TheReview
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Season of success for Hull College Group A message from Hull College Group Chief Executive Gary Warke This edition of The Review celebrates the newest member of Hull College Group – University Campus Scarborough. As a Group we have a wealth of experience within Higher Education and we are excited to have expanded our provision to include our Scarborough facility and have developed an exciting range of courses to choose from. University Campus Scarborough was officially launched on March 12 which brought together business and community members to share Hull College Group’s vision for the future of the campus. A key focus of the launch was outlining how the Group plans to work with local industry to address skills gaps, provide relevant programmes for regional growth industries and offer opportunities to design bespoke curriculums guaranteed to deliver truly relevant skills and a high degree of student employability. This term we have also successfully launched our Centre for Digital and Green Energy in Hull and our partnership with Harrogate College and Harrogate Town FC which will offer every student at the College the opportunity to benefit from the Club’s sports training and expertise. Again we are lucky to have a number of achievements to celebrate at all levels, from student Jordann Thompson who, after a few hours of completing her first aid course, had to put into action what she learned whilst waiting for a bus when a fellow traveller suddenly collapsed, to Level 3 Advanced diploma in Art and Design students producing unique awards for VHEY. We’ve also had the chance to celebrate a number of Principal awards for attendance and outstanding achievements within the Group across our FE learners. We’re delighted to also celebrate the achievement of two of our teaching staff who have been awarded prestigious awards in the Pearson Teaching awards 2015, Mike and Darren will now join fellow Silver Award winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards to be held at London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on 18th October, where 10 Silver Award winners will receive a Gold Plato Award. We have been able to showcase a number of positive highlights across the group this year and look forward to continuing to do so throughout the 2015/16 academic year.
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University Ca Scarborough University Campus Scarborough was officially launched on Thursday March 12, following an announcement in November 2014 that Hull College Group had been selected as the University of Hull’s preferred partner to offer provision from the site from September 2015. The launch event brought together key partners from Scarborough and the wider area, with Gary Warke, Hull College Group Chief Executive, and Lee Probert, Deputy Chief Executive, introducing the Group’s vision for the campus. The launch also introduced the 2015 entry prospectus, which details the first courses to be ready for enrolment in September this year. Programmes include HNC/D General Engineering, HNC/D Construction and the Built Environment, HNC/D Health and Social Care, Teacher Training Certificate in Education (Lifelong Learning), a selection of professional and business qualifications, including AAT Accounting and CIPD HR Management, HNC Business, as well as Access to HE and ESOL and EFL courses, aimed at students with English as a second language. A key focus of the launch was outlining how the Group plans to work with local industry to address skills gaps, provide relevant programmes for regional growth industries and offer opportunities to design bespoke curriculums guaranteed to deliver truly relevant skills and a high degree of student employability. The model is one which has already proved extremely successful at Hull College Group’s three existing sites in Hull, Goole and Harrogate, where partners have included engineering firm Spencer group, BMW, BAE Systems. Mr Probert said: “Now that we have had the opportunity to communicate our vision for University Campus Scarborough to representatives of local industry, we are keen to move forward with strengthening existing partnerships and forming new ones. “Our current offer for University Campus Scarborough has been designed in consultation with local employers and provides courses in skills which are relevant for the sector needs of the area – these include construction, engineering and professional programmes. Going forward we will build on this, developing and tailoring an offer that is Scarborough-centric at its core, ensuring students leave us with the skills to pursue careers in local industry and that the region benefits from a highly-skilled and knowledgeable workforce. “This is an exciting and dynamic time for us, and we want employers to know that our doors are wide open to them and that we welcome their input and look forward to working in partnership to maintain and strengthen Scarborough’s position as a university town and to contribute to long-term economic growth in the town and beyond”. Professor Calie Pistorius Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull added: “I am delighted to see University Campus Scarborough launched, as it is the first tangible sign of our joint vision for the future of higher education in the town, building on the current established platform. The University of Hull will continue to teach its existing students on the campus until 2017 and will also continue its research and engagement activity, maintaining a presence in Scarborough. We are working closely with Hull College Group to ensure we provide our current and future students with an excellent student experience together with the qualifications and skills they need to succeed in their careers”.
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City of Culture’s Martin Green launches Centre for Digital and Green Energy City of Culture Chief Executive Martin Green officially launched the Hull College Centre for Digital and Green Energy at an event on Thursday March 26.
Hull with the City of Culture title and the confirmation that Siemens has selected the city as the base for its £310 million green port development.
Key local businesses and organisations attended the launch, which marked the official introduction of the College’s hub for courses linked to the digital and renewable energy industries. The two areas are the fastest growing within the College – the number of students taking digital courses has grown by 60 per cent over the past year, and it offers a total of 150 programmes related to careers in the renewables sector and associated supply chains.
“Meeting the region’s need for a skilled workforce capable of exploiting all the opportunities presented by these developments is a key priority. With the Centre for Digital and Green Energy, we have created a hub which brings together all of our provision for digital and green skills. It illustrates our capability to ensure the whole Humber region is equipped to meet industry’s future needs”.
At the event, Martin Green delivered a presentation describing the explosive growth of digital and green industries and how this development will help to shape Hull’s infrastructure and prove a catalyst for job creation ahead of its year as City of Culture in 2017. Gary Warke, Hull College Group Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to have had the opportunity to welcome Martin Green to the College to officially launch our Centre for Digital and Green Energy. This is an extremely important time for
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Mr Green launching the Centre is the continuation of a relationship which previously saw the City of Culture Chief Executive deliver a talk to students about his previous work, including his role in the London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. The Hull College Centre for Digital and Green Energy offers a wide range of renewables and digital-related qualifications from GCSEs and NVQs to degree-level and postgraduate courses, all designed to meet current and future skills needs.
