered high-quality education and support to their students.
Waltham Forest College has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted following its most recent inspection and has distinguished itself as the only GFE (General Further Education College) in London, and one of only 15 GFE Colleges across the country to achieve the prestigious ‘Outstanding’ rating.
The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) department at Waltham Forest College, is thrilled to announce its significant contribution to the College’s Outstanding Ofsted grade earlier this year. Every year, around 200 young people and over 1,000 adults enrol in ESOL courses at Waltham Forest College. The department has been successfully delivering Ascentis ESOL Skills for Life qualifications for several years, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to educational excellence.
Leaders and managers within the ESOL Department work closely with external partners to provide a flexible, well-sequenced curriculum. This approach meets the needs of a diverse and growing learner base, including refugees and asylum seekers from the local community. Utilising a range of effective teaching strategies, learners develop essential language skills for daily life, further study, and future employment. Additionally, they have opportunities to explore personal interests and social interactions, enriching their overall educational experience.
The recent Ofsted report praised the ESOL Department’s impactful work, including the following commendations:
• Meeting Community Needs: “Leaders are highly effective at making sure that the courses they offer meet the needs of the growing number of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in their local borough. For example, leaders offer courses that are suitable for refugees and asylum seekers. They have redesigned the employability and ESOL programmes to ensure learners develop the English skills and professional behaviours they need to work in high-demand sectors such as childcare.”
• Preparation for Next Steps: “Adult learners are prepared exceptionally well for their next steps. Leaders provide a wide range of highly beneficial additional qualifications to teach learners new knowledge, skills and behaviours to help with their day-to-day lives. For example, learners studying English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) complete a short course to develop their understanding of citizenship and employability.”
• Impressive Tutorial Curriculum: “Leaders and managers have designed a very impressive tutorial curriculum for learners and apprentices, which is taught extremely well by tutors. This provides learners and apprentices with an experience at the College which extends considerably beyond the main subjects they study. For example, on ESOL courses, lecturers manage discussions with adult learners on different points of view regarding emotive topics such as immigration and conflict in war zones. Learners discuss with sensitivity and maturity values such as tolerance and respecting each other’s cultures.”
These accolades from Ofsted not only recognise the outstanding efforts of the ESOL Team, but also affirm Waltham Forest College’s commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality education that equips learners with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in their communities and beyond.
For more information about our ESOL courses, or to apply, visit the College website www.waltham.ac.uk.
Harrow College have partnered with Wealdstone FC who will operate our Football Academy, based at the College’s Harrow on the Hill Campus.
The Wealdstone FC Academy – Harrow College Campus – will initially offer football and education opportunities for 16 to 18 year-olds wishing to progress within both sports and education.
Cameron Mawer, Head of Player Development at Wealdstone FC said: “The partnership with Harrow College is hugely significant for the football club. Both the location and the facilities available are fantastic, and it also significantly increases the range of educational courses we can offer. Harrow College shares our vision of creating an exciting environment for young adults to progress within both sport and education, surrounded by first class facilities and resources.
“Wealdstone FC have developed a realistic pathway from youth football into the first team, with the aim of providing Matt Taylor and the management team with a pipeline of homegrown talent that can have an impact in the National League and above. As well as supporting the development of young players who are striving to progress their football careers, we enable them to achieve skills, experience and qualifications that will help them progress into other careers”. ?
Clive Hodge, Principal at Harrow College said: “We are excited to be working with Wealdstone FC and offering our students the opportunity to develop their skills and further ignite their passion for football, equipping them for a career in the sports industry. Through this partnership, Harrow College students will combine their qualification with top-class training and access to amazing facilities enabling them to take their footballing career to the next level.” ?
Danny Kindell, Wealdstone FC Director, said “In what is the 125th Anniversary of the football club it means an awful lot that after so many years away from the Harrow area we are once again able to bring the Stones back into the local community.
“We’ve long believed that the best young players in the area should be developing at Wealdstone FC and the addition of the Academy at Harrow College to our two other sites means we now have facilities available to promising footballers across North West London. Our Academy is fast becoming the destination football club for many promising young players outside of the Premier League and EFL.”
Interested in joining us?
For more information click here or contact: academy@wealdstonefc.com
The College Marketing Network is proud to announce the successful completion of its diverse and impactful series of online workshops for the 2023/24 academic year. Designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of college marketers, these workshops covered a range of topics essential for today’s dynamic educational environment.
