My College Newsletter - Spring 2023

My C llege

Hello & welcome

to our Spring 2023 newsletter!

We are excited to share with you all our latest news, events and photos from this term. Our students and staff have worked very hard, and we are very proud of their achievements!

Places are filling up fast! Make sure you attend your interview to secure your first-choice course.

We don’t want anyone to be disappointed in September, so that’s why we are encouraging all school leavers to ensure they come along to their

Spring 2023

College interview and accept their place on their first-choice course!

We understand that this is a key time where you will need to make important decisions about your future, so if you haven’t made your mind up yet and would like some more information, Middlesbrough College can help. Whatever your career ambitions are, we will support you and help you to achieve it.

Meet our Careers Team!

Meet Phil, Zara and Abel, our Careers Team! The team can help you make the right decisions on your future career paths. Our team are fully qualified to provide support for individuals from a range of backgrounds into successful future opportunities and can support you if you are unsure about what you want to do when you leave school.

Head to our website to find out more about our Careers Team:

Middlesbrough College Student and Parent Newsletter

Latest College news

Labour Party leader talks the future of health and social care with our students

It was a pleasure for us to host the visit of Sir Keir Starmer and to give our health and care students the opportunity to question the Labour Party leader about his vision for the future of health and social care in this country. During a question and answer session, students asked the Labour Party leader questions on a range of topics including

mental health, emergency care, pay and conditions and training.

Sir Keir told the students how important they were to the future of the NHS and healthcare.

He said: “You are very much part of our plans to get the NHS fit for the future. We need more staff within the NHS so we plan to double the number of training places available and help create the biggest expansion of the NHS workforce in its history.

“

It’s great to be able to see that next generation of health and social care

workers coming through at Middlesbrough College –what you are doing is really inspiring.”

Harley is setting sail for success!

Congratulations to Level 3 travel & tourism student

Harley Barrons who is ready to set sail with Carnival Corporation & plc after successfully being appointed as a deck cadet apprentice.

Harley said: “I’m so excited for September! I’ve absolutely loved my time at Middlesbrough

It was fantastic to host the Middlesbrough mayoral hustings at the College this May. The mayoral candidates set out their visions and did a Q&A session, which was an insightful and informative experience for our students.

College, and I can’t thank the travel team and the careers team for all their advice and guidance. My tutors supported me throughout the application process and helped me to prepare for my interviews and assessment days. I was over the moon when I was offered the role and I owe a lot to Middlesbrough College for supporting me through the process. ”

“

I’m hoping to continue progressing in my career and one day become a captain.”

Harley

Our Construction students are building up to UK first

A group of students could become the UK’s first allfemale bricklaying gang as they build up their careers in the construction sector.

The College’s Level One Bricklaying Diploma course currently has six female students on its books looking to make their way in what is still a maledominated profession. The group includes 17-year-old Lily Collins from Brotton, 18-year-old Georgia Biswas from Hemlington and 18-year-old Jessica Costello from Redcar.

Lily explained: “I had heard about the course from other friends and I thought it sounded like something

I would enjoy and so far, that’s definitely been the case. ”

Mike Emery, head of construction at Middlesbrough College, said: “At the College, we are firm believers that there are no

‘male’ or ‘female’ professions and that opportunity should be open to all. We wish them and everyone on the course well and we’ll ensure they are supported throughout their studies and beyond.”

Meet our new FA Apprentice

18-year-old Daisy Stokoe has been appointed as our new FA Women’s Football Development Officer (Apprentice). At the College, she’s working alongside a team of experienced, exprofessional and expert coaches to develop the women’s football academy and increase participation.

Following the success of England’s Lionesses at the Euros last summer, Daisy hopes the increased exposure to the game will encourage more young girls to consider playing. She said: “My role at the College is to help develop those pathways in our region and I’m just getting started!”

Taking student success higher

We are so proud of our students; we could burst with pride!

Middlesbrough College Alumni

It’s important to us that we stay in touch with our students once they have left us to find out where life takes them after they have left Middlesbrough College.

We want to share your stories, experiences and achievements to help inspire our current students, so that’s why we launched the Middlesbrough College Alumni!

Join

Callum

Callum Devine Level 3 IT

Callum is now the co-founder of CB Social. CB Social is a Teesside based digital marketing agency who specialise in social media marketing and content creation and have clients across the globe!