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College to partner Hull City Council on £1.6m Trinity Market revamp Students from Hull College are to take key roles in the multimillion pound redevelopment of Hull’s Trinity Market and the surrounding area. The College is working closely with Hull City Council over the development, which will see the market, church and square completely revitalised. Central to the project is a new high-quality training restaurant which, like the College’s on-site restaurant, Charlotte’s will allow students to prepare and serve food for customers. There will be opportunities for other curriculum areas too, with students from Construction, Art & Design, Architecture, Performing Arts and Business and Computing all having roles to play in the project. Benefits for students include developing business skills, on-thejob training, strengthened CVs and employability skills. Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “We are really pleased to be working with Hull City Council on the redevelopment of Trinity Market and the surrounding area. The project will
include the launch of a high quality training kitchen and restaurant, in which students from our Catering and Hospitality programmes will work, preparing and serving food for paying customers. “Students will also be engaged with the redevelopment of Trinity Quarter, ranging from involvement with construction work to market research and creative arts and media work. “The partnership with the council on this project has provided – and will continue to provide – extremely valuable real-world experience for our students. Ensuring all our students are work-ready when they leave us is a key priority for the College and opportunities like this allow them to develop vital employability skills and look fantastic on a CV. “We look forward to working with the Council in exploring other opportunities for our students’ involvement as the project continues to develop ready for City of Culture 2017”.
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Harrogate College launches new partnership with Harrogate Town Football Club For the first time, Harrogate College and Harrogate Town AFC are to work together in a community partnership which will offer every student at the College the opportunity to benefit from the Club’s sports training and expertise. The College and Club are teaming up to offer a new study programme with a focus on sport, fitness and coaching delivered as part of the Harrogate Town AFC U19 Academy – students will be able to apply from next week (Thursday March 26). In addition to benefits for those enrolled on the course, every student with an interest in sport will be able to take advantage of the partnership, regardless of what they study. Students will have access to the club’s FA qualified coaches and sports psychologists as well as having the opportunity to train on the pitch at HTAFC. Students on the College’s wide range of vocational courses from construction and engineering to hospitality, business and beauty will all be able to enjoy this exciting opportunity as part of their enrichment programme at Harrogate College. As well as students at the College the next generation of young football talent who successfully gain a place in the Harrogate Town AFC U19 Academy will work towards the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and follow a rigorous programme of training and coaching to develop their talent alongside a nationally recognised sports qualification. Academy players will be coached three days a week by Harrogate Town’s UEFA-qualified coaches at a training facility based at Harrogate College. The Extended Diploma in Sport covers a range of practical, theoretical and applied sport and fitness topics including nutrition, leadership, health and lifestyle, sport as a business and organising sports events. Students on the Diploma will also compete within the British Colleges League and in the Club’s comprehensive youth development programme which has already progressed players through to the first team. The course will also provide students with unrivalled progression opportunities, to Higher Education (HE) programmes, and future careers throughout the fitness industry, including sports development, coaching, and sports science and sports psychology.
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Debra Forsythe-Conroy, Harrogate College Principal, said: “We are very excited to be able to offer young people this fantastic new opportunity in partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. “The partnership will provide all our students with some truly fantastic opportunities to work with professionals within the sport and fitness industry and, for those students studying sport, to forge connections within the industry before their careers even begin. The benefits of this new partnership reach far beyond those students studying within the Academy – every learner with an enthusiasm for sport will be able to develop their skills and have the opportunity to work closely with the Club. “This dynamic relationship with the football club is a first for us, however we have significant experience of working closely with local organisations across other sectors to provide students with similar opportunities to gain real-world experience and it is a model which has proved extremely successful. “We will continue to work with Harrogate Town to develop a truly employer-responsive curriculum and together we look forward to welcoming our first intake of students this September”. Garry Plant, Managing Director, Harrogate Town Football Club said: “The Academy set-up based at Harrogate College strengthens the club’s commitment to education, the development of young footballers and all young people who enjoy sport. The partnership further establishes our commitment within the Harrogate District. In addition to producing excellent young footballers to push the club forward it provides young people with more than just a plan A or plan B. “It gives them a sound start to adult life, develops life-long social skills and enables individuals to develop at their own pace. The future development of the estate and training facilities at Harrogate College is exciting and the team of professional coaches and back room staff at Harrogate Town cannot wait to get started”. Harrogate College and Harrogate Town AFC will host a series of recruitment evenings for those interested in applying for this September. The first recruitment evening is held on Thursday March 26, 7pm to 9pm at Harrogate Town’s CNG Stadium.
