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Some of our closest business partners have been sharing their memories of the college during our 200^th anniversary year.

We have established strong links with so many of the district’s companies over the past two centuries, not least through training their workforces.

In the case of Fives Landis, the relationship has involved training many apprentices who have gone on to become part of the firm’s senior leadership team – including Managing Director Phil Jenkins.

Engineering Director Ian Wellcock, who began his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship with the college in 1999, said: “All Landis apprentices went through the college, and we have many success stories.”

Inspiring future generations

Mechanical Engineering Administrator Amanda Dowden started as an apprentice at Fives Landis, which manufactures grinding equipment for the automotive industry, in 1978.

She said: “Studying at the college has shaped my career, and it helped give me the confidence to do something I enjoyed in an area that was not seen as something a woman would do in those days.

“The college has been an integral part of training future engineers. I hope it continues for another 200 years, inspiring generations to come.”

Meeting local demand

Apprenticeship manager John Harrison’s career at Fives Landis, meanwhile, spans four decades. He said: “The college was integral to training future engineers for what was then Landis Lund Ltd.

“While apprentices once had to travel elsewhere for training, we’ve now returned to our roots, with Keighley College as our main apprenticeship provider.”

A past to be proud of – and an exciting future

We are proud to have been able to help shape the careers of generations of residents, and provide them with more opportunities, for 200 years.

Originally established as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute on Valentine’s Day, 1825, the college has played a vital role in the community and continues to be a cornerstone of education and professional development.

We recently held a special evening meal for our partners, local dignitaries and past and present staff and students to celebrate the anniversary – and will be holding more events throughout the year.

Make sure you stay up to date with all the latest Keighley College news.

Our Business students have been picking up tips – and promoting North Yorkshire – during a trip to Canada.

Three lucky Level 3 learners, Grace Payler, Dan Rushton and Lily Bell, travelled to the country thanks to funding from the Turing Scheme.

During their visit, the trio enjoyed an educational visit to a Quesada Burritos & Tacos restaurant, and took part in a sustainable tourism class at Georgian College, in Ontario. They also managed to squeeze in some incredible sightseeing opportunities and other leisure activities.

Working on a marketing campaign

Dan said: “On the first day, we went down to Quesada in Barrie, met with the owner and asked them questions about the business and how it was marketed.

“Whilst we had lunch, we worked on a marketing task; discussing new ways to market the business to increase its sales.”

Another day began with some snow tubing fun, before the students – who were accompanied on the trip by our Business course leader, David Gaunt – headed to Georgian College.

Tourism insights and one-off experiences

There, they joined a class to present a slideshow about Harrogate and North Yorkshire’s visitor economy and learn about sustainable tourism in Canada.

David, meanwhile, taught a lesson on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and how it varies across different countries, to degree students.

It wasn’t all hard work, however, and the Harrogate group also found time to visit Niagara Falls and take in an ice hockey game.

Grace said: “I loved visiting Niagara Falls and seeing so many different things I never thought I would be able to see.

“We attended a Barrie Colts ice hockey game with members of the international team and a Canadian student who will be part of a reciprocal visit to Harrogate College. It was a great new experience for me.”

Adapting to unexpected challenges

The trip also turned into a real test of adaptability and independence when flights were unexpectedly cancelled both ways. The students, along with David, had to quickly adjust plans and find solutions to navigate these disruptions.

Fortunately, they received invaluable support from two Barrie residents, Jean Maurice and Bill, who are connected to the international conifer network. Their kindness and generosity in assisting the group through the travel difficulties made a huge difference, ensuring they could still make the most of their trip. This experience not only highlighted the importance of resilience but also showed the strength of international connections and community support.

A life-changing trip

Reflecting on the trip as a whole, Lily said: “Canada was great, it grew my confidence and allowed me to develop new skills such as presenting, using a slideshow that we had created before the trip.”

Dan added: “Going to Canada was incredible, it has really given me a new outlook on college life and it has improved my organisational skills because we had to be ready on time for each day’s events.

“The experience has also led me to feel more confident in myself.”

Some of our Early Years and Education T Level students have enjoyed a two-week placement in Spain.

The group spent their fortnight working at the Academia Igualada, a private school in Catalonia, thanks to funding from The Turing Scheme UK.

The institution teaches children from nursery age right up to those studying the Baccalaureate – the final stage of secondary school in Spain. 