“

The College boasts brilliant tutors who really care about their student’s education. Some of the tutors who taught me are still at Middlesbrough College now and are continuing to deliver excellent education. I was invited to join the College’s digital advisory board because of the experience I have in industry, so it is strange to now be working so closely with my former tutors and sharing information with them about the needs of the sector.”

Did you know?

We are proud to be one of the leading providers in technical education. Middlesbrough College is a partner College in the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT), meaning that many of our courses are IoT recognised. Our technical courses are built around the detailed needs of top employers, and we continuously collaborate with industries to ensure students are workplace ready.

Sian

James Wallace

Digital Production Design & Development T Level

James is celebrating his permanent offer of employment as a Software Engineer at Greenlord Studios, after impressing them during his 45-day T Level placement.

James said: “I’m delighted to have secured a role with Greenlord Studios! I’ve really enjoyed studying my T Level at Middlesbrough College and the 45-day work placement has provided me with the essential hands-on experience in the digital industry. I would recommend studying T Levels to school leavers, the course has helped me get my foot into the industry I want to work in and it’s a bonus that I’ve secured a role that I love on completion of my placement.”

Sian Husband

Level 3 Performing Arts (Dance)

Since attending the College, Sian has graduated from Laine Theatre Arts, a performing arts school in London and performed in the Warner Brothers winter spectacular in Abu Dhabi!

Sian said “I absolutely loved the performing arts course at Middlesbrough College. It was so refreshing to be able to study something that I’m really passionate about.

“I would definitely recommend the performing arts course at Middlesbrough College. The staff are lovely, and I feel the course helped to prepare me for the realities of the performing arts industry, particularly the audition process.”

Middlesbrough College delivers cutting-edge T Level awards!

T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that they meet the needs of industry and prepare students for the workplace. Every T Level student participates in an industry placement that lasts 45 days, helping them to gain valuable experience in the workplace and allowing employers to meet the new talent in their industry.

Can you help with a work placement?

Email: placements@mbro.ac.uk

James

Higher Education news

Achieve your career ambitions with Middlesbrough College’s job-focused University courses.

At University Centre

Middlesbrough we can take your education higher with our jobfocussed University level courses that will prepare you for future employment. Our affordable degree courses will equip you with the skills employers are looking for, and our courses can be studied on a parttime flexible basis to fit around work and family commitments.

Our students made sound waves with local band

Our current Sound and Music Technology degree students had a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent and

skills when we hosted the band Sorority Grrrls and their record label, Butterfly Effects Records, in our studios for a recording session!

Abi Foy

HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Abi is a Winder Fitter at Sulzer

“

I currently study the HND parttime and put the knowledge I am learning at College into practice in the workplace, which has been massively beneficial in both my learning and my career progression. The facilities at the College are fantastic and the tutors are also outstanding.”

Abi

Access to Higher Education news

At Middlesbrough College we help to change the lives of our students and our Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are the perfect FREE* route back into education, and to a degree.

Julian Nwosu

Julian Nwosu completed an Access to HE Diploma in Health with us in 2018 and is now a staff nurse at South Tees Hospital.

“I had been out of education for quite a while, but I wanted to have a foundation first before going to University to study nursing. My Access to HE course gave me the basics I needed, and it really helped me in my career. The course allowed me to balance being a mum to my 3 children in the day, and in the evenings my husband would drop me off at College after work.

“I would definitely recommend an Access to HE course for both young and mature students. You can also come and do a course in the evenings, like I did, which is very convenient. I have fond memories of studying with Middlesbrough College; it was a stepping-stone to where I am now in my career.” Find

Adult & Community Learning news

We are so proud of the team at our Adult & Community Learning Centre!

We provide a dedicated supportive learning zone for adult learners, located at 2 Queen’s Square and deliver a range of courses in the centre and out in the community, making it easier than ever for people to learn new skills. Whether you’re looking for a new job, ready to get back to work, looking to retrain, progress at work or learn a new skill, we have the course for you.

We believe there is never a bad time to start over and take on a new challenge, that’s why we offer an extensive range of adult part-time courses that are designed to help you achieve your goals and enhance your CV.

Want to find out more and get started? Scan the QR code below:

Olena Zhulinas

Functional Skills

English- Level 2

Olena is a Ukrainian refugee, she came to Middlesbrough in April 2022 because of the devastating impacts of the war in Ukraine.

