College Connect 2023

Hello,

On behalf of everyone at Wiltshire College & University Centre, I hope you’re having a wonderful summer.

We can’t wait to welcome you as a new student in September to start this exciting next step. While the new term is still a few weeks away, I wanted to get in touch to help you prepare to start college life with us.

This guide aims to highlight all the important things to know before you join us as well as giving a look at the many amazing things that go on at WCUC across all of our campuses every day.

You should receive your GCSE results in the next few weeks. Once you have them, you will be invited to come onto campus so we can check your grades and enrol you onto your course. Please bring your exam results with you.

If you don’t achieve the required GCSE results to do your course, don’t worry we can usually find a different course for you – this may be the same subject but at a lower level or a different subject. If your GCSE grades are better than predicted, we may offer you a course at a higher level.

Once you are enrolled, everything is in place and you are ready to begin life with us at WCUC. You’ll attend an Induction Day at the start of September, ready to start your studies the following week.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and we look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Iain Hatt Principal & CEO Wiltshire College & University Centre

ENROLMENT

To complete your application to WCUC and start your course with us in September, you will need to visit us for an Enrolment Day in late August.

Our Enrolment Days are on Thursday 24 August and Friday 25 August. You will already have received an email invitation to your course’s specific time slot.

Bring your GCSE and any other qualification results with you to your enrolment session as we will need to check these to confirm your place on your course.

You are welcome to attend on your own or with a parent, guardian or family member.

During your enrolment, you will visit several different stations in order to complete all of the necessary tasks and ensure everything is set up correctly for you to start your course. These stations will likely be in different rooms and it will be clearly signposted as you move from one station to the next. It will be easy to make your way around but don’t worry, we will have people on hand to help if you need it.

When you arrive, you will need to enter the campus via the Main Entrance to register and collect your enrolment form.

After that, you will:

• Meet your curriculum team to confirm your course

• Speak to our English and maths team

• Find out about any work experience or placement arrangements

• Talk to our Inclusion & Support team about any additional support you may need

• Get advice about financial support and transport. If you’re aged 19+ you will also have a fee assessment

• Pay your resources fee, if you haven’t already paid this in our online shop

• Have your photo taken and collect your ID card

• Check and hand in your enrolment form

It is very important that you don’t leave with your Enrolment Form so please make sure you hand it back in before you go home.

If you are unable to attend your enrolment session, please do let us know so we can arrange an alternative. The details for this will be in your invitation email.

STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

Sophie and Henry’s Story

We know students who come to WCUC don’t want to be stuck sat at desk all day looking at textbooks, so we try to provide you with as many opportunities as possible to be hands-on with your learning.

Our courses are all about putting what you study into practice in real-world situations – an environment that really helps to develop your knowledge and skills and helps to prepare you best for your future career.

We have student-run restaurants at our Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses, who open their doors to the public once a week during term time to provide a popular lunch service.

Under the guidance of our lecturers who are former professional chefs, students on Catering and Hospitality courses work together to prepare, cook and serve a delicious three-course lunch for up to 30 paying guests at a time.

Student Sophie said: “The lunch services are really good but they are definitely a little bit stressful. We’re usually fully booked so there is a lot going on but it usually all goes really well and it is the best way for us all to learn.

“I have always loved cookery since I was little and working in a kitchen or with food is something I have always wanted to do. I want to work in a patisserie as I love baking and making anything pastry-wise.”

Fellow student Henry added: “It is a little bit crazy when we are rushed off our feet but it is definitely worth it as all the food we send out looks great and we always hear good things back from the tables.

“Working in hospitality isn’t really a career I thought about when I was young but when I finished school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I saw this course and thought I’d sign up and I have absolutely loved it.”

Brandon and Maja’s Story

Every year our huge cohort of students across our Creative Arts faculty showcase their work as part of an end-of-year exhibition.

This is a great platform to show off our students’ amazing and imaginative creations and there is always an incredible collection using all sorts of mediums, including paintings, illustrations, sculptures, graphic design, music, fashion, film and games.

Brandon finished a Level 3 Art, Design and Communication course at Chippenham this year and created a series of postcards with a science fiction theme for his entry to the exhibition.