The workshops, which were available exclusively to College Marketing Network members, provided invaluable insights and practical strategies from industry experts. Here is a recap of the sessions that took place:
- The Power of GA4: How To Continually Gain Actionable Insights From Your College’s GA4 Data with FE Marketing
- Digital PR and Media Relations – Gaining Media Coverage for Your FE College with Goldings Communications
- The Guardians of Reputation in the AI Era with c-learning
- Recruiting to Higher Technical and HTQ Courses with Chalkstream
- Mastering SEO Basics: A Practical Guide for UK College Marketers with LocaliQ
- Level Up Your Internal Communication! with Next-Gen Media
- Using Geo-Optimised Mobile Ads to Target Potential Students with Crossover Comms and JCDecaux
- PPC – Why It’s Important Within Education and How to Implement It with LocaliQ
- In Review: The Prospectus with Prospectus+
- Outstanding Employer Engagement – Developing a Mutually Beneficial Relationship with HBM Telemarketing
- How to Increase Conversion, Improve Cost Per Acquisition, and Communication with FE tech
- How to Create the Perfect Poster with JCDecaux
- Enhancing Student Recruitment: AI-Driven Strategies with Hubspot
- Boosting Your Digital Marketing: Strategies & Tools for Success with LocaliQ
- SoS Silence of Suicide with Silence of Suicide
- The FE Audience & Media Engagement with JCDecaux
- The HE Audience with JCDecaux
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our hosts who contributed their time and expertise to make these workshops a resounding success. These sessions have equipped members with the tools and knowledge to drive effective marketing campaigns, enhance student recruitment efforts, and manage institutional reputation in an increasingly digital landscape.
Access to the Online Workshops
Join the network today and become part of this supportive community of marketing professionals.
The College Marketing Network is dedicated to supporting marketing professionals within further education. Through workshops, networking events, and resources, we aim to foster a community of practice that drives innovation and excellence in college marketing.
For more information about the member benefits, and the support we provide to members, check out the Membership page
The prestigious FE First Awards, renowned for recognising outstanding achievements in marketing within colleges and sixth forms across the country, has officially opened its doors for entries for the upcoming 2025 edition. Organised exclusively to honour excellence in the further education sector, the awards ceremony is set to take place on Monday 27 January 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Birmingham City Centre.
Established as the sole awards event dedicated to celebrating marketing endeavors within further education institutions, the FE First Awards highlight the innovative and impactful strategies employed by marketing teams and individuals to promote their colleges and sixth forms.
Award Categories
This year’s FE First Awards features an array of categories designed to showcase various facets of marketing prowess within the sector, including:
- Low Budget Campaign Award
- Internal Impact Award
- Events Management Award
- Social & Digital Media Impact Award
- Website Development Award
- Innovation & Creativity Award
- Communications Campaign Award
- Targeted Recruitment Campaign Award
- Prospectus Award
- Green Marketing Award (Sustainability Impact)
- Rising Star Award*
- Marketing Superstar Award*
- Marketing Team of the Year (Large Team – 6 FTE members or more)*
- Marketing Team of the Year (Small Team – 5 FTE members or less)*
- Best of the Best 2022
(*Exclusive to colleges in current membership of the CMN at the time of the awards)
Entry Process
Interested colleges are encouraged to download the entry forms from the FE First Awards website and carefully prepare their submissions. Entries must be received by the deadline of 15 November 2024, with finalists set to be announced during the week commencing 9 December 2024. The awards are free to enter for colleges that are members of the CMN, while non-member colleges can enter for a fee of £125 per award category.
Gala Dinner and Ticket Information
The highlight of the FE First Awards evening will be the gala dinner, commencing with a drinks reception followed by a three-course meal and the eagerly anticipated awards presentation. The event promises an evening of celebration and networking, with a formal dress code in place.
Tickets for the gala dinner are priced at £90 per person for CMN members and £145 per person for non-members, with payment options available via purchase order or online transaction.
About FE First Awards
The FE First Awards are organised by the College Marketing Network (CMN) and serve as a benchmark for excellence in marketing within further education. The awards not only recognise the achievements of marketing teams and individuals but also inspire innovation and best practices across the sector.
For more information on how to enter the FE First Awards and to download entry forms, visit the FE First Awards webpage.
As colleges and sixth forms gear up to showcase their marketing brilliance, anticipation builds for another memorable FE First Awards ceremony in January 2025.
Are you tired of navigating the world of college marketing alone? Well, fear not! The College Marketing Network (CMN) has unveiled an exciting new initiative just in time for Valentine’s Day: Marketing Matchmaker. This innovative strategy aims to connect college marketing teams, fostering collaboration, idea-sharing, and creativity.
