Connected Winter News 2026
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Connected Winter News 2026
Contents Welcome from Phil Sayles
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Green Energy Centre Launched
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Bournemouth Campus Redevelopment Project
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College News
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Marine News
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T Level News
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The Fulcrum Centre
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Student Success
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College Events
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Turing Trips
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News
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Cover: Carpentry at The Fulcrum Centre. Left, top: Students Journey to Kenya. Left, bottom: ESOL Students donation drive and warehouse days at Boscombe Foodbank. Connected News is designed and produced by Bournemouth and Poole College, with thanks to all our contributors!
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Phil Sayles, Principal of Bournemouth and Poole College
Phil Sayles, Principal of Bournemouth and Poole College Welcome to this edition of Connected from Bournemouth and Poole College, celebrating our students, colleagues, clients and our recent work as we look forward to 2026 on a high. Nationally, Further Education colleges have never had more positive attention, as the importance of technical skills training, to employers, the economy and our country’s future is recognised as vital. In his Autumn speech, the Prime Minister stated that colleges would be the ‘defining mission of this Labour government’. Here in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we have seen our enrolment of 16-18 year olds rise by 200, to over 3,100 - the largest sixth form in Dorset. These young people will study the subjects they love, in a grown-up environment, gaining technical skills, confidence, friendships, resilience and the people skills that employers value. Some will choose to go direct to work, or to do an apprenticeship, while others will choose a university-level course. Whatever their direction, their future will be sound in times of change. And this endorsement of our college comes before we open our brand new £36m investment at our Bournemouth Campus in September 2026: the Compass Building. Sitting alongside our full-restored Clock Tower Building, in a newly landscaped space, it will mark a new era of skills education in our town. We hope you enjoy reading Connected and are inspired to work, support or study with us.
College News
Green Energy Centre Launched to Drive Skills and Sustainability
We are hugely proud to launch our state-of-the-art Green Energy Centre, marking a major investment in the region’s skills infrastructure, designed to address workforce shortages and accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero.
The Green Energy Centre will: • Deliver advanced training in Solar PV, EV charging, energy storage and heat pump technologies. • Provide industry-standard facilities that replicate realworld operation conditions.
With the clean energy workforce expanding five times faster than overall UK employment (2020-2022) and up to 725,000 new low-carbon jobs forecast by 2030, the demand for skilled talent has never been higher.
• Offer programmes designed in consultation with local employers to meet specific business needs. Michael Lock, Director of Learning for Construction, said: “The Green Energy Centre is a landmark moment for the College and the wider region. By equipping learners and employers with renewable technology expertise, we’re enhancing both local and national capability.”
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Bournemouth Campus Redevelopment Project
Introducing The Compass Building!
Kier Construction Southern Working to Schedule on Redevelopment
Welcoming its first cohort of students in September 2026, our new £36million building has been named The Compass Building!
Construction partner, Kier, is pleased to share a significant update on the redevelopment of our Lansdowne campus, where works continue to progress on schedule.
Over 50 suggestions for the name of the building were made by colleagues from across the college. The name for the new building was suggested by Fran Bove, Director of Foundation Studies, as it represented, “A symbol of direction, orientation and exploration. A building that will help guide students towards their future.”
The new-build teaching facility, a key component of the transformation, remains firmly on track for completion in Summer 2026. Once complete, the building will offer state-of-the-art learning environments designed to support a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, enhancing the student experience and supporting the College’s long-term vision.
The name also has nautical links, which are appropriate to our location, just a few hundred metres from the sea.
In parallel, heritage restoration works on the Grade II listed Clock Tower Building are advancing well. This iconic structure is undergoing sensitive repairs to preserve its historic character while upgrading its functionality for future use. Kier is proud to be leading this aspect of the project, which combines traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques. The scaffolding surrounding the Clock Tower is due to be removed early in the new year, revealing the restored façade and marking a major visual milestone in the redevelopment.
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College News
College Staff Visit Local Quarry that Provides Project Stone
Proud to Become a Premier Business Partner at Dorset Chamber
In early September, representatives from Bournemouth and Poole College had the pleasure of visiting Lovell Stone Group’s quarry near Swanage, gaining a first-hand look at how locally sourced stone is being transformed for the Bournemouth Campus Redevelopment Project.
