My College Newsletter – Winter 2022

My C llege

Middlesbrough College Student and Parent Newsletter

Winter 2022

The importance of making post 16 choices

If you haven’t applied to College yet- don’t worry! This is a key time where you will need to start making some 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.

We are supporting all Year 11 students to take their next step in education. Whatever your career ambitions are, we will support you and help you to achieve them.

Come along to our next Open Event on Saturday 29th January, 10am-12pm! At our Open Event you can visit our interactive subject stands to find a course perfect for you, take a tour of our £120m campus and find out more about our student perks,

Hello & welcome to our

Winter 2022 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!

Merry Christmas from everyone at Middlesbrough College and Happy New Year! Have a wonderful break, make sure to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in 2023!

including our amazing free* 7-day travel plan and free laptop loan scheme. Our Careers Team will also be on hand to give you free, impartial careers advice for your future. Make sure you get your application in to us to secure your place. You can complete an online application form quickly and easily on our website, visit mbro.ac.uk

Latest College news

Middlesbrough College hosted the UK’s biggest skills competition!

Middlesbrough College was chosen as one of six host destinations for WorldSkills UK’s National Skills Competition, which saw finalists compete in a host of disciplines including 3D Digital Game Art, Cyber Security, Digital Construction and Mechanical Engineering.

Alongside the drama of the competition, Middlesbrough College hosted its own events, providing careers advice and giving visitors the opportunity to talk to employers and

industry experts from across the region.

The College’s Careers Exhibition took place over two days, with more than 40 interactive stands providing carers advice and an opportunity for visitors to ‘have a go’ and find out more about careers in a range of sectors. More than 1,200 pupils visited the Exhibition, from primary and secondary schools in the Tees Valley across the two days, along with many of the College’s own students.

Also in attendance was John McCabe, Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce. John said: “This has been a fantastic

opportunity to showcase the world-class facilities right here on the doorstep and it’s great WorldSkills chose Middlesbrough College as one of its host Colleges. We’ve got some phenomenal businesses across a multitude of sectors in the North East- from small businesses and start-ups to big employers who are exporting their products and services all over the world, employing thousands of people.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re providing young people from our region with the aspiration and the opportunity to develop their skills and carve out fantastic careers with those businesses. That’s how they continue to prosper and grow.”

Results Day 2022

We were delighted to celebrate our student’s achievements on A Level Results Day in August 2022. Results Day is always a fantastic day for us here at Middlesbrough College and this year was no exception. The College achieved a 98% overall A Level pass rate, with almost half achieving A*-B grades. More than 72% of learners studying BTEC vocational qualifications also achieved high grades!

Meet Ben Robinson

Ben Robinson joined us this term as our new Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO. Ben is responsible for heading up the College’s curriculum and he oversees the progression of the College’s learners, ensuring outstanding practice in classrooms.

Having worked in education for more than 20 years, Ben brings a genuine passion for teaching, learning and mentoring to the position as well as extensive experience from previous

roles in the sector – including his time as the strategic lead for personal development, behaviours and attitudes and education programmes for young people across the Education Training Collective (ETC).

Ben said: “I used to work at Middlesbrough College back in 2003-2005 as head of A Level PE, so to be able to return and play my part in raising the aspirations of young people in the area, is an incredibly proud moment in my career.”

TTE

Training Centre Relocation

The build of TTE’s new multi-million-pound engineering facility has been officially approved by the Department for Education, moving the TTE facility to Middlesbrough College’s Middlehaven campus.

As part of Middlesbrough College Group, TTE Technical Training is the UK’s leading provider of technical training in the oil & gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors. They deliver specialist industry apprenticeships and training courses that foster business improvement and enhance lives.

Opening 2024

Taking student success higher

Middlesbrough College Alumni

It’s really 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!

Stay in touch, connect with other former students and

staff and stay up to date with all the latest news and events!

Join the Middlesbrough College Alumni today

Amelia Dixon

Applied

Science- Level 3

Amelia studied at Middlesbrough College back in 2016. She progressed to Newcastle University to study for a degree in Animal Science and is now thriving in her career as a Graduate Animal Nutritionist at Thompsons of York!

