Blackpool and the fylde college
servingthe
community
10/11 Annual Report AND Accounts
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
college mission leadership in learning: excellence at work college values
one two three four five six
Placing the learner at the heart of all we do Showing fairness, courtesy and mutual respect Teaching and learning as the key to our success
Blackpool and The Fylde College serves individuals, communities and employers by providing excellent learning opportunities that enhance social development and contribute to economic success. Our College transforms lives by inspiring learners to achieve their potential in a supportive learning environment.
equality and diversity Blackpool and The Fylde College is committed to equality in all its activities for those who learn and work here, and will respect differences in race and ethnic origin, gender, disability, mental health, sexual orientation, age, religion and belief, additional learning, economic and social need.
Aspiring to excellence: quality is everyone’s responsibility Working together to get the best results Empowering others to achieve their full potential
If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please contact the Support and Guidance Team on Tel: 01253 504 356 or Email: learningsupport@blackpool.ac.uk For the hearing impaired: Textphone (Minicom) 01253 355 755
Annual Report 10/11
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Contents Page title
Opening Statement from Principal and Chief Executive Pauline Waterhouse, OBE Chair’s Foreword Year at a Glance
Page numbers
4-5 5 6-7
WorldSkills UK
8
Accommodation
9
achievements by curriculum area Academic Studies
10-11
Access and Continuing Education
12-13
Business and Professional Studies
14-15
Catering and Food Production
16-17
Construction
18-19
Creative Arts
20-21
Engineering and Computing
22-23
Fleetwood Offshore Survival Centre
24-25
Maritime Operations
26-27
Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies
28-29
Society, Health and Childhood
30-31
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality
32-33
Facts and figures Income and Expenditure
34-35
Student Information
36-37
Staffing Information
38-39
Composition of the Corporation
40-41
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
Another outstanding year Pauline Waterhouse OBE Principal and Chief Executive
We take pride in our work with many stakeholders and together we have created a College with a strong track record of success.
It has been yet another excellent year for the College. Recruitment was strong across all the major work areas and a drive to improve student retention was rewarded with a 6% increase to 90%. Despite the challenging economic climate, we remained financially robust, exceeding our planned surplus and enabling additional investment to be made for the benefit of students and staff. A major area of investment this year has been our accommodation, marking the start of a 10 year property strategy that aims to improve the quality of the learning environment for students and staff alike. At our Bispham Campus, the £3.5m refurbishment of Cleveleys Building has rendered it more energy-efficient with the result that it is also more visually appealing. The focus now is at our Nautical Campus, where a £7.6m investment project is already well under way to create a superb and sustainable learning environment for the global Maritime industry. The Nautical Campus also came under the spotlight for its development of a major new curriculum area, that of Marine Engineering.
Designed to meet the needs of the national and international shipping industry, the Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering is awarded by Lancaster University and the early indications are that it will be particularly well subscribed. Another positive initiative came in March with our second Equality and Diversity Week, aimed at promoting equality and diversity across the organisation. Under the banner ‘Living the Difference’, students and staff engaged in a week-long festival of events and activities, which included a moving and powerful account by a survivor of the Holocaust. In Spring, we were delighted to accept an invitation to join the 157 Group. This comprises some of the largest and most successful colleges in the country and enjoys significant national influence in terms of post-16 education policy. Moreover, it is a key body for research and scholarship. As a member, we are extending the potential reach of our influence within the college sector.
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Annual Report 10/11
Chair’s Foreword Stephen Lamley Chief of the Corporation Board
At a time when the economic future is so uncertain, it is more than ever important that people should have the best possible education and skills. At our College we aim to bring the best out of everyone who takes our courses. In parts of the area we serve, there is an ‘education deficit’: too many local people have not done well in school, often through no fault of their own, and as a result have difficulty even with the most basic skills they need in order to flourish in today’s competitive world. One of the things that encourages me in my role as Chair of the College Governors is the first-hand evidence that we can change the lives of the people we serve. For some of them it is a question of coping with numerical concepts; for others it is about learning to read properly for the first time. At the other end of the scale we
Our excellent links with local high schools continued to strengthen and contribute towards raising the aspirations of young people through a variety of strategic and operational avenues. They included our involvement in secondary school National Challenge Trusts; the provision of work-related learning days; a dedicated Maths symposium bringing together students from primary, secondary and further education within a university setting and – for learners in years 9, 10 and 11 – our first ever Young Artist of the Year competition. With our University Centre playing host to exciting events such as The Blackpool Children’s University Ceremony and Blackpool Young People’s Council visit, a growing number of young people are being exposed to the availability and associated benefits of a university education, right here in Blackpool. It was an unprecedented year in terms of sector recognition. On behalf of the Northern Colleges’ Collaborative Group we were awarded a National Beacon Award for Smarter Procurement, with individual recognition going
provide for advanced skills, in (for example) handling ships and their engines; running a hairdressing salon; trades in the construction and engineering industries; looking after children and vulnerable people; and creative arts of all kinds. We do many other things, and this report aims to give a flavour of our activities. The Governors concern themselves with setting the College’s strategic direction, for example reinforcing the position of Higher Education in the College, so that local people can obtain advanced qualifications while remaining at home; and ensuring that the resources are there to support and enhance learning – we have invested in a major upgrade of the Bispham campus this year, as is clear to anyone who goes
to the College’s Legal Services and Procurement Manager in the form of a LSIS Star Award. We were also awarded a Lancashire Green Award for Green Transport, the Buttle UK Quality Mark for Care Leavers and – following a successful reassessment – the Investors in People standard. Student achievement was equally outstanding. In the UK Skills competitions, students in no less than five curriculum areas progressed as winners of the regional heats to the national finals, where a number went on to win medals. And one of our Engineering HNC students was selected to represent the UK in the Manufacturing Team Challenge at the prestigious WorldSkills 2011 event. Other exceptional wins included The National Apprentice of the Year Award (Nuclear), the Merchant Navy Trainee Officer of the Year Award and a phenomenal 23 medals at the annual Bakery Federation Conference. Our Performing Arts students were also selected to showcase their talents at the AoC’s Annual Conference and World Congress in Birmingham. We continued to work closely with local and national employers, supporting their
past. The Governors also monitor very carefully the academic performance of the College, and are pleased at the really significant progress that has been made this year. We are in a good financial position, and this enables us to do what is necessary to maintain and improve our position as one of the leading colleges in England. This way we help our learners to cope with the uncertain future.
skills strategies and aligning our curriculum ever closer to the demands of industry. New partnerships were established with Sub-Zero and Argos as we became their provider of choice to customise pre-employability training for potential new employees. The period also saw Blackpool Build-Up place its one thousandth learner into sustainable employment within the local construction industry, effectively quadrupling, in less than 3 years, its four year targets. During the year, many of our students enjoyed exceptional success and their achievements are celebrated in this report. We also take pride in our work with many stakeholders across the community and in the pages that follow, some of these exciting partnerships are highlighted. Together we have created a College with a strong track record of success, confident of what it will achieve in the future. However, my final expression of thanks must go to the staff. Without their dedication, talent and passion, the College could not have achieved all that it has done to date and all that we aspire to, in the future.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
September ‘10
Recruitment is strong across all the major work areas and retention rises by 6%.
October ‘10
Blackpool Build Up places its 1000th learner into sustainable employment within the local construction industry.
November ‘10
Level 3 Media Make-Up students showcase their talents at the Association of Colleges Annual Conference and World Congress as they recreate characters from the film Avatar.
December ‘10
The College wins a Lancashire Green Award for Green Transport, for work undertaken on producing its own bio diesel fuel.
January ‘11
A £3.5m refurbishment programme gets underway at the Bispham Campus to transform the Cleveleys Building into a substantially more efficient learning and working environment.
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Annual Report 10/11
february ‘11
The new Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering receives external validation by Lancaster University.
march ‘11
An Engineering student and EDF Energy employee wins The National Apprentice of the Year Award for the Nuclear Industry.
April ‘11
The College hosts one of many work-related training days as local high school learners are challenged by The School of Construction to design and resource plan a new kitchen.