We’re hugely proud to have been welcomed into the top tier of Dorset Chamber’s membership, joining AFC Bournemouth and Lester Aldridge as a Premier Business Partner.
The visit followed the stone’s remarkable journey, from extraction at the quarry, through precision cutting, to the skilled craftmanship of stonemasons who carefully shape each piece before it’s prepared for installation on campus.
Having been a proud member of Dorset Chamber for nearly a decade, this new partnership marks an exciting chapter in our shared commitment to support the local community, employers and the regional economy.
It served as a powerful reminder that behind every project is a team of people and processes that we don’t always see.
Our Principal and CEO, Phil Sayles, said: “Our strategic partnership will further drive educational delivery and economic development in the area and the wider region by equipping learners and their employers with the skills critical for business growth, now and in the future.” This alliance strengthens our long-standing relationship with Dorset Chamber, bringing business and Further Education closer together to develop the skills and opportunities that power the region’s success.
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Marine News
Building Stronger Industry Partnerships with Yamaha
In October, we were delighted to welcome colleagues from Yamaha Europe and Yamaha Japan to our Poole Campus, to showcase our Marine Engineering training facilities and courses.
tour of our specialist facilities, including the Marine Centre, Advanced Engineering Centre, University Centre, Health Wing and the Sunseeker Skills Academy.
Our guests, Samuel Watson (Service and Development Manager), Eric Thornthwaite (Workshop Coordinator), Nagae-san (Senior Service Coordinator) and Hashimoto-san (Marine Training YME) joined us for a full
The visit was part of an exciting collaboration with Yamaha to further strengthen our partnership and expand training opportunities for our Marine Engineering students.
The visit also included a trip to Fulcrum, where they explored our carpentry, boat building, and composite training workshops.
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Marine News
Celebrating our British Marine ‘Apprentice of the Year’ 2025
College Student Named OAL Marine Apprentice of the Year
Bournemouth and Poole College student, Charlie, was awarded the title of ‘British Marine Apprentice of the Year 2025’ at the Southampton International Boat Show in September.
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Ben Hodder, who was named Marine Apprentice of the Year at the Occupational Awards Limited (OAL) 2025. Ben studied on the Level 3 Boat Building Apprenticeship at the college, whilst thriving within his employment at The RNLI. His journey has been one of true determination; after his original employer was forced to let him go, Ben refused to be deterred and completed his apprenticeship ahead of schedule and top of his class.
Charlie, who studies Marine Electrical and is currently undertaking his apprenticeship at Platinum Marine, impressed the judges with his initiative, technical expertise and commitment to shaping the future of the marine electrical sector. The panel commended his determination in securing his apprenticeship, his ability to earn trust on complex projects and his infectious passion for the industry.
The Occupational Awards recognise exceptional achievement and dedication to apprenticeships and qualifications across the UK, and Ben is a shining example of all that our apprentices have to offer.
Reflecting on the award, Charlie said: “Winning this award is an incredible honour. My apprenticeship with Platinum Marine has given me the chance to learn, grow, and build a career I’m passionate about. I hope to use this opportunity to support others entering the sector.”
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T Level News
T Level Engineering Students Visit Norco Composites
Our second year T-Level Engineering students visited Norco Composite Centre on the Holton Heath trading estate, giving them a unique insight into careers in composites and advanced manufacturing.
Students were given a full tour of the facilities and a Q&A session with production engineers and their current intern, discussing the business and engineering opportunities within the company.
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T Level News
College Hosts T Level Health ‘Meet the Employers’ Event
Our new cohort of T Level Health students enjoyed an inspiring ‘Meet the Employers’ event in September, which gave them the opportunity to connect with partners from across the local health and care sectors, including the NHS, Luxurycare, University Hospitals Dorset and Partners in Care.
healthcare roles, the importance of Occupational Health and career insights from prospective employers. Our T Level students now benefit from the newly launched Health and Care Academy, featuring industry standard equipment that provides hands-on experience with medical technology, responsive manikins and care simulations.
