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Middlesbrough College Student and Parent Newsletter
January 2021
£10m campus expansion plan and launch of T levels We are delighted to announce that we will undergo a multimillion-pound expansion to accommodate the launch of pioneering new technical qualifications, T Levels. We were selected by the Government as just one of a handful of institutions across the country to deliver the twoyear courses developed to meet the needs of employers.
This means that our plans for a new Digital Centre, Construction Skills Centre and extension of our A Level catering facilities will be accelerated. The three-storey digital centre and two-storey construction expansion will create over 2,000 sq. m of additional learning space with specialist computing equipment used to teach T Levels!
It also means our health and childcare facilities – within the main campus building – can be expanded to provide new space for those courses. In addition to the T Levels already offered by Middlesbrough College, a full programme of courses will launch in September 2021, as building work on the new facilities is completed. Continue to read on page 3
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Hello and welcome ‌to our January 2021 newsletter!
Last year was a strange one, there’s no denying that, but despite the difficult times our students have gone above and beyond and we are so incredibly proud of all of their hard work this year. We wanted to share with you all of our latest news, events and photos including our incredible news about our T Levels expansion plans, becoming a WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, achieving Institute of Technology status for the North East and beginning work on our STEM Centre expansion.
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Campus news Taking the lead on technical training
Our campus expansion
We are thrilled to be part of the North East Institute of Technology! Led by New College Durham, Middlesbrough College is the sole deliverer of IoT accredited courses in the Tees Valley.
We are so excited to share with you that we will be building a brand new Digital Centre, Construction Skills Centre and extending our Sixth Form Centre! Our multi-million pound development will create outstanding facilities for our learners. With confirmation of our bid it means we’re ready to hit the ground running with cutting edge T Level courses in the digital and construction skills that are underpinning the recovery and growth of our area. T Levels are high quality, exciting routes into employment, apprenticeships or further study that give learners the technical skills most in demand in the jobs market.
www.mbro.ac.uk/IoT
WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence We are delighted to be one of the first colleges to be part of the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, in partnership with NCFE, to mainstream worldclass standards in skills development in the UK. Working together with WorldSkills UK, NCFE and our partners, we will help develop a world-leading technical education sector.
In the forthcoming Digital Centre, learners will get the chance to work in industryleading programming suites, cyber labs, special effects rooms, games design suites, video editing suites and a dedicated film and TV studio. Digital courses will cover skills in games development, Next Gen games, animation and VFX skills, computing networking, cyber security, web and application development and IT and digital video production. Our new Construction Skills Workshop will give learners hands-on experience with tools and systems they’d expect to find in the workplace. We are already working with a range of construction firms to make sure courses equip learners with the skills so in demand on Teesside due to the major development projects taking place.
New University Centre building
will involve expanding our existing STEM Centre by 11,800 sq. ft.
Work on our new University Centre building has begun! The £3.1m expansion contract was awarded to Surgo Construction and
We are also excited to announce that Professor Brian Cox is scheduled to open the new Centre this year!
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Taking student success higher CPI is set for T Levels in 2021
T Levels New for 2021 T Levels are a brand new qualification which are an alternative to A Levels. This 2-year qualification will help you to build the future that you want. You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% of your time in the workplace, putting the skills you’ve learnt into action.
T Levels help Teesside teenager take control of career opportunities Tom Spencer has built workplace skills through Middlesbrough College’s new T Level programme and landed himself an Apprenticeship at HC Controls – a Stockton-based design and manufacturing specialist of industrial control panels. The 17-year-old, from Billingham, is training to be a panel wireman under the guidance of the experienced team at HC Controls, learning how to use key tools.
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Every T Level student will take an industry placement that lasts at least 45 days, helping you to gain valuable experience in the workplace and allowing employers to meet the new talent in their industry. Our courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that they meet the needs of industry and prepare you for work.
A Levels
Lourdes
Results Day 2020 We have been so impressed with our student’s resilience this year despite the difficult circumstances and we were delighted to celebrate our students’ achievements on A Level results day in August. We achieved a 100% overall A Level pass rate and two thirds of our vocational students achieved the top distinction grade!
100% overall
A Level pass rate
Oxford Success A Level student Lourdes Maigua Medrano secured a place at Oxford University to study Biology after gaining fantastic grades! Lourdes, who has ambitions to pursue a career in animal conservation, said: “The students and teachers have been amazing throughout my time here. I never would have had the confidence to even apply to Oxford, but the way my teachers and fellow students have supported me gave me the boost I needed. It’s all paid off and I can’t wait to start at Oxford this autumn.”
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Education takes you higher We know that many of our students and Apprentices have gone on to achieve great things since leaving Middlesbrough College so that’s why we got back in touch with them and launched The Middlesbrough College Alumni!
