First choice for learning,ensuring excellence and

innovation ineverything we do

Annual Report2013-2014

“In 2014 we launched the Digital Manifesto – a pledge to lead

the way with a superb digital curriculum. The

significance of digital skills locally is greater than ever,

with Hull winning City of Culture status for 2017”

Nick SwashCorporation Chair

2

Contents

Chairperson’s Report 4

Chief Executive’s Statement 5

Mission & Value Statements 6

A message from the HCUK Students’ Union President 7

College Management Team 8

Corporation of Hull College 9

Student Success 10

Hull College Group Facts & Figures 11-12

Organisational Development 15

College Estates 2013/14 16-17

Investors in the Environment 18

Hull College Commercial Division 19

Successes of 2013/14 20-27

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As the Chair of the Hull College Group Corporation of Governors, I am once again proud to say that the Group has enjoyed another extremely successful year in 2013-14.

We have seen important developments across all areas and have had much to celebrate. The pioneering 14-16 Colleges in Goole and Hull received fantastic feedback from Ofsted following their initial monitoring visits - confirmation of the extremely strong performance of this new initiative.

The Group continues to develop its provision in other areas, including launching its Digital Manifesto. The Manifesto is a pledge to lead the way in providing a superb digital curriculum, and has also seen the creation of a hub for digital skills, within what is now the Centre for Digital and Green Energy Skills. The significance of digital skills locally is greater than ever, with Hull winning City of Culture status for 2017.

Competition success has been on everyone’s radar, with significant wins as a Group and by individual students. Harrogate student Samantha Henty was named Bridal Buyers’ Student Designer of the Year, while additional students from both Hull and Harrogate were shortlisted for the prize. Our students were also well represented at WorldSkills UK 2013 – the UK’s biggest skills competition. Catering student Arron Penn was awarded a gold medal for Patisserie; Connor Cutsforth bronze for brickwork and Tom Dixon Highly Commended for brickwork. Connor has now been named as part of the UK Squad for the 2015 leg of the competition which will take place in Brazil. The College has been extremely well represented across a wide range disciplines at

both a regional and national level, with all students and staff who have competed proving a credit to the organisation.

There was further good news in terms of funding, when the Group received a share of more than £3 million from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which was used to develop state of the art welding facilities at Hull and Goole Colleges. It then received several million pounds more from the LEP in a further round of funding for Goole and Harrogate Colleges, which will be used to regenerate the existing campus, improve facilities and enhance student experience.

Finally, I extend my congratulations and thanks to all students and staff who have helped make 2013-14 another year to celebrate across Hull College Group.

Nick SwashCorporation Chair

Chairperson’s Report

4

This has been another fantastic year of successes across the Hull College Group and once again I am proud of all the staff and students who have helped drive the organisation forward throughout 2013-14.

As an organisation, Hull College Group undergoes constant development to ensure we continue to meet the needs of both our current students and those who will study with us in the future. We pride ourselves on a close working relationship with employers that ensures provision is aligned with their skills needs and in so doing create future job opportunities for students – in 2013/14, 87% of our students progressed to jobs or higher level studies.

We also work closely with external organisations including the regional Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to identify those sectors that are of particular significance and are leading the way on skills development in areas such as renewables, digital and visitor economy industries to enable the region to realise the potential to transform the local economy.

We place strong emphasis on progression for our students – into a job, or onto a further qualification – and have put employability at the core of our culture and curriculum. This approach is reflected in the launch of our pioneering Progression Passport in 2013/14, the largest dedicated employability programme of its type in the UK, being delivered to all full-time 16-18 year-old students. The Passport was designed in consultation with employers to ensure that all Hull College Group students develop additional employability skills alongside their study programme and graduate “work-ready”.

The 14-16 Colleges at Hull and Goole are further examples of both the innovation and alignment of our provision with the needs of the region. The ground-breaking move to allow Colleges to enrol pupils from age 14 was made in 2013 and we were one of just four organisations nationally to be given Government permission to launch a 14-16 College.

We have continued to raise our profile both locally and nationally. Hull College was shortlisted in the Social Responsibility category in the national 2013 Green Gown awards and won the national TES award for Outstanding Use of Technology in FE.

Our employer engagement has also continued to grow, with the delivery of the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme. Under SSW, we secured a £3.5 million contract to deliver fully funded skills training for employees within key sectors throughout the Humber. The programme is now well underway, allowing us to upskill the local workforce and help to drive forward the region’s business development.