Through a dynamic ‘speed networking’ format, students explored work experience placements, the realities of
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The Fulcrum Centre
The Fulcrum Centre Pioneering Carpentry and Boatbuilding Hub
Tucked away in Poole’s Vantage Way, behind the lights of Tower Park, sits the quietly impressive Fulcrum Centre, Bournemouth and Poole College’s pioneering Carpentry and Boatbuilding hub.
Boats, Oyster Yachts, Cobra, T-Marine and Compass Tenders. Together, we help to shape the next generation of craftspeople who will build, repair and innovate within these iconic organisations. The unit itself spans a vast 1,319 square metres or 14,200 square feet. Five workshops anchor the space, supported by four classrooms and two dedicated End Point Assessment (EPA) units for Plumbing and Carpentry apprentices ready to prove their skills. There are even composite rooms where students are taught composite bonding and repair, using Fibre Reinforced Polymers and Pre-preg OOA resins.
A Workshop With a Reputation From the outside, The Fulcrum Centre looks like an ordinary industrial unit. Inside, it’s anything but. In the last three years, the centre has trained two Marine Apprentice of the Year winners, an achievement that has earned recognition across the sector. Its partnerships boast some of the biggest names in the industry: Sunseeker, RNLI, Berthon
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The Fulcrum Centre
Where Boats Begin In the Boatbuilding workshop, 15 students learn the art of lofting, the careful drawing of the sheer lines and inner and outer stems. They also learn how to develop a rabbet line and a bearding line, crucial to the stem of a boat. Later in their course, students will pair up to build their own canoe from strip-plank wood and FRPs, as well as individually crafting a paddle using a carbon fibre with a wooden shaft. Once finished, these hit the water with Rockley at either Poole Park or Rockley Point, where their craftmanship is truly put to the test.
The Fulcrum Centre
Carpentry, Top to Bottom
Tucked away on this floor is also the Resin Room; a hub for composite training and one of the quieter spaces in an otherwise energetic building.
The ground floor of the centre is largely dedicated to Carpentry studies. Here, students work on joints, door fixes, complex joint angles and other core elements of construction. They may have to make part of a roof, for example, as part of their EPA.
A Centre That Feels Like Its Own Ecosystem The Fulcrum Centre is designed for hands-on learning, but also for comfort and practicality. There’s an on-site canteen serving breakfast, showers for students coming straight from work or heading out to industry placements, washing stations, a kitchen area and a fully equipped wood machine shop. Everything is in-house, supporting long days of training and practical sessions.
Upstairs, the focus shifts to first and second fixes. Students build pods and internal structures, laying joists, erecting studwork, forming door openings and then later returning to fit ironmongery, skirting and architrave.
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The Fulcrum Centre
The People Behind the Place
The Students Who Make It Come Alive
The centre is powered by a team of 14 staff: six Carpentry specialists, four dedicated Boatbuilding lecturers, three assessors and one Curriculum Administrator who keeps everything running smoothly. Their expertise is as diverse as it is impressive. Some lecturers come from furniture restoration, others from high-level composites roles. One, Mark, even crafted a kitchen featured on Grand Designs. Many have run their own businesses, which means students benefit not only from technical training but also from realworld advice on clients, projects and life on the job.
Each year, between 200 and 300 students train at The Fulcrum Centre. Some arrive to begin their Carpentry Level 2 or 3 journey; others come for the Boatbuilder Job Ready programme or late-night Carpentry courses designed for those balancing work and study. Regardless of the route, they leave with more than qualifications. They leave with confidence, technical skill and often a clear pathway into industry. For many, their time at Fulcrum is the first step into careers that will see them shaping vessels, building homes, or working in world-class marine workshops.
Student Success
Hospitality Students Celebrate Success at BAHA Hospitality Awards
Chef Apprentice Wins ACE Culinary Competition
Three talented students shone at this year’s BH Area Hospitality Association (BAHA) Awards, held at the Hilton Hotel in October.