Developing skills and forging friendships 

Millie McHale said: “On the first day, we were given a tour of the school and introduced to key staff members that we would be working with.

“The experience as a whole was amazing and exceeded my expectations. I have built positive and memorable relationships with staff and children. This placement has helped me develop so many important career skills that I do not believe I would have learnt without this opportunity.”

“I have also built lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget, this has really helped build my confidence. And lastly it has taught me so many life lessons and built my independence in ways I would never have imagined.”

Fellow T Level student Naimah Begum said: “I started the first day with kindergarten one-year-olds.

“I supported by feeding the children, getting them dressed for lunch and taking part in provisions. I was also an English assistant with three students, it was great! It was an environment where I felt confident and had a good conversation with the children.”

Learning about teaching roles and a different culture

Skye Brimacombe also relished her time: “I learnt many different techniques to use in UK placements and a lot about Spanish culture.”

Study support coaches Sophie Sutcliffe and Benjamin Wallis accompanied the students on the trip.

Sophie said: “Our learners will have new ideas for activities which they can use as part of their T Level, and will bring new skills and ideas to their placements in the UK.

Benjamin added: “The placement was directly linked to their vocational course, where students spend time working in a school and supporting children of different age groups. It was a great experience for them to do the same kind of work but in a foreign country.”

 

Stay up to date with the latest Leeds City College news.

Seventeen learners from Stoke on Trent College have completed a brand-new extracurricular program that will enhance and inspire future career paths.

8billionIdeas saw learners from Business Level 2 courses take part in a future-focused three-day program which provided learners with the opportunity to take part in two different sessions in a work experience style format.

The sessions on offer were:

The Internship, is an award-winning virtual program which gives learners an introduction to work and employability skills. The program provides them with a virtual tour of different departments and insight into how an international company works across varying layers of the organisation.

Foundations, is a 15-module program that is designed to give young learners mindset tools that will improve their confidence and develop skills to succeed in life and work.

Anna-Marie Oakes, Level 2 Business student, who took part, said:

“It was a fun and engaging course to do, and has helped me get more organised and get a better idea of what I want to do next after college.”

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

“8billionIdeas was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to gain vital skills that will benefit them in the future workplace and in everyday life.

“The Internship program saw students introduced to the workplace with an understanding of how a large-scale business operates whilst the Foundations course was focused around life skills such as mindset and confidence with learnings able to be applied in all aspects of life.

“8billionIdeas is another example of the College’s commitment to ensuring all of our learners have clear progression paths and are future ready when going into the workplace or higher education.”

Deepali Kothari, Marketing Manager

 

“At 8billionideas, we’re proud to partner with Stoke-On-Trent College to deliver ‘Foundations’ for Year 12 students, helping students develop the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to thrive in the world beyond the classroom.

 

“This partnership embodies the power of ‘The Critical Curriculum’ and is rooted in bringing real-world learning and practical experiences to students. It reflects the school and 8billionideas’ shared belief that every young person deserves the chance to dream big and turn those dreams into reality.”

 

Find out more about 8billionIdeas here – https://www.8billionideas.com/.

 

ENDS

 

Notes to Editors

• 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  

18 students from Gower College Swansea are holding offers to study medicine or veterinary science at university this September.

The College’s Medics, Dentists and Vets (MDV) tutorial support provision – which is part of the wider GCS Honours programme – gives students who have expressed an interest in medical sciences, veterinary science, dentistry and pharmacy an opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to apply to their chosen university.

All 18 students benefitted from the College’s MDV tutorials as well as taking part in the Seren Academy, the Welsh Government’s programme to equip learners with the necessary tools to apply to leading institutions in Wales, the UK and across the world.

“This is a fantastic achievement for the learners who have all worked so hard over the course of their A Level studies,” says Assistant Learning Area Manager, Jess O’Driscoll. “It is also a huge testament to the dedication of our teaching staff who have played a huge role in this success – from helping with personal statement and reference writing, to interview prep, and providing incredible support both in and out of the classroom.”