“My Accountancy course at Middlesbrough College definitely helped me to secure my job role. The recruitment process was tough but the skills and knowledge I learnt at Middlesbrough College helped to set me apart from the competition.” Parminder Kaur Level 4 Professional Diploma in Accounting (AAT) Parminder is now an Accountant
Back to class for former MC6 student Charlie! Former A Level student Charlie Turner is now back at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form but on the other side of the classroom! Charlie studied A Levels in 2014. After gaining his degree, Charlie decided he wanted to pass on his knowledge to future generations and train to be a teacher. Charlie applied for a teaching position at MC6 and today Charlie’s old classroom, where he once was taught is now his new office as he works full time as an Applied Psychology and Criminology tutor.
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If you are a former Middlesbrough College student we would like to hear from you. Visit mbro.ac.uk/alumni to share your story.
“Before studying at Middlesbrough College, I had no intentions of going to University, but now I’m a Newcastle University graduate and have just started my dream job. I believe if it wasn’t for the support I received at Middlesbrough College I would have never discovered my passion for programming and problem solving. I really enjoyed studying at Middlesbrough College. The College was a very collaborative space where students were encouraged to express themselves and be proud of what they were passionate about.” Jay Howarth Level 3 Information Technology Jay is now a Software Engineer
“I absolutely loved my time at Middlesbrough College and found it was the perfect stepping stone to prepare me for stage school auditions and full time dance training. After College I gained a place on the 3 year BA Honours dance course at The Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts (LIPA). At my LIPA graduation in 2017 I was awarded a 3 month scholarship to further my training at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. Once I got back to the UK I auditioned to be a character at Disneyland Paris. I had the most magical year at Disney! I’m hoping to be back working for the Walt Disney Company again very soon!” Taryn McHugh Level 3 Performing Arts Taryn is now a Professional Dancer
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Higher Education news First hospitality degree students graduate from Middlesbrough College Future leaders of the world’s hospitality and tourism industries are among the first cohort of degree level students to graduate from Middlesbrough College. The group – which includes young learners who’ve progressed from school, as well as mature students – collected their dissertations from the College at an event marking the end of the one year MA Hospitality and Tourism Management course. They are the first Masters Degree students to graduate from Middlesbrough College following its ground breaking partnership with The Open University, which offers a wide range of degree-level courses.
Meet our new lecturer, James Mann James Mann is our new Hospitality lecturer in our Higher Education team. James is a Business graduate from Nottingham and has worked within hospitality, travel and events for the last ten years including a host of exciting projects such as the Brit Awards!
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We are thrilled to announce that we scored a whopping 94% student satisfaction in the recent NSS Student Survey 2020!
“I didn’t want to move away from home for my degree and Middlesbrough College has a fantastic reputation. “I have had such a good experience studying here and I have good relationships with all my tutors. I know that they will push me to succeed and support me. Plus, it’s a bonus that it is a lot cheaper than other Universities and I can save some money by living at home!”
Tom
Tom Eglinton Fd Sports Therapy and Injury with Rehabilitation
Tasmin “My skillset has literally sky rocketed through the roof since starting this course. I would definitely recommend studying the BSc Sound and Music Technology degree programme at Middlesbrough College! “During my degree we have had lots of opportunities to work in industry which has been fantastic as it has allowed me to gain experience in real working environments and expand my CV.” Tasmin Watson BSc Sound and Music Technology
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Adult part-time news Life changing retrain course helped Stephanie style her future Mum of four Stephanie Colley studied Middlesbrough College’s Retrain to Hair & Beauty course and is now working in her dream career, running her very own hair & beauty business- Ellex Hair and Beauty! Stephanie said “Working in the hair & beauty industry was always my dream since I was a little girl. After reading about the retrain course at Middlesbrough College I decided to apply and take that step to becoming a qualified hairdresser and beauty therapist. I was nervous about coming to College as I had been out of education for some time, but it was the best decision I have ever made.”
Online Distance Learning with Middlesbrough College
Distance learning courses allow students to study flexibly around work or family commitments and to expand their skillset and improve their employability. If you want to up skill in your own time and on your own terms, a free online learning course with Middlesbrough College could be the answer!
Hannah Winship Level 2 Data Protection & Data Security and Level 2 Equality & Diversity “If you want to upskill in your own time and expand your CV I would definitely recommend studying for a distance learning course at Middlesbrough College. The choice of courses is fantastic, so there is something for everyone no matter what your job role or career ambition.”
TUC courses
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We are offering TUC courses for budding union reps from January 2021. See our website for more details. Apply now and start when the lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Donia
“My career ambition is to become a teaching assistant. I love working with children and Middlesbrough College’s Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning qualification is allowing me to gain the skills I need to progress in the sector. Before starting on the course at Middlesbrough College I worked with children who had autism. I’ve been lucky to continue doing this during my placements.