May ‘11
Finalists from the College’s first ever Young Artist of the Year competition see their work go on display at the Gallery, University Centre.
june ‘11
Student achievement is celebrated at our annual Student of the Year Awards Ceremony, a glittering Oscars-style event held at Pleasure Beach Resort’s Paradise Room.
july ‘11
In conjunction with Job Centre Plus, a series of work clubs are held to prepare adult learners for available positions with local employers.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
World Skills UK Raising skills and aspirations in the vocational sector The College has a long and proud tradition of successful participation in WorldSkills UK, the nation’s premier set of skills competitions for young people and adults. Principal Pauline Waterhouse OBE is herself a WorldSkills UK Champion, responsible for encouraging organisations to get involved and actively raise skill levels and aspirations among a growing number of vocational learners.
The past year has been especially eventful and exciting, with all eyes set to WorldSkills London 2011 and the prospect of securing a place to compete nation to nation in what is undoubtedly the greatest skills competition of all. We’re therefore delighted to report the following successes and extend our congratulations to everyone who took part: Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies Gold for Advanced Nail Art, Silver for Advanced Hairdressing, Bronze for Reflexology and a Highly Commended for Intermediate Hairdressing at the Final Business and Professional Studies Three learners took Bronze in AAT Accounting at the Final Society, Health and Childhood North West heats: A Highly Commended for Caring at the Final Construction
Chris Beardshaw from BBC Gardeners World presents learners with their awards at the 2011 WorldSkills Final.
Four Gold medals, four Silver medals and four Bronze medals at SkillBuild – the North West heats, and a contender for Plastering at SkillBuild – the Final
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Annual Report 10/11
Accommodation The new Cleveleys Building – now a modern, fit-forpurpose learning environment August saw the completion of an extensive redevelopment of our Cleveleys building at the Bispham Campus. The £3.5million project is part of the first phase of the College’s £52.5million 10-year accommodation strategy which, on completion, will also see improvements to its Fleetwood Nautical, University Centre and Ansdell campuses. The project involved work to over-clad the existing structure with insulated aluminium panels, replacement windows and external doors and an insulated roof. As a result, the learning and working environment has significantly improved for students and staff alike, while the external appearance has dramatically changed, creating a modern and welcoming look to what has become a landmark building on the Fylde Coast.
Nautical Campus transformation under way
To mark the occasion, a special ‘topping out’ ceremony took place, when Principal and Chief Executive, Pauline Waterhouse OBE, fixed one of the last remaining pieces of cladding at the top of the 100ft, seven-storey structure.
The focus now is an exciting £6.75m upgrade to our Fleetwood Nautical Campus, which got under way in May. The project, due for completion in December 2012, is progressing well and will transform the campus into a first-class environment, capable of fulfilling and exceeding the training needs of industry for many years to come.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
ACADEMIC STUDIES Outstanding achievement We offer a small yet welcoming environment, with a personalised approach to learning that ensures learners are treated as individuals and given lots of face-toface interaction with tutors. There is an atmosphere of positive care and a genuine commitment to excellence of service and accommodating the varying needs of a diverse learner body. Here learners can access a wide range of high quality provision, with level 3 learners able to progress to our acclaimed degree courses. In a town beset by high levels of social deprivation, our remit is rooted in raising aspirations and instilling in learners a firm belief in both themselves and their potential to build a rewarding future.
It was a good year for achievement, with all subject areas enjoying high rates of success. Our Access to Higher Education course in particular, enjoyed a record number of achievers while the overall higher education success rate was an outstanding 85%. We were delighted when our range of Criminology degree programmes was highly commended by our colleagues at Lancaster University, on the back of which a team member has been invited to guest lecture there. Another success story involving Lancaster came via one of our English graduates, who achieved 95% in her dissertation and went on to secure one of 12 prized places on the University’s eminent MA Creative Writing.
Employer engagement We enjoy links with numerous employers and industry organisations, which feed into curriculum development and allow us to embed employability and associated skills within academic learning. Our membership of Blackpool Council’s Heritage Forum for instance, is positively impacting upon learners on our History and Heritage Management range of programmes. Employer links also facilitate work placements, and in some instances, permanent positions for learners upon completion of the relevant course. Last year saw our Marine Biology learners continue to work with Wyre Borough Council, conducting an environmental impact assessment of Cleveleys promenade. Research activity such as this continues to inform and expand our curriculum and is actively encouraged as a means to enhancing both the professional development of staff and the breadth of opportunity for learners. Our Employer Board was set up to involve employers in preparing learners to enter the workplace and this has been working very successfully with organisations such as the NHS. Learners on our Foundation Degree in Communication at Work meanwhile can hone their interview techniques at a dedicated annual employer forum.
Curriculum innovation
BA (Hons) History and Heritage Management learners research the history of St John’s School.
Our provision consists of A Levels and professional qualifications, university courses and specialist access courses for those who haven’t studied for a while and/or wish to gain a degree qualification. We also run a highly popular GCSE programme, whose success rates are consistently among the best in the College. All our courses are subject to regular review to ensure they reflect emerging industry trends and we’re constantly seeking to expand our portfolio to address industry needs and
Annual Report 10/11
11 Associated Companies
Holocaust survivor Rudi Oppenheimer gives a special address at the College’s Equality and Diversity Week.
to increase learner choice. One such example is our new HND in Applied Biology, which we recently developed in consultation with Blackpool Victoria Hospital in response to an identified local need (see inset). The period also registered glowing reports for our Foundation Degree in Communication at Work, as employers such as The Department for Work and Pensions, Consortium of Events and Tourism Ltd (CET) and Gilberts Engineering all commented on its direct correlation to enhanced performance at work.
Enriching the learner experience We’re committed to providing a diverse programme of enrichment activity. In 2010/11, this included a cultural trip to Auschwitz for our FE and HE learners, which aptly preceded a special address by Holocaust survivor Rudi Oppenheimer at the College’s annual Equality and Diversity Week. English Literature learners meanwhile were treated to two productions at Stratford-upon-Avon’s recently renovated theatre. We continued to provide exciting opportunities for learners to apply and hone their knowledge within a realistic industry setting, such as the one for our medical learners at Blackpool Victoria Hospital’s Cardiology Unit. The Dead Good Poets’ Society continues to gain momentum, with a bespoke publication of students’ poems now in development. Our A Level learners meanwhile delivered Maths mentoring to pupils at Palatine Sports College, a project that reflects our burgeoning links with local schools and our capacity for effecting positive change within the local community.
Employer Viewpoint Our partnership with the College has enabled students on the HND Applied Biology to attend sessions in our Pathology Laboratory and experience the application of theory in a real-life environment. Important links between concepts covered in class and practical procedures that have to occur in a timely, accurate and reliable manner to ensure patient care and safety have contributed to this important aspect of the course.
Mr PE Houldsworth, MSc, FIBMS - Operational Lead Blackpool Victoria Teaching Hospital
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
A special ceremony celebrates the achievements of learners on Global Renewables’ sector-based work academy.
ACCESS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION Bespoke employer activity Our School is about so much more than just education, it’s about changing people’s lives. Our curriculum caters for a diverse range of abilities, aptitudes and aspirations with the aim of improving social mobility and widening opportunities for learners. During the last year alone, sector-based work academies resulted in no less than 238 job outcomes. Our provision spans Adult and Community, Gateway, Skills for Life, Teacher Training and Higher Education, ensuring that there really is ‘something for everyone’. We’re committed to providing a first-rate experience for learners, placing them at the heart of all we do. This doubtless goes a long way to explaining our phenomenally high success rates – 92% last year.
The period saw us work with private and public sector SMEs and large organisations in areas such as retail and care as well as with the NHS, Local Education Authorities, voluntary organisations and the self-employed. We worked extensively with Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Blackpool Transport and Blackpool Council, and also with Booths Supermarkets, facilitating sessions at 14 of their stores across Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire. Feedback about our provision has been highly positive, with employers remarking on improved levels of confidence and motivation among staff, an improvement in team work and reduced absenteeism. Our flexible approach to programme delivery has also been instrumental in securing repeat business from major employers such as Blackpool Council, Global and Job Centre Plus.
Sector-based work academies Our sector-based work academies (formerly known as pre-employment training) are designed to link the unemployed and those at risk of redundancy to specific vacancies with local employers. The courses are developed in tandem with participating organisations (in association with Job Centre Plus and the Skills Funding Agency) to ensure an influx of appropriately skilled staff; the potential work candidate meanwhile is guaranteed both an interview and work experience. In 2010/11, our sector-based work academies resulted in the successful placement of 238 candidates with the following employers: Sands Venue; Argos; Sub Zero; Pleasure Beach; Sandcastle; Crown Leisure; Blackpool Council; and Weatherspoons.
