Cheshire College Chronicle June 2023

Read all about it.

In here you’ll find an abundance of good news stories, features and updates from students and staff across Cheshire College’s three Campuses.

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We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue.

TECHNICAL THEATRE STUDENTS LIGHT UP THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

Cheshire College – South & West’s Megan Parry and Ben Whitaker helped to light up Eurovision, after being chosen to work as Followspot operators for the celebrated song competition.

Since being selected for their roles, following an expert training session at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus, Production Arts students Ben and Megan have subsequently worked alongside industry professionals, met King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and been interviewed by BBC Radio Merseyside.

Speaking to the BBC about her experiences in the run-up to the event, Level 3 student Megan said:

“It’s been absolutely insane. Everyone’s been so nice and welcoming, and this industry is one of the best in terms of being friendly to other people. It’s been amazing!”

Discussing the atmosphere of the event, 19-year-old Higher Education student Ben commented:

“During the big grand final there were so many people coming into the arena hours before the actual show was starting. The atmosphere was incredible, and it was packed to the brim even on dress rehearsals. Everyone was just

having a great time and it’s amazing that I was there and that you can see the light I operate in tons of the fan’s pictures.”

Head of Theatre Operations, Angie Berwick, commented:

“As a department we have a fantastic partnership with ROBE NRG, which means that we are able to offer unique, industryspecific opportunities to our students.”

“We are incredibly proud of all that Ben and Megan have achieved. They have been nothing but professional, hardworking and dedicated throughout this whole experience, and I know they’ve both impressed a lot of people along the way.”

Adult Courses at Cheshire College

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CHESHIRE COLLEGE HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS PAINT THE TOWN CHROME

Three of Cheshire College – South & West’s Higher Education students displayed their artwork for members of the public on Wednesday 17th May.

Held in Crewe Market Shopping Centre, the degree show was titled Chromatic Duality and the featured artwork celebrated the use of colour and its many contrasting concepts. The three artists are all studying towards a BA (Hons) in Art and Design at Cheshire College.

Twenty-one-year-old Kyla Shaw, from Northwich, was one of the exhibitors and said that her work is inspired by colours from the mid-to-late 20th century, with an environmental twist:

“I want to play a part in restoring our planet’s natural beauty and one of the ways we can do this is by reducing landfill waste. So, I like giving a new purpose to old clothes and plastics, using them to create unique designs.”

Kate Hallworth, a twenty-oneyear-old undergraduate from Crewe said of her work: “My inspiration comes from a life-long love of pop art and an eye for colour and wanting to share this with the world.”

Twenty-year-old Amy Davies from Nantwich showed that lack of colour could be just as interesting as an abundance of it:

“I’m really passionate about working in greyscale as I love seeing all the beautiful artwork that can be created through the absence of colour.”

All three artists were former A Level students at Cheshire College, who decided to continue with higher education at the college due to the supportive staff, plentiful resources and the diversity of their degree course.

Mike Smith, Lecturer in Visual Arts said that the exhibition was a resounding success:

“It’s always a pleasure to share our students’ talent and hard work with the local community, and we had some lovely feedback about the quality of their creations.

We’ve really seen Amy, Kate and Kyla develop and hone their skills as artists over the years, and it’s been a pleasure to teach them at undergraduate level.”

Kate, Amy and Kyla all plan to pursue their artistic ambitions after graduation, whether by studying towards a master’s degree, building their portfolio, or securing a position in the creative industry.

WELCOME DAY

MONDAY 10TH JULY

Crewe, Ellesmere Port & Chester

We can't wait to welcome our new students on Campus so that they can experience a day at College before officially joining us in September.

Watch this space to learn more about the event!

CHESHIRE COLLEGE APPRENTICES FLY IN TO UPDATE AIR CABIN

A team of Carpentry and Joinery

Apprentices studying at Cheshire College – South & West have joined together to build a Duty-Free area to accompany the Air Training Cabin at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus.

In a collaborative effort between the Construction and Travel and Tourism departments, the finished area will include a fake cocktail bar,

an area to retrieve flight sickness tablets and a small seating area.

As a thank you to the Apprentice team, the Travel and Tourism department have said that the Apprentice’s autographs will remain on the wall above the cocktail bar, meaning that future generations of students will be able to see the team that helped make the Duty-Free area come to life.

Oliver Butler, a Joinery Apprentice with the Woodworker Lee Chalmers said:

“It’s been brilliant working on the Duty-Free area, we haven’t really run into any challenges so far and we’ve all taken turns being team leader and running the project.”