Megan, studying the college’s prestigious Specialised Chefs Apprenticeship, won the Association of Catering Excellence’s (ACE) Ready Steady Cook competition jointly with her mentor, Chris Jarman (Chef at UPS) in London. The duo came head-to-head with 11 other teams, delivering a main course and dessert within a short timeframe of 45 minutes.
Sophie took home the top honour, being named ‘Hospitality Student of the Year’, with Joshua and Finley recognised as impressive runners-up.
Megan, studying on the second year of her course, was the youngest competitor on the day and said: “I was confident we’d have a good chance, and it was really nice to see how proud Chris was.”
All the nominations reflected an inspiring journey of change and determination. Sophie’s story stood out for her remarkable growth from a quiet student to a confident, driven learner and supportive role model who excels academically and personally. Nikki Knights, Learning Manager for Hospitality and Catering, Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing, said: “All students representing the college symbolised the values of resilience, curiosity and dedication to learning. They showed us the enthusiasm, progress, and aptitude they take to their learning journey. A very well done to all and especially to Sophie for her utmost commitment to achieving her goals.”
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Student Success
Apprentice Gains Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience on DIY SOS
Making History at the IMechE National Finals
Three Engineering students from Bournemouth and Poole College have become the first ever College team to compete at the National Finals of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Design Challenge.
One of our Site Carpentry apprentices, 17-year-old Ralph, had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity whilst working with his employer, Pure Kitchens & Carpentry in Christchurch. Ralph joined the team on a DIY SOS project, offering invaluable hands-on experience and even meeting presenter, Nick Knowles himself! Pure Kitchens & Carpentry stepped in after DIY SOS put out a call for support to help a Southampton couple, who were left £70,000 out of pocket and living in an ‘unhabitable’ home following the work of the rogue builder. Ralph, alongside company directors and colleagues, joined volunteers to rectify the faulty work and rebuild a safe home for the family. The story reflects exactly what apprenticeship learning is all about; combining skills development with real-world impact.
Representing the Wessex Region in the Foundation Class, our students competed at the prestigious IMechE Headquarters in London, going head-to-head with some of the most experienced university teams from across the UK. Throughout the challenge, the team showcased exceptional technical skill, creativity, and professionalism, managing every aspect of their project independently, from design and testing to logistics, presentations, and documentation. Their performance drew praise from both the judges and fellow competitors, reflecting the high standard of engineering talent nurtured here at the college. The IMechE Design Challenge National Finals celebrate the very best emerging engineers in the country, and we are honoured to see our students stand proudly among them.
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College Events
College Leads Local Remembrance Service to Honour the Armed Forces
Bournemouth and Poole College held its annual Remembrance Service on Tuesday 11th November, the first since signing the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year. The ceremony, held at the College’s Poole Campus, brought together hundreds of representatives from across the College and community, including Armed Forces veterans, the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Mark Howell, Sheriff of Poole, Councillor Karen Rampton, local Army careers representatives and members of the Fire Service. Wreaths were laid and crosses placed in memory of the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to their country, both past and present. At 11am, attendees observed a two-minute silence to honour the fallen. The service was led by Phil Sayles,
Principal and CEO of Bournemouth and Poole College, alongside Steve Burns, Learning Manager for Engineering and former Royal Navy serviceman. The Last Post was performed by Jack Criticos, a Music Performance and Production student at the College. The College was adorned with poppies created by students through ‘Grow’ sessions and the Students’ Union Hubs, alongside hand-crafted poppies made by local artisan Mary Dunster. Throughout the week, College sessions have provided students with opportunities to reflect on the significance of Remembrance and its enduring importance today. The Remembrance Service was also live-streamed, allowing members of the wider community to join in remembrance remotely.
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Turing Trips
Student Representatives Embark on Life-Changing Journey to Kenya
In August, 10 student representatives from Bournemouth and Poole College along with Middlesbrough and Chichester Colleges, travelled to Kenya for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of volunteering, cultural exchange and adventure.
classrooms and helping with construction. They also spent time connecting with children through play, games and even cooking a traditional meal of chapatis, rice and stew. Donations from the colleges provided shoes, school bags, stationery, medical support, and a bunk bed for families in need. Trip highlights included a safari adventure, organising a sports day for over 300 local children, a visit to a local giraffe centre and a hike up Menengai Crater.