Whether you’re a seasoned marketing veteran or just dipping your toes into the world of college marketing, Marketing Matchmaker is your ticket to finding like-minded individuals or teams eager to collaborate. No more feeling isolated in your marketing endeavors – with Marketing Matchmaker, you’ll be paired with another college marketing team or individual within a team, ensuring a perfect match for exchanging insights and strategies.
But wait, there’s more! The CMN ensures that matches are carefully curated to avoid direct competition, while still maintaining proximity for convenient in-person meetings. This means you can rest assured that you’ll be connecting with colleagues who are excited to collaborate without worrying about stepping on each other’s toes.
While the CMN already facilitates termly online collaborations among non-competing colleges, Marketing Matchmaker takes things to the next level by providing a dedicated service for smaller, more intimate partnerships. Gone are the days of feeling lost in a sea of marketing initiatives – now, you can connect with fellow marketers who understand your unique challenges and goals.
So why wait? Take the plunge and drop an email today to let the CMN play matchmaker for your marketing success. This Valentine’s Day, spread the love by embracing collaboration and joining forces with your fellow college marketers. Together, we can elevate the world of college marketing and achieve success beyond our wildest dreams.
The College Marketing Network’s annual conference, held earlier this week (29 January) in Birmingham, brought together over 150 marketing professionals from further education colleges and sixth forms across the country. The one-day event proved to be a hub of inspiration, offering new insights and ideas for attendees to implement in their respective institutions.
The College Marketing Network’s Conference is renowned for providing a platform for marketing professionals to share innovative ideas and best practices within the further education sector. This year’s conference, held at the Crowne Plaza, featured expert speakers and workshop hosts who discussed cutting-edge strategies and showcased successful practices.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring address by Michelle Dowse, Principal at Heart of Worcester College. With a wealth of experience in the further education sector, including her background as a former Marketing Manager, Michelle shared valuable insights about the ever-evolving landscape of further education and what the future holds for marketing professionals.
Delegates had the opportunity to customise their experience by selecting five workshops from a diverse collection of 15. The workshops covered a wide range of topics, including; social media best practice, subject area marketing, the admissions process, branding, the video revolution, student conversion, recruitment strategy, and much more, and were hosted by professionals from various institutions, including members of the College Marketing Network. This interactive format allowed attendees to delve into specific areas of interest, gaining actionable strategies and practical knowledge.
The conference also featured the support of exhibitors with extensive experience in the further education sector, including Forward & Thinking, Pathways, Prospectus+, Smart Distribution Solutions, Glued, Print Data Solutions, Media Partnerships Ltd, Purlos, Circyl, Upskill Reskill, Bluestorm, Next-Gen Media and Gecko Engage. These exhibitors showcased their services and solutions, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest tools and resources available to enhance marketing efforts in further education.
“The College Marketing Network Conference continues to be a cornerstone event for marketing professionals in the further education sector,” said Emma Wilde, Executive Director. “We are thrilled to have brought together such a diverse group of industry experts, allowing for meaningful discussions and the sharing of innovative ideas that will undoubtedly impact marketing strategies across colleges and sixth forms nationwide.”
The success of the conference underscores the College Marketing Network’s commitment to fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and continuous improvement within the field of further education marketing. As colleges navigate an ever-changing landscape, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the future of marketing in education.
CMN Conference 2025
Already in the planning, the next conference will be held on Monday 27 January 2025 at the Crowne Plaza in Birmingham. More details will be released soon!
With thanks to our exhibitors and workshop hosts:
Founded in 1987 by a group of college marketers, the College Marketing Network’s sole purpose is to promote and facilitate best practice. We do this through training and professional development, enabling networking, and supporting our members via a range of online and other services. CMN is a non-profit making body with no commercial ties.
The College Marketing Network is here to support marketing teams in colleges and sixth forms across the country.
CMN runs regular FREE workshops and groups where members meet (online) to share best practice, new ideas and support each other with projects. We also have email groups for specific areas of interest – see the membership section for full details.
The annual CMN Conference will give you new insights, inspiration and support from fellow marketers, giving you new ideas to take away and work with in your college. The one-day event is packed with workshops covering key topics to support your marketing developments in the ever changing landscape of FE.
The FE First Awards, hosted by the CMN each year, is a nationally recognised event to celebrate the amazing work achieved by colleges and sixth forms from all over the UK and is supported by businesses who believe in and support the education sector.
“I was blown away by the range of workshops of offer at the CMN Conference 2022 – it was difficult to choose which ones to attend! The day was very worthwhile and it’s always good to network with fellow marketers and share ideas. As always, I’ll see you again next year. These events are always very inspiring.”
Michelle Blake, Marketing Manager, College of West Anglia