The students are:

Brooke Davies (formerly Cwmtawe Community School) who has been offered a place at the University of Surrey
Ava Phillips (formerly Cwmtawe Community School) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University
Jess Fowkes (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University
Ben Hawkins (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and University of Bristol
Milly Jenkins (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) who has been offered a place at University of Exeter
Sophie Peter (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University
Edward Spanner (formerly Bishopston Comprehensive) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University
Adina Zafar (formerly Olchfa) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University, University of Bristol, University of Exeter and University of Birmingham
Steffi Saji (formerly Coedcae School) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and University of Nottingham
Asmaa Riaz (formerly St John Lloyd Catholic School) who has been offered a place at Lancaster University
Kacper Rejniak (formerly St John Lloyd Catholic School) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and University of Nottingham
Rhiannon Reed (formerly Ysgol Gyfun G?yr) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and Bangor University
Millie John (formerly Penyrheol Comprehensive) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and University of Exeter
Ebony Johnston (formerly Ysgol Glan Y Mor) who has been offered a place at University of Exeter
Sam Jones (formerly Ysgol Maesydderwen) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and the University of Sunderland
Sebastien Maskell (formerly Ysgol Gyfun Maes y Gwendraeth) who has been offered a place at University of Plymouth
Beth Plowman (formerly Pontarddulais Comprehensive School) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University and Bangor University
Ella Watkins (formerly St John Baptist Church in Wales High School) who has been offered a place at Cardiff University

HSDC is proud of its dedication to the local community, with both students and staff regularly organising and participating in charity fundraisers, such as Engineering’s recent Movember campaign and Esports’ Winterfest event. 

Recently, a student on the Extended Diploma in Sport at Alton College has embodied these values of charity and community that have come to define Alton. From 9am to 9pm on Friday 28 February, Tegan Peers-Holland organised and participated in a twelve-hour long netball tournament, raising money for Cancer Research UK. 

Tegan undertook this task as part of her course requirement to plan and lead an event, but ultimately wanted it to be an opportunity to bring together people of all skill levels for a day of fun, fitness and fundraising. When asked about how the netball went, Tegan said:

“The netball matches went so well! It was an amazing opportunity to raise money for a good cause whilst also getting so many people involved both inside and outside of the College. People of all ages and skill levels were allowed to participate, making it an inclusive event with fantastic attendance!”

The netball tournament was open to everyone, with lots of local community groups from outside the College also taking part, including family members and  local league teams. Alton Lions were also in attendance and helped to sponsor the event, for which Tegan was incredibly grateful.

In total, Tegan was able to raise £760 for Cancer Research UK, a truly amazing achievement. Dean Gillatt, a Sports lecturer at Alton who helped to supervise the event, praised Tegan’s efforts:

“Tegan is a truly outstanding student, both in and outside of the classroom. Her charity match was amazing and really showed what she can achieve. Everybody had a great time, and whilst there were a few tired faces at the end of the 12 hours, it was well worth it!”

Everyone at HSDC is extremely proud of Tegan, who hopes to use the skills she has acquired on the Extended Diploma in Sport to pursue a career as a PE teacher in the future.

An Art Foundation student from Reading College and University Centre has received a highly commended award in a University Art competition. 

Aish Kheti-Heer, 18-years-old, from Caversham, entered her photograph of two models surrounded by her sculptures into Southampton Solent University’s Fine Art and Photography competition, which was launched last year. Her entry was shortlisted from 300 submissions from college students across the south of England.  

Her submitted photograph was of two models surrounded by her sculptures that she had previously made as part of her Art as activism project, entitled Exposing the gaze. She photographed the sculpture with two models from her class, depicting the male gaze. 

Speaking about her work, Aish said: “It was about the male gaze, so I looked at a lot of feminism and hyper sexualisation of women’s bodies and from that I made sculptures and then I used those sculptures and the models who interacted with them in the photography that I made. I took lots of photos, but the main one was the one that was submitted. 

“I’ve always liked using feminism in my art and tackling challenging subjects and being a woman myself it’s easier to relate those themes into my art. I think it’s an important subject that people play around with, but they don’t really tackle it head on and I hope that with my art I tackled it head on in a way was really exposing.” 

To choose the winning entries, Southampton Solent University collaborated with ‘a space’ arts, an Arts Council England National Portfolio organisation who have been supporting and inspiring artists in Southampton for 25 years. The winning entries represented five different colleges and featured mediums ranging from painting to photography. 

Aish’s photograph along with the winners and the other highly commented entry, went on display in an exhibition housed in shipping containers in Guildhall Square in Southampton.  