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Quick thinking student puts first aid skills into action When Hull College student Jordann Thompson completed her Heart Start first aid course she had no idea how soon she would need her new skills. On January 7, Jordann successfully obtained her Heart Start certificate. Heart Start is a British Heart Foundation course delivered by Hull College tutors, it teaches how to help someone suffering a heart attack or other medical emergency until emergency services arrive. Jordann’s course was led by tutor Linda Lee, Lecturer in Childcare Studies. Just a few hours after completing the session, Jordann, who studies Childcare at the College, was outside Hull’s Paragon Interchange waiting for a bus when a fellow traveller suddenly collapsed. Thankfully, Jordann knew exactly what to do. She says: “I saw the lady fall to the floor and I ran straight over. I asked whether she could hear me and she nodded. My friend Kain was with me, so I shouted to him to call the emergency services. I carried on talking to the woman to comfort her and put her into the recovery position to keep her safe – this position keeps the airway clear and means they will not choke on vomit or fluid if that’s an issue. “The police got there first and I told them what had happened they said I’d done well. The Paramedics got there shortly after and explained that the woman had had a seizure. They said I’d done the right thing in speaking to her and putting her in the recovery position and they thanked me. “If I hadn’t done the Heart Start course I would have had no idea what to do. I’m so glad I happened to have done it that day and it really proved that everyone should do a first aid course because you never know when you will need to use it.
Photograph supplied by HDM
“Even though it was a stressful situation I felt calm and if I ever needed to use my first aid skills again I definitely would”. A Humberside Police spokesman said: “In this incident Jordann used her first aid training effectively and helped to ensure the woman was safe until the Ambulance Service attended. When PCSOs attended this incident she had already put the woman into the recovery position and put a coat around her to stop her hurting herself further. It is clear that she had done everything right and her positive attitude was outstanding and really supported the emergency services.” Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “A large number of our students, including those studying childcare, complete first aid courses as they are relevant to their study programmes. Jordann’s story highlights the fact that first aid skills are important for everyone to have, as you never know when you may need them. “We’re very proud of Jordann for staying calm and stepping in to help a stranger until professional help arrived. Simple procedures like using the recovery position can save lives. I hope others will take Jordann’s experience to heart and consider enrolling on a first aid course themselves”.
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New College collaboration will bring fresh insight to business problems says FSB
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The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Hull College have embarked on a programme of collaboration to inspire confidence and encouragement in the next generation of East Yorkshire entrepreneurs, whilst enhancing the prospects of Hull’s existing business community.
their business skills and apply their ingenuity to solve real problems in real businesses. We have every confidence that their creativity and resourcefulness will deliver positive results for the businesses and extend the students’ confidence in their own ability to make a success of a career in entrepreneurship.
The programme launched in March, with a networking event at the College where more than 40 College students met with 20 local businesses, all of which introduced a product or service with the potential to benefit from improved marketing. The students then used their youthful enthusiasm and inventiveness to identify new and innovative ways of marketing the products and services. The results of the exercise will now be fed into an event which will take place during Humber Business Week in June, when the participants will be able to celebrate their successes.
“We are very pleased to be working with the FSB in this ground-breaking project which we believe is heralding a new relationship between the Humber business community and the educational establishment”.
Alex Alterskye, Hull College’s HE Course Leader for Business and Management said: “This unique project is providing our students with an opportunity to demonstrate
“The FSB has no doubt that many businesses will benefit from having a fresh review of what may be long-established problem marketing areas”.
Ben Wright, the FSB project coordinator and founder of local digital marketing company We Are Demon, said: “The FSB has been impressed with the College’s commitment to practical learning. The potential to use the energy and vitality of the city’s business students to bring fresh insight and breathe new vigour into real-life business challenges is just too good to miss.
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to deliver new Job Centre Plus scheme HCUK Training, part of the Hull College Group, is to work with Job Centre Plus (JCP) on a new scheme designed to boost young people’s chances of finding work. Having secured a contract to deliver the JCP’s Choose to Improve programme across Yorkshire and The Humber, HCUK Training will be working with hundreds of candidates over the coming months, helping them equip themselves for the world of work. Those who enrol on the programme will receive a range of services, from coaching on interview skills, to creating and improving CVs and earning qualifications. Even when candidates find a job, they will have the opportunity to continue to work with HCUK Training staff, through weekly drop-in support sessions.
Emma Yorke, Managing Director at HCUK Training, said: “The aim of the Choose to Improve scheme is to improve candidates’ confidence, motivation and self-esteem in order to progress towards and secure employment. We’re very excited about this new opportunity to engage with job seekers throughout the Yorkshire and Humber area and look forward to achieving positive outcomes for them. “We will be able to tailor the support package we offer to suit individuals, adjusting it depending on their specific needs and abilities. All of those we engage with will be assigned their own Job Coach, who will then work with them to establish which of our individualised ‘Routeways’ is
best for them. We will also issue all those who complete the programme with an exit report, detailing their achievements and progress and will hold weekly evening drop-in sessions to provide continued support for candidates who successfully find work”. To deliver the Choose to Improve Scheme, HCUK Training will work with specially selected sub-contractors and specialist third sector community organisations, to ensure a complete offer of the most appropriate, meaningful interventions throughout each learner’s programme.
Goole students enter ‘Dragons’ Den’ During National Apprenticeship Week, HCUK Training launched a new Dragons’ Den-style initiative, designed to provide students with the opportunity to pitch themselves to a panel of local employers. Organised in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, the event took place last Thursday at Goole College. The aim of the programme is to provide individuals with a much-needed confidence boost and the opportunity to talk to local employers about their search for employment and get first-hand advice and guidance about what employers are looking for when they recruit. Each learner wrote an individualised sales pitch about themselves, with support from the HCUK Training Employment Services team and then entered the Den individually to face the panel of employers. Dan Howard, Head of Employment Services and Contracts, HCUK Training, said: “What was excellent about the first event is the feedback we received from employers on the night about how great all
the individuals were and how much they enjoyed talking to them. The employers took everyone’s CV and actually said they were going to review their recruitment strategy as a result of the initiative. “Each individual came out after they had pitched on such a high, bursting with confidence and really happy with the advice they had received from the ‘dragons’. One individual even said ‘that was the best 10 minutes of my life’. “We are in close contact with all who pitched themselves, as some of the employers involved are interested in talking further about potential recruitment opportunities”. Sue Teal, Recruitment Consultant at JCP, said: “I thought it was a fabulous event, our customers have really gained in confidence and to see their smiley finance was a tonic!” Any local employer which would be interested in participating in any future Dragons Den events, are invited to contact Dan Howard on: 0300 330 20 10.