Annual Report 10/11
13 Associated Companies
College Gateway learners, whose enterprising skills won them a Lancaster University award.
Adult and Community We offer a wide variety of adult and community provision, ranging from courses for leisure to Skills for Life, which often sparks life-changing opportunities for learners on both a personal and professional level. Specific examples of new provision include the literacy and numeracy training created for parents and support workers at local primary schools, along with a new baby massage and yoga course, introduced within several children’s centres across Blackpool. We also supported adult literacy learners into higher education with a specially designed bridging programme. Our highly popular ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course remained a favourite with the local community as learners of no less than 40 different nationalities seized the opportunity to improve their English as well as develop valuable skills in citizenship and employability.
Project and partnerships Through a myriad number of community projects and partnerships – typically with a sustainability theme – learners have an opportunity to develop their skills and confidence within a real-life setting. A good example is the paper recycling initiative that operates with local charity Helping Hands, which supports adults with learning difficulties by allowing them to experience the world of work. Our links with the British Heart Foundation meanwhile, enable adult learners coping with mental health issues to take up local volunteering openings. For five years now, our younger learners have been successfully engaging in a wealth of social enterprise activities, facilitated by Lancaster University’s Volunteering Unit. These partnerships play a fundamental role in helping us to raise individual learners’ aspirations, while enabling us to ‘put something back’ for the community’s greater good.
Employer Viewpoint We enjoyed working with the College as part of our recruitment strategy and found that it was professional from start to finish. As a result, we will continue to work with the College with regards to our future recruitment. Richard Halstead - Operational Training Manager Sandcastle Waterworld
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Industry recognition Here within the School of Business and Professional Studies, learners can enter at varying levels and progress right through to our unique range of graduate and postgraduate programmes. There is a strong focus on personalised learning to ensure individuals don’t just achieve but exceed their potential through a climate of continuous support. Our learners are at the heart of everything we do as we strive to deliver a grade 1 curriculum. Centric to that is employability and instilling the work ethic into all our learners, at every level. Our professional environment provides a realistic insight into business and management operations, allowing learners to become well equipped to embark on their chosen career.
It’s been another highly successful year for the School. At the 2011 WorldSkills competition our AAT Accounting learners performed outstandingly, winning the regional heat and going on to take Bronze at the national final. This is the second consecutive year that our learners have received recognition at this prestigious national event and we’re hugely proud of their achievement. Following our successful revalidation of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) range of programmes, we were invited to share best practice at the National Standards Conference in York.
Curriculum development Our curriculum is highly responsive to the needs of industry, which serves the dual purpose of ensuring that learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to establish and develop a rewarding career. The recent redesign of our further education provision, intended to drive up employability and transferable skills among learners, is already proving successful through the number of learners opting to progress through to higher education. We’ve also begun developing a new suite of CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) programmes, in direct response to an identified professional need.
University education Our university provision is enjoying growing popularity, with FE learners in particular (70% last year) attracted by outstanding work placement opportunities and an exceptional graduate to employment rate. A Lancaster University course consultant recently voted our Foundation Degree in Management the best of its type outside of Lancaster, based on student achievement and employability rates, and overall curriculum quality. A unique feature of our postgraduate courses is their overlap with
Annual Report 10/11
Three learners take Bronze in AAT Accounting at the WorldSkills Final.
our further education provision to allow new learners to tap into the skills and experience of real industry professionals. Our teacher education provision is flourishing, helped by a highly successful mentoring programme that supports not just the trainee but their placement institution. We have also grown our bespoke activity in this area significantly. A significant amount of scholarly activity has impacted positively upon the curriculum, particularly in the areas of initial teacher education and, in relation to higher education, employment law and employee relations.
15 Associated Companies
Employer engagement We’ve built up an excellent reputation for employer responsiveness, underpinned by flexible and high-quality training solutions pitched at the appropriate level. This year our bespoke work has spanned both the public and private sectors, with clients including the NHS, NVision, Sandcastle, Blackpool Council, Wyre Borough Council, AI Claims solutions, Northerncare, Enterprise Alive and The Federation of Small Businesses. Our new leadership programme meanwhile, linked to the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) personality assessment tool, has engaged corporate managers and headteachers alike. The vast network of organisations we link in to has also given rise to valuable work placement opportunities for students, which often lead to permanent positions.
Community initiatives We ran a series of highly successful pyramid days, designed to provide local primary and high school learners with hands-on experience of business and management. The ‘have a go’ events featured a variety of activities to inspire interest in the subject and raise awareness of the various career routes available. Participating high schools included Millfield Science and Performing Arts College, Palatine Sports College, LSA Technology and Performing Arts College and Baines, while the primary schools included Waterloo, Thames County Primary, Revoe Community Primary, Roseacre and Hawes Side. The period also saw us team up with staff from the School of Engineering and Computing to develop an exciting new internship programme. The programme is customised for each School, with ours providing a period of paid work experience alongside a qualification in business administration. With initiatives such as these, we’re making a career in business increasingly accessible to an ever-growing audience.
Employer Viewpoint Since establishing a working partnership with Blackpool and The Fylde College some years ago, I have found the College as a whole, through its partnership policy and the tutors/lecturers and other staff involved, extremely professional, helpful, supportive and easy to work with. The students placed at N-Vision from the School of Business and Professional Studies have been of a very high standard and have brought great value to the organisation. I have no hesitation in recommending employers to engage in partnership working with Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Kevin Winkley - Chief Executive N-Vision: A Visionary Blind Society in the North West
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
Learners win the regional rounds of the prestigious Nestlé Toque D’or competition.
CATERING ANDFOOD PRODUCTION A passion for excellence Excellent facilities, supportive and handson tutors dedicated to providing an outstanding learner experience, a team ethos of ownership along with unparalleled enrichment opportunities and outstanding results are what define our School. We’ve created a challenging environment where learners can really engage with learning and develop their potential to the maximum. The secret to this lies in our belief that exceptional performance should be rewarded. Learners who achieve and have excellent attendance are enrolled in an exciting programme of enrichment activities, which range from overseas travel to involvement in high-profile events. Our exceptionally high retention rate of 96% speaks for itself.
An outstanding year in terms of learner performance was evidenced by rates of 95% and 99% for success and achievement respectively. This, together with individual attainment, was celebrated at our glittering end-of-year awards ceremony, held at Blackpool’s Hilton Hotel. Close to 400 people attended the event, including eminent Twelve chef Paul Moss, (see inset), who kindly presented the awards. A further reason to celebrate came from the Institute of Hospitality when they informed us we had successfully retained our Hospitality Assured status for the sixth year running. Our ‘passion for excellence’ merited a special mention and the 3% rise in our overall score has now elevated us to ‘premier’ standard.
Competition success Our track record of competition success is legendary. That in itself is commendable but when you consider our own staff regularly compete and excel in these competitions too, it becomes all the more noteworthy. This is a School that likes to lead by example. We did so at the Alliance of Bakery Students and Trainees Annual Conference 2011, as two tutors picked up Gold and Silver Medals in the Horton Trophy. Their achievement was more than matched by our bakery learners, who came away with an amazing 16 Gold Medals, 6 Silver Medals, 4 Bronze Medals, 10 commendations and, once again, the National Award for the Hovis and Granary Cup. Their winning streak continued at the Student Bakery Challenge 2011 (BAKO North West) where they earned 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Other successes for the year included regional wins for both the Seafood Challenge Competition and the prestigious Nestle Toque D’or, the latter presented at London’s Dorchester Hotel.
Annual Report 10/11
17 Associated Companies
Work with employers Employer-led training gathered momentum over the period. Supermarket chain Morrisons – following on from the success of the Meat Apprenticeship programme we undertook for them the previous year – decided to increase their learner cohort by 100%. The programme also sparked a new partnership with Morrisons’ main meat supplier – Woodwards, while new business was formed with long-time partner and food giant Heinz. We’re now in talks with national food and facilities management services company Sodexo, about an exciting cross-College opportunity for learners to get involved in the 2011/12 British Open Golf Tournament at Lytham St Annes.