Vocational Trainer in Carpentry and Joinery, Miles Jenkins, added that there is an environmental component to the project too:

“To build the Duty-Free area, the team are using a lot of recycled timber and offcuts, repurposing them into something which will not only look great, but will be beneficial to future Travel and Tourism students.”

“Our Apprentices are only physically in College one or two days a week, so it means a lot to everyone that they’re setting aside this time to work on the project.”

Cheshire College has over 1,000 Apprentices, works with over 500 local, national and international employers and delivers

EARN AN ADDITIONAL INCOME

Earn from £140 to £560 per week

Apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors including, Construction & Building Services, Health, Public Services & Care, Engineering & Manufacturing, Information &

Communications Technology, Retail & Commercial Enterprise, Education & Training and Business, Administration & Law.

Earn an additional income as a host family

Are you interested in other cultures and can provide a homely environment for international students?

We’re looking for accommodation for international students studying at Cheshire College.

ccsw.ac.uk

Councillor Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Communities, said:

Do you work with an employer that you’d like to nominate? Get in touch with employers@ccsw.ac.uk to share more information.

“We’re really proud to receive this accolade from Cheshire College for the work we’re doing to bring apprentices into our workforce.

Mark Gillooley left (Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Apprenticeship and Inclusive Employment Co-ordinator) and Cheshire College Business Development Executive, Colin Stokes right.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have shown incredible commitment to ensuring apprenticeship pathways are available for the local community.

They are a diverse Council offering opportunities within Business, Finance, Customer Service and Health and Social Care, and they’re always keen to promote the College in all departments and the opportunities we can support with through presentations, events, T Levels and work experience.

Throughout this month, they have demonstrated a desire to source the right candidate for the role advertised. In conjunction with Cheshire College - South and West, a full organisation needs analysis is always conducted prior to any apprenticeship advertisement being released. This is vital as it will save time later on when enrolment

CHESHIRE COLLEGE

Cheshire West and Chester Council

process and the right candidate is on the correct pathway.

A forward-thinking team that fully supports learning and development. “The Council provides vital services which touch people’s lives every day. Almost 3,500 people are employed by us across the borough.

“Lots of people know about some of the services we are responsible for, such as social care, schools, housing, planning and waste collection. But there is so much more to what we do, like engineering, surveying, legal work, HR, accounting, woodland creation – to name just a tiny fraction. This

means we have opportunities available in so many different career pathways.

“We are at the cutting edge of doing things differently. We work closely with a range of organisations and communities to make our area fairer, greener, more inclusive and stronger. It’s great that local apprentices can get involved in this work and make a positive difference to people’s lives across the borough.”

Cheshire College – South & West staged a performance of William Shakespeare’s comedic play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ earlier this month.

CHESHIRE COLLEGE STAGES A DREAM OF A SHOW

The performance was the work of Level 3 Performing Arts Practice students, and bookings were open to College students, staff, local schools and members of the public. In order to promote the event, the team also created their own Midsummer’s Resort Instagram account, sharing the cast’s journey as they prepared for their debut. Bringing Shakespeare’s words to life is something which the students worked hard to achieve, often undertaking extensive research to enhance their characters.

Laurensiana Dacosta Xavier, who played the role of Theseus said:

“Personally, I think Shakespeare is highly complex and unique because it was written in a different era. However, after spending weeks doing research and learning about my character, it eventually became second nature for me to act and gesture in character.”

The performance also embraced some more modern elements, whilst remaining faithful to Shakespeare’s original text. Lysander, traditionally played by a man, was re-imagined as a woman and performed by student Connie Wigram:

“It took a lot of character building and trying to find my character and who she was so I could play her to the best of my ability. Luckily, I was surrounded by very talented actors who supported me throughout the rehearsal process and during the performance, and a director who encouraged us to voice our opinions.”

Similarly, Macy Thorp imagined the role of Hippolyta as an overthe-top mother, citing a favourite moment as: “When I crawled on stage screaming and crying with mascara all down my face. The audience was laughing, and they really engaged with it.”

The enduring comedy of the play is something which the actors said they connected to. Harriet Cox, in the role of Helena commented:-

“I think the comedic elements are what made the performance so much fun. One of my favourite moments is when Demetrius thew water on me, as well as when I jumped onto his back and begged for his love.”