As ever, my personal congratulations and thanks to all of those who continue to strive to ensure the success of Hull College Group – staff, students and stakeholders.

Gary Warke MBEChief Executive

Chief Executive’s Statement

5

Vision Statement

First choice for learning,ensuring excellence and

innovation ineverything we doMission Statement

Innovative and enterprising people enabling excellent learning for employability and social fulfilment

Vision Statement

Mission Statement

6

This has been a superb year to become President of the Hull College Group Students’ Union and I have been extremely proud to hold the post and represent my fellow students.

The past 12 months have demonstrated the range and strength of talent that we have across the Group. My peers have achieved at a range of levels, from those within the 14-16 Colleges to HE students working at Degree level.

In Hull, Apprentices triumphed in the WorldSkills competition, taking a gold medal, a bronze and a highly commended. Hull students also had success in the national Bridal Buyer awards, with five of them being shortlisted in the student designer of the year category.

Harrogate also showcased Apprentice talent, with Nathan Stevens being named the region’s Apprentice of the year. Harrogate student Samantha Henty was also named Student Designer of the Year in the Bridal Buyer Awards, while two further students reached the final – the same competition where their Hull peers were finalists.

In Goole, younger students proved their skills in both design and health awareness, winning a local award for a healthy living poster design.

Across the Group, it has been a year where once again students have dedicated themselves to doing their absolute best in their studies. The Group has a rich array of extracurricular activities which students devote their own time to, from performance arts pieces to the 14-16 Job Club which creates real-life commissions, to travelling the country to represent us all in competitions.

We have a student body here which I am delighted to represent, and as a union we endeavour to ensure all students’ voices are heard and work hard to make sure our collective voices are heard within the organisation. It is a pleasure to work closely with key staff within the Group.

Well done to all of my fellow students – my hope for the coming 12 months is that you all continue to reach your potential and strive for excellence.

Keith ClarkHCUK Students’ Union President

Message from our Students’ Union President

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College Management Team

The members of the Strategic Leadership Team as at July 2014 were as follows:

Gary Warke MBEChief Executive

Lee Probert Chief Operating Officer

Paul ClarkeGroup Director Finance & Business Development

Graham TowsePrincipal of Hull College

Lynne Richardson Principal of Goole College

Debra Forsythe-ConroyPrincipal of Harrogate College

The members of the College Management Team as at July 2014 were as follows:

Lizann LowsonDirector of Student Services

Stephen AllenDirector of Quality

Gary HughesAssistant Principal FE

Caron WrightAssistant Principal HE

Mark PearsonDirector of Funding & Information Services

Matthew LilleyHead of Service - Marketing and Communications

David MullaneyDirector of Infrastructure & Facilities

Sarah HumphreysDean, Faculty of Arts

Julia DavidsonDean, Faculty of Business & Science

Julia BillaneyHE Registrar

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Mr Nick Swash Chair – re-appointed July 2014

Mr Paul Hollins Vice Chair

Ms Patricia Tomlinson Vice Chair

Mr Gary Warke Chief Executive (ex officio)

Ms Melissa Askew

Mr Kevin Brown

Mr Nigel Coyle Resigned July 2014

Ms Donna Edgar

Mr Chris Fenwick

Mr David Greenway Staff Governor – Term of Office ended October 2013

Ms Hilary Jack

Mr Andrew Manderfield Appointed April 2014

Mr Shane McMurray Elected as Staff Governor October 2013

Ms Debbie Meakin Staff Governor – Term of Office ended October 2013

Ms Emma Palmer Student Governor – Term of Office ended June 2014

Appointed as Governor July 2014

Mr Robert Peyton Resigned September 2013

Mr Chris Roberts

Mr Tony Sutton Resigned July 2014

Mr James Tabor Elected as Staff Governor October 2013

Mr Kevin Whitaker Resigned February 2014

Individuals Co-opted on CommitteesMr Andrew Manderfield Term of Office ended

March 2014

Corporation of Hull College

Membership from 1 August 2013 to 31 July 2014

Governors

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0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

63%

66%

69%

75%

75%

79%

80%

81%

81.5%

82%

85.5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

89.9%

85.5%

84.7%

84.2%

82.8%

79%

79%

77%

79%

80%

83.9%

The Hull College Group enrolled over 26,000 students from Hull, the East Riding, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, nationally and internationally during 2013/14: studying both on College campuses, via workplace learning and community programmes.

As part of our commitment to meeting individual students’ needs 3,700 students received support for a range of difficulties including dyslexia, physical disabilities, and visual or hearing impairment.