Enrichment opportunities Our enrichment opportunities are truly exceptional and play an important part in enabling learners to develop the experience, skills and maturity needed to thrive in their chosen field. Last year for instance, learners took part in exchange programmes to both the Czech Republic and France, through which they gained first-hand hospitality experience from an international perspective. We were thrilled then to successfully bid for nearly £40,000 from the Savoy Educational Trust, which will strengthen our provision further in terms of external visits, competitions and overseas trips.
Engaging with the community We continued to work with the Salvation Army on the acclaimed Bridge Project, which is providing valuable work skills to those members of the community who need it most. A wealth of bespoke provision and initiatives aimed at local high schools is engaging learners at a much younger age and making them aware of the range of employment opportunities this industry offers. One such initiative is the Fylde Coast Young Chef of the Year competition, which this year was won by a pupil from St Aidan’s Church of England Technology College. We also link up with Connexions and Job Centre Plus to run specialist training for young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs), with encouraging results. The hospitality industry is central to Blackpool’s regeneration programme and investing in the resort’s young people will ensure a steady flux of skilled individuals to take that vision forward.
Employer Viewpoint B&FC provides excellent training opportunities for individuals seeking a career in catering and hospitality. Since we opened 12 years ago almost all of our chefs have trained and studied there. Having such a facility on our doorstep has enabled us to attract good quality members of staff who are confident and eager to pursue careers to the highest standards. I was particularly honoured to join students and tutors at the College’s 2011 Annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate the culmination of their hard work and, also, to wish them well for the future.
Paul Moss - Chef Proprietor Twelve Restaurant & Lounge Bar The Nestlé Torque D’or name and logo is produced withkind permission of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
Contenders for the North West heats of SkillBuild, hosted at the College.
CONSTRUCTION An evolving curriculum We offer an extensive range of provision from entry level right through to university education, readily accessible to a wide market through a variety of attendance modes. Our programmes meet both individual and employer needs by providing structured career pathways for progression into and within the industry. As a School, we are constantly striving to attain the highest possible standards and we encourage all our learners to do the same. Our remit is as much about construction training as it is about developing aspirations and social mobility, and equipping people with transferable skills that will prepare them for employment and a range of exciting opportunities in the future.
Our curriculum provision has evolved to meet the needs of the local population, while taking account of trends occurring within the wider industry. We’ve achieved particular success in our 14-16 provision through continued collaboration with education providers across the area. An example of this is the recently developed workshop facility with LSA Technology and Performing Arts College, which will add to the 284 14-16 learners we currently educate through vocational qualifications. We’re also developing a bespoke portfolio of FE qualifications around the green agenda, underpinned by our membership of two National Environmental Academies. Our commitment to environmental and emerging technologies was further evidenced by our development of a new Foundation Degree in Sustainable Construction. This provides an additional progression opportunity for FE learners, who last year made up 80% of the HE cohort.
A reputation for excellence For the fourth time in 6 years, we hosted the prestigious SkillBuild competition (North West heat), a testimony to our status as a leading regional centre for construction skills. B&FC learners performed outstandingly across all categories, gaining 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze awards along with a place in the national final. Their achievement is commendable and clearly indicative of the high standards we uphold. Our win of a National Training Award two years ago, along with the Centre for Construction Innovation ‘Local People Local Jobs’ North West heat, has precipitated a number of high profile visits with the aim of sharing best practice in regneration and innovative training. The associated project – which has to date provided construction training and permanent employment for 1,716 local residents – is continuing apace.
Annual Report 10/11
Learners pick up a string of medals - 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze - at the SkillBuild North West heats.
19 Associated Companies
Links with industry To assist in being at the forefront of curriculum development and employer needs, Head of School Steve Clough is Chair of the British Association of Construction Heads (BACH) and liaises regularly with the sector skills councils. In addition, we’re now represented on the National Heritage Training Group for the Sector Skills Council for Construction Skills, which has both driven and informed our diversification into the heritage sector. Our long-standing partnership with Eric Wright has enabled us to place learners in a range of work areas through the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme and other construction projects. Learners also benefit from the generous sponsorship of the following employers: Worcester Bosch, Albion Water Heaters and Osma Underfloor Heating, National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting, Fluke Instruments, CK Tools, Powersaver Electrical Wholesalers, British Gypsum, Crown Berger Brolac, Unibond/Henkel Ltd, and Hamilton Brushes.
Work-based learning Apprenticeship activity gathered momentum over the period, reflecting a move to work more closely with employers in the delivery of skills-led training to the industry. This included a partnership with Blackpool Victoria Hospital to deliver Maintenance Operations training to mature Apprentices. Talks also got underway with Muse Development with the aim of developing a number of Apprenticeship opportunities linked to the £240million regeneration of Talbot Gateway. This exciting project has the potential to snowball across other areas of the College, allowing us to play a pivotal role in raising the skills, aspirations and social mobility of the entire neighbouring community.
Employer Viewpoint Through our relations with Northern building contractor Parkinson, almost 30 construction students took part in an exciting enrichment event, involving an educational tour of a local building site along with talks on construction legislation, company procedures, methods and the various stages of a project. Exercises such as this serve to strengthen the existing links we have with the College. As part of that partnership, we assist with providing the opportunity for construction students to visit a live site and to witness first hand the build process.
Richard Callaghan - Site Manager Parkinson
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
A learner from Arnold School wins our first-ever Young Artist of the Year.
creative arts The Gallery The School of Creative Arts is a leading creative hub within the local region. Ideally based at Blackpool’s heart, it reflects the exciting transformation of this eclectic town. Learners have access to state-of-the art resources within a lively, inspirational campus, where collaboration between the different creative disciplines is very much the norm. The teaching is unquestionably high quality, vocationally driven and providing a firstclass art or drama school experience that is conducive to learners producing awardwinning work. However, it’s the nature of that teaching – holistic in style –that sets this institution apart from others. This is a place that cares about the individual. Students liken it to being part of a family and cite our nurturing approach as a key factor in going on to achieve success.
The Gallery is a lynchpin for the School of Creative Arts, attracting national and international touring exhibitions that help to both popularise the arts and raise our profile among a widely diverse audience. In the last year alone we’ve housed works by the Royal Photographic Society and the Association of Illustrators, and in the process attracted learners from a range of schools and colleges across the North West. Through initiatives such as these and our first-ever Young Artist of the Year competition in May we’re actively engaging and inspiring the next generation of artists.
Showcasing Showcasing is central to the creative arts. It allows learners to demonstrate their talents and make influential contacts while reinforcing the quality and professionalism of our provision. This year’s highlights included an invitation for our choir to open the Association of College’s annual conference, a mix of traditional and contemporary theatre productions performed at venues in the North West and London, our acclaimed end-ofyear exhibition and fashion showcase and finally, a spectacular touring art and design exhibition, with stop-offs such as NEW BLOOD at Free Range London 2011 designed to catapult our undergraduates from education into professional practice.
Industry links All our courses have a strong vocational focus to equip learners with the necessary skills to make an immediate impact at work. That includes the myriad of exciting work placements and internships at home (Springetts, BBC, Daily Mail, Live Magazine) and abroad (United Design, Wallace Church), live briefs such as Lancashire Constabulary’s Cycle Safety campaign and the opportunity to be critiqued by employers during our very own Industry Week. Practitioner visits, especially those by alumni (Peter Stubbs, Kirkham 2am) offer a fascinating glimpse into the various professions. Competitions can also open doors for learners. The spotlight now is on a group of Creative Media Production students, whose short film ‘Pish’ was recently selected for the 2012 Cornerhouse Exposures Film Festival.
University education Our university programmes address local and national needs, with the BA (Hons) Fashion for Costume and Performance the only one of its type in
Annual Report 10/11
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The College Choir is invited to open the Association of College’s annual conference in Birmingham.
the UK. This year saw the first round of graduates from our BA (Hons) Musical Theatre and BA (Hons) Acting, many of whom have already secured agents and are actively auditioning for roles on screen and stage. Competition wins included a Judges Choice Award at the Association of Photographers’ Student Awards, while at the Unleashed: Best in the North competition two BA (Hons) Illustration and Graphic Design learners were named regional prize winner and runner-up. At the Summer Symposium, staff made a significant contribution to the Scholarship Review, presenting their findings on two major research projects: the Effects of Peer Mentoring of FE Performing Arts Students by HE Musical Theatre and Acting students; and the Effects of Vocal Training on BA Musical Theatre and Acting students.