Aish recently attended a special showing in Southampton’s Guildhall Square, where the winners and highly commended entries were announced to an audience of friends, family and members of Southeast England’s art community. 

Aish is studying an Art and Design Level 3 Foundation at Reading College and University Centre.  

Speaking about being highly commended, Aish said: “It feels a bit surreal. I’ve never had my art in a public exhibition other than in the Reading College End of Year show in the summer. 

“Going down and seeing that I got highly commended was a very surreal experience but also nice because I worked so hard on that project so it’s nice that it gets that recognition.  

“I spoke to one of the judges, Nina Sverdvik, Course Leader Photography, at Southampton Solent University who was very interested in my work and impressed with my photography and asked if I was going to pursue it in the future. She said that she found it very captivating.”  

“It’s given me more confidence in my work. I applied on a whim and then I got the email that I had been shortlisted which gave me a much-needed confidence boost.”  

Celia Green, Visual Arts Teacher at Activate Learning, said: “She’s done so well, and I think the piece of work that she submitted was very thought-provoking and it was a really good push within her practice at that time. 

“I’m so proud of her and I think it’s a really good starting point for her artistic journey and her career, and it will be amazing to put on her CV and in the future that she’s had that experience of an exhibition and that other people in the art world also recognised her talent.” 

In September, Aish will go to Falmouth University to study a BA (hons) degree in Fine Art, as she wishes to pursue her studies in this area.  

Discover our Art, Design and Digital Creative programmes available to study at Reading College or contact us via 0800 612 6008. 

 

ENDS 

 

Notes for editors 

 

Images 

 

Images can be viewed via We Transfer using the following link: https://we.tl/t-4KgsN9dWc5

 

Aish Kheti-Heer, Art Foundation student at Reading College and University Centre cropped. 

 

Aish Kheti-Heer, Art Foundation student at Reading College and University Centre. 

 

Aish Kheti-Heer’s photography on display in Southampton Solent University’s Fine Art and Photography competition exhibition. 

 

About Activate Learning: 

 

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group working across further and higher education, schools, apprenticeships and training. We transform lives through learning. 

 

GROUP MEMBERS: 

 

Activate Apprenticeships | Activate Business School | Activate Cycle Academies | Activate Rugby Academy | Banbury and Bicester College | Bracknell and Wokingham College | City of Oxford College and University Centre | Farnham College | Guildford College | Merrist Wood College and University Centre | Reading College and University Centre  

 

www.activatelearning.ac.uk 

 

For more information, please contact Rebecca Duncan, Marketing Communications Officer at Activate Learning, on 01344 566449, 07493970252 or email Rebecca.Duncan@ActivateLearning.ac.uk 

 

 

 

Stoke on Trent College has added two new organisations to its portfolio of Future Skills Pledge partners.

Materials development, testing and assurance firm Lucideon have signed the pledge, as have the North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.

Stoke on Trent College is committed to ‘Partnerships with a Purpose’ – a key strategic priority detailed in the College corporate strategy, Skills Ready, Future Ready.

Lucideon will work at depth to help the College to shape the curriculum across STEM subjects, having already been part of the college’s Skills Advisory Panels. Moving forward they will offer site visits and work experience for STEM and Construction learners. The college is also exploring ways to support Lucideon’s apprenticeship delivery.

As part of the Future Skills Pledge signing, representatives from the College were given a tour of Lucideon’s Stone-based facilities and the chance to find out more about different parts of the business.

North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust have also committed to the pledge and will be supporting the college with second year placements for T Level Health students. Professionals from the trust are also keen to meet and support students from right across different levels in Health and Social Care.

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

“We are really excited to have both Lucideon and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust signed up as Future Skills Pledge partners.

“We’re looking forward to working more closely with Lucideon to inform and evolve our STEM courses to ensure our learners are work ready. The Combined Healthcare Trust will lend their industry expertise to our T Level Health learners initially, but will also look to support other Health and Social Care learners.

“Working with industry leaders will only enhance the courses we offer, and give our learners the best chance to gain employment in their chosen field.”

Kenny Laing, Chief Nursing Officer at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to sign the future skills pledge with the College.  Supporting the development of local people and contributing in partnership to the development of local partnerships and life opportunities is something to which we attach enormous importance.  We look forward to deepening and developing our links with the College over the course of the coming year and beyond.”