Students supported schools and community centres through hands-on work including building chairs, painting
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Turing Trips
Media and Esports Students Experience Trip of a Lifetime in Seville
In July, students from Media and Esports courses embarked on an unforgettable international work experience trip to Seville; a life-changing opportunity made possible through the Turing Scheme. During the trip, students undertook work experience at V-ART School, where they took part in hands-on creative workshops that taught them to use industry-standard software such as Adobe Lightroom. Each student built a personal digital portfolio that showcased their artistic growth and practical skills within a real-world setting. Alongside this, students documented their journey through vlogs and video testimonials, capturing the highlights, challenges and behind-the-scenes moments from their time abroad. To enhance their communication skills and cultural awareness, the group also took Spanish lessons, gaining valuable language skills. Living independently for two weeks, they were also responsible for budgeting, shopping, cooking and managing their day-to-day needs; a transformative step toward adulthood for many. During the students’ out-of-work hours, they had the opportunity to explore some of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, including Seville Cathedral, the historic Real Alcázar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Plaza de España, a famous film location featured in Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
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News
100% of Students in Southern Universities Network (SUN) Gain Their First Choice Place!
Back to Industry: Staff Development Day
College students who worked in tandem with our SUN Progression Mentor achieved a 100% success rate in gaining their first-choice university places.
This year’s Back to Industry Staff Development Day saw college staff swap the classroom and workshop spaces for the workplace, reconnecting with over 70 employers across the region, from hospital labs and engineering firms to creative studios and education providers.
The SUN’s Uni Connect scheme supports students who live in geographical wards in which progression onto Higher Education is lower than average. Our Progression Mentor, Hollie Craig, worked closely with this year’s cohort to tackle education inequality and raise student aspirations.
Colleagues visited organisations including Bournemouth Hospital, Southampton Solent University, Curtiss Wright, Tower Electrical, Eaton Missions Systems, The RNLI, The Nici Hotel and Spa, Roche Court New Art Centre and Yunex Traffic, gaining firsthand insight into the latest industry practices and technologies.
Hollie Craig, on behalf of the college, said: “This milestone is more than a statistic; it represents the journeys of some of the most underrepresented students in higher education, who have worked tirelessly to overcome barriers and seize their opportunities.”
98% of staff achieved the aims of their visit, rating the day as excellent for its benefit to their professional development. The initiative continues to strengthen the bridge between education and employment, and the learning and ideas gathered will now feed directly into our curriculum, ensuring our students benefit from teaching that is current, relevant and industry led.
She added: “Mirroring national trends, these students have secured places at some of the most incredible universities across the country, from Russell Group institutions to highly specialised providers.”
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News
Jason Eastwood Recognised as Associate of The Chartered Institution for Further Education
‘Celebrating Men and Boys’ on International Men’s Day
Jason Eastwood has been awarded professional recognition as an Associate of The Chartered Institution for Further Education (ACFE). This acknowledgment reflects his contribution as an Association of Colleges (AoC) Associate Expert within the KWP College Collective and wider AoC partnership.
The theme for International Men’s Day 2025 was “Celebrating Men and Boys”, a reminder that recognition and support should span across generations. The College delivered Men’s Health and Mental Health Awareness sessions to two groups of staff, encouraging open conversations about wellbeing and to create a culture whereby men feel supported to thrive personally and professionally.
In his role as Head of Digital Education & Learning Environments, Jason is recognised by the Chartered Institution for Further Education (CIFE) for his expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Recognising high rates of mental health issues in the construction industry, the sessions were also delivered to a group of construction students studying at the college.
He has been invited to support College Collective member colleges nationally, offering specialist guidance in this rapidly developing and influential field.
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Bournemouth Campus Lansdowne, Meyrick Road Bournemouth, BH1 3JJ
Poole Campus North Road, Parkstone Poole, BH14 OLS
Fulcrum Centre Unit E, Vantage Way Poole, BH12 4NU
01202 205205 www.thecollege.co.uk
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