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Naomi Spaven, lead baker and patisserie chef at Coleg Cambria’s Iâl Restaurant in Wrexham, and baker and pastry chef Ella Muddiman, who also works at the Hafod venue, have been nominated for the Rising Star accolade at this year’s BIA (Baking Industry Awards) ceremony.

The news comes after Naomi, from Mold – whose popular LittleWelshFoodie social media account encourages young people to take up baking – won the Fruit Cake category in Britain’s Best Cake competition, where she was joined by judge Daryl Stephenson, a Cambria work-based learning assessor.

Congratulating the skilled duo – they are two of only three finalists in the category – he said: “I’m incredibly proud of Ella and Naomi for reaching the finals of the Baking Industry Awards and feel truly privileged to have been part of their exciting career journey so far.”

Maria Stevens, Head of Commercial Operations at Coleg Cambria Yale, added: “After opening our Iâl Restaurant with Ella just three years ago we never thought we would have had the success we have had so far, but none of this would have been possible without our dedicated, hard-working team who have developed the brand and gone from strength to strength.

“Having recently introduced Iâl Bakery and welcomed onboard our very own Little Welsh Foodie we couldn’t be prouder than to have two of our Welsh star bakers in the running for the Rising Star Awards.

“On behalf of myself and everyone at Coleg Cambria, a massive congratulations and good luck to you both.”

A Rising Star finalist in 2023, Naomi gained experience over the last 12 months with a week at the School of Artisan Food and another at the Richemont Centre of Excellence in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Judges said her “passion shines so brightly” and lauded her technical and problem-solving ability.

Meanwhile, Ella – the college’s Food Manufacturing Work-based Learner of the Year for 2024 – has gone from strength to strength after starting out as a hobby baker and is determined to help others as a “beacon for positive mental health”.

She has turned her passion into a career with Cambria and recently completed a Level 2 Diploma in Proficiency in Baking Industry Skills. She is due to start Level 3 in September.

The Awards are run by British Baker, a leading publication for the baking industry.

Amy North, Editor of British Baker, said: “The Baking Industry Awards celebrate the people, products, and businesses that make the sector such an incredible one – from artisanal sourdough loaves and the bakers who handcraft them to the manufacturers helping to keep the nation happy and fed, and everyone in between.

 “The Rising Star Award is an incredibly competitive category, and our three finalists exemplify excellence, proving themselves to be talented and passionate individuals. They set a great example for their peers and the wider industry.”

For more on the Baking Industry Awards, visit the website: Baking Industry Awards 2024 – Homepage (bakeryawards.co.uk) and https://bakeryinfo.co.uk/events/meet-the-rising-star-award-finalists-for-2024/693829.article.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

Learners came together at the college’s Sixth Form Centre in Connah’s Quay to celebrate this year’s A Level results.

Among those moving on to a higher education was Rin Sutton, who will study Medicine at Cardiff University having secured an A* in Maths, and As in Biology, Chemistry and the Welsh Baccalaureate.

Ruby Wilson described choosing Cambria as the “best decision” she had made after achieving As in Law, Welsh Baccalaureate and Psychology, and a B in English Literature.

She plans to begin a degree in Law at the University of Leeds, with the aim of one day becoming a barrister.

“Coming to Deeside Sixth has been the best decision for me,” said Ruby.

“The support from the staff and progress coaches has been incredible, as was the opportunity to study Law at A Level, which really solidified my choice of career – thank you all.”

Meanwhile, Emma Leach received Bs in Biology and Chemistry, and a C in Maths, which gained her a place at the University of Nottingham, where she will study Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.

Emma enjoyed her time at Cambria – notably the “supportive and happy environment” – which was echoed by Harley Noble, who “could not have hoped for a better sixth form and carers”.

Harley is heading to Edge Hill University after gaining a B for the Welsh Baccalaureate, a C in Business, and Ds in Computer Science, and Media.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on A Level and BTEC results and the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

The Torfaen MS met with learners in Wrexham as they received their grades, alongside Cambria’s chief executive, Yana Williams.

Among those to achieve their dream marks was Rhian Jones, who secured A*s in Chemistry and Biology, and an A in Maths.

Following her “excellent” two years at the college, she will now study Natural Sciences at University College London.

Meanwhile, Samuel Childs received A*s in Maths and Further Maths, an A in Physics and a B for the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

He is off to Lancaster University to begin a degree in Theoretical Physics.

“I owe so much to the staff and all my lecturers, they are absolutely incredible people, and I cannot thank them enough,” he said.

Also heading to a higher education were Matt Smart, a former Darland High School pupil who achieved As in Maths, Computer Science and Welsh Baccalaureate, and a B in Physics, confirming his place at the University of York to study Physics with Astrophysics; and Chester University and a degree in English Literature and History beckons for Ellis Eccleston after he garnered an A* in History and As for English Literature and Film Studies.

Final praise goes to Freya Owen, who progressed from GCSEs with Wrexham Pupil Referral Services (Haulfan) to achieve amazing results and a place at Oxford University to study History of Art.

Freya, from Wrexham, received an A* in Geography, an A in Religious Studies, and an A in Classics.

Admitting she felt “sick to her stomach” ahead of opening her results, she said: “I am so very happy and am so thankful to my sister, my family and friends and everyone at the college for helping me to get here.”

During her visit, Mrs Neagle was also given a tour of the new £14m health and wellbeing complex currently under construction at Yale.

