Welcome to the CMN…

The College Marketing Network (CMN), the leading association for marketing professionals in the Further Education (FE) sector, is proud to announce its comprehensive rebrand, marking an exciting new chapter for the organisation. The refreshed brand is not only a visual transformation but also a reflection of CMN’s renewed mission: to foster a dynamic environment where collaboration fuels innovation and growth for its members.

The rebrand was spearheaded by Emma Wilde, CMN’s Executive Director, who brings her passion for creativity back to the forefront. Despite having focused her career on senior marketing roles for over 15 years, Emma began her journey as a graphic designer and remains a qualified expert in the field. Her design expertise, paired with deep sector knowledge, has brought a contemporary feel to CMN’s new look, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of FE marketing professionals.

“Our rebrand is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about embodying the essence of what CMN stands for today. We are committed to building a strong community of marketing professionals who can share knowledge, grow, and innovate together,” Emma explained. “This new direction reflects our dedication to providing the tools, support, and opportunities our members need to excel, drive success, and make lasting connections within the FE sector.”

The rebrand extends across all CMN platforms, including the flagship CMN Conference, regular CMN Workshops, and the prestigious FE First Awards. Each of these events will now be infused with the fresh, modern look that embodies CMN’s forward-thinking approach, as well as the core values of collaboration, professional growth, and support.

The refreshed logo, colour palette, and overall brand identity aim to communicate CMN’s forward-thinking approach and the spirit of collaboration that underpins its mission. This rebrand is just the beginning, as CMN continues to expand its services to ensure its members are equipped to meet the unique challenges of today’s education marketing landscape.

CMN invites its members and partners to explore the new look and join in celebrating this milestone, which signifies the Network’s continued commitment to professional development, shared growth, and innovation within the FE sector.

Our Mission

To connect marketing professionals within the Further Education sector, fostering a dynamic environment where collaboration fuels innovation and growth. We are dedicated to building a community that thrives on shared knowledge, professional development, and enduring relationships. By providing our members with the tools, support, and opportunities they need, we empower them to excel and drive success in their institutions and beyond.

Times are changing and so is City of Bristol College. The college is now propelling itself into the future with a fresh perspective, all whilst retaining its focus on providing the city of Bristol and wider region with quality education and pathways into productive careers.   

An entirely new brand was unveiled last week for the college. A move towards the future, introducing a plethora of vibrant colours and themes to reflect the true vibrancy of their student cohort, alumni, staff and stakeholders.  

Following the awarding of a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating in January 2023, City of Bristol College have continued a journey towards educational excellence and are delighted to update their branding to reflect this new direction.   

Alongside the bold new branding launch, the college also showcased their new 5-year strategy with the accompanying tagline ‘Where Next?’, embracing their purpose as the catalyst for improving regional productivity through the delivery of education and skills.  

Speaking of the highly anticipated launch, Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Julia Gray commented:  

“It’s an exciting time for City of Bristol College. We are extremely proud of our work so far; this is a testament to the dedication of our hard-working staff and students. Building on this, we are channelling our new positive energy into a new strategy to deliver our ambitious goals for our region. 

“Alongside the launch of our new strategy, we have completely rebranded and are excited to share our new identity. We continue to invest in the college and are happy to showcase this new branding on all campuses, including at our recently refurbished College Green Centre.”   

The 5-year strategy is in place to ensure that the college is continually improving the quality of service and delivery of skills and academic education to the city and wider community.  

City of Bristol College have also recently completely refurbished key areas of their city centre campus, the College Green Centre, thanks to a £10 million grant from the Department for Education.  The refurbishment at the College Green Centre introduces a multitude of improvements and sets the scene for what’s to come for the college giving students, staff and employers the facilities they rightly deserve to inspire educational excellence.  

The exciting developments have provided a brand new, welcoming reception, student services facility, multi-use careers and exhibition space, plus a new outdoor seating area for students to socialise in alongside the addition of a Costa Coffee on site.   