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Chisels swapped for nail files in College career exchange Students from Hull College’s schools of Construction and Hair & Beauty took part in a course exchange session tutored by Paul Barrett (Joinery) and Sandra Draper (Hair & Beauty). Nail files were swapped for chisels and wood glue for massage oil as the two groups had a go at each other’s specialisms. Female students attended a joinery session, where they produced a basic joint supported by members of Women in Sustainable Technologies (WIST), who acted as mentors. Meanwhile, male students took part in a massage and nails session. The idea of the swap was to address gender balance within traditionally male/female dominated vocational fields and give them an insight into study paths and career options they may not have considered before. It was also intended to illustrate that gender should not limit life choices – girls are just as good at construction and boys can make brilliant beauticians. The sessions were enjoyed by all and the feedback received from students was very positive: “It was a thoroughly good experience. I enjoyed it.” – Liam Nagi “It’s going to be my second career choice, I really enjoyed it, Paul is the best for organising it”. - Emily Bradshaw “I can’t wait to do it again” – Kurt Wilcox “I really enjoyed doing joinery I enjoyed learning new things and felt really comfortable doing it. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I actually did.” - Chelsea Nolan “It was interesting and although it wasn’t what I want to do in the future, it proved girls can do things that boys can.” – Chloe Day. Paul said: “We organised the career swap to broaden both student groups’ horizons – we wanted them to appreciate that your gender doesn’t limit you to particular subjects. The session was fun and students did have a laugh about swapping subjects, but they also all genuinely enjoyed learning a new skill and getting out of their comfort zones. The feedback was extremely positive and I think several of those involved really re-evaluated their career options. “We do have female students on engineering and construction courses and male students studying hair and beauty but there is still a significant gender imbalance which it’s important to address. If there’s a course you’re interested in, then go for it – everyone is welcome and everyone receives equal support. “We’ll be repeating the session for certain, as we’ve had loads of requests from other students who want to have a go”.
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Partnership with Stray FM goes live Harrogate College has launched a partnership with local radio station Stray FM, which has seen a series of education-themed programmes aired.
theme, including the provision the College offers, Apprenticeship Week and the College’s new partnership with Harrogate Town Football Club.
In the style of a digital magazine show, made up of interviews, discussions and information, the weekly Education and Training programme airs every Wednesday, through Stray’s digital online channel. Sponsored by Harrogate College, the programme has been designed to appeal to anyone who is interested in education and training issues, from students and employers to those considering returning to education.
Debra Forsythe-Conroy, Harrogate College Principal said: “This partnership is a great opportunity for Harrogate College to showcase itself and is an exciting new project to be part of.
A number of programmes have now been produced and have proved popular, with impressive numbers of downloads achieved. Each programme has focussed on a different
“It has given us new opportunities and a new tool to reach people and an excellent channel to communicate key messages and information. “We’ve been delighted with the response to the programmes so far, it is clear from the numbers accessing them that students, parents and those considering returning to education are interested in what we have to say”.
Hull College students produce awards on a national theme for VHEY For the sixth consecutive year, students based in Hull College ceramics and glass department have designed and produced the trophies for the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTA). Significantly this time, learners have been predominantly school leavers studying on the first year of the Level 3 Advanced diploma in Art and Design (Fine Art). Frances Kendrick produced the unique winning design based on an Ammonite with a circular glass form which complements the ceramic base. Lecturer Nancy Pliener said: “To produce 14 awards and several spares, it is always challenging, but this student group has climbed a massive learning curve with complex technologies involved which have all had to be mastered. “All the staff within the department are proud of the learners and their dedication.
“I will attend the awards dinner at the stadium with students Caitlin Smith and Harriet Smith and we are looking forward to seeing the winners revealed and the trophies presented, representing the culmination of a significant live project from the college”. Caitlin Smith said: “I’ve really enjoyed working on the project. It has been exciting to produce something for a real client and I’ve learnt a lot of skills which will help prepare me for working in a professional environment. “It’s fantastic to think that award winners will take home our work and proudly display them – it really makes all of our hard work worth it. I think my skills within ceramics and glass have improved significantly over the course of the project – I feel like I could do anything now!”.
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Enterprise programme inspires students Hull College successfully launched its Young Enterprise programme at the Centre for Digital Innovation (C4Di) in January. Organised in collaboration with Startupathon and the Link Up Start Up group, the launch event offered students a chance to practise their networking and presentation skills on real businesspeople. Each of the five Young Enterprise groups which participated took the opportunity offered to present their business ideas to an audience which included local business people, tutors and their peers. The aim was to provide the participants with the opportunity to speak to local business owners and to experience pitching and idea development in a real-world environment. Students who take part in the programme are given encouragement and support to develop their ideas into functioning businesses. In addition to this Rebecca Shipham from Ships and Pigs gave an inspirational talk about how she won UK Freelancer of the year, and Martin Lauer from the One Point spoke about his own entrepreneurial journey. Alex Alterskye, Business and Computing Lecturer, is also the Business Enterprise lead for the College. He said: “It was really exciting to get so many enthusiastic young entrepreneurial people together, all getting inspiration from sharing their ideas, and hearing real life stories from local business leaders on how to make a success of business start-up. “All the students did a fantastic job of showing how enthusiastic they were about taking part in the programme and getting started with their business ideas”.