A unique creative environment At the end of the academic year, the Schools of Art, Media and Performance and Art and Design merged to form the School of Creative Arts. More than just a name change, this reflects the emergence of a highly creative and aspirational environment, with unique opportunities for collaboration between further and higher education as well as across the different creative disciplines. Our recent production of Animal Farm typifies this approach, as performing arts and fashion students worked together in much the same way as they would within a real industry setting. We’re hugely excited about where we’re headed and the exciting implications for our learners too.
Employer Viewpoint For the last three years, Wyre Council has worked with students and staff from the photography unit at Blackpool and The Fylde College on projects aimed at expanding the council’s database of stock photography. We have been very impressed with the level of professionalism and positive attitude of the students, who have supplied us with wonderful images that we use in council publications, promotional literature and the website. We have developed a strong relationship with the College, and credit the students’ work wherever possible – we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership in the future.
Joanne Sharp - Corporate Marketing and Promotions Officer Wyre Borough Council
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
A College learner and employee of EDF Energy is voted UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year.
ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING Outstanding achievement Everything about us – our processes, systems and work ethic – is intrinsically geared towards providing a grade 1 service. High quality teaching is underpinned by a strong climate of learner support, with flexible programming and passionate tutors enabling a growing number of learners to realise their full potential. The diversity of our provision has attracted a range of funding streams, which is pooled for everyone’s benefit. Consequently FE and HE learners alike have access to spectacular resources that are unmatched at most other institutions, universities included. Ours is an aspirational environment, which has led to high levels of retention, progression and ultimately, employment.
It was an unprecedented year in terms of learner success, with three individuals achieving recognition on a national platform. They included an employee of EDF Energy, voted UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year; a BAE employee who was selected to compete for Team UK in the Manufacturing Team Challenge at WorldSkills London 2011; and an Automotive learner, winner of the 2010/11 IMI Awards Candidate of the Year (Outstanding Technical Student – Paint). Phenomenal results were also recorded for 1416 year-old learners studying Aeronautical and Engineering subjects, with the majority achieving Distinctions and Merits. Their accomplishments are commendable and collectively they uphold the School’s reputation for exceptionally high levels of attainment. Other notable successes from across the School included a request for our gaming students to showcase at the AoC’s Annual Conference and World Congress in Birmingham, and a record grade profile achieved by learners on the Foundation Degree in Project Management.
Employer engagement A major strength is the extent to which we develop learners’ employability, which has effectively rendered us a recruitment agency for SMEs and large multi-national organisations alike: in Gaming, our student to employment rate is in excess of 90%. We have enviable industry links that benefit our learners in a variety of ways, not least of which is access to paid work placements. Our Technical Illustration learners for example were recently placed as far afield as Germany with Technical Documentation firm OSW. The industry is also facilitating our involvement in the government’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) programme, with STEM student ambassadors emanating from Springfield Fuels, EDF Energy, BAE Systems, John Huddleston Engineering and Kilgour Engineering. In Automotive, our Ford Apprenticeship programme continues to prosper.
Annual Report 10/11
Curriculum development Our curriculum constantly evolves in response to learner and industry needs. We also develop and deliver bespoke training, such as the croupier course we were asked to customise for Carnival Cruiselines’ American market recently (see inset). A major advancement during the period was our development of blended (or online) learning with respect to our degree provision, which was duly awarded the Recognition of Innovation by JISC RSC North West. We also teamed up with staff from the School of Business and Professional Studies to set up the College’s first intern programme for learners studying at level 3. In Automotive, staff played a key role in the design of the IMI’s new suite of national Motorsport qualifications. The department now offers the ATA Fast-Fit and MET qualifications, along with the latest electric/hybrid vehicle qualifications.
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Scholarship and research Scholarship and research activity within the School was significant. It involved staff training in the emerging areas of Hybrid Vehicle Technology and Nuclear to ensure the School’s continued ability to meet and exceed industry training needs. Staff also liaised closely with organisations such as the IMI, City & Guilds and the Sector Skills Council to develop a new range of qualifications in Motor Sport and Gaming. Other activity included supporting the Value-Added processes within College, consulting to the industry on a wind turbine project and presenting our findings on interactive learning and learning communities to both national and international audiences.
Enriching the learning experience Enrichment plays an important part in our curriculum, providing learners with an exciting series of challenges that contextualises learning and imparts valuable insight into the industry. In 2010/11 our ‘pyramid’ learning days presented learners with an opportunity to engage with high school learners from LSA and Palatine and promote the benefits of studying Engineering at College. Other enrichment highlights included the Institute of Mechanical Engineers’ Green Car competition, which involved our level 2 learners designing and developing their own green car, and the Gravity Car Project, run by the Gadget Show’s David Ackroyd. For this, level 3 learners were challenged with building a gravity car to a given specification, with the aim of racing it in a national competition. Throughout these challenges, learners have demonstrated an impressive mix of ingenuity, maturity and teamwork, qualities we look to nurture as we prepare them for a career within the industry.
Employer Viewpoint BAE SYSTEMS Military Air & Information continue to work in partnership with Blackpool and The Fylde College to help develop and educate our future Project Managers and Project Controllers. The level of support provided by the College and the quality of interaction continues to be excellent. The Scheme remains fundamental to our ongoing plan to develop dynamic Project Control professionals. The education provided by the College provides an excellent foundation for future development for those with the right attributes and dedication.
Andrew Bloor - PM Learning and Development Manager BAE Systems
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
FLEETWOOD OFFSHORE SURVIVAL CENTRE (FOSC) Overview We are one of the world’s leading providers of training to the offshore oil and gas industries. Our competitive advantage lies in our attitude to employer responsiveness and in the flexibility and professionalism we offer to our clients. We strive to deliver a world-class service, doing our utmost to accommodate clients’ needs and assure clients of a quality learning experience facilitated by knowledgeable, supportive and highly experienced staff.
We enjoyed another highly successful period, exceeding our financial target by an incredible £400k. All the early indications are that we are now approaching our third consecutive year of financial growth, which, given the current economic climate, is an achievement of which we’re hugely proud. We also met our student recruitment target, counting among our clients some of this industry’s biggest players: Centrica, PETROFAC, The Wood Group, BHP, Rowan Drilling and Siemens.
Curriculum innovation This year saw us embrace the renewables sector and in particular offshore wind turbines, set to be one of the UK’s major growth areas in years to come. Accordingly, we’ve developed a new portfolio of courses that centre on safety procedures during both building and maintenance of the new turbines. The curriculum, which benefits from input by partners such as Dong Energy Renewables, is currently awaiting accreditation. We’re also preparing the necessary adjustments to our physical resources, including the construction of our own training tower. Another exciting new programme under development is the NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas.
Fleetwood Testing Laboratory Our Testing Laboratory is continuing to expand, with an additional member of staff being appointed this year. This will allow us to enhance the service we provide to industry, which already enjoys an international reputation for excellence. Our client reach now extends as far as Asia, Australasia and the US, with industry giants such as Crew Saver on board and contributing to an annual turnover in the region of £100k. Other clients include Marinepool, Seago, Typhoon and Servitec.
Annual Report 10/11
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A training session gets underway in our Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) facility.
local High schools We are committed to engaging with young people to grow new local talent and promote the opportunities for employment within the offshore oil and gas industries. We run a work experience programme for local high school learners, through which they’re able to access a hands-on experience, doing real work alongside real representatives of industry. The feedback has been extremely positive and wherever possible we will be looking to build on this to prepare a new generation to enter this exciting industry.
Employer Viewpoint Fleetwood Nautical College has continued to support the demanding offshore training needs of Hydrocarbon Resources Limited. We have a very special working relationship with the College and Staff that ensures a level of flexibility for training course places not offered by other providers. I have always been able to rely on the offshore training team. David Weston - Competence Assurance and Training Coordinator Centrica
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
The new Marine Engineering Workshop in Fleetwood. © John Leyland, College Management Lecturer.
MARITIME OPERATIONS Awards and achievement Within the School of Maritime Operations, the ethos is very much ‘work hard, play hard’, reflecting that of the industry as a whole. We advocate discipline and mutual respect and the learning experience can be challenging for even the most capable. In return however, learners can expect high quality tuition and unending support from tutors at an institution that embodies excellence and enjoys the highest retention and achievement rates in the UK. The jewel in our crown must surely lie in our enrichment offering, which features opportunities in volunteering as well as countless sporting activities – mountaineering, shooting, sailing, skiing, canoeing and swimming to name but a few.
