Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/apprenticeshipsCollege launches new eco courses for north east businesses/news/college-launches-new-eco-courses Redcar & Cleveland College has launched a range of Renewable Energy courses to help north east businesses enhance their eco skills using the latest technologies. Starting this January the college promises local businesses a golden opportunity to upskill their staff in sustainable technologies at their new fully operational eco house. The eco house, named The Greenhouse, was unveiled last year as a leading light in the design, installation and maintenance of the most commonly used equipment in the sustainable technologies market, including solar panels, heat pump installers, and rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems. The residential property, which is based on the college’s Corporation Road campus, will enable skilled tradespeople who are studying on the new eco courses to see how the latest equipment can be used in domestic situations, and the benefits they bring. The house is an integral part of the college’s role in the National Skills Academy north east hub for environmental technologies, which is bringing together Narec, Redcar & Cleveland College, Hartlepool College of FE and City of Sunderland College. Accredited by SummitSkills and The National Skills Academy in Environmental Technologies, the Redcar & Cleveland College is playing a major role in transforming the ability of businesses in the building services engineering and plumbing sectors to access key training skills to Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standards. The new Renewable Energy short courses, which range in length between one day and five weeks, include: Renewable Energy Awareness  EAL Accredited Solar Thermal Hot Water System Installation & Maintenance  Solar Thermal Hot Water System Installation & Maintenance  Solar Photovoltaic System Installation  Solar Photovoltaic System Installation & Maintenance  Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance  Solar Thermal Systems First Fix Installer  Solar Photovoltaic System First fix Installer  BPEC Rainwater & Grey Water Harvesting College Principal Gary Groom said: “I’m really excited for the eco skills courses to start, we have embraced sustainable living here at the college and by running these courses we hope to train future generations in renewable energy technologies.” Full details can be obtained by calling 01642 777216.Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:51:29 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-eco-coursesCollege awards celebrate top students/news/college-awards-celebrate-top-students Top performing students from a Tees Valley college's Further and Higher Education courses had their achievements celebrated at its annual award ceremony recently.   The Celebration of Achievement Awards at Redcar & Cleveland College saw students studying courses across all of the subject areas on offer awarded for their achievements and endeavours whilst at college.   Amongst awards were handed out were the prestigious Further Education Student of the Year, Higher Education Student of the Year and Work Based Learning Student of the Year, which were awarded to sports student Nicky Askew, Early Years student Diane Baird and Advanced Apprentice Rachael Robinson respectively.    Nicky, who took the decision to return to college after some time out of education to further his career, successfully completed his course before spending time in the USA working as a soccer coach.   He is now studying on the BSc in Sport and Exercise (Applied Science) at Teesside University and continuing his work as a coach in football development classes in Middlesbrough.   During his time at college he balanced the needs of his studies alongside a part time job to fund his course and he is now hoping to develop a career in the industry as a coach. He said:   “I’ve always had a passion for sport, but an injury meant that I stopped playing football and took a job in an unrelated area. After doing this for a while, I realised how much I wanted to work in sport and took the decision to go back to college to get the qualifications that I needed to do this.   “Coming back to college was daunting at first, but having had some time away from education made me realise how important it is to work hard and gain good grades, which was something I tried to pass on to my fellow students.   “Taking the course at Redcar & Cleveland College has opened up so many opportunities for me and it’s fantastic to be recognised for my achievements.”   Diane, who completed a Foundation Degree at the college played an active roll in college life throughout her studies, acting as a course representative and Development Working in addition to completing her course. She is now studying for a BA (Hons) at the college and hopes to land a job at the college on completion of her studies. She said:   “I can’t praise the staff at the college enough for all of the help and support that they have given me whilst I’ve been here. There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t have won this award without their contribution as well as the support of my family.   “Being recognised in this way is a real honour and has spurred me on to challenge myself further and in new ways which I hope will eventually give me the opportunity to return to the college as a lecturer or assessor and be able to give something back to future students.   