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The tutors on my course have been amazing. They are very helpful and supportive. I would definitely recommend this course, in fact I already have to some of my friends!” Donia Elbrolosy Level 2 Supporting Teaching & Learning We still have places available on our Supporting Teaching & Learning courses for April 2021! Apply online today
Adult courses starting in the New Year Take on 2021 with a part-time course from Middlesbrough College. We have a host of online courses starting this January in a range of sector areas that will help you into employment. You can also find out about a range of on-site courses that you can apply to for when our campus reopens.
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Latest news from Northern Skills Group Apprenticeship and training arm of Middlesbrough College
ULC recruits new Apprentices for the future energy industry High tech company ULC Robotics is once again working with Northern Skills Group, to offer Apprentices a gateway to employment in the utilities sector. Wendel Baltazar, Andrew Thompson and Adam Fishburn will join the team as Engineering Technician Mechatronics Apprentices. The three students will work across ULC Robotics’ London CISBOT sites to gain hands-on experience in the industry.
Training with Caterpillar Tony Elston is a Maintenance Technician at Caterpillar, the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturer. Having recently completed the Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship standard, Tony has been sponsored by his employer to complete the Level 4 HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering to further his knowledge and progress his career.
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New recruitment process We have boosted our recruitment service to give young people new tools for finding the right Apprenticeship and our expert advisors will work with employers to recruit Apprentices who are well suited to their workplaces. The service starts when someone applies to a current Apprenticeship vacancy on the Northern Skills Group website. Northern Skills Group’s team review the application and then invite the person to join a series of sessions – both in person where appropriate and via the online video chat platform Zoom. These sessions deliver detailed advice to Apprenticeship hopefuls, including how to hone their interview technique, how to make their CV standout and discussion about what roles their abilities and interests are suited to. For employers, the service means they’ll receive an even higher quality of applications from learners with not only the right technical skills but also a much deeper awareness of their industry.
Pre-Apprenticeship success Are you based in Teesside and looking for an Apprenticeship? Join our Pre-Apprenticeship programme! We offer a range of career-focused courses to help you build on your employability skills and boost your chances of securing an Apprenticeship. This includes support with job hunting, CV writing and interview preparation. Find out more and enrol online!
To view our latest vacancies and sign up to our mailing list, visit www.northernskills.co.uk
Success at Darlington Building Society Keely Hurst enrolled onto Northern Skills Group’s Pre-Apprenticeship Academy at Middlesbrough College in July 2020 after finishing school as she was unsure on her next steps. Following a successful 2 week stint of job hunting and interview preparation, she secured an Apprenticeship in Customer Services at Darlington Building Society.
Make sure you have a Plan B! We would strongly recommend that you apply for a full-time vocational course in your chosen industry with Middlesbrough College, so if you can’t find the right Apprenticeship you are still set to study in September!
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Latest news from TTE Expanded academy energises wind power trainees In another major investment in skills for the future – TTE, the international technical skills training arm of Middlesbrough College Group, is expanding it’s an Offshore Wind Manufacturing Academy. The Academy will build on TTE’s existing course offering for full-time study programme 16-18 students, including the internationally-recognised Global Wind Organisation Basic Technical Training (BTT) course which is seen as an entry point for people pursuing a career in the sector.
Charlie secures role at Quorn “Whilst at TTE not only did I complete my BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering, I was also awarded the Franchise Electrical Engineering Learner of the Year award, for my relentless determination and tenacity! With the help from TTE, I secured an Apprenticeship at Quorn. “On completion of my Apprenticeship, I was offered full-time employment with Quorn. Since then I’ve worked across the whole site, from the plants to the offices doing electrical maintenance, insulations and breakdown.”
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Charlie Sidgwick Electrical Engineering Level 3 Charlie is now an Offshore Electrician
Access to Higher Education News Access courses are a one year programme designed for adults to gain a qualification and experience to apply for a University level course. Students can apply for a loan which is written off when you complete your degree! “I would definitely recommend coming to Middlesbrough College! I’ve really enjoyed studying here. The College supported me throughout my studies and helped me during a personal family bereavement. There is also a dedicated team that helped with my University application. I’m over the moon that I was offered a place at both of my chosen Universities and I can’t wait to begin studying for a degree in midwifery at University!”
Victoria
Victoria Kay
Access to Higher Education in Health Victoria is studying Midwifery at University
Healthcare grants for students - new for 2020! From August 2020, all students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in nursing, midwifery and many other allied health professions students’ qualified for an annual grant of at least £5,000! If you don’t have the entry criteria to go to University why not start with an Access course at Middlesbrough College?