Hermia’s actor, Jess Green, said that the wordplay as well as physical comedy was what helped to sell the play:

“I especially enjoyed performing the fight scene between Hermia, Helena, Lysander and Demetrius, it was faced paced difficult to get right but once we got those timings right it ended up looking really good.”

According to Quince’s actor, Max Hainey, the cast also collaborated to find humour and deliveries which would appeal to younger audiences too: “Our group had lots of fun coming up with fun

ideas to add even more comedy to our scenes.”

Many of the students are hoping to pursue acting as a profession, including Aflie Naylor, who starred as Demetrius within the play and has previously performed Shakespeare in past youth productions: “I have known from a very young age that I wanted to be an actor and focus all my attention on that. When I found out I could achieve this through a BTEC course, instead of doing two other A-levels I wouldn’t have been passionate about, I knew Cheshire College was the place for me.”

A LEVELS

AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE

Our wide range of A Level subjects are designed to provide students with combined skills and knowledge that will fully prepare them for the next exciting stage of their life. Demonstrating outstanding results year on year, many of our students go on to secure places at the country’s top Universities or progress into full-time employment in a diverse range of sectors.

Scan the QR code to hear what some of Cheshire College's A Level students had to say!

Ever wondered what life at Cheshire College is like?

We asked this question to our students and you can hear their answers for yourself in our latest video.

Scan the QR code to find out more!

CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP WITH APPRENTICESHIP AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE

It’s no secret that the UK economy is struggling with a skills and talent gap and for many businesses recruiting and retaining talent is number one priority, and therefore many are looking to invest more in upskilling the existing workforce.

Karen Roberts, (pictured right) Assistant Principal Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement from Cheshire College - South & West outlines how apprenticeships could be the answer to many businesses’ recruitment and retention issues, and how they could be the ideal solution to the need to upskill existing teams and therefore and investment in the businesses and team’s future.

Different types of apprenticeships

There is a misconception that apprenticeships are for post-GCSE school leavers only, when in fact, there are a variety of apprenticeship routes to suit various levels and ages, explains Karen. We find when speaking to business leaders that many don’t realise how apprenticeships can be a complete game-changer for their business! In fact, those businesses looking to upskill their teams, for

example, pushing employees up to management level, could take advantage of an apprenticeship, which would come as little or no cost at all to the business.

Anyone over 16 and not in full-time education can apply for an apprenticeship. Programme

lengths vary and can take between one and four years, depending on the level of study, the sector and the apprentice’s initial ability.

The cost of putting an employee through an apprenticeship

One barrier to businesses training their employees is the worry of cost. Many have had to tighten their purse strings in the past few years, so the additional cost of training courses isn’t always possible for SMEs.

There are ways in which businesses can put their teams through apprenticeship courses for little or no cost. If a business does not pay into the Apprenticeship Levy, which we will touch on later

in the article, the government will fund 95% of the cost of training an apprentice. With just a 5% contribution required from the employer, this usually equates to a few hundred pounds. If a business employs fewer than 50 people, that contribution increases to 100% for apprentices aged 16-18 or aged 19-24 with an education and healthcare need.

However, in England, an employer that has an annual bill of

CASE STUDIES

James Smith

Level 3 Leadership and supervisor and CMI at the Ellesmere Port Campus

James took on his apprenticeship through his employer and partner of the College, Encirc Glass, as a means to grow his skills and help with career progression.

“I was happy that Encirc partnered with the college to provide training and courses. I agreed with my employer that my apprenticeship would take up 20% of my working week and that has been spent at college, which is a great environment to learn in. Some of the stuff I have learned will be valuable for any future promotions and responsibility.”

James is looking forward to his future and utilising his new skills to manage people and day to day situations.

more than £3m will pay monthly into the Apprenticeship Levy. This levy is an amount paid at a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s annual pay bill and this includes related companies and charities. This therefore means that if the employer wishes to put team members through an apprenticeship scheme, it will cost them nothing at all as the business would be eligible for an Apprenticeship Levy allowance, plus a 10% top up from the government.

Further guidance on this can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Level 3 Healthcare Support Diploma at the Crewe Campus

Having worked as a healthcare assistant, Pamela knew it was an industry that she wanted to progress her career in, which is why she decided to enrol on her Level 3 Healthcare Support Diploma at Cheshire College to advance and learn new skills. Her ultimate goal was to go on to university and study to be a nurse, something that she may not have been able to achieve without her apprenticeship.

“I knew a lot about healthcare in the hospital before I started the programme from my years working on site, however I learnt so much academically through the apprenticeship” says Pamela.