City of Bristol College proudly launched the new branding, refurbished centre and 5-year strategy at a launch event on Thursday 12 September.   

City leaders and stakeholders were welcomed to tour the new campus and hear about the new strategy from Principal and CEO Julia Gray and new Chair of Governors, Phil Smith, during the event that showcased the fresh college direction and introduced the ‘Where Next’ vision, along with those who were instrumental in the development and execution of the new approach. 

Fashion and Textiles students from Wakefield College have launched an exhibition at Wakefield Museum with British heritage shirt company, Double TWO.

The exhibition, which will be open until May 2025, celebrates the rich history of the Double TWO shirt company, founded in 1940, which became globally renowned for the shirts’ replacement collars and cuffs.

Wakefield Council Museums contacted the Art & Design department at Wakefield College, proposing an opportunity to work with the students on the new exhibition at the museum to celebrate the history of the Double TWO shirt company. 

They were keen to involve the Wakefield College students as he believed they would have a view on current fashion.  And by involving young people in projects, it would introduce them to their heritage and museums and get their take on fashion. 

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “We are so lucky to have such talented fashion students who have been inspired by our city and the museum archive . They have a fresh perspective on textiles and have created stunning shirts. We’re really pleased that visitors will be able to come see and enjoy their work in our building. We hope to work with the students again on upcoming projects.” 

The shirt designs produced by the students honour the history of Wakefield and are each inspired by the students’ unique experiences living in the city.  Their work is exhibited by Wakefield Museum in a case in the atrium of Wakefield One and on the wall of Create café, which is open Monday – Friday 8:45am – 3pm.

Sally Poskitt, Lecturer in Art & Design, said: “I believe it’s important to challenge the students and encourage their creativity with projects like these as the textile and fashion industry is fast moving and requires high standards. This project has given the students a chance to exhibit their work in a gallery which is a rare opportunity for College students. They should all feel a sense of pride seeing their work in a public space and I hope that this will encourage them to strive for success in the future.”

An opening celebration event was held in June which gave the College tutors, students and their friends and family a private viewing of the exhibition whilst enjoying some light refreshments.

The Textiles Department has worked with external clients before and has more plans next year to work with the museum again with the project still to be discussed.

 

The students will also be working on a separate project with Community Foundation Wakefield District on the theme of ‘Rhubarb’ – a collection of garments which are expected to be part of a fashion show in February 2025.

If you would like to learn more about the Art & Design department at Wakefield College, please visit: Wakefield College – Art, Design & Photography  

A Response Officer for Staffordshire Police has thanked his ‘passionate’ former lecturers at Stoke on Trent College for helping him secure a career in public services.

Antoni Sadula studied Level 3 Public Services at the college between 2017 and 2019, and has since joined the local police force in Leek, covering part of the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Antoni, has now become the latest person to join the Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network, which brings together and celebrates the achievements of former students, with the aim of inspiring current learners.

He was always keen to go into public services, with visits from the military and Staffordshire Police during his studies, reaffirming his passion to move into public sector work.

Antoni had ambitions to join the RAF as a pilot but decided to join Staffordshire Police following the completion of his course in 2019. He was also part of Challenge South Africa, the college’s flagship enrichment programme, in his final year studying; which was an unforgettable experience for him.

Antoni Sadula, Response Officer at Staffordshire Police said:

“I think the extracurricular provided by the college is what made it stand out. I was part of Challenge South Africa in 2019, and that was one of the highlights from my college years. The teachers were really passionate about teaching public services.

Having recently completed a 3-year apprenticeship degree with Staffordshire Police as part of his role, Antoni has ambitions to move into different areas of the force.

“At the moment I am a Response Officer, and I’m hoping to move into the tactical side with dogs, firearms and traffic or potentially Empass, which is the police helicopters and observe on that, so when there is a pursuit, I will be giving instructions to the ground.”

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

“It’s really exciting to have Antoni join our Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network. His story will resonate with our Public Services learners and show them what they can achieve here at Stoke on Trent College.”

Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal Student Experience said:

“It’s fantastic to hear inspiring stories from people such as Antoni, who have taken forward skills they have learned at Stoke on Trent College and gone on to thrive in their chosen career path.”

Former students who wish to become part of the Made at Stoke on Trent College alumni network can sign up now here – https://stokecoll.ac.uk/alumni/

Notes to Editor

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 8000 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  

Gower College Swansea is delighted to announce two new appointments within its Engineering department.

Rhys Thomas is the new Learning Area Manager for the department, which includes mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, motor vehicle, motor sport, and welding.

He is joined by Maria Francis-Emanuel as the new Assistant Learning Area Manager. Both took up their new positions in August and have some very exciting plans for the coming academic year.

Rhys began his career as a welder/fabricator, completing a four-year apprenticeship after school and then working in the industry for a decade. One part of his role was the training of apprentices, which kickstarted a passion for teaching.

After gaining his first teaching appointment as a welding instructor at NPTC Group, he went on to complete more qualifications including a PCET, an Assessors award, HNC, and a Degree Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design. He has also completed training in 3D printing, robotics, and programmable logic controllers (PLC’s).

His experience as both a student and an employee within education and industry will set Rhys in great stead for the path ahead at Gower College Swansea.

“I definitely feel that I am a product of further education and that has encouraged me to adopt a strong philosophy of lifelong learning,” says Rhys.

“In my new appointment as Engineering LAM, my priority will be to ensure we continue to be learner-focused and that we prepare our learners to meet the demands of an ever-evolving sector by aligning our curriculum with local industry demands.

“This will involve giving them a clear pathway into employment and emphasising the importance of continuous improvement and development such as our expanding higher education offerings of HNCs, HNDs and Degree Apprenticeships.”

Maria has over 20 years’ experience in further education, during which time she has developed excellent links within the automotive sector. Her career began with a motor vehicle apprenticeship at Gower College Swansea, where she then started her teaching career.

During that time, she has worked closely with work-based learning and assessors to ensure that learners meet the rigorous standards required by industry and gain valuable real-world experience.

“I have a strong commitment to aligning curriculum delivery with industry needs, supporting learners’ transition from education to employment,” says Maria. “In my new role as ALAM, I will focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with industry professionals, automotive companies, and engineering firms. Looking further ahead, my goal is to continue expanding relationships within the engineering industry and developing more cutting-edge vocational programmes that meet not only the current demands of the sector but those of the future workforce too.”

“I’m delighted to welcome Rhys to Gower College Swansea,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “And Maria has been an integral part of our motor vehicle department for many years, so their combined experience and knowledge of the sector, coupled with their learner-focused approach, will be a real asset to the College.

“There will be some really exciting opportunities for the College in the coming years within the local engineering sector, thinking specifically of the Swansea Bay City Deal and the Celtic Freeport, and I’m looking forward to seeing the continued success of the department under Rhys and Maria’s leadership.”

A group of Sound Engineering learners from Coleg Cambria Deeside spent two weeks in Barcelona as part of an education and research programme.

In partnership with international careers organisation NexGen, based in the Catalan capital, the trip gave them access to experts in the sector and guidance on how to “take the next steps after college”.

Lisa Jansen from NexGen said: “We explored their skills, including what they are good at and what they enjoy doing, then they developed ideas on what the market needs before going into detail and putting together and presenting business models.

“We try to tailor every programme to the needs of the college and learning group, and we organised visits including to a local festival and to a sound engineering school, which included talks and an introduction to the industry, as well as interesting discussions on future challenges such as AI (Artificial Intelligence).”

The students also had an opportunity to go sightseeing and visit landmarks including Barcelona Zoo, the beach and to see the city from the air on a cable car ride.

Student Tash Bradshaw enjoyed the experience and said: “We came on this trip to learn more about music and gain new skills to further our careers, but it has been so much more than that and brought some of us out of our shells.