Brandon explained: “I wanted to incorporate Sci-Fi and surrealism into my pieces as I wanted to try to transport people to these places. They are all locations I have been to and I enjoyed visiting. The designs originally started as posters but I moved onto postcards as my focus was on locations so I thought that format would work better.

“Everything in the piece is my own – the photographs and the graphics. I am really inspired by marble surfaces as backgrounds, so I made those myself too on Photoshop. I really enjoy photography and I am hoping to study that at university after taking a gap year.”

Maja’s work was entitled ‘The Glass Ceiling’ and incorporates a series of pieces in numerous mediums – watercolour, collage and digital animation – to tell the story of a fable she came up with herself.

Maja, who studied Foundation Art at Salisbury, explained: “I knew that I wanted to do something either illustration or animationbased so I thought I would stitch the two mediums together and experiment with illustrating a story in a comic book style. I like how the two forms work together. It looks quite scrapbooky but still has that artist sense to it.

“Every piece is different but they all link together as there are some elements that are in all of the pieces. In September, I am going to study illustration at the University of Brighton.”

Antonio’s Story

An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals while simultaneously gaining nationally recognised qualifications. Afterwards, you can progress into work, a degree-level apprenticeship or onto university.

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team, Student Recruitment Consultants and Careers Advisors are available to give you the support you need to be a successful apprentice, offer the right career advice and guidance, and match you with appropriate employers.

Antonio is one of many apprentices to excel on their training programmes with us. Alongside his studies, he has shown amazing commitment and perseverance in his role at Salisbury District Hospital despite facing numerous challenges.

Antonio was working in theatres at the hospital and when Covid hit, he found himself caring for people at the end of their lives, supporting bereaved families whilst still finding the time and motivation to complete his assignments.

After recently completing the Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 standard, Antonio has progressed onto a Higher Level Apprenticeship – the Operating Department Practitioner standard.

Because of his incredible performance and work ethic, Antonio was among those to win a prize at our annual Apprenticeship Awards held during National Apprenticeship Week back in February and was also named our overall Apprentice of the Year.

Antonio said: “One of the most beautiful parts of the apprenticeship is the feeling of constant progression towards a goal as well as learning from the experience of others.

“Working in the NHS was a choice dictated by the desire to help others and to be able to work in an organisation that reflected my own values and ambitions. I chose the apprenticeship because it allows economic stability, improves my working position and enables me to learn from the experiences of professionals.”

Matthew’s Story

Did you know that you can study with us all the way through to degree level?

We have a range of courses run through our University Centre which are validated by leading UK universities and awarding bodies, meaning you can be confident in the value of your qualification.

Some of our university courses are amongst the best in their field and previous students have gone onto receive amazing recognition.

Matthew studied the BA (Hons) Film Production and Cinematography course at our Salisbury campus, graduating last year. Back in February, he picked up a prestigious award for his work as a young filmmaker.

Matthew triumphed in the ‘Entertainment and Comedy Drama Craft Award’ category at the Royal Television Society West of England Student Awards and was recognised for his work as the director of the film ‘Last Item on the Agenda’.

The ceremony was held at the Watershed Cinema in Bristol and brought together filmmakers from a variety of different educational establishments and backgrounds to celebrate achievements in the field.

All nominated productions were shown throughout the evening with ‘Last Item on the Agenda’ also nominated for best film in the ‘Entertainment and Comedy Drama’ category. Matthew worked on the project alongside fellow course alumni Ben, Ryan, Aimee and Kieran.

Matthew said: “I’m incredibly grateful to the RTS for recognising the work that my crew and I put in throughout the shoot. It was a tough shoot at times and I’m incredibly grateful that I had a wonderful crew that I could rely on. Without them and their supportive feedback throughout the process, the film simply wouldn’t be what it is.”

Since leaving WCUC, Matthew has moved to London and has started a role at post-production company Eikon as a quality control operator, working mostly on streaming TV analysing content and flagging potential issues.

Brodie, Georgia and Donna’s Story

Our courses are designed to give students options by the time they complete their studies with us. You could continue your education at university, pursue an apprenticeship or jump straight into full-time work.