“My employer funded my apprenticeship, so I decided to take the opportunity to better my knowledge and increase my job prospects. My assessor was great; she was always available and offered me support regularly. It was comforting to know that she was only a phone call away and there to help me out if I ever needed it.”

For more information about Cheshire College’s apprenticeship opportunities, send a message to apprenticeships@ccsw.ac.uk.

Once completing and passing her course with flying colours, Pamela gained a place at Liverpool John Moores University to study a nursing degree.

Pamela Crehan

STUDENT awards 20 23

DATES

Crewe Campus

THURSDAY 8TH JUNE

Celebrating the achievements of students based at Crewe Campus

Ellesmere Port Campus

THURSDAY 15TH JUNE

Celebrating the achievements of students based at Ellesmere Port and Chester Campus

Time 18:00 – 21:00

Look out for the next issue of the Chronicle to see the results of the awards!

Cheshire College Business Students

Break the Ice with Coffee Invention

A team of Level 3 BTEC Business students won the Teamwork award at the Area Final of the Cheshire and Warrington Young Enterprise Awards, following a unanimous vote from the competition’s judges.

Young Enterprise works in partnership with local schools, businesses and volunteers to inspire and equip thousands of young people each year to learn and succeed through enterprise.

The Cheshire College team attended the Area Final at the impressive Eaton Hall, Chester, where they presented their

invention Iceberg Coffee; a kit containing all the elements for making iced coffee, reducing the need for single use plastic.

Students were given support by their Business Adviser Angelo Apa, the Business Development Director for Exertis (a leading distributor of technology products), who later congratulated the team on their success.

Lecturer in Business, Suzanne Davies, said of the team’s award: “We’re absolutely thrilled for our Business students. Teamwork is such a highly valued skill by

employers, and our students demonstrated this ability excellently.”

“Our students faced a particularly challenging year and managed to work together and make an impressive presentation against some stiff competition. They were great ambassadors for the college and the award was thoroughly well deserved.”

This is not Cheshire College’s first time attending the popular Young Enterprise Awards. The college has seen great success in previous years with inventions such as Cheshire Fusions (a gin infusion kit) and Festibag (a bag catering to festival-goers containing 16 essential products including a portable phone charger, hand wipes and a rain poncho).

Throughout their studies with Cheshire College, students learn all about the different functional areas of a business as they cover a range of topics including different marketing techniques; from market research right through to advertising campaigns, the role of finance, and how to be an effective worker and communicator.

CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS NAIL AHT COMPETITION

Three students from Cheshire College – South & West took home prizes this month after competing at the AHT (Association of Hairdressers and Therapists) national finals at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool.

The Cheshire College students had no shortage of tough competition throughout the 42 heats, with 42 colleges, and 362 students in total, from across the UK taking part.

Kati Clutton won the top prize for Advanced Nail Art, Natasha Boothman took the silver medal for her Batman-inspired Nail Art Mood-Board and Level 3 student Alison also won a silver medal in the Advanced Nail Art Mirror Image category.

Beauty Lecturer at Cheshire College, Andrea Rimmer, said:

“The quality on display from all the competitors was amazing, but there was definitely something special about Kati, Natasha and Alison’s work. They’re always looking for ways to improve their already incredible skills, and this is really what pushes them above and beyond. Just when you start thinking they couldn’t make you any prouder, they find a way!”

APPLY FOR

FREE TRANSPORT

Ellesmere Port Chester

We're now accepting applications for FREE transport for the 2023/2024 academic year.

More than 1,500 students use our College Transport Service and we’re delighted to be able to continue this offer.

Whether you’re travelling from Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Merseyside, North Wales and beyond, we have free transport options available for you to use and ensure your day-to-day travel to and from College is made that bit easier.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

If you are 16-18, studying on a full-time course and live more than a mile away from Campus, you qualify for free transport.

Whether you’re a new student joining Cheshire College for the first time, or returning for another year, you need to complete a new application form so that we can review your details and provide the most suitable support.

Scan the QR code to complete the quick and simple application form.

If you want to chat through the application form or your eligibility, please get in touch with Cheshire College’s Bursary and Transport Team.

The Heat Is On At Toque d’Or Competition

Two students from Cheshire College – South & West have competed in the action-packed Heats for the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition.

Professional Cookery students, Amanda Salters from Eastham and Nathan Price from Ellesmere Port, had to replicate a plant-based starter created by guest judge Louisa Ellis, which featured Garden Gourmet Sensational Pulled Fillet.