Visit www.cambria.ac.uk for more on A Level and BTEC results and the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

Students from Stoke on Trent College are now ready to take the next step in their careers, after receiving their results for advanced level technical, professional and vocational qualifications.

Learners who have recently completed their final year of Level 3 qualifications, were invited to the Cauldon campus on Thursday 15 August, to celebrate their results with teachers and friends. Many will now progress to university or a higher-level Apprenticeship whilst others may enter full-time employment, often with investment from their new employer to provide dedicated training to further enhance skills and some are looking to set up their own businesses.

Higher Education partners Keele and Staffordshire University were both in attendance and joined in the celebrations along with the College careers team and teaching staff who were on hand to support those requiring career or next step advice.  

Large level 3 technical and vocational qualifications are the equivalent to three A Levels.  Students enjoy a more practical approach to learning new skills with industry-related experiences, access to industry standard facilities and state-of-the-art specialist kit provides them with an authentic and professional work environment.  

As the technical College for Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area, the College continues to have outstanding relationships with local and national employers, having forged partnerships with a purpose.

These partnerships provide learners with ‘real-life’ experiences including work experience, ‘live brief projects set by employers and ‘on-site’ visits.

Technical and vocational qualifications offer a fantastic career pathway, with high-quality, future-focused qualifications providing learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to progress into their chosen career.

Pari Arian achieved Distinction in an Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production Technology and is going on to study Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University, and said:

“This was the result I was working for, it’s just nice to have it on paper.

“I’ve had a message from Nottingham Trent University to say I’ve got my place, to study computer science. I hope to work in games and the technical side and be the project lead for the biggest games.

“I’m happy I got to experience College and have so many opportunities, and if I had a friend who was looking for a College I would definitely recommend Stoke on Trent College because of the options and opportunities you have and the whole student experience.”

Lewis James Hindmarsh achieved D star, DD in Level 3 Construction and the Built Environment, is going on to a Degree Apprenticeship at world-leading engineering firm Atkins Realis and said:

“The result was even better than I was expecting and it was more than good enough to get onto my apprenticeship.

“I’m going on to do a Degree Apprenticeship in Construction Project Management. I’m hoping to go onto Programme Management, let’s see what the future holds.”

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

“2024 has been another fantastic year for learning here at Stoke on Trent College. We are very proud of our results and the hard work of our learners and teachers in achieving this. Our learners have gone above and beyond, securing places at top universities across the country, higher level apprenticeships, employment into chosen professions and in some cases, starting their own businesses!

“We are extremely proud of the results all of our learners have achieved and wish them every success in their future careers.”

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

BTEC Level 3 and T-Level results were received by thousands of students on Thursday.

Shipley College have been celebrating student successes in T Levels and BTECs  by catching up with some students on Results Day to find out how they had done and what their plans for the future are.

Student Ruby was thrilled with her triple distinction stars in Games Design! She said that seeing her grades on paper has calmed her nerves.

Ruby is planning to take a year out before going to university and deciding what she would like to study.

“Comic creation is a big passion of mine and being able to work in the games industry as well. Hopefully after university, I will be on the path of getting the job I really want.”

Shannon, one of our Creative Media students, also received a Triple Distinction in Creative Media. Shannon said that her course at College  was brilliant and her plans are now to go to Leeds Arts University to take a degree in photography.

Twins Sophie and Molly (pictured) both got Merits in their T Levels! Sophie studied T Level Education and Childcare and Molly studied T Level Accounting.  Sophie is going to study Primary Education at university and Molly is progressing onto an apprenticeship.

Well done to all our students receiving their results today! We are proud of you all.

Gower College Swansea is proud to announce another year of outstanding achievement, with students celebrating impressive A Level and vocational Level 3 results for 2024.

This year the College has seen a rise in its overall A Level pass rate, which stands at a remarkable 99%, with 1164 individual exam entries. Among these, 33% of grades awarded are at A*-A, 60% are at A*-B with a continued improvement in our A*-C grades which stand at 84%, reflecting the high standards of achievement at the College.

The overall pass rate at AS Level is very strong and stands at 95%, with 72% of grades awarded at A – C and 51% being awarded at grades A – B. There were 2013 separate exam entries for AS.

The College’s vocational results are also very strong again this year and have shown an increase, with an impressive 99% pass rate across Level 3 Extended Diplomas. Among these high achievers, 37% of students achieved at least one Distinction and 10% of our learners attained the top Distinction* grade.

These results underscore the College’s commitment to providing high quality vocational education, ensuring our learners achieve high standards and success.

“We are really delighted with these results, which are a real reflection of the hard work and dedication of our learners during their time at College,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “It is also, of course, a huge testament to the dedication of our staff who are tireless in their support of our learners both in and outside of the classroom.

“We are delighted that we have maintained our very high overall pass rates at A Level and AS Level for another year.

“Equally our vocational students have delivered outstanding results particularly in the areas of Esports, Creative and Performing Arts, Applied Science, Business, Engineering and Health and Social Care.”

“I really hope everyone got the results they expected and needed to move onto their next step but, if you didn’t, please don’t worry. We are here to help. Come and talk to us – we have dedicated staff to provide personalised advice and guidance for learners.

“For example, we offer a range of Higher Education courses in subjects such as Esports, Business, Accountancy, Science and Sport and we also provide employability support to those who wish to enter the workplace following completion of their studies. We also have lots of apprenticeship pathways on offer. Gower College Swansea remains committed to helping every student achieve their full potential and succeed in their chosen pathway”.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The report summary from Staffordshire County Council stated,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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