It’s been another excellent year for the School, with more than 100 graduates attaining their Officer of the Watch certificates and all of them progressing into employment. Their achievements were celebrated with friends, family and tutors at three special graduation ceremonies held throughout the year. We were also delighted to learn that, for the third time in four years, one of our cadets had been named UK New Trainee Officer of the Year. Once again, the award went to a female, which we hope will encourage more females to pursue careers in the industry.
Curriculum developments The newly developed Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering got underway with a cohort of 20, 10% of whom were female. The programme represents an exciting collaboration with the College’s School of Engineering, developed in direct response to an identified employer need and designed to give learners a prized degree qualification from a UK top 10 university – Lancaster. To facilitate learning, a specialist Marine Engineering workshop has been set up in Fleetwood and the Campus now awaits a new state-of-the-art simulator. Another new programme (and the subject of much media attention) has been the Vessel Protection Officer (VPO). This unique two-week economic course, which provides ship-based skills in weapons management and strategies to offset and deal with the threat of piracy is so popular it’s already running its third cohort.
Annual Report 10/11
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Scholarship Activity Funding from the College’s Research and Development Fund allowed us to investigate the effects of digital presentation and teaching tools on learners’ performance. Such technology typically enables tutors to share a much wider range of information and artefacts via digital projectors. Two devices or ‘visualisers’ were acquired for the project which involved learners’ pass marks being tracked both before and after the technology’s application in a given subject area. The results were significant with the average pass mark rising by a fifth to over 96%. Visualisers have now been installed within each classroom and the results promoted via our online learning environment, Moodle.
Employer and community engagement We enjoy excellent relations with all of the industry’s major players, which provide a route through to rewarding and stimulating careers for learners. They include organisations such as Mersk, Carnival Cruiselines, Princess Cruises, Fisher, BP, Bibby Ship Management and Clyde Marine. They were joined during the period by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, whose ‘mystery shop’ of our provision the previous year had concluded we’re the best UK training provider in our field. Our annual open day is an opportunity for young people to meet with these employers and learn more about the available career options. We’re constantly seeking to promote the industry to future generations and to this end we foster good links with all the local high schools, facilitating educational visits and ‘hands-on’ work placements that give a real flavour of just what a merchant navy career entails.
A vision for the future In May, work got under way on an exciting £6.75m development project that will provide state-ofthe-art upgrades to the Campus, ensuring it remains capable of fulfilling and exceeding the training needs of industry for many years to come. The project, due for completion in December 2012, is progressing well, with refurbishment to the halls of residence already finished. We’re looking forward to unveiling the newly transformed campus, which will provide a first-class environment for trainees from across the globe.
Employer Viewpoint Fleetwood Nautical College has a growing reputation as one of the most respected Maritime Training Centres in the UK. We have found both the management and academic teams have been successful in offering the support, dedication and expertise, to ensure that our cadets continue to have an enriched experience during their cadetships at Fleetwood. Richard Knighton - Cadet Co-ordinator Shell (UK)
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
HAIR BEAUTY ANDRELATED THERAPIES
Our 2011 Charity Hair Show is a hit with local employers.
A work-centric curriculum Our greatest asset is undoubtedly our staff. Passionate about their subject and 100% committed to our learners, they aim to provide a first-rate learning experience, underpinned by a dynamic and industryrelevant curriculum. All our tutors have a wealth of industry experience, which underlies the high levels of professionalism they instil in others. Through our involvement in prestigious competitions such as WorldSkills and our representation on both the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) and the City and Guilds National Advisory Board, we are continually driving up standards in the industry.
Our learners have access to up-to-the-minute resources within a realistic working environment, which replicates the demands of industry. Over and above this, learners are also given ample opportunity to develop their technical and client-facing skills within a number of ‘real life’ work settings. For Related Therapies these included performing pitchside treatments at premiership games for Blackpool Football Club together with sports massage for The London Marathon, Fleetwood Town Football Club and Fylde Rugby Union, the latter leading to a permanent position of employment. In Hairdressing and Beauty, learners have the opportunity to apply to take part in our European Exchange programme, working in salons in Lake Como.
Awards and achievement The School has a long and proud tradition of successful participation in competitions and 2011 was another eventful and exciting year for learners. At the North West heats of Worldskills, learners achieved first place for Nail Art, Nail Enhancements and Reflexology, while at the National Final learners were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze for Nail Art, Hairdressing and Reflexology respectively. This outstanding achievement was followed by yet more success at the national Association of Hairdressers and Therapists competition, held in Blackpool, where we took first and second place for Nails.
Employer engagement Our employer links are extensive and have allowed us to create a rich and relevant curriculum that evolves with industry and ensures we remain at the forefront of best practice within the sector. In Hairdressing alone, we have Apprentices placed at more than 100 salons across the Fylde
Annual Report 10/11
29 Associated Companies
Coast! All our learners have access to work placements while a myriad number of guest speakers, workshops, demonstrations and industry visits involving big names such as Steiner, Eve Taylor, Studex and Wella put learning into context and help drive career aspirations. Our 2011 Charity Hair Show, organised entirely by our Level 3 Hair and Media learners, was as much about showcasing and profile-raising as it was successfully engaging with employers.
At the heart of the community With fully operational salons at both the Ansdell and Bispham Campuses, we have a loyal following within the local community. The recent addition of a barbering service at Bispham together with new treatment rooms means our Bispham clients can now take advantage of a full range of hair, beauty and remedial treatments. In addition, we’re committed to ‘putting back’ into the community, whether that’s performing treatments at a local convention of Parkinsons’ sufferers, or raising funds for Brian House at our annual Hair Show.
Industry recognition In May, we were thrilled when our learners were selected to showcase their talents at the Association of Colleges’ Annual Conference and World Congress in Birmingham. Attended by principals from across the UK as well as key figures from within the education sector, the conference is an excellent opportunity for Colleges to present themselves on a national stage. Our Level 3 Media Make Up students rose confidently to the challenge, using advanced theatrical make-up techniques to create remarkable real-life characters from blockbuster movie Avatar.
A responsive curriculum The period saw us diversify into body and spa treatments, facilitated by the acquisition of a flotation tank and the launch of a dedicated programme at levels 2 and 3. We also launched the new Introduction to Hair and Beauty, designed to assist new starters with making informed career choices. Those seeking or developing a career in management meanwhile can now access the new HND Hair and Beauty Management, with national employer recognition and accreditation by the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA). Surrounding this curriculum is a climate of continuous support, encouraging learners to be the masters of their own success.
Employer Viewpoint Eve Taylor Skin & Body Care is delighted to be working alongside all of the staff and learners at Blackpool and The Fylde College. It’s a great establishment, nurturing outstanding talent for the future and we are proud to be playing an instrumental role in helping learners to achieve their educational and professional goals within the global beauty business.
Chris Taylor - Director Eve Taylor (London) Limited
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
Volunteers at Surestart Fleetwood celebrate becoming qualified at a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Wyre.
SOCIETY HEALTH AND CHILDHOOD Awards and achievement Within the School of Society, Health and Childhood, learners are assured of being treated as an individual, with tutors committed to providing 1-2-1 support to steer learners towards success. Every learner has their own personalised learning agenda, which is developed in consultation with tutors to set appropriate educational goals that underpin professional development. Staff are former practitioners themselves so are well equipped to pass on the employability skills need to gain a career foothold or – for those already employed – to progress up the ladder. They are assisted by a curriculum that is geared to both the workplace and to empowering each individual learner to achieve their personal best.
2010/11 was a busy and successful period for the School. We were delighted when childcare became the first area on the Fylde Coast to offer the new vocational curriculum, which was extended to the health and social care sector in March. Our learners performed outstandingly, achieving a Highly Commended in the National UK Skills competition, a place in the National Childcare Student of the Year competition top ten and, for the second year running, the NHS North West Cadet of the Year. The Interpersonal Skills add-on qualification – designed to assist with progression to careers and university – recorded a spectacular 100% success rate.