“

I thoroughly enjoyed my course at Middlesbrough College, it was challenging yet exciting. The teaching was great, and the support I received was fantastic. One of the reasons I chose to study at Middlesbrough College was due to the independence I felt the College offered in terms of it being a clear step up from school, whilst still offering the support you need as a student. The facilities are also fantastic! I loved attending the gym whilst at College and socialising with my friends at MC6. The environment was the perfect place to relax and study.

My current job role is a Graduate Animal Nutritionist at Thompsons of York. My role focuses on pig nutrition, and I work as part of a technical team at a feed mill producing animal feed for a wide variety of animals.”

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

Amelia

Rachel Boynton

Mechanical Engineering- Level 3

Rachel is now an Assistant Fleet Engineer for Network Rail.

“

I loved every minute of my time at the College, and everyone was so supportive and encouraging. I want other young people to feel that too and to know that there’ll always be people who will believe in you and give you a chance, you just need to be willing to take a chance too. I can honestly say I love my job and if I hadn’t gone to Middlesbrough College, I might not be able to say the same thing.”

Moritz Cornieje

T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development- Level 3

Following his successful placement with the NorthLink, 18-year-old Moritz Cornieje was offered a permanent role as a software developer alongside his studies.

“I started out studying A Levels but soon realised it wasn’t for me. I then heard about T Levels and loved the sound of the work placement and getting real, handson experience.

“It means you can really integrate yourself into the business and quickly prove yourself to be an asset. And for some, it can lead to a permanent role, like it has for me.

“There’s only so much you can learn in a classroom. I had the opportunity to work on real client briefs and build my confidence in a professional environment – it’s been invaluable.”

Can you help a student with a T Level placement?

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. If your business can support please get in touch with our team: placements@mbro.ac.uk

Moritz

Rachel

Higher Education news

A practical alternative to University, achieve your career ambitions with Middlesbrough College’s University Centre!

Taking celebrations higher

Huge congratulations to our students who graduated at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Tuesday 8th November 2022. Graduation day is always a wonderful occasion, and we were delighted to celebrate with over 170 Higher Education students and their families and friends.

We want to wish our graduates every success for the future. Many congratulations and best wishes!

Did you know?

Middlesbrough College is a partner college in the North East Institute of Technology (NEIoT). We are proud to be one of the leading providers in technical education. Some of our degree programmes are IoT accredited!

Amy Davison

BA (Hons) Youth, Childhood & Community Studies

Amy is a self-employed childcare provider.

“

Amy

My tutors at the College were so supportive and genuinely cared about my success. I hope I can one day offer the same support and help someone into their dream career. ”

Access to Higher Education news

If you have always wanted to go to University but thought that your goal was out of reach, think again. An Access to Higher Education Diploma is your stepping-stone to a degree if you don't have the entry requirements. Studied parttime across one year, the course is perfect for you if you want to go further with your studies and to progress to University!

We offer a range of different qualifications, so no matter what your future career ambitions are, we can help to get you there.

Kira Coleman

The Access to HE course helped Kira to get her life back on track after years of suffering with PTSD and finding herself homeless. Kira studied the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Music and then progressed to Middlesbrough College’s University Centre to study for her degree in BSc (Hons) Sound and Music Technology.

In September Kira won the Student of the Year award at the Tees Businesswomen Awards and in November she was the class of 2022 Valedictorian at the Middlesbrough College Graduation Ceremony. Kira also works at The Globe Theatre in Stockton.

“

Kira

Where I didn’t have the support that most people do from their family, my tutors at College have been the most consistent people in my life. They’ve not only helped me professionally in giving me the skills I need to do something I love career wise, but they’ve really helped me turn my life around. Middlesbrough College has been a massive part of getting my life back on track – I’m so thankful for my tutors because I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.”

Education is the one cost you shouldn’t have to worry about

Taking you higher with affordable education

Education should be accessible to everyone. We understand that times are difficult now, but, here at Middlesbrough College, we are dedicated to making education affordable. We support each full-time student with a range of perks and financial support.

We will provide a free loan laptop device for all full time students.

This will support your learning, equip you with the tools to succeed and help you to develop and showcase your digital skills.

Financial help

Students receive help whilst they study with:

• Bursaries of £350 or £1200 per year

• Support with equipment, costs, and residentials

• Support with childcare

• Other course related costs

Financial help and bursaries are all subject to status and means testing.