The students then had to create their own plant-based main course, following a masterclass from Whitbread’s Senior Quality

and Innovation Chef, Paul Fletcher. Amanda presented judges with a vegan sausage roll with purée and salsa, whilst Nathan created vegan meatballs in an oregano and vegan sauce, served with toasted bruschetta.

Sharing what his experience of the competition was like, Nathan said: “This has been an exciting addition to my cooking journey.”

Amanda added: “I was speechless when I was selected [to take part in the competition]. It was a great day, and we learnt a lot from the experience.”

Assistant Director of Hair, Beauty and Hospitality, Andrea Huby, said:

“Amanda and Nathan are a credit to the College. Throughout the competition, they remained calm under pressure and produced fantastic dishes for the judges.”

“We’re all very proud of them and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Cheshire College Students Put Talents on Display at WorldSkills

Cheshire College – South & West is delighted with the volume of students who are progressing to the next round of the prestigious WorldSkills competition; an event which is often compared to the Olympics for its international scope.

Cheshire College’s Ellesmere Port Campus saw extraordinary success in the Hair & Beauty and Hospitality & Catering departments, as thirteen Nail students, three Make-Up students, five Hospitality & Catering students and one Hair student have all qualified for

the next intensive stage of the competition.

One of the lucky contenders is Level 3 Women’s Hairdressing Diploma student Rhian Barlow, whose elegant and technically sophisticated hairstyles have consistently impressed the expert judges.

Cheshire College Hair Lecturer, Karen Bennison, commented:

“Rhian works so hard to make sure that her work is perfect, and you can see this reflected in the final hair style. Her attention to detail is immaculate, and this will really help her during the next stage of the competition. We’re all cheering for her!”

Andrea Huby, Assistant Director of Hair, Beauty and Hospitality added:

“The quality of contestants this year has been outstanding and we’re so proud of all our finalists who represent a bright future for their respective industries. The technical skills these students possess are in such demand within the community and at Cheshire College we are delighted to play our part in helping them on their journey.”

Hair and Beauty students at Cheshire College have access to cutting-edge facilities which enable them to develop their skills to the highest levels by providing real service to real customers.

Away from the hustle and bustle of our busy College, you’ll find our hidden gems – hair salons, beauty salons and our complementary therapies spa which includes a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and floatation tank.

Our facilities are well-equipped training establishments which enable our students to develop their skills to the highest levels by providing a real service to real customers.

Cheshire College – South & West students have been getting creative by designing logos and illustrations to promote the Knife Angel event in Crewe.

CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS GET CREATIVE WITH KNIFE ANGEL PROJECT

The Cheshire Constabulary worked in partnership with Crewe Town Council to bring the renowned Knife Angel sculpture to Crewe throughout the month of May. Created by sculptor Alfie Bradley in conjunction with the British Ironwork Centre, the Knife Angel was created from 100,000 seized blades collected by 43 police constabularies.

The sculpture is multi-purpose, helping to educate communities about the negative impacts of knife crime whilst also acting as a poignant memorial to those who have lost their lives to knife crime.

Students in Cheshire College’s Visual and Performing Arts department were tasked with designing logos and illustrations which could be screen-printed onto 50 tote bags and used as merchandise to promote the event.

Cheshire College Art and Design Lecturer, Zoe CharlesworthSimpson, said that students rose to the challenge excellently:

“The statue is a symbol of hope and it’s very striking, but it also has an upsetting side to it too, given the context of its creation.

“Designing illustrations to promote it could be a tricky task, but our students have created some truly beautiful, thoughtful, informative and engaging designs.”

Key Benefits

Why some of our students chose Higher Education…

Cheshire College offers courses available across a range of departments and learners can enrol on a course that suits them at a time that suits them with flexible delivery and start dates to ensure they’re able to achieve their goals with study that fits around their lifestyle.

The course structure gives you freedom when it comes to balancing work and other priorities.

It is a non-stressful work environment, and you can ask for help whenever you need it.

There’s a comfort in knowing that I’m continuing to learn with the same tutors I had in my earlier years at the College.

Cheshire College treats you like an adult with respect and encourages your creativity.

The courses are easy to balance with full-time work.

The College has great online resources.

The freedom to explore with our work/degree.

Taking place simultaneously across the Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester Campuses, the event allowed guests to visit the College in an informal setting. Attendees could engage in a wide variety of activities, including virtual reality games, face painting, bouncy castles, birdhouse making and barbecuing; however, the event was also an opportunity for guests to explore various job opportunities and course offerings at the College.

