Enterprise http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/enterpriseCollege students get a taster of money management /news/college-students-get-a-taster-of-money-management Students at the College were sampling the delights of financial independence recently as part of Barclays Money Skills Week, a programme that has been teaching college students nationwide about the importance of saving their money. College students have took part in tutorials and workshops at the college that were designed to encourage them to be more responsible with their money in fun and creative ways. These included taste tests, a money savings competition and case study sessions about saving. Some of the college’s Student Ambassadors organised a blind taste test comparing branded and non-branded drinks. Ashleigh Harvey, a student at the college, said: “I couldn’t taste the difference between the cheaper drink and the more expensive one, it just goes to show that I can still enjoy my favourite things on a lower budget.” The week also included a workshop where students learned about the costs associated with living independently, in preparation for when they leave college to study at university, or to start work. Ashleigh added: “The session was a real eye opener for me as I didn’t realise that living away from home could cost so much. I learnt about how I can manage my finances to make sure that I’m making the most of my money.” Fun activities and competitions were also included throughout the week, where students shared their money savings tips and discovered how making good financial decisions are important in today’s tough economic climate. Research from Barclays showed that young people felt that they were not given enough advice about finances and budgeting, therefore in order to improve this, schools and colleges across the country were taking part in a week-long series of activities to boost their students’ confidence and knowledge about money. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College, said: “Barclays Money Skills Week has made our students aware about the importance of looking after their money, which is essential for their futures. “The engaging activities and tutorials have provided them with the tools that they need when it comes to managing their finances, the programme has been a great success.” The project was part of Barclays Money Skills project, delivered by Barclays in partnership with other leading UK charities including the National Skills Academy for Financial Services,Action for Children and the National Youth Agency. Redcar & Cleveland were one of the lucky colleges that got involved to try and inform students about responsible financial control.   Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:43:57 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-students-get-a-taster-of-money-managementLaunch of new eco house enables professionals to stay ahead of the green technologies game/news/launch-of-new-eco-house-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-college Businesses in the north east have a golden opportunity to upskill their staff in emerging renewable technologies with the launch of a fully-operational eco house at Redcar & Cleveland College.   The eco house, named The Greenhouse, is 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 Corporation Road campus, will enable students and skilled trades people who are undertaking one of the college’s eco skills courses to see how the latest equipment can be used in domestic situations, and the benefits they bring.   With sponsorship from leading supplier Viessmann, The Greenhouse and the college’s Renewable Energy Centre have been equipped with a range of power-saving equipment, which showcase how the latest technologies can be utilised in sustainable living.   They will enable plumbers and people from the building services engineering sector to enhance their qualifications and skills through a range of new two and three-day courses.      Businesses from around the region were recently invited to view The Greenhouse and Renewable Energy Centre at a special launch event at the college, which was also attended by Redcar MP Ian Swales.   The opening also marked the launch of the National Skills Academy north east hub for environmental technologies, which brings together Narec, Redcar & Cleveland College, Hartlepool College of FE and City of Sunderland College.   Together they will transform the ability of businesses to access key training skills in the design, installation and maintenance of environmental technologies.    College principal Gary Groom said: “Renewable industries are a vitally-important sector for future development and job creation in the north east, and beyond, as a part of the Government’s carbon reduction strategy and we’re delighted that Redcar & Cleveland College is involved as part of the north east hub.   “As a part of our involvement we have developed our new eco skills portfolio and The Greenhouse, which is packed with the latest renewable technologies offering opportunities for the delivery of the very best training for the domestic market to Microgeneration Certification Scheme standards.”   Student John Rooney went to Redcar & Cleveland College to retrain as a plumber after being made redundant. He offered to assist the eco skills team in fitting out The Greenhouse and Renewable Energy Centre in order to gain additional experience.   He said: “This unique classroom is unlike anywhere else and has given me an invaluable insight into the workings of these systems, right from the preparation work to the finished product. Having witnessed the benefits of renewable energy, I am aiming to branch out into this field and plan to return to the college to gain further qualifications.”   Nigel Jefferson, Head of UK Commercial Sales for Viessmann, said: “Viessmann trains more than 100,000 installers across the world every year, so our investment in both Redcar & Cleveland College and its students continues our commitment to education in the energy sector.   “Redcar & Cleveland College now features a full range of equipment to ensure students and tradesmen are given a full training programme on the latest materials available and we will continue to develop the college’s Renewable Energy Centre even further.   “We are extremely proud to be associated with Redcar & Cleveland College and look forward to a long and healthy relationship, delivering training in a dynamic sector of high efficiency and renewable heating products.”   MP Ian Swales said: ‘’I am really pleased to be involved in the launch of The Greenhouse.  It is great to see Redcar & Cleveland College embracing sustainable living and running courses to train future generations in the new technologies. ‘’   For more information about the new eco skills courses, call 01642 777216.    Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:37:17 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/launch-of-new-eco-house-at-redcar-amp-cleveland-collegeRedcar 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 13:02:33 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/redcar-students-prove-that-theyre-worth-itSuper Sonic experience for students/news/super-sonic-experience-for-students Young people from across the north east had a super sonic experience today (Wednesday 23rd March) when they met the team challenging to break the World Land-Speed Record. Over 200 school and college students took part in the Bloodhound Experience at Redcar & Cleveland College as part of a two day conference focussing on Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning. After hearing from members of the project team, the students got to take part in activities including building their own balloon powered version of the Bloodhound car, having a go at driving at 1,000mph in the Bloodhound Driving Experience and taking a look around the car itself. Andrew Lowe, aged 19 is studying for a National Diploma in Engineering at Redcar & Cleveland College and took part in one of the sessions. He said: “It’s been a fantastic experience to hear from the Bloodhound team about how the skills that we learn in the classroom are being used to put together this massive project. “When you’re sat in the classroom it’s not easy to imagine how what you’re learning can all add up to make something like the Bloodhound car, it’s amazing and it really makes you think about how what you learn can lead to a really exciting career” Thanks to Bloodhound sponsor and FE partner, Protocol National, the conference is the first time that the Bloodhound car has visited the north east in its role as a tool to promote the teaching of STEM subjects to young people. As well as taking part in activities on the day, students and teachers are provided with learning materials that they can use before and after the experience to find out more about the role of STEM subjects in the record attempt. John Dickinson, aged 14 and a pupil at Freebrough Academy said: “Attending the event today and hearing about how Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths have all been used as part of the development of the Bloodhound project has really inspired me to think about a career in a STEM subject. “It was really interesting to see how the same design issues we had to solve when making our balloon powered cars are being faced by the team developing the Bloodhound car.” As well as the activities with school and college students, the two-day STEM conference, which was backed by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), saw teaching professionals and businesses from across the region gather to discuss the role of STEM and share best practice in its teaching and learning. Redcar & Cleveland College lecturer and Regional STEM Champion, Dr Stephen Hill helped to organise the conference. He said: “The LSIS STEM conference was not only about those involved in the teaching of these subjects getting together to hear about the latest developments in the sector, but also about inspiring young people to think about how the qualifications they are taking in science, technology, engineering or maths can lead to much bigger things both in terms of their education and their future careers.” Redcar & Cleveland College Principal and Further Education representative for the North East STEM Board, Gary Groom, said: “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics will play a massive role in the futures of many of this region’s young people. “It is vitally important that we equip learners with the skills they need to do the jobs that will be available right across the north east. We are delighted to have hosted the first Regional STEM conference for the Learning & Skills Improvement Service in Redcar and having the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car right here has made this a truly momentous occasion.” Jonathan Ellis, from Bloodhound and key presenter at the event said: “It’s been great to get the car up to the North East from its base in Bristol and FE colleges like Redcar and Cleveland are a great venue for us to share the project with local school and college students alike, as well as inspiring the local teaching community at this STEM conference.” You can view more photos from the event here. Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:30:46 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/super-sonic-experience-for-studentsOpen 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-collNew Course Launched For Budding Entrepreneurs //new-course-launched-for-budding-entrepreneursRedcar & Cleveland College is launching a new course this January aimed at giving budding entrepreneurs the skills they need to start their own business. The Certificate in Preparing for Business Enterprise, which is backed by the Institute of Leadership and Management, is delivered over 12 weeks and results in an accredited Level 2 qualification. The course sees students complete five units covering legal and regulatory requirements for starting a business, marketing and sales, finance, how to start a business and an assessment of the students own suitability for enterprise. There are no formal entry requirements for the course and it is open to anyone who is considering self-employment or has a business idea they wish to develop. More information can be found in the January prospectus or by calling 01642 473132.  Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:58:37 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk//new-course-launched-for-budding-entrepreneursCollege competition aims to find ‘next Sir Alan’/news/college-competition-aims-to-find-next-sir-alan Budding ‘Apprentices’ from a Tees Valley College have taken part in an innovative programme aimed at developing their entrepreneurial talents – and along the way some future occupants of positions at Sir Alan Sugar’s Boardroom table might have emerged. Over 200 students from Redcar & Cleveland College were taking part in the annual ‘‘Plunge’ programme, an innovative two-day event aimed at boosting their enterprise skills and improving their employability prospects. The students engaged in a number of hands-on group activities to develop a business plan, in such areas as sales and finance, with the help of experts from local business. The experts advised them on their ideas before the teams came back to pitch to them in a Dragon’s Den style meeting. After a gruelling series of meetings, presentations and grillings from the business experts, one team emerged as clear overall winners with their business brainwave of developing a waterproof gadget case. Students Jenna Everitt, Katie Cooper, Simone Wye and Rebecca Tye who made up team Brand New took home the prestigious Plunge trophy as well as the plaudits of the business experts who judged their group. Speaking about the win Jenna, said: “We really enjoyed taking part in the Plunge and to win the overall prize is just fantastic. Everyone worked really hard over the two days and the whole process has really opened my eyes to what you need to do to become a success in business. Katie, added: “Before we took part in the Plunge, I don’t think any of us really understood what was involved in starting a business and making it a success. “I think taking part in The Plunge will be really useful for me as I’ve learnt skills that will be really beneficial to me in my chosen career.” The girls of Brand New were one of six teams which won their group competitions, with the winners all receiving cash prizes. Amongst the business experts taking part in the event was David Copus from Motassist. He said: “Taking part in The Plunge has been an incredible experience. Over the course of the event I’ve seen real progress and achievement from the students who have taken part in the event who have shown bags of ideas and creativity. The commitment they have shown has been phenomenal.” Also acting as an expert was Ian Gowland from Big Blue Interior Design. He said: “It has been fantastic to see the confidence and enthusiasm in the young people who have taken part. I’ve seen a number of people over the two days who I wouldn’t hesitate to offer a job to.” The programme, which is entering its fifth year, took place within the colleges new £3.5m Higher Education Centre. It aims to give students a taste of what it is like to set up their own business along with all of all the associated business functions required. As well as helping students develop commercial awareness, business language skills, negotiation and presentation skills and improving their self-confidence, which all boost their employability, everyone who goes through the programme can receive a formal recognition by an accredited qualification. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said: "We have delivered The Plunge programme within the college for the last 5 years and have consistently found that it equips our Level 3 students with a range of highly relevant skills that are more important than ever in the current economic environment. “Every Level 3 student at Redcar & Cleveland College experiences The Plunge and students who went through the programme last year are already seeing the benefits with employers seeking out some of the more innovative students and offering sponsorships for business ideas.”  Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:35:47 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/college-competition-aims-to-find-next-sir-alan“Text a bath” idea wins students top prize/news/text-a-bath-idea-wins-students-top-prize A bath which pours itself to the right depth and temperature at just the right time – that's the business brainwave which this week won a team of Redcar & Cleveland College students top prize in a competition aimed at developing budding entrepreneurs. The four strong team, calling their company “The Bath People”, devised the idea of an electronically-controlled bath which could be preset to pour itself ready for its owners return from work – adding bubbles if needed. The owner could even text on the way home, ordering the bath to start pouring. The winners were just one team from the 200-plus students who took part in the college’s ‘Ride the Wave’ programme, an innovative three-day event aimed at boosting their enterprise skills and improving their employability prospects. They were one of six teams which won their group competitions, with the winners all receiving cash prizes. The students engaged in a number of hands-on group activities to develop a business plan, in such areas as sales and finance, with the help of experts from local business. The experts advised them on their ideas before the teams came back to pitch to them in a Dragon’s Den style meeting. Student Daniel Hunter of The Bath People said: “I wasn’t very enthusiastic at first but by the end I really enjoyed it. I know I am shy but by day three I took on more of a leading role and I now know I can be successful”. One of the experts, Sue Pattison of Mouchel, said: “We were all impressed with the quality of the ideas and the enthusiasm of the students. The overall winners, The Bath People, were especially impressive with the team having a good product idea, working well as a team and thinking on their feet when it came to answering difficult questions from the experts.” The programme, which is entering its fifth year, aims to give students a taste of what it is like to set up their own business. David Wilson from PD Ports, who has been involved in the event on the panel of business experts, said: “I have been involved with ‘Ride the Wave’ from the outset and the experience is always rewarding. Importantly it provides an opportunity for local businesses to engage with students to give them the benefit of our experience and improve their prospects for gaining employment – an outcome which proves beneficial for all parties.” As well as helping students develop commercial awareness, business language skills, negotiation and presentation skills and improving their self-confidence, which all boost their employability, everyone who goes through the programme can receive a formal recognition by achieving either a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification such as ‘Working With Others’ Wider Key Skill or the Communication Key Skill. Gary Groom, Principal of Redcar & Cleveland College said: “In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever to ensure that our students are instilled with the spirit of enterprise that will help give them that extra edge when they enter the world of work. “Every full-time student at Redcar & Cleveland College experiences ‘Ride the wave’ and students who went through the programme last year are already seeing the benefits with employers seeking out some of the more innovative students and offering sponsorships for business ideas.”Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:35:25 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/text-a-bath-idea-wins-students-top-prizeStudent flying high in charity fundraiser/news/student-flying-high-in-charity-fundraiser-1 A student from a Tees Valley college made one giant leap on Sunday (19th April) to raise money to fight against and care for those suffering from cancer. Hannah Calvert, aged 23 and a student at Redcar & Cleveland College, jumped from a plane at over 10,000 feet above the north east countryside as part of a fundraising drive for Marie Curie Cancer Care. Hannah, who is studying an Access to Health course at Redcar & Cleveland College, found out about the work of the Marie Curie charity through her studies and decided that she wanted to do something personally to raise awareness about it in her hometown. She was spurred on in her endeavours by her friends, family and work colleagues who worked tirelessly to help her fundraise in preparation for the day. She is going on to begin a course in Nursing at Northumbria University next March and one of the career routes she is considering is becoming a Marie Curie nurse. Speaking about the event, Hannah said: “I wanted to do something a bit different from the usual kinds of fundraising activities you see and when I found out about the opportunity to skydive it seemed the perfect way to raise money and awareness. “The Marie Curie charity does such fantastic work not only in caring for those who are suffering from cancer, but also in working towards finding improved methods of treatment for it and hopefully one day even a cure. “If I’m honest I’m a little scared of heights, but the support that I’ve had from my family, friends, tutors and local businesses has been amazing and it was a fantastic experience which I’d love to repeat.” So far Hannah has raised over £1000, but is hoping that this figure will increase significantly as people can still donate to her appeal. Amongst those who have already donated are: ·      Staff and management from Consteel, Saltburn ·      Customers, managment and staff from The Fox & Hounds, Slapewath ·      Staff and customers from Steve Windross Buchers ·      Staff from Stoneacre, Durham  Anyone wishing to sponsor her in her efforts can do so by calling into Redcar & Cleveland College and completing the sponsor form at reception. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:57:02 +0100http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/student-flying-high-in-charity-fundraiser-1Story sack project gives students a chance to get stuck in/news/story-sack-project-gives-students-a-chance-to-get-stuckStudents at Redcar & Cleveland College have been picking up some unusual skills to help them in the world of work from trained Community Animateurs.   The students, who are all studying BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Level 3), have been working with the college’s team of Community Animateurs to learn how to make and use story sacks.   A story sack is a special prop used by teachers and carers to make stories more interesting and interactive for young children. It is a large bag containing a children’s book with supporting props and scenery that parents, carers and other adults can use to bring the story to life. The students are learning to use the special story-telling technique by pulling objects such as toys, musical instruments and other props out of the brightly coloured ‘story sack’.   The students on the course are all studying to learn skills that will help them in their future careers in childcare.   The college’s specially trained Community Animateurs hold regular story-telling sessions throughout the area where parents can bring their children along so they can experience the magic of story-telling with the story sacks for themselves. The sessions are ideal for children of any age.   Lucy Gates, one of the students on the course, enjoyed her experience of learning how to make and use story sacks. She said: “It was great to learn a new way to engage children and help bring stories to life for them. We’re all looking forward to putting the new skills into practice.”   Michael Kinder, who is the Big Lottery Fund co-ordinator at Redcar & Cleveland College, has co-ordinated the sessions for the students. He said, “Family literacy is a very important issue and this is a great way to get children involved in story-telling and make it a fun and engaging experience for children and adults. Our Community Animateurs team is out and about across the area every day of the week entertaining children at local libraries, but it’s great that they can pass on these skills to the students at the college as well.”   The Community Animateurs can be found in libraries across the borough during the week. Their schedule is:   Day Session 1 Session 2 Location Activity Monday 1.30 2.30 Brotton Library Rhyme Time Monday 3.30 4.30 Ormesby Library Story Club Tuesday 11.30 12.30 South Bank Library Rhyme Time Tuesday 3.30 4.30 Roseberry Library Story Club Tuesday 3.30 4.30 Laburnum Library Story Club Wednesday 3.30 4.30 Redcar Library Story Club Thursday 4.30 5.30 Brotton Library Story Club Friday 10.00 11.00 Dormanstown Library Story sack session Friday 1.30 2.30 Redcar Library Story sack session   R&CC students storytelling Left-to-right: Jenna-May Rose, Ben Murrell and Lucy Gates.  Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:44:35 +0000http://www.cleveland.ac.uk/news/story-sack-project-gives-students-a-chance-to-get-stuck

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