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Andrew Jones MP praises Harrogate College’s arts facilities Andrew Jones MP enjoyed a visit to the ceramics department at Harrogate College in March. During his visit Andrew spoke to adult students, had a tour of the Ceramics department and spoke to the tutors. Student Ann Joslin explained: “The tutors at Harrogate College are fantastic and we arranged for Andrew to visit to see our work and tour the department here as it’s the only local facility that offers a broad field of work within the Ceramics sector. Students from as far as Scarborough come here because of this. “We thought it would be an ideal opportunity for Andrew to come along and see this to see this hidden gem that is available in Harrogate”. Students learn a range of skills while on the Ceramics course from glazing and design to chemistry and physics. Creativity is also a skill to have but not essential as students learn basic skills such as the different types of clay to use in order to make traditional bowls or plates on the wheel through to sculpting some great intricate pieces with clay. Dave Oxley, Ceramics tutor at Harrogate College, said: “I’ve been here for many years and it’s always great to see students develop their creative flair with the theoretical aspects such as maths for measuring out quantities for different colours of glazes available or what temperature the kiln should be in order to give a different finish in colour. “This subject is all about getting your hands dirty but it can be quite therapeutic too. I see Ceramics as a blob of fascination and creativity with no end to what can be created. We even use glass as another means to create bespoke pieces”. Andrew Jones MP commented: “I found my visit really interesting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn’t realise this resource was available here but it’s fantastic. The students’ passion for what they are learning really shines through and I’m glad this exists in Harrogate as there is nothing of the same calibre nearby”. For more information on the courses available at Harrogate College visit: www. harrogate.ac.uk or call: 01423 878211. The next open event where prospective students can speak to tutors and view the facilities is on Thursday 5 March between 5-8pm.
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Progression Passport proves a huge success A comprehensive review of the impact of the Progression Passport and Employability Seal across the Group in 2013/14 has found that the scheme is directly benefiting students. Of those who achieved the Gold standard – the highest set by the Passport system – 96 per cent went on to either further study or to find a job. Introduced in 2013, the Progression Passport and Employability Seal was designed to document students’ skills development beyond their programme of study. It is a tool students can utilise to demonstrate to employers that they have gained work experience, are reliable punctual and committed, and have developed key employability skills from telephone skills to time management, communication skills, confidence and personal presentation. Following the success of the programme, it has been expanded to include students in the HCUK 14-16 College in both Hull and Goole and the Progression Passport itself has been further developed to improve visibility, create greater differentiation between the three levels – Gold, Silver and Bronze – and to place an increased focus on
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overall performance levels, including within key skills areas of English and maths.
fantastic young person who has made a real difference to our business”.
Graham Towse, Hull College Principal, said: “We’re extremely pleased and encouraged by the success rates the Progression Passport and Employability is delivering. This is conclusive proof that it is a programme which is working and delivering the results we intended it to.
Hull College student Kimberley Baynes went on to secure a job at Hull’s Roundabout Day Nursery. She says: “I really enjoyed working through the Passport. I showed it to my employer at interview stage and they were impressed”.
“Students themselves enjoy engaging with the programme and the feedback we have received form them is extremely positive – they feel it is really helping them develop the skills they need for work and has helped them secure employment.
A representative from the nursery said: “Kimberley has fitted in exceptionally well and works to a really high standard”.
“We have also spoken to employers about the system and they are confident that it has had a significantly positive impact on turning our students into the kind of employees they need to benefit and drive forward their businesses”. Goole College student Otto Wells went on to secure a job at circus skills school Circus Box after finishing his course. He says: “The passport helped me achieve my goals and ambitions”.
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These girls can Female students at Hull College are breaking traditional gender barriers by excelling in subjects still sometimes regarded as being unwelcoming to women. The College encourages a mix of male and female students to enrol on all courses, however in areas including joinery, welding, motor vehicle disciplines and engineering women are still in the minority. In a bid to encourage other girls to have the confidence to study any course they want, some star students have spoken out about their positive experiences and why the refuse to let anyone hold them back in achieving their ambitions. Shanaz Begum, 19, a former pupil of Newland School for Girls, is close to becoming a fully-qualified paint sprayer as she nears the end of a three-year refinishing course at Hull College’s Cannon Street centre. She said: “It was a big change for me, coming from an all-girls school, to a male dominated motor vehicle department. At first I felt a bit alienated because I was the only female in a big group, but as the course progressed, it started to get better and better and we became like one big happy family”. During her time at the College Shanaz has become involved in projects beyond her studies, having been chosen as class representative and delivered paintspraying master-classes during open evenings for prospective students. Her grades and practical skills have improved year on year and she now finds herself vying for position of top of the class. “If I look back at myself at Level 1 compared to who I am at Level 3, there is a huge change. With the paint spraying experience I have gained, and my personal development, I feel confident enough to go out into the world of work and compete against anyone for a chance of employment.