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Student life Refugee mum takes on teaching role to help Teesside students A Mum who was forced to flee from her native Iran following religious persecution is now a Dyscalculia/Maths tutor for Middlesbrough College’s Progression Studies students at Functional Skills and GCSE Level. Naghmeh Zarehaghighi, who has a passion for mathematics and was highly qualified as a teacher in Iran, first came to Middlesbrough College to study a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) that would allow her to take up the job she loves in the UK. She impressed Middlesbrough College tutors with her commitment and ambition, all while working in the College’s beauty salon and doing voluntary work across Middlesbrough.
Our Little Deli Much like the whole hospitality sector, our training restaurant has had to adapt to Covid. Our talented Catering and Hospitality students have helped programme leader, Molly Shaher launch Our Little Deli – a boutique food store selling a range of homemade treats in the run up to Christmas.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with our latest events, news and information!
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Don’t miss out on your College place!
We are still taking applications online for September 2021!
in early to secure your place with us!
We are supporting all Year 11 students to take their next step in education. Whatever your career ambitions, we have the perfect course for you. Make sure you get your application
Once we receive your application one of our friendly tutors will ring you for a chat and we will arrange for you to have a campus tour when it is safe to do so. Apply online today.
Sporting students have their eyes on Olympic prize A trio of sporty students have Olympic stars in their eyes. Charlotte Kelsey, Josh Hill and Lewis Henson, each have their sights set on competing in future Olympic games!
Community Care Health & Care students from Middlesbrough College spread Christmas cheer to local Teesside care homes. The Level 1 Health & Care students created Christmas cards and sent them to residents in care homes across the region in order to bring joy and light in these unsettling times.
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Community roundup Our blue hero Laura!
Our staff volunteered as NHS heroes during the lockdown with North Tees Hospital.
Level 3 Health & Care student Laura Latheron-Cassule works for a company called Caremark, where she is caring for those in their own homes in the community. She secured this job at the beginning of her first year at the College and has continued working past her required placement hours. Our talented art students created work inspired by the NHS and all of the amazing work they have done during the pandemic.
Our Engineering team printed 3D visors in College to share with local medical departments who needed PPE! The team worked hard to make sure that this vital equipment was made safely and effectively - well done to everyone involved!
We are proud to live in a community where everyone comes together to help in crisis! 18
Our Art & Design tutors created PPE and facemasks for our community!
On-site testing for students and staff We are set up and prepared to welcome and test students and staff for COVID-19 in a safe and orderly environment when they return to campus. All students and staff will be asked to take a test when they return and on a regular basis. We will be using Lateral Flow Testing which are the new rapid tests that detect COVID-19 amongst asymptomatic individuals with no symptoms. These tests are nothing to worry about and they will help to keep everyone safe at College. For more information and to book a test please visit www.mbro.ac.uk/covid
Supporting the community through Covid-19 Talented Level 3 Fashion student, Katie Sidgwick created protective face masks and sent them to local care homes and James Cook University Hospital!
Keeping our students safe The wellbeing of our College community is our number one priority and we have made signification adaptations following the Coronavirus pandemic. This includes: • Installing a marquee for socially distanced seating • Putting on extra transport exclusively for students • Improving our IT systems and rolling out a laptop loan scheme for students • Reducing our class sizes and introducing staggered start times • Introducing one way systems, regular cleaning rotas and improved campus ventilation
Katie said “I decided to create them because a lot of people who are key workers were asking on social media if anyone had them. I wanted to help, even if it is a small thing, so started making them.”
Supporting local families Our staff and students have been busy these last few weeks creating care packages to send to local families in need.
Our campus is Covid-secure, as approved by PHE.
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Events
On-site Open Events
Socially distanced and COVID-secure Wed 24th February 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Virtual A Level and Mix It Up Taster Sessions Do you want to study A Levels next year?
Find out more at our A Level & Mix it up Taster sessions! Pre-register your place on a taster session via our website.
Tue 16th March 5:00pm - 7:30pm Wed 21st April (Apprenticeships) 4:00pm - 6:00pm Tue 18th May 5:00pm - 7:30pm Thu 17th June 5:00pm - 7:30pm Thu 8th July 3:00pm - 6:00pm
TTE Open Events Wed 10th February 4:00pm - 6:00pm Tue 23rd March 4:00pm - 6:00pm Wed 9th June 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Pre-register online Look out for further on-site Covid-secure open events in 2021! We will keep you updated with upcoming events on our website and social media.
Upcoming Virtual Open Event Even though life may feel a little paused right now, you still have an exciting future to plan for! At our Virtual Open Event, you can find out about our range of school leaver, adult and higher education courses. Chat with tutors via Live Chat, watch subject presentations, take an online campus tour and apply for your dream course. Monday 30th January 10:00am - 12:30pm
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Register your place at mbro.vfairs.com
Here to Help If you're worried about your next step, we can help you. We have a text back service available and our team are available on live chat sessions to support you. See our website for more details.