Adult & Community Learning news

advantage of the opportunities being created on the Teesworks site.

Middlesbrough-based Midas Cladding has partnered with Middlesbrough College Group to develop a dynamic training academy that will take

with a local employer upon completion.

Alongside the Midas Cladding Skills Academy, the College delivers fully funded sector skills academies in areas including construction, customer service, health and safety, renewable energy, security and welding. “

It’s all part of the College’s sector-based work academies, short courses designed to get people back into work. The skills academies include industry-recognised qualifications alongside a guaranteed job interview

Through our new skills academy, we’re able to grow our own team and offer opportunities to people right here on Teesside. It’s a win-win.

Martin

Latest news from Northern Skills

Apprenticeship Awards 2022

We were delighted to hold our annual Apprenticeship Awards at Rockcliffe Hall in November where we joined many of our apprentices and employers for a truly inspirational evening!

Congratulations to all of our award winners!

We are delighted that Northern Skills won the ‘Apprenticeship Organisation of the Year’ at the Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards! Thank you to our amazing team who make it all happen.

Overall Apprentice of the Year Kaitlyn Sedgwick, Durata

Building homes and careers

Housing association and developer Thirteen Group recently partnered with Northern Skills to take its apprenticeship scheme to the next level.

The new partnership will see scores of young people build their dream career with the housing giant, which manages more than 35,000 homes in the North East and Yorkshire.

Northern Skills will deliver training to 30 new apprentices in technical areas as well as in housing, customer services and back-office functions.

How to secure an

apprenticeship

1. Register your interest

Visit northernskills.co.uk our team will then be in touch to discuss your options once you leave school.

2. Apply for your dream vacancy

Once you finish school you can apply for an apprenticeship, our team will be on hand to help you through the whole process giving you the best possible chance at succeeding.

3. Attend an interview

If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview to discuss your application in more detail with either Northern Skills or the employer. We will have you well prepped by providing you with interview skills sessions beforehand.

4. Secure your apprenticeship!

If successful at interview, our team will be in touch and get things in motion to kick-start your career!

Apprenticeships set up Sembcorp for success

Sembcorp is a leading provider of sustainable solutions supporting the UK’s transition to Net Zero and has worked with Northern Skills for almost two decades to future proof its workforce.

Graham Taylor, HR business partner said: “We’ve worked with Northern Skills and its sister operation TTE for years to bring on apprentices, and it’s proved an effective part of our succession plans. In fact, much of our workforce began as apprentices and have worked their way up to fully qualified team members, including many of our senior team.”

Sembcorp’s latest cohort of 14 apprentices is its biggest intake to date and includes apprentices across finance, IT, labs, maintenance, and operations, as well as its first ever HR apprentice.

Get that apprenticeship event 2022

Thursday 4th May 2023 4:00pm-7:00pm

Come along to our apprenticeship open event to meet our specialist team, chat with local employers and find out what you can do to stand out from the crowd and secure your dream apprenticeship.

Latest news from TTE

TTE is the UK’s leading provider of technical training to the oil & gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors, specialising in supporting learners to progress into technical apprenticeships for industry.

Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation attracts aspiring apprentices to TTE

Earlier in the year, TTE became one of the first providers in the nation to be awarded with a Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation to their Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship.

This accreditation is an independent external marker of a high-quality programme, allowing employers and learners alike to study at the highest standard.

Lexie is beginning her career with Calysta to excel in her favourite field whilst gaining the accredited qualification.

“I have always had an interest in sciences but never knew you could complete a Laboratory Technician apprenticeship until I saw an advert from Northern Skills on social media about the Royal Society of Chemistry accreditation to TTE’s Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. After looking at a few different roles I stumbled across this vacancy with Calysta and immediately thought- that’s the one for me!

I would absolutely recommend this apprenticeship programme to anyone, especially if you have an interest in science. The programme has been extremely engaging, and I enjoy talking to my College classmates about their work tasks to grow my knowledge even further!”

Lexie Scott Laboratory Technician apprentice

Lexie

Attracting technicians from across the globe

We were delighted to welcome a team of new engineers from Kurdistan to our world-class training facility to help them prepare for work in their home country’s oil fields.