“My hosts found the course for me at Middlesbrough College. It is completely free which is important for me now and the course is

allowing me to become a dental therapist here in the UK. In Ukraine I was a dental therapist before the war, so I’m improving my English skills to have the career I loved here.

“This course was really helpful for me; my tutors have helped me with everything. Also, I’ve made lots of friends on my course which is also helping me to improve my English skills.”

Olena

Sector Skills Academies

Our Sector Based Work Academies are short courses designed to get you back into work in a specific occupation. They include industry-recognised qualifications alongside a guaranteed job interview or exceptional support for the application process, with a local employer upon completion!

Within all of our courses, you will gain skills in application search, CV writing and interview preparation.

Courses run on regular dates throughout the year and attending them will not affect your benefits.

Cuppa & catch-up with Adult & Community Learning

Are you out of work at the moment? Do you need support returning to work or education? Don’t worry, we can help!

Our Adult & Community Learning team can support you with any worries or concerns you have and help you to find a route back into education or work.

We are offering drop-in sessions at 2 Queens Square every Tuesday, 10am-11am. Come and see us for a cuppa and catch-up! 2 Queens Square is a safe and welcoming environment for all and offers a dedicated space designed for adult learners.

Sector Skills Academies include:

For a chat about courses and to check your eligibility, please call 01642 333 378 or email: adult&communitylearning@mbro.ac.uk

If unemployed and in receipt of benefits, the courses above are FREE!

Campus Map

Latest news from Northern Skills

North East Times business breakfast

It was a pleasure to partner with North East Times to co-host one of their iconic networking breakfast events in March. Ben Robinson, Claire Preston and Dominic Lusardi took to the panel passionately during the event, to answer a series of

questions around employers supporting students, equality and diversity, and the future of our region from all industrial aspects. It was great to welcome employers from across the region to our Waterside Brasserie, based in our Middlesbrough Campus.

Our AAT apprentices donated their resources to Africa

Our AAT apprentices and Intelect joined forces to support students across the globe by sending textbooks to Africa as part of the social action project Books2Africa.

Accounting apprenticeships

‘just

add up!’

A young accountant who opted for an apprenticeship over University says his decision is paying dividends, having worked his way up to a management level position with engineering giant Intelect. Ben joined Middlesbroughheadquartered Intelect after College and completed an AAT Advanced

Diploma in Accounting with Northern Skills.

He said: “I’d always wanted to do accountancy and the idea of earning while I was learning was really appealing. I also knew an apprenticeship would also give me practical hands-on experience, something I probably wouldn’t get at University.

“

My apprenticeship was the foundation to my career, and it’s paid off so far, it was the best decision I’ve ever made,

The AAT accountancy qualification is internationally renowned and students across the globe study the same levels and units. With their used and spare books, Middlesbrough College apprentices donated their materials to support students from Africa with their studies.

and I’d recommend it to anyone!”

Latest news from TTE

Apprenticeships opening up worlds of possibilities!

Apprenticeships with TTE Technical can open up a world of possibilities for employers and employees – just ask David Johnson and Hydrasun. The 29 year old is now a fullyfledged Mechanical & Instrument Technician at fluid power specialist Hydrasun, travelling to locations across the UK and Europe after completing his apprenticeship.

David explained: “I’ve always been interested in how things work and in working

TTE welcome Phil to the team to help technical training on Teesside take off

Middlesbrough College Group has appointed Phillip Blewitt as assistant principal of construction, engineering

with my hands. It was a different path to the one I thought I was going to take and a bit of a gamble to fund myself on the course at TTE but it certainly paid off. The company really didn’t hold me back – I was travelling to Cornwall one week on an energy project and then in Scotland the next week on an oil and gas development.”

To find out more about TTE apprenticeships, scan the QR code:

and TTE. With more than 35 years of global business experience, Phil brings a genuine passion for learning, development and innovation to his new role.

Phil said: “I feel a sense of social commitment to the region and

its future economic success. Construction and engineering skills development for young people and adults will play a major role in helping not only to support our existing businesses but will also support those looking to invest and build their new facilities here on Teesside.