“We have also explored different cultures, and it’s had an impact on us overall as people.”

Fellow learner Cory Robinson added: “We learn a lot of technical skills in college so to look at setting ourselves up in business and how to break into the industry was very useful and will give us the knowledge to do that in the future.”

Cambria’s Curriculum Director of Technical Studies Julie Guzzo joined them in Spain and said the close links forged with NexGen and partner organisations overseas will continue to add value to the students’ educations.

She added: “As a college we are looking to provide more and more of these opportunities, to show the learners what is out there for them and that as a college our reach and place in further education in the UK and internationally is growing all the time.”

For the latest news and information on Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.

Visit the website www.nexgencareers.co for more news and information from NexGen.

The report by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Estyn deemed Toybox Children’s Nursery, based at Coleg Cambria Deeside, to be Excellent in three categories – Wellbeing, Care and Development, and Leadership and Management.

The news comes after the much-loved facility was a finalist in the Setting of the Year category at last year’s Early Years Wales Awards, and having revamped its outdoor play area, which features safety surfaces, fencing, wooden furniture and equipment.

With more than 90 children and 35 staff on-site, Toybox is one of the most popular nurseries in north east Wales.

Manager Ann Johnson said: “We are obviously delighted with the outcome and as always will strive to raise the bar even higher in the years ahead.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our amazing team, and to all the parents and carers who support us, none of this would have been possible without you.”

She added: “The challenge now is to maintain and build on the positive feedback, and recommendations, which will ensure an even happier, safer and inspirational environment for the children.”

Inspectors also found Toybox to be ‘Good’ in three categories – Learning, Teaching and Assessment, and Environment – and the nursery has been invited by CIW and Estyn to prepare a case study on its work and commitment in forging close links and working in collaboration with parents and carers.

The report added: “Children of all ages communicate successfully in their own way and practitioners respond to them expertly. They have warm, close relationships with practitioners and receive a high level of support and comfort if needed, which helps them to feel safe and valued.

“Practitioners are kind, caring and supportive, and interact with children in a calm and gentle manner. They use positive behaviour management strategies, which are highly effective. This creates a positive, happy, calm and engaging atmosphere.

“Practitioners have a strong sense of purpose and understand their roles and responsibilities well. Leaders are extremely effective in their roles and have created an inclusive and welcoming environment, which ensures that children are nurtured and cared for well.

“The setting’s engagement with parents is outstanding. They hold regular play and stay sessions and parents are fully included in the organisation of the setting. Communication is excellent and, as a result, parents are well informed and feel included.”

For more information, visit Toybox Children’s Nursery website Toybox Nursery | Your Local Nursery (cambria.ac.uk) or Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ToyboxNurseryDeeside.

Alternatively, call 01978 267159 or email toybox@cambria.ac.uk.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more from Coleg Cambria.

Gower College Swansea has held a special Welsh-themed welcome event for students.

Croeso Day 2024 saw staff and learners, who are fluent speakers, enjoy a range of activities designed to get everyone using their Welsh as they get to know one another.

Entertainment was provided by pioneering beat-boxer and live looping artist, Mr Phormula, while Doctor Cymraeg was also on hand to share the importance of using any Welsh at any opportunity.

In between spots of yoga, crazy golf and photo booth fun, there was delicious pizza (thanks to Dominos!) and a range of yummy DuffNut donuts.

“We had a fantastic day and it was so great to see everyone getting to know each other, using their Welsh and having fun together,” says the College’s Bilingual Manager, Helen Humphreys.

The College holds a variety of Welsh language/bilingual events throughout the year such as Saint Dwynwen’s Day, Welsh Week, and Welsh Language Music Day. It also celebrates other events such as International Women’s Day and Rainbow Week through the medium of Welsh.

The cutting-edge facility has been built at Coleg Cambria Deeside and is one of only a handful of further education gaming complexes in the country.