The long success rate for 2013/14 was 81.5%.

Overall the College success for all qualifications was 85.5% against the national average of 86.5%

Long Success Rate

College Rate

Student Success

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3.36%

Ethnicity of Students White 24454

Black and Minority Ethnic 2247

Unknown 3

Number of Part-time Students

Age Part-time Under 16 689

16-19 2037

19+ 17766

Totals 20492

Number of Full-time Students

Age Full-time Under 16 106

16-19 3577

19+ 2529

Totals 6212

Gender Male 15147

Female 11557

Facts and Figures

9.94%

86.70%

56.72%

1.71%57.58%

40.71%

43.28%

0.01%

8.41%

91.58%

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Expenditure

Staff Costs £39.40m Other Operating Expenses £19.90m Depreciation £2.10m Interest Payable £0.20m Restructure Costs £1.20m Other £1.20mTotal Expenditure £64.00m

Income Funding Council Income £44.30m Tuition Fees/ Education Contracts £10.10m Other Income £3.20m Investment Income £0.10mTotal Income £57.80m

Staffing Profile (Full-time equivalent)

Teaching Departments - Teaching Staff 493.24 Teaching Departments - Teaching Support Staff 253.03 Other Support Services 186.96 Admin & Central Services 144.68 Premises 77.69 Other 1.2

5.6%

17.5%

76.7%

0.2%

61.56%

1.88%

31.09%

3.28%1.88%

0.31%

42.64%

21.87%

16.16%

12.51%

6.72% 0.10%

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“The 14-16 Colleges at Hull and Goole are fine examples of both innovation and aligning our provision with the needs of the region. We were one of just four organisations nationally to be given Government permission to launch a 14-16 College in 2013”

Gary WarkeChief Executive

13

14

Organisational Development

Learning and Development - Our People The Group invests in staff development and considers that high performing skilled staff are essential to supporting achievement of the Group Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Aims.

With a drive for exceptional performance, we seek to support all staff to develop their skills, work towards increased competency and gain valuable qualifications.

Preparation to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS), Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTTLS) During 2013/14 7 members of staff have undertaken PTTLS training and 4 began their CTTLS training.

Cert Ed/PGCE In 2013/14 a total of 20 members of staff were studying either the Cert Ed or a PGCE.

Higher Education9 staff were studying Higher level qualifications including 6 Bachelor Degrees in a topic relevant to their role.

Assessor / Verifier qualifications27 staff undertook assessor and verifier qualifications.

Staff DevelopmentWorking proactively to support and develop our people during 2013/2014, staff from both support and academic roles:-

n Engaged in 7946 Learning and Development activities Were supported through the Staff Development n Budget to participate in 385 internal and external Learning and Development Opportunities. n Undertook and attended a wide range of qualifications and courses including:- CIPD & CMI courses Multiple Conferences Aiming for Excellence IOSH Equality & Diversity Professional Updating Assessment for Learning Safeguarding Work Experience Employability Coaching Child Protection Vocational Learning 14- 16 Events Mentoring British Sign Language (BSL) L1 & 2 NVQ4 IAG and a number of professional courses.

Staff Development also supported a number of additional events and programmes including the all staff Learning and Development Programme for Mandatory, Optional and Developmental opportunities, Aspire – Talent Development Programme, Maths Enhancement Programme, Enabling the Manager activities and workshops, First Aid and Teacher Education Rolling Programme. Staff Development also hosted the all Staff Annual Conference with guest speakers, awards and recognition along with the launch of the ‘Rich Picture’, an illustration of the Group’s main strategic objectives co-designed by staff.

The Organisational Development Strategy describes a strong focus on building successful individuals and teams who are empowered to make local decisions to improve services.

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Direct Entry 14-16, Hull CollegeWithin the Queen’s Gardens tower block, in a bespoke refurbishment, a secure unit was developed for the College’s pioneering 14-16 provision. This provided an access controlled suite of classrooms, supporting areas and social learning space for the first year of direct entry. The space was warmly received by students and considered good practice by inspectors.

Direct Entry, 14-16 Goole College, Common Room and Reception WorksA range of estate works were undertaken to improve the Goole site. The new 14-16 students enjoyed the development of a secure unit at the rear of the building, including classroom and social areas. Catering facilities were relocated to a refurbished area in the common room. The reception and entrance area were upgraded and relocated to enhance first impressions when entering the site. A number of classrooms were also upgraded to include suspended ceilings and new lighting all designed to contribute to reduce our carbon footprint.