“A big part of my role will be working with our team to understand industry challenges, help employers strengthen their workforces and support all learners to build their own successful careers in the industries that are driving our region’s success. ”

Coming in 2024

See how our new TTE centre will look through these 3D visuals

Student

7 breakout classrooms and study spaces

social and welfare areas

Large conference room and staff workspaces

7 large multifunction/ multidiscipline workshops

Work starts on new £12m TTE training centre

Construction work is officially under way on a brand new £12m centre for leading workforce training provider TTE Technical, part of the Middlesbrough College Group.

Chair of Governors, Robert Davies was on hand to cut the first sod on the site at Middlehaven, central Middlesbrough.

The new facility, which is due to open in September 2024, will train over 300 full-time students, 300 apprentices and 500 adults each year, alongside a thriving international cohort of students.

The state-of-the-art centre is being built by Morgan Sindall Construction and will provide over 3,000 sq m of space over two storeys. Its facilities will include:

• 7 Large multifunction/multidiscipline workshops to provide for Instrumentation, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Process Engineering and Net Zero Low Carbon Technology Workspaces

• 7 breakout classrooms and study spaces

• Large conference room and staff workspaces

• Student social and welfare areas

The new centre is being built to sustainable design principles with features including a full photovoltaic solar roof. It also offers easy access to wider campus facilities and transport links. The project was awarded via the Pagabo Medium Works Framework.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College Group, said: “This day has been almost three years in the planning since we started looking at options for the refurbishment or relocation of the current TTE facility at South Bank.

“Our new facility will enable TTE to continue providing high quality engineering and process operations training to a wide range of learners for decades to come, with the right industrial skills and behaviours to easily transition into the workplace.”

Courses which will be hosted at the new centre will include a range of programmes for school leavers, adults, employers and international students. Subject specialisms at the site will include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Instrumentation, Process, Wind Turbine, and Laboratory courses.

The centre will help TTE continue to provide high quality TTE apprenticeship programmes to a wide range of employers across the North East.

College life

Pride Parade

Middlesbrough College’s annual pride parade took place on 16th February this year. Organised by our LGBTQ+ society, the parade brought staff and students from across the College together to celebrate. Max the Mouse even made an appearance to show his support!

International Women’s Day

This year we celebrated International Women’s Day with Power of Women! We hosted a networking event to give some of our students the chance to meet with some inspirational women and hear all about their career journeys!

Kinky Boots

A huge well done to our Level 2 & 3 Media Makeup students for their hard work on the production of Kinky Boots with Stockton Stage Society at Billingham Forum!

New York, New York!

Some of our Public Services and Aviation students enjoyed a trip to the Big Apple this term!

Sport Science students raise over £2000 for Cash for Kids North East!

The students took part in a social action project where they decided to raise money for the local children’s charity over four weeks. They raised the money by taking on the challenge of running a total of 96km, the equivalent of the Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro!

Tees Heritage Walk

Our students have done a fantastic job helping out with the Tees Heritage Walk that took place on Sunday 14th May! They have been heavily involved in the project in a wide range of ways, including:

• Art and design students creating the Tees Heritage Walk logo.

• A-level History students carrying out research into the heritage of the Tees and writing the narratives for the digital information points.

• Technology and digital students digitising the content and creating QR codes for the information points.

• Construction students making and installing the physical Tees Heritage Walk signage along the routes.

• Public services students acting as stewards and guides for walkers on the day.

We are so excited that our new electric Tesla Model Y has arrived on campus! The car will be used to train our motor vehicle learners on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Our A Level photography students got the chance to judge a photography competition held by BBC Look North!

Events

School Leaver Open Events

If you are in Year 11 and you haven’t decided what to do once you finish school, don’t worry - there’s still time to apply to Middlesbrough College!

Come along to our Open Event to explore.

Wednesday 17th May 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 22nd June 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Higher Education Open Events

At our Higher Education Open Events, you’ll be able to find out more about the University courses on offer here at Middlesbrough College’s University Centre.

Wednesday 7th June 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Access to Higher Education Information Events

Come along to one of our Access to Higher Education information events to find out more about our courses, meet tutors and explore our campus! Enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea and get all your questions answered.

Wednesday 17th May 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 22nd June 5:00pm - 6:30pm

TTE Open Events

Interested in studying with the North East’s leading technical training provider for the engineering industry?

Now is the time to start thinking about your future, so we’re delighted to invite you to come along to our TTE Campus Guidance Event.

TTE’s open event is the perfect opportunity to find out more about TTE and the range of technical training courses on offer!

Tuesday 6th June

All events are 4:00pm - 6:00pm