Lisa Radcliffe, Assistant Principal for Technical Studies, said state-of-the-art equipment and technology – including 36 YOYOTECH high-spec stations featuring the latest I7 Intel processors and RTX4070 graphics cards – secure Cambria’s position as a pioneer of Esports education in the UK.

“Our aim at Deeside was to create a gaming hub and centre of excellence for our current and prospective students,” said Lisa.

“Alongside this, the development will support the strategic aims of the college by widening access and becoming fully inclusive, helping to increase participation for learners that may feel disengaged or at risk of being NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

“This will all enhance our course programme with leading external stakeholders, creating and contributing to our local community.”

The college’s own Esports squad – Cambria Chimeras – were victorious in the Apex Legends Spring Cup earlier this year, defeating opposition from across the country, including college and university teams.

Esports is a booming multi-billion-dollar sector, and learners have already received visits from talent scouts representing some of the world’s top gaming organisations and professional teams, such as Excel Esports.

Lecturer Lauren Crofts said there are exciting times ahead for the Esports programme.

“The Esports course has been hugely popular over the last few years and grant investment has seen the introduction of the two new gaming arenas, one of which will be a Sim Racing performance area.

“The other gives us more room to look at Shoutcast live media streaming, to develop other skills and game creation, utilising the space and introducing state-of-the-art technology, as well as taking Esports into local primary and secondary schools to explain the wide range of careers out there in this industry.”

Lisa added that the college’s partnership with YOYOTECH – a company at the forefront of the UK gaming revolution, installing and managing bespoke Esports arenas and selling high-end PCs – will only grow as the industry continues to boom.

A YOYOTECH spokesperson said: “After first meeting with Lisa her passion and drive to enhance the learners experience at college was infectious. Together we identified an opportunity to build upon and grow their existing Esports provision to accommodate their expanding course programme.”

The PCs at Deeside have been paired with MSI pro gaming peripherals to help learners compete at the top of their game, alongside AOC 27” 165Hz gaming monitors.

The space has been optimised with two separate desk designs, complete with LED edge lighting and PC locking shelves, with a divider which can split the facility into two to allow separate gaming competitions, lectures and workshops.

“It is an incredible set-up, one our existing students will love, and definitely a USP for those looking to join us in the years ahead,” said Lisa.

For more information on Esports at Coleg Cambria, visit the website: www.cambria.ac.uk.

Neil Marshall, whose credits include Hellboy, Game of Thrones, Westworld, and Dog Soldiers, paid a visit to the college’s Creative Media department for a Q&A with learners in Deeside.

A Best Director winner at the Saturn Awards and British Independent Awards for The Descent, he spoke about his career in the industry and provided the cohort with advice and guidance on how to pursue their dreams.

Cambria Lecturer Edward Evers-Swindell wrote and directed the movie Dark Signal, which Neil supported as Executive Producer.

He said it was an “inspirational and informative” session for the students and staff.

“Neil discussed his route into film and his personal journey as well as answering questions on a range of topics,” said Edward.

“What made this even more valuable for the students is that he is self-made, rather than knowing anyone in the industry he started from scratch with no more than a passion for films to sustain him.”

He added: “Neil’s journey has been long and hard, but hopefully gives inspiration to learners who didn’t know how to get started in the movie business.

“His talk was fascinating and went into detail about each of his projects and how they came about, while being incredibly honest about projects that were, in his own words, successes and failures, as well as the differences in working in film vs television.

“The students asked some brilliant questions that demonstrated a real interest in what they had listened to, and their feedback was really positive, so it was a fantastic event for all of us.”

Neil also recorded a podcast with Edward and the team, where he discussed the importance of engaging with academia and the next generation of talent, on and off camera.

“I think it’s vital, we never had anything like this when I studied film,” he said.

“Nobody came from the business to talk to us; it would have been an eye opener and refreshing and bolstered our enthusiasm.

“I like coming to these things and talking to students because I want to inspire people. That’s what we aim to do as filmmakers, inspire people.”

For the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk and follow them on social media.