The group, from global oil and gas company HKN Energy have been learning from TTE’s expert tutors at the world-renowned training centre this term!

TTE and British Steel have a brilliant long-standing working relationship which has been developed over numerous years and continues to guide students from the local areas into careers in engineering.

TTE was originally established over 30 years ago as a joint venture by ICI and British Steel to develop apprentices for Teesside industry and became

part of the Middlesbrough College Group in 2019.

British Steel on Teesside have just taken on their most recent cohort of apprentices from TTE, welcoming more aspiring engineers into the business.

Tony Malone, Cranes & Infrastructure Engineer at British Steel Teesside Beam

Mill said: “Working with TTE as our training provider on recruitment and development of our apprentices has shown itself to be very successful.

Steelmaking has been in our region for decades and TTE help use to keep the traditions of our industry bring into it quality young people.”

Long may this partnership continue!

College life

Panto 2022

Our Performing & Production Arts students got into the festive spirit by bringing the MC Christmas pantomime to life! This year our students presented Robinson Crusoe and the pirates! A classic story of pirates and hijinks on the high seas. Well done to all involved on another fabulous Christmas production!

Supporting local charities this Christmas

Our Level 3 TTE students braved the wind and rain and competed in a charity football tournament. They all played tremendously and managed to raise an amazing £230 to buy toys for the Mission ChristmasCash for Kids charity. A huge well done to you all!

Meet Max the mouse

Max the mouse has joined as our College mascot! You can meet Max at our College events; he loves posing for pictures with you!

Our Level 3 Childcare students helped to arrange a College wide fundraiser for the local food bank.

College trips

Our Public Service students spent the week at Otterburn Army Camp learning about careers within the army and getting stuck into some practical sessions. It was an adventure packed week and they all had a fantastic time!

Some of our Outdoor Adventure Education students enjoyed a visit to The Wainstones in the North York Moors National Park. They hiked, scaled and climbed their way to some fantastic local views and scenery whilst learning valuable new knowledge and skills!

Our Construction students enjoyed a site visit to Bowmer and Kirkland. This was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to be given a genuine insight into the operations of a professional construction site. A big thank you to Bowmer and Kirkland for having us for a visit and providing a valuable industry experience.

Our A Level students are career ready!

In November our A Level students attended the Career Ready business launch! Career Ready are a UK-wide social mobility charity and are providing our learners with a programme of workplace opportunities and support. Career Ready works with employers to help young people develop the skills and attitudes needed to transition from education to employment.

Our Construction students took part in Challenge Anneka and helped build a local community centre!

Challenge Anneka is making a comeback to Channel 5 next year and a group of our Construction students were asked to give a helping hand with one of the projects, building a local community centre in Thornaby.

Meet our Careers Team!

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

Meet Phil, Zara and Abel, our dedicated Careers Team! The team can help you make the right decisions on your future career path. If you are unsure what you want to do when you leave school, don’t worry. Our team can help you! Our Careers Team are fully qualified to provide support for individuals from a range of backgrounds into successful future opportunities.

Events

School Leaver Open Events

Take your ambition higher at our Open Events! At our events, you’ll be able to meet our friendly team, take a tour of our facilities, meet your tutors and find out about our range of courses.

Saturday 28th January 9:30am-12:00pm

Wednesday 15th March 5:00pm-7:00pm

Thursday 27th April 5:00pm-7:00pm

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

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

Cuppa & catchup 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!

We are offering dropin sessions at 2 Queens Square every Tuesday, 10am-11am. Come and see us for a cuppa and catchup!

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.

Saturday 28th January 9:30am-12:00pm

Wednesday 15th March 5:00pm-7:00pm

Thursday 27th April 5:00pm-7:00pm

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?

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

Thursday 12th January

Tuesday 7th February

Wednesday 22nd March

Thursday 11th May

Tuesday 6th June All events are 4:00pm-6:00pm

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 18th January 4:00pm-6:00pm

Tuesday 7th March 11:00am-2:00pm

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

Fresh Start Guidance Event

Unemployed and not in education or training? Here at Middlesbrough College, we are offering a range of courses to help you get back into education and have a fresh start. At our event you can chat with our friendly team and get free, impartial advice for a new beginning.

Thursday 12th January 11am – 2pm