Tony Kinsella, CEO at Lucideon commented,

“I am delighted that Lucideon is a partner with Stoke on Trent College, and we are able to sign the Future Skills Pledge. It is vital that our nation has the right skills for its growth mission; It is even more vital that we can help our people in the region acquire the necessary skills.  

“I have to say that if all colleges of learning adopted the flexible, adaptable, and industrial focused approach to learning then we would have more of the skills for our nation, and more of our nation wanting to acquire those skills.” 

Lucideon and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust join Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Carson Powell Construction and Carse and Waterman amongst others as Future Skills Pledge Partners for Stoke on Trent College.

If your business would be interested in becoming a partner of Stoke on Trent College, please contact the Business Support team on 01782 603603 or emailing business@stokecoll.ac.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• 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  

Hospitality and Catering students from Stoke on Trent College have served up an exquisite range of treats and delights for civic leaders of Stoke-on-Trent, ahead of a special meal to celebrate the city’s centenary year.

City dignitaries were invited to the college’s award-winning AA Rosette Hammersley Restaurant, for a special tasting event.

This event was to help shape the menu for the Centenary lunch which students will prepare and serve to 50 special guests on Thursday 5 June; the city’s official 100^th birthday.

Guests were invited to try sample a three-course taster menu, which included starters such as white crab and compressed watermelon, with mains including rump of lamb and chalk stream trout and finally, desserts such as mango pudding and summer fruit custard tart. Following each course, guests were asked to vote for their favourite and a winning dish was selected.

Steve Heaton, Catering and Hospitality Subject Lead at Stoke on Trent College said,

“Our hospitality and catering students were delighted to plan and prepare the tasting event ahead of the Centenary lunch. This was a great opportunity for them to experience a live-event which allowed them to utilise their skills and knowledge. There is nothing better than the opportunities events like this provide, to plan and prepare meals as well as honing their front of house skills.”

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

“The college is honoured to be hosting the Centenary lunch in June. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s 100^th birthday and provide our students with another opportunity to really shine as they showcase their talents.  I’d like to thank our hospitality and catering students for working so hard on these fantastic menus which were all absolutely delicious.”

Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said:

“It was a privilege to be able to attend this tasting event and sample the amazing efforts of Stoke-on-Trent College’s hospitality and catering students.

“Everyone did a great job and as we gear up towards the Centenary lunch in June, judging from the food tasted, the lunch is going to be a spectacular event and yet another thing to get excited about in our centenary celebrations this year.”

 In 2025, Stoke-on-Trent celebrates a century since the city received its well-deserved status, honouring the rich history, vibrant culture, and unique identity that have made Stoke-on-Trent a global name. A number of events are planned throughout the year to mark the centenary.

To find out the latest dining days and evenings at The Hammersley, please visit – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/hammersley-restaurant/

To find out more about the SOT 100 campaign, please visit – https://sot100.org.uk/

City of Bristol College has cemented its position as one of the top-performing further education colleges in the UK, achieving outstanding results in the 2023-2024 academic year according to the Government’s Further Education Performance Tables. 
 
With overall achievement rates rising by 3.3 percentage points, the college now stands 2.3 points above the national average, placing it within the top 25 per cent of further education colleges nationwide. 

Exceptional progress has been demonstrated across multiple areas, with students’ achievement rates within the 16-18 age bracket soaring by 6.4 percentage points, helping to make City of Bristol College the highest-performing further education institution in the region. 
 
Adult provision at the college also continues to thrive, ranking in the top 20 per cent nationally, while students with disclosed learning needs or difficulties and those from Global Majority backgrounds are also achieving above national benchmarks. 
 
GCSE English and Maths was also highlighted with achievement rates exceeding national averages across all age groups, with adult learners excelling in higher-grade attainment. 
 
Retention rates at the college also point to the quality of education provided with an impressive level of 91.8% of students demonstrating their commitment to the college, with adult learners achieving an exceptional 94.6% retention rate. 
 
Speaking about this incredible achievement, Julia Gray, Principal and Chief Executive Officer commented:  

“These results are a true testament to both the dedication of our students and the outstanding commitment of our colleagues.  
 
“At City of Bristol College, we strive to continuously provide an inclusive and high-quality education that empowers learners to achieve their full potential.  
 
“To be recognised as a leading further education college both regionally and nationally is a tremendous accomplishment and one that we take true pride in. We will take this pride and continue to build on this success for the benefit of our students and the wider community.”