That variety of opportunities is perfectly evidenced by our Level 3 Beauty Therapy course at the Salisbury campus. Two of the group who completed the course this summer were able to secure full-time industry roles even before finishing their studies – while another won a place at university.

Brodie has started a role at JLA Beauty – luxury beauty salons with locations in Gillingham and Shaftesbury in Dorset –on the back of a successful work placement, while Georgia has joined Shergold Spa in Romsey, Hampshire.

Meanwhile, Donna has been offered a place to study Adult Nursing at the University of Winchester and hopes to pursue a career as an aesthetic nurse.

Brodie said: “For the Level 2 course last year I had to do 30 hours of work placement, so that is how I got started at JLA Beauty. They then offered me a Saturday job and it went from there as I did more and more hours in the salon. I’m really pleased to have been offered a full-time job and I can’t wait to get started.

“This was a great way of getting that first experience of being in the workplace and working with clients. It made me sure that this is the career I want.”

Donna said: “I am hoping to be an aesthetic nurse, working on cosmetic procedures and things like that. I’ve been offered a place at Winchester University to study adult nursing and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without this course.

“I want to keep up the beauty side of things too, so I have set up a little treatment table at home and I am building up my client base.”

Story

Alongside day-to-day course studies, we try to teach our students employment and life skills and encourage them to learn more about world around them. We love it when they then decide to do things that give back to the community.

Twin brothers who study IT at the Trowbridge campus have helped to provide computing equipment to those in need as part of a work placement in support of their studies.

As part of their Level 3 course, Tom and Dan participated in a work placement at local IT support company Priority IT.

Some of their placement work involved helping out at Wiltshire Digital Drive – a Community Interest Company set up by Priority IT and two other local businesses, Naturally Social and Turner & Partners.

Wiltshire Digital Drive refurbish and recycle donated laptops to gift back to the community, enabling education and bridging the digital divide. As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny raised or device donated goes directly to support the Wiltshire community.

From April 2020 to May 2023, more than 2,400 laptops have been refurbished, recycled and gifted back into the local community, with schools, charities, organisations, councils and families from across Wiltshire all having benefited from the scheme.

Dan explained: “The placement was with Priority IT but they work with Wiltshire Digital Drive to provide IT equipment for those who need it. I really enjoyed doing it. It felt rewarding to fix and build laptops knowing they would be put to really good use.”

Tom added: “If we had something like a Chromebook it might go to refugee –maybe someone from Ukraine who has come here with nothing. And if then if we had a laptop, that would go to someone who would need it to help with their work or studies.”

Tom and Dan’s

Charlotte’s Story

Lackham is our specialist campus for land-based study, and we run a wide variety of courses in the sector, from agriculture to horticulture and animal studies to engineering.

Set in 1,000 acres of Wiltshire countryside, the campus combines beautiful surroundings with an incredible range of state-of-the-art facilities.

We pride ourselves in developing the workforce of the future in these ever-evolving land-based industries which are so important to our community.

Charlotte is one of our HND Animal Management students based at Lackham. Alongside her studies, she also competes in big dog agility competitions.

Back in March, Charlotte competed with her dog Buddy at Crufts – the ‘World’s Greatest Dog Show’ – and finished third in the medium dog agility class.

Alongside a place on the podium and a rosette to take home, Charlotte was also interviewed by Clare Balding as part of Channel 4’s TV coverage of the event.

Charlotte said: “We had two runs in the morning which qualified us for the Championships final where we then came third against two very experienced partnerships. I am so pleased with how we did. It was a great experience and we absolutely loved being involved.”

Charlotte is not the only Lackham student to get to experience elite events and Competitions. Members of our Equine department had the honour of helping to support the Badminton Horse Trials.

Every year, students who exceed expectations on their course are given the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned course designers and builders throughout the 5* Three-Day Event in South Gloucestershire.

This grants them behind-the-scenes access during the trials, including eating dinner where riders, trainers and owners eat and getting the best seats in the house to watch some of the action.

This year, the group helped out in the showjumping arena and all had an amazing time.

Although there was more mud than expected, everyone dug deep and successfully pulled off another fantastic competition.