Learning Resource Centre, Chesters Building, Hull CollegeImprovements were made to the Chesters Building Learning Resource Centre to provide new quiet areas and to upgrade the electrical infrastructure to enable greater use of personal technology by students.

Hair and Beauty, Tower Block, Hull CollegeImprovements were made to the Hair and Beauty facilities on the fifth floor of the Hull Tower Block, including salon decoration and a new dispensary to improve the support facilities for students.

Welding Centre of Excellence, Goole CollegeIn partnership with the Weldability Sif Foundation, the college improved welding facilities at the Goole workshop and developed a virtual welding suite, allowing access to equipment that simulates the welding process and provides an accessible introduction to the trade.

Hooper Building, Hull CollegeThe College acquired a lease on The Hooper Building, Guildhall Road, to become the base for the College’s commercial division and Group Corporate Services. The building is now the base for HCUK Training. This acquisition allowed the release of the lease on the Waterside Park property in Hessle.

Hull College Group estate investments in the 13/14 period included

Estates Update 2013-2014

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Hull College Group continues to demonstrate its green credentials. In 2013 the Group signed up to the environmental management scheme Investors in the Environment, a not for profit scheme supported by the Environment Agency. The Group has made a significant number of positive changes over the past year, working to drive down energy consumption, waste sent to landfill, water usage and more.

The Group pledged to make a series of measurable changes in order to obtain the Green Accreditation (the highest level), including a 2% reduction in consumption of electricity, a 5% reduction in consumption of gas, and a 2% reduction in consumption of water. Steps taken include monitoring usage and reducing wherever possible, as well as ensuring buildings and equipment are as energy-efficient as possible. This is supported by the estates strategy and development.

As a result of the key actions taken the group reduced its carbon emissions by 5% compared to the previous year from 5437 tonnes to 5153 tonnes and will look to further reduce this as other sustainable initiatives are adopted.

Investors in the Environment

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The Hull College Group is committed to ensuring that local people entering the world of work through work related learning routes possess the essential skills that employers demand and that those already in employment have the opportunity to up-skill within their existing role and pursue a long term career path. During 2013/14 the Commercial Division worked in partnership with local and national employers, developing individualised skills training and development solutions to support positive bottom line impact, future growth and stability.

ApprenticeshipsThe Hull College Group delivers Apprenticeships across all sectors as the national skills agenda continues to focus on the benefits of the apprenticeship career route, particularly for young people and employers. The Group continued throughout 2013/14 to develop sector-led qualification frameworks to meet the needs of the local economy and emerging growth sectors for the region. Working strategically alongside employer partners we were able to determine industry need and lead the way in developing innovative training and recruitment solutions through the apprenticeship route.

Small Business Support Working closely with regional Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), the Commercial Division and consortium partners promoted workforce up-skilling opportunities to local SME’s through the ESF-led Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) fund.

YHATA - (Yorkshire & Humber Apprentice Training Agency)In 2013/14 YHATA continued to provide information, advice and guidance to anyone interested in an apprenticeship. Maintaining strong links with local schools and supporting various events YHATA provided young people with the advice they needed to help shape their future learning and career development. This work was vital to help develop the workforce of the future.

Future OpportunitiesThe Group has recognised that those training organisations that have historically relied on delivering SFA/EFA funded provision will face significant future challenges in response to further reductions in government funding.

The Hull College Group will therefore invest significantly in the development of its employer responsive division, HCUK Training. The division will offer a comprehensive portfolio of work-related learning and skills development pathways to local, regional and national employers, maximising currently uncapped apprenticeships funding alongside commercially competitive training solutions. A commitment to superior quality will underpin every element of the division’s interaction, engagement and delivery, ensuring that stakeholders, employers and learners’ skills requirements and overall learning experience are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Objectives• To establish HCUK Training as a leading local,

regional and national work based learning provider with a reputation built on flexible, responsive, quality delivery

• To explore alternate funding opportunities through productive business development, stakeholder management and tendering activity

• To be the outward facing commercial arm of the Hull College Group, working with employers across the three regions to establish the division as the preferred business training provider

• To raise the profile of the Group’s Apprenticeship Services offer, predominantly to the 16-19 market.

In 2013/2014 Hull College Group continued to support local businesses across the region

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Hull College Group’s 14-16 College was awarded the highest possible rating by Ofsted in its first monitoring visit in April 2014. Inspectors said the College had made ‘significant’ progress in all areas assessed in the time since it launched in September 2013. Officials looked at a number of key areas including curriculum, teachers, student support, safeguarding, and steps to ensure continuous improvement.