Fellow student Elizabeth Hodgson studies body repair and is planning a career as a panel beater. She makes the 120-mile round trip from Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, every time she has a lesson and is renovating her own car as she learns. She says: “I really enjoy coming to college and the body repair trade is one I definitely want to get into. I would not travel all that way, if I did not enjoy it – this course is my chosen vocation”. Elizabeth achieved good grades in her GCSE’s and A Levels in Biology and Psychology but was steered toward vocational study by a love of cars and getting her hands dirty. It was when she bought a 23-year-old Austin Rover Mini that she began to develop a particular interest in body repair. With local Colleges unable to offer the course she wanted, Elizabeth enrolled at Hull College after tutors agreed to let her renovate her car in the College workshops. Despite studying a long way from home, Elizabeth is confident she made the right decision – and her tutors’ faith in her is so strong that she has been entered into the an international body repair competition supported by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). She says: “A forum which brings together the best performing students from around the country She says: “Knowing I have carried out the repairs and not just taken it to a garage is a brilliant feeling. Now, it is coming together, I can visualise the finished product and can’t wait to see it completed. “I am really pleased my tutors have had the confidence in me to enter me for this competition and I am really proud of myself. Seeing my car come together and knowing that I’ve done it all myself without having to take it to a garage is a great feeling.
“My advice to others would be you can be anything you want to be. It is not about being male or female because everybody gets taught the same. The teachers are really good they are always willing to help and want the best for their students.
“Coming to Hull was a big step but I felt part of the team as soon as I arrived and was welcomed by everyone. I have become a lot more confident in all aspects of life and I think that is due to taking that plunge to come to a new course and college”.
“There are people of all ages and backgrounds within our group, but we all get on. As we have passed through the levels, a special bond has grown between us, as students, and with the tutors”.
Anyone interested in taking a motor vehicle course with Hull College – or studying on any other programme – can visit www.hull-college.ac.uk for further information, including our prospectuses for both full- and part-time courses.
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Construction staff help terminally ill man in TV’s DIY SOS Staff from Hull College’s School of Construction and Green Energy Skills took part in an episode of BBC programme DIY SOS, where they worked to completely renovate the home of a terminally ill man and his family. The man, who lives in Rise, Skirlaugh, near Hull, suffers from Motor Neurone disease. College staff members Darren Storrer, Julie Dobbs, Andy Bannister, Vaughan Hughes, Mark Richardson, Gary Longthorp, John Sutton and Steve Lord all took part in the project, which took a total of nine days to complete. All members of the team gave their time for free and local companies contributed materials. Work carried out included refitting bathrooms and kitchen, widening doorways, installing mobility hoists and fitting a light system which can be operated by blinking eyes. Darren Storrer, Curriculum Leader for 14-16 education and painting and decorating said: “The project involved long, hard days but the atmosphere on the site was fantastic, really friendly and relaxed. Once the job was complete we all returned for the handover of the property to the family. It was such a pleasure to go back and gave us real pride in our hard work and also in the College, as many of our former students were also involved. “The handover was very emotional but so worthwhile. Staff really enjoyed the challenge, so much so that we have offered to travel to support further shows”.
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Ministerial visit for student project Students and staff who have been involved with the joint project with Probe to refurbish derelict Hull homes received a visit from Government minister and Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams recently. More than 200 Construction students have gained significant real-world experience through their involvement in the scheme – known as the Voids – which has transformed 50 completely unliveable properties into highquality affordable housing. The Voids has earned national and international Green Gown awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to sustainable projects by educational institutions.
Mr Williams, who is Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, met key people involved with the regeneration scheme and toured one of the most recently completed houses. The terraced property was literally a shell when work began, with no lower or upper floors, windows or doors. Today, it is beautifully finished inside and out and is ready to be lived in. The Minister said he was impressed by both the project itself and the standard of work. Shane Foster, Head of Division, Construction and Engineering, said: “The Voids is a truly fantastic project which has had significant benefits for the city of Hull and for each of
our students who have been involved with it. We highly value our partnership with Probe, and following this latest recognition of the achievements of the project, look forward to continuing working together to deliver high-quality affordable homes. “From the point of view of our students, the Voids has provided unparalleled opportunities to become involved with a real-world project and to really put their skills into practice. It’s a fantastic thing to be able to put on their CVs and demonstrates to employers that they have skills and experience which will make the transition into the workplace an extremely smooth one”.
Record taster day for Harrogate More than 110 Year 11 students from Harrogate and the wider region took part in an annual taster day at Harrogate College. The Taster Day offered students the opportunity to try out different courses on offer at Harrogate College, helping them to make an informed choice of subject to study after Year 11. Students tried out sessions in Art & Design, Business & ICT, Childcare, Construction, English and Maths, Hair and Beauty, Health & Social Care, Hospitality, Motor Vehicle, Performing Arts, Photography, Public Services, and Sport. Josie Guinness, 14-19 Partnership Manager at Harrogate College, said: “We were thrilled to welcome so many young people and delighted with the energy and
buzz that they brought with them. “Our guests reported that they enjoyed checking out our facilities, quizzing their expert tutors and hearing of our current students’ positive experiences.
Grammar School, Queen Ethelburga’s College, Ripon Grammar School, Rossett School, St Mary’s Menston, St. Aidans, St. John Fisher’s Catholic High School, and Wetherby High School.