Employer engagement Notable employers working within the sector include the local Primary Care Trusts, Blackpool Social Services (Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Difficulties, Home Care), members of Lancashire Care Consortium, local primary schools and pre-school providers, and charitable organisations such as Age UK and the Ormerod Trust. In addition to their employees accessing qualifications and short course training, these organisations provide placements, information on current policy and practice, guest speakers, visits to their premises and specialist support.
Industry links Staff members from the School are active members of a wide range of associated partnerships, which enables learners to be aware of local issues and plans, drives employer responsiveness and also raises the profile of the School in the local community. They include the Blackpool and Lancashire Surestart Partnerships, Fleetwood Surestart Steering Group, Youth Offending Panel, Homestart, the Blackpool and Lancashire Care
Annual Report 10/11
Learning Partnerships, the Local Authority Early Years Training and Recruitment Sub-group, and more recently, the North West Regional Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years (SEFDEY) Network.
31 Associated Companies
Curriculum development We’re proud of our responsive curriculum, which is constantly evolving to align to the needs of the sector. Our Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care for instance was recently restructured to engage with a wider audience, with input coming from Alcohol and Drug Services, Age Concern Blackpool, the NHS and Blackpool Social Services. This was supported by funding secured through Lancashire Lifelong Learning Partnership, which also facilitated the development of new materials for supporting service users with dementia, and the introduction of blending learning within higher education. Again, our employer-led approach has led to greater flexibility in the delivery of vocational Diplomas, which can now take place in the workplace. Through our partnership with the Centre of Education, Training and Development (CETAD), learners on our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies are able to obtain professional status with them here at the College.
Enrichment and community Our enrichment opportunities range from team-building events and community projects to a wealth of sector placements, all of which enhance learning and deliver vital skills for employment and/or university study. Learners on the Foundation Degree: Working with Young People in the Community have been providing pastoral support to pupils of Palatine Sports College while our FE learners successfully organised a College-wide health fair. We also ran our first ever gifted and talented programme, a two-day event designed to reward and challenge exceptional learners at levels 1 to 3. Other activity included a cross-School ‘It’s a Knockout’ event held at Blackpool Sports Centre along with numerous fund-raising initiatives that raised over £1,000 for local appeals as well as for national charities such as Children in Need and Jeans for Genes. Projects such as these positively impact upon both the community and the learners involved, and aptly embody the spirit of this sector – working together for a common cause.
Employer Viewpoint Our partnership with the School of Society, Health and Childhood has enabled six of our volunteers mostly long-term unemployed from a background of limited learning opportunities - to gain one of the new Childcare Diplomas at levels 2/3. They have excelled educationally, with the majority moving into relevant employment, further study, or other types of volunteering. We recently celebrated their individual achievements at a special ceremony with the Mayor of Wyre. On the back of their success we now intend to train a further seven volunteers through the College.
Tracey McNamara - Team Leader Surestart Fleetwood
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
An enrichment trip to Newlands Activity and Adventure Centre in the Lake District.
TOURISM LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY A responsive curriculum Second only to our mission to deliver an unrivalled serice to learners is our dedication to employability. We aim to get our learners ready for the workplace, whether that’s straight from further education or via one of our university programmes. Our mature and employer-led environment is the ideal setting in which to develop the qualities and skills that this industry values so highly (customer service, communication, problem-solving etc). This is facilitated by our highly qualified and supportive staff, all of whom have recent experience of the industry, which they regularly update though a rigorous programme of Continuous Professional Development. We offer excellent facilities that include a sports hall, a gym, an all-weather pitch and our own travel agents – Beacon Travel.
Here in the School of Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality, we offer programmes that act as a springboard to higher education and/or a career. The curriculum is both flexible and responsive, allowing each learner to track a route through to success that aligns with their own personal aptitudes and aspirations. We work closely with employers to ensure our curriculum is mapped to industry needs, which in 2010/11 resulted in the formation of a new programme: the HND in Public Services. This exciting qualification, endorsed by the Lancashire Constabulary, the NHS and the Fire Service, has created a clear progression route for FE learners of the subject and will greatly assist with their career development.
University education Our university education provision is managed by a talented and highly qualified team of staff, whose commitment to action research is enhancing the undergraduate experience and leading best practice within the sector. During 2010/11, staff presented two academic papers to the Associate Colleges of Lancaster University and the HE Institute respectively: the first was in relation to our revised FD in Casino Operations Management, which now blends conventional with online learning to appeal to a wider audience; the second focused on teaching HE within an FE establishment. From a hands-on perspective, we were invited to undertake consultancy work for a host of local employers – among them the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Board and VisitBlackpool – which translated into fascinating work placements for undergraduates. Other learners travelled to the US to take up placements with top-rated hotels in Chicago and Pittsburgh.
Annual Report 10/11
33 Associated Companies
Fleetwood Town Football Club Apprentices, whom we trained over the year.
Employer and community engagement Training and employment are naturally interdependent and we’re proud to have established a reputation for excellence in this area. We’re especially proud of our involvement in Blackpool Council’s Welcome to Blackpool Initiative, having successfully provided customer service training to 400 of the resort’s taxi drivers. The Initiative’s success has now spurred commissions from both Preston and Blackburn Councils to roll out the training to taxi drivers within their own respective towns. Our Employer Liaison Board has been the catalyst for a number of exciting new partnerships. In 2010/11 we also joined forces with Fleetwood Town Football Club, for whom we trained 20 apprentices over the year. Looking ahead to 2012, the School is currently involved in the London Olympics‘ Get Set programme, working with local high schools to build aspirations via this momentous event.
Industry recognition Over and above the sector recognition already outlined for our university provision, Head of School John Swannie was invited on behalf of People First to give an address to the Welsh Hospitality Industry. This focused on effective partnerships between employers and colleges with regards to hosting major events – in this instance, the forthcoming Ryder Cup. Another accolade came from Badminton England, who commended the College on helping to make Blackpool a world leading community badminton network, growing the number of up and coming young players as a result.
Employer Viewpoint As a B&FC Hospitality Management graduate, I understand how vital working partnerships are between the College and hospitality providers. Without these connections, I would not have completed placements at Gleneagles or Marriott’s Griffin Gate Resort, USA. I am grateful for the experiences I received and, therefore, enjoy providing consultancy projects at the Clifton Arms Hotel, which impart valuable industry knowledge to degree students whilst impacting positively on our business.
Victoria Tipper - General Manager Clifton Arms Hotel
Logos represent organisations with whom the College has worked during the 2010/11 academic year.
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
facts andfigures Income and Expenditure for the year ended 31 July 2011 The College recorded another strong financial performance in 2010/11. The group reported an historic cost surplus for the year of £414,000, which included a charge of £625,000 in respect of the accounting treatment for retirement benefits prescribed by FRS17. The underlying cost surplus was therefore £1,039,000. The strength of the group balance sheet was maintained in 2010/11 with total reserves of £50,928,000, cash balances of £8,656,000 and a cash inflow generated from operating activities of £4,635,000 in the year. The College had no borrowings in 2010/11. The College intends to accumulate reserves and cash balances to invest in improving the learner experience through the property strategy, the IT infrastructure and equipment for use by learners. In 2010/11, a combined £6,622,000 was invested in buildings and equipment. The College will meet the challenges faced by the sector in the coming years from a position of financial strength.
Income £’000s Funding body grants YPLA grants SFA grants SFA capital grants
£16,095 £9,244 £135
HEFCE grants
£8,441
HEFCE capital grants
£1,104
Total funding body grants Education contracts
£35,019 £767
Tuition fees and charges Home students
£218
Non-EU students
£128
Higher Education
£3,837
Total tuition fees and charges
£4,183
Other grant income European funds Other funds
Total other grant income
£128 £1,681
£1,809
Other income Catering and Residences
£1,405
Offshore and other economic income
£4,788
Other income
£1,468
Total other income
£7,661
Investment income Interest receivable
£75
Total investment income
£75
Total income
£49,514
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Annual Report 10/11
Expenditure £’000s Staff Teaching £21,233 Teaching and other support
£4,057
Administration and Central Services
£4,287
Premises running costs
£1,311
Premises maintenance
£507
Catering and Residences
£703
Staff restructuring and pension adjustments
£955
Total staff costs
£33,053
Other operating expenditure Teaching £3,922 Teaching and other support
£2,052
Administration and Central Services
£2,872
Premises running costs
£1,519
Premises maintenance
£1,430
Rent and leases
£143
Catering and Residences
£553
Total other operating expenditure Depreciation Interest payable Total non pay expenditure
Total expenditure Deficit on continuing operations
£12,491 £4,758 £510 £17,759
£50,812 (£1,298)
Transfer from revaluation reserve
£1,712
Historic cost surplus
£414
Remove impact of FRS17
Underlying historic cost surplus
£625
£1,039
36
Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
facts andfigures
Student information In the following tables, part-time figures indicate the number of individual enrolments whereas full-time figures indicate the number of learners (LNs). One learner may make multiple enrolments.