The Group was one of just four colleges in the country to launch 14-16 Colleges in 2013/14 having been granted permission by Government to enrol pupils from age 14. The 14-16

College model combines GCSEs in core subjects with vocational elements. The Group has facilities in Hull and Goole.

Hull College Group Chief Executive Gary Warke MBE, who was part of the national steering group established to set up full-time recruitment of students in Further Education colleges at 14 said: “We were delighted by the outcome of the Ofsted visit. Staff and students within the Hull College Group 14-16 College are extremely committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, and the report reflected this. Many of the students with us have made enormous

progress since starting studying with us.”

Unlike a full Ofsted Inspection, colleges are not awarded an overall grading following a monitoring visit. However, the inspection is extremely robust, and focuses on five key areas: admission policies; staffing; strength of curriculum; steps to ensure continuous improvement; and support and care for students. Colleges are rated as having made ‘insufficient’, ‘reasonable’ or ‘significant’ progress in each area – Hull College Group scored the top rating of ‘significant’ in every area.

14-16 Colleges achieve best possible result from Ofsted

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Hull College Group announced exciting plans to invest in state of the art welding facilities at Hull and Goole Colleges in December 2013.

The Group became one of five Colleges in the Humber region to join a project to develop a Humber Campus for Energy Skills, with £3.1 million of funding; £1.245m of FE capital funding, matched by £1.9m from Hull College Group and the four others participating – North Lindsey College, East Riding College, Grimsby Institute and Bishop Burton College. With its share of the funding, the Group pledged to invest £1 million in facilities at Hull College and Goole College. The investment made it possible to upgrade and expand virtual welding facilities at both sites with Virt-U-Weld equipment, and to fully refurbish Goole’s welding workshop.

The funding was granted after Hull was awarded City Deal status – a process which sees powers devolved from Whitehall to local bodies.

Hull College Group Chief Executive and LEP Board Member, Gary Warke said: “The City Deal status was a landmark success and significant step forward for Hull and the Humber in becoming the centre for the UK’s renewable energy sector.

“The Group’s investment in new welding facilities will provide specialist skills and training equipping local people, including the young unemployed to take advantage of these future career opportunities”.

Group receives funding for state-of-the-art welding facilities

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Hull College Group launched its Digital Manifesto in March 2014. The Manifesto is a pledge to lead the way in providing a superb digital curriculum, capable of equipping the region’s workforce with the knowledge and expertise to drive forward the growing digital sector. The Group is to increase digital education provision, introducing new study programmes, including Higher Apprenticeships. A physical hub as a Centre of Excellence will be created on the Hull College campus, which will include support for students engaged in digital start-ups. The Manifesto also includes a pledge to introduce digital consultancy services, to work closely with key employers to develop training aligned with the needs of businesses.

The launch event took the form of a breakfast meeting, followed by a series of presentations inside the theatre.

Speakers from key businesses around the region took to the stage, including Jon Moss of C4Di, KComm’s Director of Information Services and Call Centres, Anita Pace, and key note speaker Andrew Dixon, who led the City of Culture 2017 bid win. Hull College Group Chief Executive Gary Warke, and Hull College Principal Graham Towse also delivered speeches.

Mr Towse said: “The Manifesto is our pledge to prepare the local workforce for growth in the Humber region’s digital economy. What Hull College Group needs to do is to ensure we are ready for this growth. Key to maximising these opportunities will be creating a workforce with the skills and training to drive local business forward and position the Humber region firmly as a national hub of digital excellence”.

Digital Manifesto launched across Hull College Group

Construction apprentice could be Brazil-bound for world’s biggest skills contestHull College Construction apprentice Connor Cutsforth has been selected as part of a squad of students who could represent the UK in an international skills competition in Brazil. Connor, 20, who is an apprentice with Beal Homes, was named as part of Squad UK for WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 after being voted one of the country’s best young bricklayers at the World Skills UK competition in November 2013. Connor will now have to prove himself against the other Squad UK finalists in order to make the final UK team.

WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition in the world. Held every two years, the competition sees around 1,000 young people, aged 18-25, from all over the world come together to compete for medals in more than 40 different skills. WorldSkills São Paulo 2015 will take place from 11-16 August.

Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “We were extremely proud when

three of our apprentices won awards at the UK final of WorldSkills in 2013. It is an extremely tough competition and succeeding on a national stage is a huge achievement. The fact that Connor has now gone on to be selected to potentially represent the UK in Brazil is simply phenomenal.