Crewe Campus’s Community Day also saw the arrival of hundreds of local primary and secondary school pupils for Crewe Out Loud, an arts festival which celebrates Crewe’s outstanding students. Eleven of the town’s schools attended the event, and Crewe Campus saw an explosion of talent as pupils sang, danced and performed for visitors, with songs including Take That’s ‘Greatest Day’ and ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams.

Matt Hardacre, Assistant Head Teacher at St Thomas More Catholic High School, said that performing at Cheshire College’s Community Fun Day had a special significance:

“At the end of the event, all the students gathered together to sing a song written specially for Crewe Out Loud. It’s only fitting that all these talented students from Crewe’s schools performed together at Cheshire College, which plays such a big role in the local community.”

Cheshire College – South & West opened its doors to the public on Saturday 20th May, welcoming visitors of all ages to the College’s annual Community Fun Day.

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SHARES DAY OF FUN WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY

Dhesi, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, said of the event:

“We are delighted with the success of Community Fun Day at all our Campuses. We love being able to give something back to our local communities, who have always championed Cheshire College and our students.

Seeing visitors, staff, family and friends all having fun together makes us realise the impact of the College and how much it means to people.”

Feedback from the event was effusive, with one guest at Crewe Campus commenting: “I came here today because my daughter is performing for Crewe Out Loud,

but I brought my other two children along and they’ve just loved all the activities at the College. There’s a really nice atmosphere and you can tell everyone’s having a good time.”

Chester’s Fun Day was described as “a great day out for the

family”, whilst a family at Ellesmere Port said that the event was,

“An opportunity to say hello to our neighbours and have some fun.”

3–12 months

Virtual and faceto-face options are available ccsw.ac.uk

Online Short Courses Health and Wellbeing

There’s still time to take advantage of our online FULLY FUNDED short courses on Health and Wellbeing!

Create a more inclusive working environment by enhancing your knowledge through the following areas...

Level 1 Award in Stress Awareness

Level 1 Award in Wellbeing

Level 2 Certificate Awareness of Mental Health Problems

Level 2 Certificate Principles of Dementia Care

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

Just scan the QR code to express your interest and we’ll be in touch!

Educating a new generation of sustainable constructors

Cheshire College Assistant Principal, Mark Parsons, recently spoke to Inside Sustainability magazine to share early insights about the new sustainable house that is being built at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus, and how the project will allow apprentices and students to study ‘on the job’ in the College’s very own, on-campus passive house.

To cater for an ever-increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly properties, the next generation of construction workers are learning new skills in different ways and work is also underway to upskill those already in the trade to meet improved sustainability standards.

“It’s no secret that education is a key driver towards a better and more sustainable future,” said Mark Parsons, Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Cheshire College – South and West. “Education, however, takes on many meanings, from influencing people’s day-to-day

habits, like turning the thermostat down, using reusable water bottles, or walking to the shops rather than driving, right through to the education system having sustainability on the curriculum and learning new ‘green’ behaviours.” Working with local partner businesses, Cheshire College is erecting its own fully functioning passive house on campus with the purpose of allowing students on various courses to be able to explore, examine and learn from the house.

“The idea is that the students will get to work on the new house in a real-life setting but without it being someone’s actual home, where it can be costly if a mistake is made,” continued Mr Parsons. “This hands-on approach will help develop new skills and tackle the UK’s current skills shortage.

“Learning is very different when you can use your senses: see and touch the house – as opposed to looking at an image on a screen or

in the classroom. The house will allow students to work on the maintenance, as well as installation of sustainable features, for example looking at the servicing of ground source heat pumps and how they work.

“Students will also get to examine the analytics of the home on the courses at levels two, three and four, to see what financial and environmental savings can be achieved through the seasons.”

The students involved in the on-going project will be studying for T Levels, and two of the T Level routes at the College that will work on the house are electrical, technical and plumbing, as well as building, surveying and planning. Scan the QR code below to view the full article (p.154 – 155).

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? GET IN TOUCH!

p.release@ccsw.ac.uk

OUR LOCATIONS

CREWE CAMPUS

Dane Bank Avenue

Crewe, Cheshire

CW2 8AB

ELLESMERE PORT CAMPUS

Off Sutton Way

Ellesmere Port

CH65 7BF

CHESTER CAMPUS

Eaton Road

Handbridge, Chester

CH4 7ER