“A great deal of planning and organising from staff at Harrogate College went into making the Taster Day a success and into the partnerships we have created with the 18 schools who kindly sent their students to us to experience the options available after Year 11. Schools which took part included: Bedale High School, Boroughbridge High School, Forest Moor School, Guiseley School, Harrogate Grammar School, Harrogate High School, Horsforth High School, King James’s School, Nidderdale High School, Outwood Academy Ripon, Prince Henry’s
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Spencer Group continues to build on the success of Hull College Apprentices in 2015 In 2014, leading specialist engineering business Spencer Group forged a partnership with Hull College which saw the company take on 12 apprentices through a series of workshops. This level of intake was the highest the company had committed to in its history, and all of last year’s apprentices are still with the company and continuing to impress and excel in their roles. Due to the impressive standard shown by our students, Spencer Group has now announced that in September 2015, they intend to run a second block of the workshops with the intention of taking on another ten apprentices from Hull College, and have already begun working with the college to identify the most suitable
candidates for the engineering and quantity surveyor roles. Mr McIver said: “This is an excellent partnership, which works really well for the students, the College and for us, as we are able to identify, at an early stage, the students that are best suited to our business. “We are working to ensure Spencer Group and Hull College are so closely aligned that we create a conveyor belt of young talent with a smooth transition into employment. “2015 is going to be a very exciting year for us and we’re looking forward to working with Hull College to offer yet more apprenticeships in engineering and construction.”
Principal Awards Each month schools across Hull, Goole and Harrogate College are asked to submit nominations for learners who are currently on Gold Standard for attendance and punctuality. In addition to meeting these standards they also need to show that they are doing something that makes them stand out, whether this is volunteer work, caring for a relative or something exceptional alongside their studies. Each month a panel meets and chooses
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one winner from Goole and Harrogate College and two from Hull to receive a certificate and a £10 gift voucher, all remaining nominations receive a certificate from their Head of School. Recent winners include:
Hull College Matthew Robson Moira Beadle Mugisha Byringiro
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Nicole Thomson Jasmine Clark Chloe Day
Harrogate College Arisitides Luis Neves Mandinga Jordan Deighton
Goole College Billy Burns Ellis Revell
Hull College students carry the torch at Hotelympia
In April 2015, three students from Hull College competed in a prestigious culinary salon event and came away with a range of incredibly impressive awards. The Hotelympia International Salon Culinaire is an annual culinary exhibition, showcase and competition. Held at the Excel Centre in London, the event is internationally recognised and attracts participants from around the world. Leading the way for Hull College were students in their final year of the level 3 Patisserie & Confectionary course. Lorna Thompson won the Bronze Award and Best in Class for her petit fours. Lee Nunke, who competed against representatives from The Dorchester and The
Savoy Hotels, was awarded Bronze for his afternoon pastries and Best in Class for his bread display. Steven Lodge achieved Bronze for his selection of afternoon pastries and a merit for his Chocolate petit fours. It was however, the bread display category that saw Steven shine, going on to win the Gold Award and Best in Class. These awards are only won if the contestants meet the tough scoring criteria, sometimes resulting in no winner for some categories. The tough criteria, coupled with the extremely high level of competition, makes these awards incredibly prestigious and a real boon for the students profile. The extent of the students work does not
just begin with the event and requires a tremendous amount of preparation, resulting in over 60 hours of training. The trip is also completely self-funded and was only made possible by the group carrying out various charity fundraisers as well as catering for functions and events to raise the funds needed. Lorna, Lee, Steven and their tutors have shown incredible dedication, passion and commitment throughout to achieve these accolades, and they help carry on a long tradition of Hull College’s results at this competition. To take this tradition further, training has already started for another 15 students to compete in the upcoming Salon Culinary Exhibition in Wessex. We wish them all the very best of luck.
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Hull College wins two prestige awards in the 2015 Pearson Teaching Awards! Mike Abel has been announced as a Silver Teaching Award Winner in the Clevertouch Award for Outstanding Use of Technology in Education category, and Darren Storrer has received an Award in FE Lecturer of the Year category in the Pearson Teaching Awards 2015! Selected from thousands of nominations received by the Pearson Teaching Awards in 2015, Mike and Darren’s was just one of over 60 celebrations which took place in schools and colleges across England, Ireland and Wales on Thank a Teacher Day, 12 June 2015, when prestigious Silver Pearson Teaching Awards where presented to outstanding local heroes of education.
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The Pearson Teaching Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching, founded in 1999 by Lord Puttnam, they recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of the young people they teach. Mike said “I am so pleased to be shortlisted in the last five in my category from over 4,000 teachers across the country. It is a fabulous achievement and will be a very memorable experience” Mike and Darren will now join fellow Silver Award winners at the UK final of the Teaching Awards to be held at London’s Royal Opera House, Covent Garden on 18th
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October, where 10 Silver Award winners will receive a Gold Plato Award. The ceremony, titled “Britain’s Classroom Heroes”, will be filmed and broadcast by the BBC as a showcase of excellence in education. Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, president of the Teaching Awards said: ‘I am genuinely proud and honoured to be the president of the Teaching Awards. I owe so much of what I’ve done to my fantastic teachers at school and university and it is exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all.’