“He is a real example of the outstanding level of talent and commitment that employers can expect when they choose to take on a Hull College Apprentice. We wish him all the best for 2015 and are confident he has what it take to make the team.”

Connor said: “It is a huge honour to have been selected as a member of Squad UK and to represent the brickwork industry. I know the next few months will be tough as I will fit my training around my role at Beal Homes, but I’m determined to fight for a place in the team that will go to WorldSkills Sao Paulo 2015”.

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National Apprenticeship Week celebrated across GroupApprenticeships were firmly in the spotlight at all three Hull College Group sites during National Apprenticeship Week in March 2014. The focus week takes place nationally every year and is intended to highlight the benefits of both becoming and employing an Apprentice.

At Hull, activities comprised of an Open Event with a special emphasis on Apprenticeships, as well as talks, demonstrations and taster sessions. The evening event drew a large number of visitors, with many enquiries about signing up for an Apprenticeship. The week was brought to a close with a successful networking event at the KC Stadium where pledges were received to

take on Apprentices as well as Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) sign ups.

In Harrogate, there was a drive to match employers and Apprenticeships with a dedicated networking event. The recruitment fair provided an opportunity for would-be Apprentices to discover opportunities in their selected fields and for employers to meet and speak to prospective employees – it was also a chance for both sides to learn more about how Apprenticeships work and the benefits of undertaking or employing one.

Goole College also hosted an Open Evening during the week, which gave visitors the opportunity to discover all courses offered, including

an Apprenticeship in Hairdressing. The College also employs two Apprentices, one working in Learner Support Services and one in Data Services.

Across the Group, around 40 Apprentices are currently employed, with recruitment underway to boost numbers even further. They work in a number of roles at all three sites, including: photography, graphic design, customer services, business, admin, learner support, exams administration and more. They provide support within different departments, including Marketing, the Faculty of Arts, Data Services, IT, Admissions, 14-16 Direct Entry and Commercial Services.

Record number of Apprentices join engineering firmHull College teamed up with specialist engineers Spencer Group when the company took on 12 Apprentices – the most in its history.

The College and Spencer formed a partnership to create bespoke training programmes to develop the next generation of local talent for the company. Six of the Apprentices are enrolled on a Technical Construction Apprenticeship, five on a Software Development Higher Level Apprenticeship – the only one of its kind in the UK – and one on a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Apprenticeship.

Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “We worked with Spencer to identify these young people quite early on. Spencer has been able to engage with and nurture them, so that they are already moulded to fit the role”.

Spencer Training Manager Aaron McIver said: “We’ve had a great experience with Hull College, hence why we use them as our only supplier of apprenticeships.

“All the apprenticeships we offer are

bespoke to our needs and the only way we have been able to achieve that has been through working closely with Hull College.

“This is a long-term programme and we intend that every single one of them will still be with us in permanent positions when they complete their apprenticeship programmes in 18 months to two years”.

Technical Construction Apprentice Jonah O’Leary, 18, said: “This is the start of a career, not just a new job.

“An Apprenticeship shows a real commitment from the business to your development. It makes you feel really appreciated. This company wants to try new things, just as we do”.

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Hull College Group triumphed at the TES national awards ceremony in February 2014, taking the gong for Outstanding use of Technology. Judges selected the College against tough competition for an innovative project which allows students to use smartphones to scan QR codes and access video tutorials.

The team behind the teaching method attended a ceremony in London which, in the words of TES itself, ‘celebrated the very best of the UK’s further education sector’.

Hull College Chief Executive Gary Warke MBE said: “We are absolutely

delighted to have won, and the fact we did is entirely down to the dedicated group of staff behind this project. The TES awards are extremely prestigious, so to be recognised for one is a real honour.

“It is vital to acknowledge that not everybody learns in the same way, and to embrace the opportunities offered to educators through the development of new technology.

“We already knew this was a creative and inspiring teaching method, but to have that recognised by TES is phenomenal. We are extremely proud of all staff involved, as well as our

students, who have embraced the opportunity to learn in a new way.”

The project was developed by teachers from a range of specialisms, utilising a series of short films recorded in-house. Learners are able to access the footage through their mobile devices by using a series of QR code check-points located around the College.

Both staff and students feature in the films, carrying out a variety of tasks, from fitting skirting boards, to making a window frame or constructing a new roof.