James’ Story

Alongside their everyday studies, our students also work on longerterm enrichment projects – such as those on our motorsport courses who took part in the White Horse Soapbox Derby this year.

Students designed and built a car that was driven by lecturer Dave Vivian at the competition. The group all did an incredible job and eventually finished as runners-up.

The White Horse Soapbox Derby acts as a practical introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) training for young people. An engineering fair is held in conjunction with the event, with the aim of offering clear pathways to engineering apprenticeships and graduate jobs for young people.

The event sees young people design and construct a soapbox to tackle what is billed by organisers as “the steepest and most challenging course in the UK, winding down the picturesque chalk escarpment above Westbury”.

Each team completes three runs down the 400m course, which can see top speeds

of 50mph with the fastest run from each team counting towards their final position.

The WCUC team were superb throughout the day and posted a best time of 30.3 seconds, which was only beaten by the very last car to take to the course.

James was one of the students involved and said: “It was a perfect activity for all of us to see what it is like to be involved in a race environment even though it was just a kart race. We all had a lot of fun and it was great for the students to gain some really good experience of building and racing. Working as a group definitely improved our teamwork too.

“The course is all about practical work. The staff are really supportive and I have really developed my skills over the course of the year. It is not just my mechanical skills but also my personal skills as I feel more confident around others and working with different people.”

Lily’s Story

We do our best to provide opportunities for trips and excursions for as many of our student groups as possible as we know these can really help to reinforce what you learn in the classroom.

Some courses – such as those in areas like Travel and Tourism and Public Services – have the chance to take part in these at regular intervals throughout the duration of their programme.

Travel and Tourism students are even lucky enough to take trips overseas. This year, excursions to Majorca, Malta and Crete have all been organised.

As well as exploring different locations and taking part in cultural activities such as visiting old markets, heritage sites, beautiful beaches and lively tourist resorts, students also take part in work placement projects while they are away.

These include working in a range of hotels and travel companies where students can learn more about the industry from those with first-hand experience and improve their customer service skills by working with a wide range of locals and tourists.

Student Lily was one of several groups who took part in a trip to Majorca earlier this year. She said: “I really enjoyed the trip. We had a lot of fun and it was great going away and getting that experience together with my friends.

“We learned all about the historical side of Majorca and I really enjoyed visiting the cathedral in Palma – the capital of the island. The trip really helped me improve my coursework and it was great to be able to do some learning away from the classroom.

“I chose to study Travel and Tourism because I wanted to broaden my knowledge about the travel industry, and I also want to work as an air cabin crew member in the future. The course has helped me develop my knowledge about the industry and I would definitely recommend it to other people.”

Student AWARDS

Every year we celebrate our students’ performance and achievement at an end-of-year Student Awards ceremony.

The annual event marks the end of the academic year and is a celebration of students’ outstanding work as well as their effort and dedication to their studies since September.

Alongside academic performance, the awards also recognise those students who have contributed to the wider college community.

For the first time, this year’s Student Awards was held as a cross-college ceremony and took place at the Trowbridge Civic Centre. This meant recipients were not only selected as the winners from their own campus but from all four campuses across the county at Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge.

The evening was an amazing celebration of all of our learners and included a brilliant musical performance from one of our student bands.

Kyla was named Creative Arts Student of the Year for her contribution to helping students with learning difficulties take part in music enrichment activities on campus.

Kyla said: “I was quite surprised to win an award as it’s not something you ever expect but it is very nice to receive it. I really enjoy helping others because, no matter what is going on behind the scenes, everyone should have the same opportunities to learn and do the things they enjoy. I love performing and the course is great at providing opportunities for us to do that.”

Edward won the Public Services Student of the Year prize after excelling in his studies despite joining midway through the course from another provider.

Edward said: “The Student Awards was a really great night. It was good to hear stories of students doing great things and I am really pleased to win an award myself. Coming to Wiltshire College & University Centre has been brilliant. The course has been amazing and the staff are great. We took part in loads of trips – going to Dartmoor was my favourite – and I’ve made some great friends.”