The only way is Wessex A team of catering students and staff spent their half term competing at one the largest live cookery contests within the UK held at Brockenhurst College based in the New Forrest. This annual contest held over 2 hectic days where staff and students competed from 7am in the morning to the close of play at 6pm brings together the best students from around the country. The aspiring chefs ranging from level 2, 3 Food preparation and Patisserie courses delivered at Hull College brought home a total of two Gold,12 Silver, 16 Bronze and nine merit awards. Outstanding Achievement was bestowed to Steven Lodge who gained a Gold Medal and best exhibit at the competition, Lorna Thompson also gained Gold Medal for her selection of afternoon pastries. Both learners have been selected to represent the North at the forthcoming heats for the World Skills Olympics, a prize that is only bestowed to the best young Chefs in the country, could these 2 learners reach the heights of Aaron Penn UK World skills Gold Medallist 2014?
Nicky Allison, Head of School for Hair, Beauty and Catering said “We are all extremely proud of the staff and students who have competed in the competition, their hard work and dedication has really paid off and this is a fantastic showcase for the departments success.”
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Hull students go for a Gong with famous J Arthur Rank house restoration Whenever you sit down to watch a Rank produced film, you witness a little piece of Hull’s history. The opening sequence, which features a strongman striking a golden gong, has become one of the most Iconic of the last 100 years. The house in which J Arthur Rank was born, on Hull’s Holderness Road, has sat empty and derelict for many years until recently, when not-for-profit organization Probe (Hull) Limited was given the task of transforming the property into four apartments to rent. To mark the restoration of the movie mogul’s house, students from Hull College have created a replica of the famous gong, set to take pride of place in the entrance. Paul and Richard Marshall both study Body Repair, and alongside their tutor Paul Wisker, spent more than 40 hours painstakingly creating the gong from scratch, including some of the tools needed.
Mr Wisker said: “Gongs now are made by machines, but we have
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had to make it all by hand, so the students have had to go back in time to see how gongs were made. “The students have done an amazing job, taking the project from conception to the finished product. They used research to find out the origins of gong making, devised a way to make it and then put that into practice.” J Arthur Rank was born at 371 Holderness Road on December 22, 1888 and throughout the 1940’s and 50’s, the Rank business were the leading producers of British films and their iconic opening sequence is still recognisable to this day. The Rank family operated the Odeon Cinema chain and produced films in Mr Rank’s purpose built facility, the now legendary Pinewood Studios, home for many blockbuster franchises such as James Bond, Harry Potter and the upcoming Star Wars sequel. Not just a famous film-maker, Rank was
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also a leading businessman of his day and helped found the bread making giant Rank Hovis McDougall. After all of their hard work, both students say they are delighted with the end result.
Paul said: “It was a great experience and certainly a challenging one. We had to use all of the skills we have learned throughout the course to fabricate the gong. When we started with a flat piece of steel, it was hard to imagine the finished product, but now I think it looks amazing.” Richard added: “I really enjoyed fabricating the gong, as it meant we had to use traditional hand skills and processes to create it. We also had to make a tool to fashion the acoustic dimples. It is an honour to think our hard work will be displayed in the Rank House and hopefully it can also be used as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations in 2017.”
Harrogate College Showcases Talent Throughout June, Harrogate College showcased an array of talented students through a number of end of year Art and Design exhibitions and graduate events. The Art department opened their doors on Tuesday 9th June, for the end of year LOOK Art and Design Exhibition. There was an abundance of spacious and interlinking rooms decked out with a variety of students work from self- portraits and metal sculptures to ceramics and fashion. The whole department was buzzing with visitors including proud family and friends of the hard working students, the Mayors of Harrogate and Knaresborough and many other VIP guests. The work on display was absolutely mind blowing, not just the amount but also the calibre that our students are producing. Liz Riley, Editor of Excelle Magazine said “It’s incredible to see such amazing work coming out of the College!” Debra Forsythe- Conroy also enjoyed the exhibition saying: “A big thank you goes to staff and students
for another fabulous end of year exhibition. It was wonderful to see so many visitors and also a great opportunity to showcase the work of our incredibly talented students and to meet and talk with their proud parents and guests. Well done to you all and congratulations to our amazing students!” The College’s talented fashion degree students’ showcased their work at their end of year graduate event, PINK, on Thursday 11th June 2015. The event was a culmination of the year’s work for students on the Level 3 BA (HONS) Fashion course at Harrogate College and was entirely student led. They had to work as a team to organise, promote and run the event, which was extremely well attended with support from family, friends, staff, former students, employers and the Mayor and Mayoress The students raised a fabulous £265.38 for the Emerald Lodge Children’s Hospital, a charity that looks after children with mental health issues.
Each student with collections showcased in the installation, had created and edited a time lapse video of their designs coming to life throughout the year, so visitors could see the transformation and their achievements, right up to the finished product. This proved quite emotional for the graduates. Level 3 BA (HONS) Fashion student Sandra Blackburn directed the event. “I directed the show, which was very stressful beforehand. During the installation I was really nervous but it was worth it in the end as we’ve had amazingly positive feedback which has left me feeling quite emotional!” – Sandra Blackburn. Annabel Smith was proud of the work that her hardworking students have produced over the past three years working together. “My students are talented and strive for perfection. The final year students are extremely hard working and have pulled out all of the stops to put on this excellent fashion installation” – Annabel Smith
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Hull College Queen’s Gardens Centre Wilberforce Drive, Hull HU1 3DG. T: (01482) 329943 F: (01482) 308047
Goole College Boothferry Road, Goole DN14 6SR. T: (01405) 762420
Harrogate College Hornbeam Park Harrogate N.Yorks HG2 8QT T: (01423) 879466
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