In June 2014, Hull College was transformed into an interactive skills showcase, when it hosted the Skills Show Experience. The event offered the opportunity to have a go at everything from building a wall to beauty treatments, and 3D virtual reality aircraft repair to preparing chef-style vegetables. More than 2,000 people from across the region took part, with many requesting course information after sparking a new passion.

The event incorporated many of the College’s vocational areas, including Engineering, Renewables, Welding and Construction, Digital Industries and Visitor

Economy careers such as Hair, Beauty and Catering.

Hull College Principal Graham Towse said: “The feedback we received was superb – people were so enthusiastic about having the chance to try out so many different skill areas. Just some of the have-a-go activities we offered included building a wall, making a birdbox, a welding simulator, a 3D virtual reality simulator of an aircraft engine, changing a tyre on a gritter, catering activities, first aid, childcare, hairdressing and more.

“A real benefit of the Skills Show Experience was that it provided a rare opportunity for people to try out a

range of very different skills and careers within one place. Visitors have been able to go from welding to construction to childcare to beauty and really discover where their interests lie. We then identified courses and training routes for them”.

Jack Scarr, Project Manager at Matchfit, the Humber region’s own vocational skills competition, praised the event after paying a visit, saying: “There were some great exhibits and activities, it felt like the whole campus was involved”.

Skills Show comes to Hull College

College wins prestigious TES award

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Harrogate College Apprentice Nathan Stevens was named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the Leeds City Council Apprenticeship Awards in March 2014.

Held at Leeds Civic Hall, the ceremony recognised ten local Apprentices and four employers for the outstanding contribution they have made to the Leeds economy.

Judges at the event said Nathan had ‘made a positive impression on everyone around him’, with local councillor Lucinda Yeadon, saying: “All our award-winners are shining examples of how hard work, passion and dedication can see young people accomplish their goals and be successful in whatever career they choose.

“I hope seeing what our apprentices and employers have accomplished here will encourage even more businesses and individuals to get behind the apprenticeship programme both now and in the future”.

Harrogate College Principal Debra Forsythe-Conroy said: “We are

extremely proud of Nathan. He joined us as a School Links student, completed three years on a joinery programme and then went on to the Apprenticeship.

“He is a credit to the College and a great example of how it’s possible to join us early in your academic life and discover your perfect career path.

Apprentices work extremely hard and the competition for these awards really was tough, so for Nathan to stand out is particularly impressive”.

Creative students at Harrogate College collaborated with National Trust-owned landmark Fountains Abbey over two separate projects in 2013 and 2014, creating commissioned posters for the high profile visitor attraction.

Students on the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Art & Design worked with both the National Trust and the Abbey to produce a range of stunning posters. The 11 participants were tasked to follow a brief set by the Trust, which involved incorporating the organisation’s branding and giving their designs a fresh, contemporary feel.

The brief also requested all submissions were ‘striking graphic and photographic posters’ showing the whole site in a range of exciting and innovative ways.

All their designs were exhibited at Fountains Hall, with members of the public invited to vote on their

favourites. Student Sarah Thompson was eventually selected as the winner by both the public and judges, with her atmospheric images a clear winner.

In a second project, first year Extended Diploma Art and Design students were asked by Fountains Abbey to produce ten designs for its annual Easter Egg Hunt. The students came up with a range of bright, eye-catching egg-shaped designs.

Harrogate College Principal Debra Forsythe Conroy said: “The experience our students gain from participating in live projects like this is invaluable. They really embraced the opportunity to follow the design process including creating design sheets and presenting initial ideas to the client. When it comes to putting together a CV, work experience like this is crucial”.

Award for Harrogate College Apprentice

Art students work with National Trust

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The creative talents of Harrogate College students were utilised to create public works of art when the world’s biggest cycle race came to the region in summer 2014.

Students were involved in a series of cycle-themed projects, including creating mini jumpers for the ‘Tour De Bunting’ which saw crafters across the Yorkshire region creating miniature jerseys to be used as colourful bunting throughout Harrogate.

In another project, Level 1 and 2 Motor Vehicle students created 14 different

bicycles out of metal. The designs included a tandem, Chopper, Penny Farthings, racer, BMX and unicycle. The completed bikes were displayed at local pub the Coach and Horses – itself renamed as the Cavendish and Horses in honour of professional cyclist Mark Cavendish.

Martyn Wood, Engineering tutor at Harrogate College, developed the idea of the art installation after working on a previous project, where students designed bike racks for the College.

He said: “The students used their practical engineering skills to create the model bicycles. These are skills which will give them a distinct advantage, as they will show potential employers their talents and involvement with high profile projects”.