Edward

Kyla

YOUR FIRST DAY

We understand that starting somewhere new can be a little daunting, so we’ve put together a list of top tips from a few of our existing students for your first day with us in September:

• Your daily schedule or routine might be different to what it was at school, so it’s wise to wake up early and give yourself plenty of time to arrive on campus.

• Make sure you have everything prepared and planned out – whether that’s the equipment you need to bring, your transport to and from campus and any money you think you might need.

• The early stages of all our courses are always relaxed. The most important aspect is getting you comfortable and familiar with your surroundings and expectations.

• You will be sent instructions about the IT requirements – such as setting up logins, passwords and security – ahead of your first day. If you can read up on these before you start your course, it will really speed up the set-up process.

• Being a student at WCUC gives you much more independence than at school. You’ll be responsible for staying on top of your own workload and there is no need to call lecturers ‘Sir’ or ‘Miss’.

• You don’t need to worry about bringing cash for lunchtime. Our on-site cafeterias and refectories also accept card and Apple and Android Pay.

• You will likely have free time on campus and although we have lots of options and plenty going on to keep you busy, you’re free to head off campus and into town.

That’s it – that’s all you need to know.

There is no need to be anxious, we can’t wait to have you with us and having the best time at WCUC.

STUDENT LIFE

At Wiltshire College & University Centre, we are sure we have everything available to ensure your enjoyment and participation in student life extends well beyond the classroom.

It’s likely you will have free time on campus and there are plenty of options to keep you busy. As well as our Learning Resource Centres, we have common rooms and gyms on each site and there are lots of clubs and societies you can join.

You’re free to head off campus and into town but we do offer food and drink options on campus. Our canteens are home to Costa Coffee, while Costa Express machines are also dotted around each campus.

WCUC has its own Student Alliance. The Alliance is a channel of communication between WCUC and its students, ensuring the student voice is heard and acted upon. The Alliance is also there to promote, encourage and co-ordinate campaigns, student clubs, trips, sports, and social activities.

Here at WCUC, we are ambitious for all of our students and are committed to ensuring everyone gets the support they need to succeed.

Every student has a personal tutor to help them adjust to life at college and provide support as required.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our students and our Safeguarding Team is available to support you if you have any problems or concerns.

Our Inclusion & Support Team is dedicated to ensuring students have equal opportunities regardless of any disability or learning difficulty. Those who think they need additional support can let us know on their course application form. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their support needs during their interview.

Our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses are designed for people whose first language is not English. The ESOL programme helps students develop their English, reading and writing skills, which will enable them to progress to other vocational courses available at WCUC.

TRAVEL & FUNDING

Travel

Our campuses are served by the local public transport network and many students get to WCUC by bus or train.

Wiltshire Council offer a bus pass to WCUC students who are aged between 16-18 and live in Wiltshire and more than three miles from campus. The bus pass allows you to make one journey to and from campus on days when it is open and costs £900 or a lower rate of £300 if your household income is less than £20,819.

To find out more about the options open to you, please visit the Wiltshire Council website.

Funding

For those under 19, tuition for Further Education courses is free. Under 19 students who live in a household with a low income or receive means tested benefits may be eligible for a college bursary to help with costs such as travel to college and course costs including equipment, trips and uniform.

Students who are entitled to a bursary may be eligible for free meals whilst at college.

STUDENT HOUSING

Accommodation

Did you know we offer student accommodation at our Lackham and Salisbury campuses?

Living on campus offers a unique college experience and can be an ideal first step to moving away from home. You’ll gain confidence from a new-found independence and be surrounded by friends in the comfort of a safe environment.

Our rooms are available to everyone, although students on our land-based and university-level courses in particular benefit from living on site.

Salisbury is one of the most colourful locations in the county and hosts regular exciting events and activities. Although our Lackham campus is located a little way out of town – it is a short drive from Chippenham – there is no chance of you feeling cut adrift. The on-site sports hall and gym are open to residential students after college hours, while our ‘Snack Attack’ tuck shop serves hot food and snack treats, and trips to the supermarket run on a weekly basis.

Our Accommodation Team work hard to provide a safe environment for students living on campus as well as organising regular enrichment projects and activities to ensure there is always something going on outside of timetabled hours.