Student numbers FE (Funded)
2010/11 FT
2010/11 PT
LNs Enrolments
Academic Studies
408
303
Access and Continuing Education
158
1,061
Business and Professional Studies
105
217
Catering and Food Production
213
69
Construction
505 131
Creative Arts
422
17
Engineering and Computing
693
305
Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies
429
74
Maritime Operations
15
Society, Health and Childhood
455
106
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality
482
97
Grand total HE (Funded)
3,885 2,380 2010/11 FT
2010/11 PT
LNs Enrolments
Academic Studies
249
28
Access and Continuing Education
11
6
Business and Professional Studies
114
107
Construction
25 64
Creative Arts
445
10
Engineering and Computing
318
259
10
8
Maritime Operations
339
200
Society, Health and Childhood
259
67
Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality
226
6
Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies
Grand total other
2,042 755 2010/11 FT
2010/11 PT
LNs Enrolments
Leisure Classes
0
5,079
Employer Responsive (WBL, T2G)
0
3,772
Full Cost (FE, School Links, Other)
153
9,234
9
2,312
Other (ESF, E2E etc)
Grand total
162 20,397
37
Annual Report 10/11
Studentprofile Gender Male 61.57%
Age Female 38.43%
Learning difficulties No 89.24%
19+ 79.60%
16-18 20.40%
Disability Yes 10.76%
No 91.26%
Yes 8.74%
Ethnicity Asian 3.62%
White 94.61%
Black 0.44%
Mixed 0.58%
Other 0.67%
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Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
facts andfigures
Staffing information
Staff numbers Full-time equivalents Teaching departments – teaching
536.43
Teaching departments – support
106.76
Teaching support – LIT
65.64
Additional support
60.49
Other support staff
13.25
Administration and Central Services
112.14
Marketing Premises: - Running costs
69.31
- Management and Administration
15.31
Catering and Residences
33.28
Total 1,044.81
Staffprofile Gender The male/female staff breakdown shows little change on the previous year. Overall the College male/female split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Full-time male 25.16%
Part-time male 19.66%
Part-time female 33.71%
Full-time female 21.47%
39
Annual Report 10/11
Age
65 and over 2.83%
Under 21 0.72%
The average age of a College employee is around 45 years of age.
60-64 8.10%
21-29 11.17%
30-39 19.51%
50-59 26.91%
40-49 30.76%
Disability
Currently, 4.22% of staff indicate they have a disability. Additionally, we use the College Technical Assessment Centre (TASC) to help staff who are experiencing difficulties such as a bad back or computer screen visability.
Ethnicity Currently, 4.22% of staff indicate they have a disability. Additionally, we use the College Technical Assessment Centre (TASC) to help staff who are experiencing difficulties such as a bad back or computer screen visability.
The College ethnic breakdown for 2010/11 together with comparative full- and part-time percentage figures for 2009/10 is as per the table below:
Full-time
Categories
2010/11
Part-time 2009/10
2010/11
Totals 2009/10
2010/11
2009/10
Asian or Asian British – Bangladeshi
2
0.31%
0.16%
2
0.15%
0.07%
Asian or Asian British – Indian
5
0.77%
0.66%
1
0.15%
6
0.45%
0.29%
Asian or Asian British – Pakistani
1
0.15%
0.16%
1
0.15%
2
0.15%
0.07%
1
0.15%
Asian or Asian British – Any other Asian
2
0.31%
0.16%
Black or Black British – African
1
0.15%
0.16%
Black or Black British – Caribbean
1
0.15%
Black or Black British – Any other Black
2
0.31%
0.16%
Chinese Mixed – White and Asian
0.16%
1
0.15%
1
0.15%
2
0.30%
2
0.30%
0.26% 0.13%
3
0.23%
0.07%
1
0.08%
0.07%
2
0.15%
0.15%
3
0.23%
0.07%
2
0.15%
0.07%
015%
0.07%
0.00%
0.00%
2
Mixed – White and Black African Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
3
0.46%
0.33%
0.26%
3
0.23%
0.29%
Mixed – Any other Mixed Background White – Irish Any other
2 6
0.31% 0.92%
0.33% 1.15%
4 7 2
0.59% 1.03% 0.30%
0.369% 0.78% 0.39%
6 13 2
0.45% 0.98% 0.15%
0.36% 0.94% 0.22%
Any other White Background White – European
6 2
0.92% 0.31%
0.82%
7 4
1.03% 0.59%
2.46%
13 6
0.98% 0.45%
1.74%
Sub Total of Categories Above
33
5.08%
4.28%
33
4.87%
4.67%
66
4.97%
4.50%
White – British
572
88.00%
88.80%
599
88.48%
78.21%
1,171
88.24%
82.87%
Prefer not to say
1
0.15%
2
0.30%
3
0.23%
44
6.77%
43
6.35%
87
6.56%
Not known or provided
650
6.92%
677
17.12%
12.63%
1,327
Our response rate has improved to 93% from the 86% reported last year. Nearly 5% of the College population is indicating an Ethnicity other than White British, which is the main nationality in the College. All information provided in this section has been taken from the Human Resources Report to the Board for the Year 20010/11.
40
Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
Compositionof theCorporation The Members of the governing body who were in office during the year and up to the date of signing the financial statements were:
Member’s name
Date of appointment
Term of office
Date of resignation
Committee served
F. Aiken
07.09.99 re-appointed 07.09.03 re-appointed 07.09.07
4 years
Remuneration Committee; Quality & Standards Committee
T. Amor
14.12.04 re-appointed 14.12.08
4 years
Audit Committee (Chair); Search Committee
R. Bell
08.07.08
4 years
P. Burdess
02.06.09
4 years
A. Cavill
01.10.06 re-appointed 01.10.10
4 years
S. Crowther
08.12.08
4 years
I. Evans
09.09.03 re-appointed 09.09.07
4 years
N. Farley
06.07.11
4 years
A. Gilmore
22.05.07
4 years
Audit Committee
Y. Jenkinson
30.10.07
4 years
Audit Committee
S. Lamley (Chair)
01.09.06 re-appointed 01.09.09
3 years
Chair of Corporation; Search Committee; Remuneration Committee; Temporary representative on Health & Safety Committee
C. Miller (Vice-Chair)
06.02.02 re-appointed 06.02.06 re-appointed 07.02.10
4 years
Vice-Chair of the Corporation; Remuneration Committee; Search Committee; Quality & Standards Committee (Chair)
D. Parker
16.09.08
4 years
V. Petersen
25.01.11
Academic year end
L. Smith
18.09.07
4 years
T. Wassell
14.09.10
Academic year end
P. Waterhouse OBE (Principal & Chief Executive)
01.03.04
Until resignation
03.03.11
Audit Committee; Search Committee
Quality & Standards Committee
Quality & Standards Committee
Quality & Standards Committee
Search Committee; Quality & Standards Committee
41
Annual Report 10/11
Principal and Chief Executive: Pauline Waterhouse OBE Written and edited by: Stephanie McEvoy Created and designed by: Carl Rosekilly Image Credits: Steve Redfern, Colin Jarvis, Louise Facey, Carl Rosekilly, Peter Jones, RS Studio, National Training Awards, Booths, Andrew Livesey, Aaron Tonks.
42
Another outstanding year | Serving the Community
associated companies
The following companies are those to whom we have been linked over the 2010/11 academic year. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure all associated companies are listed here and on the cover, for administrative reasons the list may not be exhaustive.
Annual Report 10/11
43
www.blackpool.ac.uk
Postal Address Blackpool and The Fylde College
contact details Telephone 01253 352 352
Ashfield Road Fax 01253 356 127
Email info@blackpool.ac.uk For the hearing impaired Textphone (Minicom) 01253 355 755
Bispham Blackpool FY2 0HB