Once finished, the bikes were powder coated in different colours and given College branding.

Goole College students proved their health credentials in February 2014 in a series of challenges designed to get them thinking about eating well and keeping fit. The students participated in the Health Week and Get Moving Goole challenges, with the winners scooping a series of health-themed prizes.

In a fitness trial, pupils tried out an interactive velodrome, which pitted their cycling prowess against each other. Competitors battled it out on two fixed bikes which simulated velodrome conditions. Prizes were then handed out to the two fastest around the track.

A further competition called for

students to create a bold and beautiful poster to encourage people to walk or cycle rather than travelling by car. The imagination and quality of the entries were high, with students coming up with themes, logos and artwork. A first place and runner-up prize were given out. Prizes for the successful students included gym memberships, goodie bags and Love2Shop vouchers.

The Get Moving Goole is funded through a successful bid to the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund, made by partner organisation the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC)’s Transport Policy team. Get Moving Goole aims to encourage people to swap

travelling by car for more energetic forms of transport, including walking and cycling.

Goole Principal Lynne Richardson said: “We were extremely impressed by the standard of posters created by participating students and were delighted by the enthusiasm they showed for the cycling challenge.

“This was also a valuable opportunity to work closely with some of our partner organisations. We appreciate their commitment to projects like this, which really reinforce healthy living and encourage learners to think about important issues like fitness”.

College celebrates Tour de France

Goole College students awarded health accolades

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Goole College officially opened its welding workshops in a launch event in May 2014.

The state-of-the-art £500,000 department is designed to address an emerging local demand for skills in the welding and fabrication sectors. The college hosted a number of dignitaries including Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Chief Executive Kishor Tailor and representatives from Weldability Sif, the company which provided the cutting edge equipment on Friday, May 2 when the ribbon was cut at the facility.

Guests were shown the College’s welding equipment and practical

engineering facilities, as well as the Virt-U-Weld technology, which allows pupils to virtually weld using a computer programme and virtual reality welding kit. The development originated when the Hull and Humber area was awarded City Deal status by the Government. City Deal status, meaning that decision making powers in the area that would usually sit with Whitehall are rolled out locally, giving Hull and the Humber increased powers to establish the UK’s energy industry within the region.

The project is part of the work to develop a Humber Campus for energy skills with £1.245m of FE capital

funding, matched by £1.9m from the five participating Humber colleges.

Goole Principal Lynne Richardson said: “We were delighted to officially launch our welding facilities. They really are the highest possible standard and provide students with fantastic experience in a realistic working environment.

“Welding and engineering skills will be more essential than ever following the announcement by Siemens and ABP to proceed with the Greenport development in Hull. This will provide a wealth of opportunities for those who train with us”.

Students from Goole College had a taste of working life with a work experience stint at Goole Hospital in April 2014. The future medical professionals tried their hands at a range of tasks and practiced dealing with patients during the four-week taster, working closely alongside hospital staff.

Emma Stow, Amy Petch, Stephanie Betterridge Grey and Laura Kinnaird, all studying Level 3 Health and Social Care, worked real shift patterns and tried out a variety of different departments within the hospital.

Emma Stow said: “It was so exciting, what an opportunity! I was really pleased to learn new skills and had a unique experience at the hospital”.

Amy Petch added: “I was so lucky

to have the placement at the hospital, I was very excited about it and I believe it gave me valuable experience for my future”.

Lynne Richardson, Principal at Goole College, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer our students the chance to gain experience on a real ward. They saw fully qualified nurses working, practiced dealing with patients and really got a taste of the fast-paced atmosphere in the hospital. It was also a valuable opportunity to use the skills they have worked so hard to learn at College.

“We are able to offer the placements because we have a strong working relationship with the hospital and we appreciate them giving our learners the chance to work with their staff

and to learn from them. It is still a tough job market and for students, having real work experience on their CVs is more important than ever. Progression for our students – into a job, or on to a further qualification – is an area we place strong emphasis on”.

Student nurses take to the wards

Goole College launches fully refurbished welding workshops

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Hull CollegeQueen’s Gardens

Wilberforce Drive

Hull

HU1 3DG

T: 01482 329943

www.hull-college.ac.uk

Harrogate CollegeHornbeam Park

Harrogate

North Yorkshire

HG2 8QT

T: 01423 879466

www.harrogate.ac.uk

Goole CollegeBoothferry Road

Goole

DN14 6SR

01405 762420

www.goole-college.co.uk