Winner of the Work Based Learning Student of the Year was Rachael Robinson. Rachael has worked her way through college, having started on a Level 1, course to eventually complete an Advanced Apprenticeship with Coast & Country Housing and has now landed a full time permanent position with the company.   Speaking after her win, Rachael said:   “I feel very privileged and overjoyed to have won the Work-Based Learning Student of The Year Award.   “It came as a surprise and, although I would never have made it if it hadn’t been for my family, the tutors at Redcar & Cleveland College and colleagues at Coast & Country.   “I have gained numerous amounts of qualifications, skills and confidence over the past 4 years that I never expected, but I have achieved.   “Ever since joining Coast & Country on the Apprenticeship programme not only did I gain my NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, I also gained respect, confidence, communication skills and a permanent job, which I hope will prove to bring bigger accomplishments.”   Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, presented the winners with their awards. He said:    "The students here tonight have all worked extremely hard to make it into the nominations and the winners who we have recognised have proved themselves to be outstanding in their chosen subject areas.    "The college works hard to inspire all of our students and we are extremely proud of the achievements of all our winners and nominees."      Other winners on the night were:   Beauty & Holistics Student of the Year: Nikki Harrison and Faye Robinson Hairdressing Student of the Year: Paul Lane Sport Student of the Year: Nicky Askew Art & Design and Travel & Tourism Student of the Year: Liam Wiles Business, Management, Administration & Accounting Student of the Year: Jessica Taberner Computing, IT & Media Student of the Year: Craig Cockerill Engineering & Science Student of the Year: James Pickersgill Public Services Student of the Year: Ashleigh Harvey The Paul Stott Memorial Trophy First Prize: Jack Moody The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors Shield: Robert Hansen Built Environment Student of the Year: Lisa Gardener The Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Level 1: Robert Pearson The Cliff Houlding Memorial Trophy Level 2: Jack Brignall Wellbeing & Education Student of the Year: Emma Dobie and Rachel Lillystone Achievement Over Adversity Award: Kirsty Dearnley Enthusiasm and Contribution to College Award: Ashleigh Harvey The Sir William Turner Foundation Vicki Lawrence Memorial Award: Hannah Measey        Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:12:12 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-awards-celebrate-top-studentsTraining partnership builds on success for local apprentice Craig/news/training-partnership-builds-on-success-for-local-appren A partnership between a Tees Valley college and a major local employer to deliver targeted training to employees is being hailed as a massive success by both parties. Redcar & Cleveland College and Coast & Country Housing have been working together to deliver training for the housing association’s staff for the last 10 years and during that time hundreds of apprentices and other staff have had their skills boosted by a college training course. The partnership began in 2001 when the college began delivering training in areas such as joinery, plumbing and brickwork and this has now expanded into other areas including business based qualifications. Steve Healey, Head of Maintenance Operations, at Coast & Country said: “Our relationship with Redcar & Cleveland College is something we're extremely proud of.  “We have massive experience in the construction industry and, in partnership with the college, we're able to teach these students all that we know, not just about a specific trade but about customer service and team work, to be a success. “Our staff are the most important part of our business and it’s vital that they have the necessary skills to deliver outstanding service to our customers.” One Coast & Country employee who is taking full advantage of the partnership is 24 year old painting and decorating apprentice Craig Goodall. Craig, who is in the first year of his apprenticeship, spends four days a week on site and one day a week in college working towards an NVQ Level 2 and a Diploma Level 2 in Painting and Decorating. “Being an apprentice is great as it’s the best of both worlds,” says Craig who lives in Norton with his parents. “It means that I can work towards getting a qualification when I’m at college, but I also get to learn on the job from my manager and colleagues. “It’s allowed me to develop the skills I learn at college and carry them out within a tight timeframe in conjunction with all of the other construction trades.” Craig’s skills were recently recognised when he won the New Entrant Painting and Decorating category and the Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year award at the north east heats of the national SkillBuild competition, which were held at the college last month. “It was really challenging preparing to take part, especially because you’re marked on the time you take to complete the job as well as the overall quality of your work, but for me that’s just like the work I do every day for Coast & Country and I just thought of the judges as one of our customers and concentrated on making them happy” added Craig. Steve Healey went on to say of Craig’s win: “I am delighted that Craig was awarded first place in the Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year. This goes to show that Coast & Country customers are in the hands of first class trades people.   “I’m sure this is the start of a fantastic career for Craig and I am confident that his time with Coast & Country will give him the grounding he needs. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said: “Craig is a great example of how the work that Redcar & Cleveland College does with Coast & Country is producing real results for the young people of the Tees Valley. “It’s vitally important for the future economic prosperity of our region that we invest in the skills of our future workforce and ensure that they are able to meet the future needs of major employers such as Coast & Country. We’re delighted that we are able to work with them and help them to meet these needs.” Painting and Decorating is just one of the courses that are delivered in partnership by the college and Coast & Country. As well as delivering training in all of the individual construction trades the college has also worked to develop a number of specific qualifications to suit the needs of CCH. These include a National and Higher National Certificate in Building Studies and a new Apprenticeship in Housing which will be delivered from this September.  Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:22:36 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/training-partnership-builds-on-success-for-local-apprenYou Beauty! College students taste success at competition/news/you-beauty-college-students-taste-success-at-competitio A group of students from Redcar & Cleveland College’s Hair and Beauty Division have tasted success after taking part in a regional competition that pitted them up against some of the most talented students in the country. Students from the college’s Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy courses travelled to Gateshead for the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) competition recently, which saw students from across the region compete against each other in a series of challenges that tested their skills to the full. Amongst those taking part from the college was Level 1 Beauty Therapy student Aynslie Robinson who was competing for the first time in the Body Art category of the competition. Up against students on Level 2 and Level 3 courses, Aynslie, a former pupil at Nunthorpe School exceeded all expectations to finish in 3rd place. Speaking after the competition, Aynslie who is 16 and from Ormesby said: “Taking part in the competition was a great experience and was really fun as well. I can’t believe that I managed to come third when it was the first event I’ve taken part in. “I’m already looking forward the next competition in Blackpool where I’m going to try and do even better!” Aynslie’s tutor, Rebecca Hadman, was delighted with the way the students approached the competition and with their performance across the board. She said: “We try to give our students as much experience of what it’s like in the real world while they are with us and taking part in competitions like this gives them a chance to find out what it’s like to work under pressure and produce work of a very high standard. “I’m delighted that Aynslie has done so well and earned a place in the next round of the competition and we’re all hoping that she’ll repeat her performance in Blackpool. “We’re already planning to attend more competitions next year and are aiming for even more success through these.”  Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:39:53 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/you-beauty-college-students-taste-success-at-competitioRedcar students prove that they’re ‘Worth It’/news/redcar-students-prove-that-theyre-worth-it Hairdressing students from Redcar & Cleveland College have proved they’re a cut above the rest by helping out a team of top stylists. Students from the college’s Level 2 NVQ Hairdressing course got the opportunity to assist members of the L’Oreal Creative team when they visited the college to give a demonstration to local hairdressers of the latest trends and fashions. The students worked alongside the team, who helped to demonstrate the latest cutting and colouring techniques, to develop styles based on the Autumn/Winter and transition into Spring colour palettes. Amongst the students who helped out was 18 year old Toni Worton who worked with an L’Oreal stylist to produce a style based on a jungle catwalk theme. Talking about the experience, she said: “To work with the L’Oreal Creative team has been a fantastic opportunity for us to develop our skills and find out what it takes to be a stylist at the top level. “It’s really helped me to focus on what I want to do in my future career and see how the skills I’m learning at college are going to help me when I’m at work.” College tutor Emma Ogelby arranged the visit of the team, she added: “The L’Oreal Creative team are some of the most talented hairdressers in the country and the fact that they have taken the time to work alongside our students is a real coup for the college. “The experience our students get from this kind of partnership is highly sought after and will mean that they have an extra edge when they qualify and start applying for jobs.”    Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:02:33 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-prove-that-theyre-worth-itOpen evening gives prospective students a taste of college life/news/open-evening-gives-prospective-students-a-taste-of-collRedcar & Cleveland College is opening its doors to prospective students tonight (Wednesday 16th February) for a chance to find out how gaining new qualifications could help them take the next steps to a rewarding career. The event is a chance for anyone thinking of developing their skills, including young people who will be leaving school this summer, to come along and find out how a new qualification from the college could improve their employability and career prospects. Details are as follows: Date: Wednesday 16 February 2011 Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm Location: Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar The college has places available on courses in all subject areas. There is still time to apply for those who are leaving school this summer, people looking to boost their skills or those looking for a change of career. Staff will be on hand to give advice on the full range of full-time and part-time courses on offer and careers advisors will provide information on opportunities and career progression. Current college students will also be there to talk about their experiences of college life and exhibit their work as part of a Skills Showcase. There’s also a chance to view the college’s new Higher Education Centre, which opened in September last year. Boasting the latest in cutting edge technology, the Centre offers prospective students across the borough and beyond the chance to gain degree level qualifications. Gary Groom, Principal Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “We’re inviting prospective students to come along to the open evening where they can learn about the wide range of subjects and courses on offer, and tour the campus to see how our facilities can give them a fantastic student experience and provide the best opportunities for learning.” Further details of the range of courses available to students can be found in the college’s Full-Time Prospectus which is available to download from www.cleveland.ac.uk or by calling 01642 473132.  Wed, 16 Feb 2011 10:14:36 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/open-evening-gives-prospective-students-a-taste-of-collCollege launches new Apprenticeship courses/news/college-launches-new-apprenticeship-coursesStudents and employers can now benefit from an even wider choice of Apprenticeships as Redcar & Cleveland College adds a further 12 courses to its programme. As part of the newly-created Services and Creative Industries Faculty, ten more courses have been added to the programme, including: • Spa Therapy • Beauty Therapy • Nail Services • Hairdressing • Health and Social Care • Children’s Care, Learning and Development • Leisure Management • Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise - Gym • Instructing Exercise and Fitness Also among the new Apprenticeship programmes is Local Environmental Services, which includes a mixture of horticulture and cleaning. Redcar and Cleveland Council has agreed to employ apprentices on this course. There will also be Sport and Leisure programmes, which will see students working in locations such as sports and leisure centres, while gaining their qualifications at the College. Delia Leadbitter, Head of Division for Hair, Beauty, Business Administration and Management, said: “These new courses have been created in response to local demand. They are designed to suit employers in all sizes of business, perhaps even helping to create a few entrepreneurs. “We are always keen to hear from employers who want to take on people on Apprenticeship programmes and will do what we can to support them. “We are delighted to be able to offer even more opportunities to people in the Tees Valley, who are looking to make that next step in their career, or even a complete change of direction.” Philip Fawcett, owner of Patterdale Plumbing Service said: “As an employer looking for a college that can offer a high standard of training to match our high standard of workmanship, I have been more than happy for my two apprentices to attend Redcar & Cleveland College. “I know they are being taught by competent tutors who have worked in the plumbing and gas industries themselves. I had the pleasure of attending the College myself, and will be returning in future to ensure that I continue to meet the industry standards and have the specified qualifications.”  Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:43:39 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-launches-new-apprenticeship-coursesCollege successfully hosts regional heats for UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year/news/college-successfully-hosts-regional-heats-for-uk-apprenIn a tight contest, 20-year-old Jack Hall was just pipped for first place in the north east heat of the HIP! Magazine UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year award. The competition was held in the college for the second year running (on 1st March), with the organisers praising the “fantastic” facilities at Redcar & Cleveland College. Jack was among 11 apprentices from colleges around the north east taking part in a four-hour challenge that put their plumbing skills to the test, including installing a radiator. Jack, who works for ALCO Plumbing, said: “The competition has been a really good experience and I feel more confident and motivated to do more.   “Although I didn’t win I know I tried my hardest, and the highlight was finishing the task because it was very challenging. I really enjoy plumbing because when I have fixed something I know that I’ve done a good job.    “Studying at Redcar & Cleveland College is great because the tutors are really good and the facilities are second to none.” As well as hosting the plumbing competition, for the first time this year the college also staged the competition for the Sparks! Magazine Apprentice Electrician of the Year award. The awards, sponsored by Plumbfix and Electrofix respectively, are a UK-wide competition which tests Level 2 and 3 Plumbing and Electrical NVQ apprentices on core practical elements of their course. Head of Plumbing & Gas Division at Redcar & Cleveland College, Harry Teasdale, said: “The standard this year was excellent. Competitions like this are really good for boosting morale and it’s an experience the participants can benefit from in their future careers.   “We’re obviously really pleased that this is the second year we hosted the plumbing event and the first for the electrician competition. The college has excellent facilities so this is a brilliant way of showcasing what we have to offer.” Harry’s comments were echoed by Celia Matthews, organiser of the competition, who said: “The standard of apprentices in the north east is among the highest in the UK and this is matched by the quality of the venue, which is fantastic.”     Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:04:17 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-successfully-hosts-regional-heats-for-uk-apprenApprenticeships offer first-rate opportunity/news/apprenticeships-offer-first-rate-opportunityYoung people with practical skills or an interest in the trades can start out on a rewarding career path with Redcar & Cleveland College’s Apprenticeship programme. With placements in all of the building and construction trades, from brickwork and plastering to joinery, plumbing and paining and decorating, as well as hairdressing, accountancy, IT and business administration, apprentices will receive first-rate training and the qualifications they need to succeed. People aged 16 and over can apply for a place on Apprenticeship courses, that will see them work in their chosen industry four days a week and study at college the remaining day. They will work alongside industry professionals, who have the knowledge and experience to develop raw skills and turn young people into skilled employees. And for those who need to brush up on their key academic skills, such as maths and literacy, college tutors are there to ensure apprentices receive a rounded education that covers all the bases. Carol Jordan, Head of Employer Engagement at the college, said the majority of apprentices were given permanent jobs by their placement employers once qualified. She said there were no boundaries between young men and women – with a number of female students working in typically male dominated areas, such as construction. “We get a very varied group of people coming to the college for the Apprenticeship programme,” she said. “We have those in the construction trades, along with people who want to enter the world of business and accountancy. “I am always amazed at how skilled apprentices become in such a short space of time. They work hard, become very disciplined and are ultimately respected in their chosen fields of work. “It is so rewarding to see young people developing such sought-after skills and heading out on successful careers.” The college works with a range of employers from across the area who all value the injection of new skills and enthusiasm that employing an apprentice brings. Stan Clingo, of S.C. Joinery, said: “Apprentices are valuable members of the team and a great asset to the business. The apprentices that we employ are supported at all times by the college and their tutors throughout their training. Feedback and systems at the college are very easy to follow and communication is on-going.” Christine Kirby, of Coast & Country Housing Ltd, added: “Through our work with apprentices from Redcar & Cleveland College, we appreciate and understand the level of support that is given to them to help them succeed. We also understand how important it is to work closely with the college and the partnership we have. “We are very pleased with our decision to employ apprentices and work with the college to develop their skills.” As well as offering traditional Apprenticeships, the college also offers students the opportunity to study on an Advanced Apprenticeship course. The Advanced Apprenticeship offers an alternative to traditional A-Levels, offering young people the opportunity to take a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at level 3. Additionally, the apprenticeship may include other requirements based on what the individual employers considers important for the young person and their business. There are 168 students this year on apprenticeships at the college, earning up to £95 a week, however, that increases with time and age. Michelle Wheeler, Employer Engagement Co-ordinator, said students had to meet strict criteria to be accepted onto a course, but said for those unable to do so, there were other pre-entry courses to help them on their way. “The apprentices are expected to work hard, but their rewards come once they are qualified because they acquire skills for life,” she said.Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:57:58 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/apprenticeships-offer-first-rate-opportunityCollege to host skills showcase event and open evening/news/college-to-host-skills-showcase-event-and-open-eveningProspective students will get a chance to find out how gaining new qualifications could help them get on in life next week (Wednesday 21st October). Redcar & Cleveland College is holding a special Open Evening where anyone thinking of studying on a course can drop in and get further information, as well as taking a look around the world-class facilities. Staff will be on hand to give advice on the full range of full time and part time courses on offer. There will also be a Skills Showcase exhibition of work from current college students. Details are as follows: Date:        Wednesday 21st October Time:       5pm – 8pm Location: Redcar & Cleveland College, Corporation Road, Redcar The event is a chance for anyone thinking of developing their skills to come along and find out first hand how a new qualification from the college could give a boost to their confidence and improve their employability and career prospects. Visitors will get the chance take a tour of the college campus, and careers advisors and lecturers will be on hand to offer advice on opportunities and career progression. The college has recently launched its 2010/2011 Full Time Prospectus, giving anyone thinking of studying a full time course at the college comprehensive details of what is on offer. Gary Groom, Principal Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming prospective students to the new Redcar & Cleveland College Skills Showcase 2009 and showing them how the learning environment and courses we have on offer can give them a real edge when it comes to improving skills and gaining employment.”  Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:17:00 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-to-host-skills-showcase-event-and-open-eveningRedcar trainees are best in the North East/news/redcar-trainees-are-best-in-the-north-east Two students from Redcar & Cleveland College have nailed top titles at the regional heats of a prestigious national skills competition. John Atkinson and James Brownless proved that they are two of the best trainees in the North East, following success at the regional heat of this year’s SkillBuild – the UK’s biggest construction skills competition. John, 21, who is studying for an in NVQ Joinery and Carpentry won a gold medal in the Joinery category of the competition, whilst James, 19, who is also an apprentice with Mitie, won the gold medal in the Junior Painting & Decorating category at the North East heat, which took place on 1st July at Newcastle College. Talking about his success at the competition, John, who has been supported throughout his studies by his employers PM Straw Builders, said: “The award is fantastic as it reflects the hard work that I’ve put in during my course and also the support I’ve received from my employer and tutors at college. “I really wasn’t expecting to win today as the level of competition was so high, but we’ve worked hard in preparation for the competition and that really helped me to handle the task we were set.” The lads weren’t the only Redcar & Cleveland College students to taste success at the event - Lucie Nicholson, 19, placed 2nd in the Junior Painting & Decorating category and Stephen Read, 26, and Glenn Jones, 19, achieved 2nd and 3rd place respectively in the Carpentry category. Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, Gary Groom, said of the student’s success: “To have so many of our students competing and finding success in the SkillBuild event highlights the college’s strengths in Built Environment disciplines. The college is clearly providing the very best training you can find anywhere in the UK. Staff and students put in a tremendous effort to attain such high standards and we are very proud of them.” “This is the third year in a row that students from Redcar & Cleveland College have won gold medals on a regional level and we hope that they will now go on to National success ” John and James will now be flying the flag for the North East and will have their chance to compete against the other UK regions at the SkillBuild national final, which will take place 7-9 October at South Lanarkshire College in Scotland. National winners from this year’s competition will then have the opportunity to represent the UK and compete in the 2011 international WorldSkills competition in London. SkillBuild, which is organised by ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry, aims to find the UK’s best trainee across a variety of trades including: bricklaying, carpentry, joinery and painting and decorating. The students competed against each other in their given trade to complete a set of work within the day. The competition challenged the trainees to produce accurate and high quality work within a strict timescale – all essential requirements for today’s construction industry. The work was assessed by a panel of technical experts at the end of the day when the winners in each trade were announced. The competition, which has been running for more than 20 years, is an opportunity to recognise the importance of apprentices and full time trainees, and their skills. It also provides a platform for companies to highlight the quality of their workforce and commitment to training – which is essential in the current climate to provide businesses with a competitive edge.Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:12:27 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-trainees-are-best-in-the-north-eastOfsted inspectors grade Redcar & Cleveland College as ‘good’/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-asStudents and staff at a Tees Valley college are celebrating after Ofsted inspectors praised its effectiveness and graded it as a ‘good’ learning establishment. Redcar & Cleveland College Principal Gary Groom said he was thrilled with the inspector’s report, which praised the wide range of courses available, the effectiveness of the college, and the new state-of-the-art facilities. He said it was testament to the hard work put in by every member of staff and student during the past few years, who have worked to further improve all aspects of college life. “We are delighted that the college has now been recognised for the large number of improvements we have made since the last inspection in 2004, when we were then graded as ‘satisfactory’,” said Mr Groom. “Previously, the college was not meeting its full potential and needed to improve both standards and the facilities. “We are now officially graded as being a good college, which is fantastic news for everyone in Redcar and Cleveland – knowing that not only is there a terrific new £26m college building in the borough, but there is also continued improvements in both success rates and student retention.” Inspectors rated the new college building and facilities, which opened in September last year, as outstanding. Safety of students and staff was also graded as outstanding, and the inspectors also commented that students were well behaved and respectful to each other. They said the overall effectiveness of the college was good, and stated that its capacity to improve further was also good. The report stated: “Over the last three years, success rates have significantly improved. Success rates for learners aged 16 to 18 are above national average. “The quality of provision is good, as are teaching and learning. Lessons are well planned and teachers effectively link theory to practice. The college is highly responsive to the needs of students, employers, local and national priorities. The curriculum is very accessible and progression routes are increasingly well-used.” It added: “The principal provides strong direction to raise standards. Quality improvement strategies are very effective. Success rates have improved year-on-year. “The college has made good progress since the last inspection. Strengths identified then have been maintained and areas for improvement addressed.” Mr Groom said everyone at the college was very proud of what they had achieved. “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the college, because without their hard work and dedication, this great Ofsted report would not have been possible,” he said. “We set out on a long journey to improvement when I arrived here four years ago and, while we are extremely pleased with our achievements so far, we still have a distance to travel and are very focussed. “We will continue to strive for excellence in the hope that we achieve the highest grade possible at our next inspection – that of ‘outstanding’.”  Chairman of Governors Dr Graham Hillier said: “This is an excellent achievement for the college. We are all extremely pleased that the inspectors recognised the many improvements that have been made since the last inspection, and saw the college as we do – a good learning establishment. “Everyone has worked very hard and will continue to do so to ensure that our students get the best education possible.” View the newsletterTue, 23 Jun 2009 15:12:59 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/ofsted-inspectors-grade-redcar-amp-cleveland-college-asGirls are doing it for themselves/news/girls-are-doing-it-for-themselvesTeenagers Louise Dabb and Becky Williams may be working in a typically male environment – but they have proved themselves more than capable when it comes to skimming walls. The pair are the first ever girls to study plastering at Redcar & Cleveland College, where they are working towards their level one diploma on the full-time course. The 18-year-olds are unfazed by the attention and find themselves mucking in like every other student on the programme. Indeed, their talents are such that both girls have shown a natural ability for plastering, with Louise being nominated to represent the college in the plastering category in the regional heat of the Skillbuild competition. Plastering lecturer Peter Moore said the girls’ involvement in the course had had a calming and maturing effect on the class, as a whole. “It’s rare to have one female plasterer, but we actually have two, which is extraordinary,” he said. “They are the first full- time female plasterers Redcar & Cleveland College has ever had. Both girls are very good, and they get on with the task at hand like any of the boys. Louise, however, is one of the best in the class and is definitely showing a flair and talent that is quite remarkable. “She is extremely motivated and uses her own initiative much of the time. She is outstanding. Equally, Becky is showing real skill and puts in a lot of effort and will definitely have a future in the trade. They are both excellent students.” Both girls are now considering what the future holds. However, Louise is certain she wants to progress to the level two diploma and hopes to then get an apprenticeship.  “I’m loving the course and feel as though I have learned so much,” she said. “The facilities and workshops are great and the tutors really go out of their way to help.” Becky said: “It’s a great course. I guess it is unusual to have girls on the plastering course, but we are treated no differently to anyone else.” Head of the Construction faculty John Jordan said companies were eager to hire females, as were members of the public, so he had no doubts that the girls would succeed. “The girls that take up the trades are certainly as able as the boys, but it is unusual in plastering for females to sign up. We are delighted to have them,” he said.  Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:48:41 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/girls-are-doing-it-for-themselvesCollege hosts regional heat for UK/news/college-hosts-regional-heat-for-ukRedcar & Cleveland College has launched the first of five regional heats for the inaugural HIP! UK Apprentice Plumber of the Year Award 2009.   The award, sponsored by Heating Engineers, Installers & Plumbers magazine (HIP!), in association with Plumbfix, is a UK-wide competition which tests Level 2 and 3 Plumbing NVQ apprentices on core practical elements of their course.   Five students from colleges around the north east took part in the challenge, which involved the installation of a boiler and radiator for a domestic heating system within a deadline of four hours.   Redcar & Cleveland College’s Adam Thompson, aged 25, achieved 2nd place along with 19 year-old Wayne Larkin from Hartlepool College of Further Education.   Adam Thompson thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the challenge. He said: “There was a good atmosphere amongst all the students in the competition. We were all quite close in terms of finishing the task set and well before the deadline too. It was great fun and I was pleased to be placed runner-up.”        Head of Plumbing & Gas Division at Redcar & Cleveland College, Harry Teasdale, said: “We were delighted to be the first college to host a regional heat of this new award and to also achieve the position of runner-up. Congratulations to all involved and to the winner, Adam Bainbridge.”   Celia Matthews, Editor of HIP! commented: “The competition covers the tasks that apprentices are doing everyday, demonstrating their ability to meet the industry required standards. After this first heat at Redcar & Cleveland College, the standard of work has already proved to be extremely high.”   The northern heat was won by Adam Bainbridge, aged 19 from Darlington College of Technology.     Photo shows 25 year-old runner-up Adam Thompson from Redcar & Cleveland College with Tutor and Head of Plumbing and Gas, Harry Teasdale after successfully completing the challenge.  Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:19:49 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-hosts-regional-heat-for-ukDaniel carves out a winning spot at Skillbuild/news/daniel-carves-out-a-winning-spot-at-skillbuildRedcar & Cleveland College student, Daniel Ferguson from Middlesbrough, took the top spot in the carpentry category at the Skillbuild regional finals held at City of Sunderland College.   Daniel, 19, employed by Tolent Construction as part of the Construction Industry Training Board’s mentoring scheme, was one of 14 students from the College entering five of the possible eight trade categories in the junior and senior sections of the competition.   Talking about winning the carpentry award Daniel said, “I had to build a timber stud partition and do a range of tasks against the clock. It was pressured, but I enjoyed it and got to put into practice the skills I picked up on my course. I’m looking forward to the national competition.”   Talking about the Skillbuild entry John Wade, lecturer in Construction at Redcar & Cleveland College, said, “The team we entered into the SkillBuild competition in Sunderland did really well, with Daniel now getting the chance to represent the North East region at the national finals in Leeds later in the year. He has the potential to progress to the British team that will take part in WorldSkills Olympics.   “We were the only college in the region to enter female contestants, with Yvonne Tennant for painting and decorating and Suzanne Winn for bricklaying. Both put in very credible performances in their competitions with Suzanne, who is employed by Barratt Construction, doing exceptionally well.   The College also picked up some other good results, with Andrew Ellsworth cementing a runners up spot in the plastering category, and first year student John Atkinson narrowly being beaten to first place in the Joinery category.Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:49:12 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/daniel-carves-out-a-winning-spot-at-skillbuild

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