“ Our aim has always been to give our students every possible opportunity to achieve success; both during their time at College, and beyond.
Having these facilities on site allows our students to grow in confidence and achieve a more rounded understanding of their studies which will benefit them for their future studies and employment.”
STUDENTS SOW SEEDS OF SUCCESS BY GROWING THEIR OWN HERBS
CHESHIRE COLLEGE AWARD
WINNERS
CHESHIRE COLLEGE CALLS ON LOCAL BUSINESSES TO UTILISE FULLY FUNDED TRAINING FOR APPRENTICESHIPS
12
CHESHIRE COLLEGE HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS GRADUATE AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL
CHESHIRE COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW COURSE TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
With a significant change in apprenticeship funding, employers that do not pay the apprenticeship levy can now benefit from fully funded training for apprentices aged 16 to 21…
Higher Education at Cheshire College
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE UNVEILS INNOVATIVE FACILITIES
Cheshire College – South & West has unveiled brand new developments at its Crewe and Ellesmere Port Campuses as part of a significant investment programme comes to completion; enabling future students to develop their skills in cutting-edge facilities and fast track their careers.
After extensive work over the summer period, new and returning
students at Crewe Campus will be able to experience brand new, industrystandard facilities and classrooms which replicate real working environments. Enhancements have been made across the Campus, including refurbishments to Crewe Campus’s award-winning Academy restaurant and the Elements salon, showcasing sleek, modern décor alongside the latest
industry-standard equipment for their respective industries. Both facilities are open to members of the public, allowing students to develop their skills to the highest levels by providing real service to real customers.
Students in visual and performing arts have also benefitted with new fashion and textile design studios that feature new printing beds, cutting
tables and lowered sewing desks with integrated power. The TV and media studio has been enhanced with new digital kit for film and lighting. Dance and rehearsal spaces have been updated
with new sprung floors to meet industry standards. The whole area has been enriched with increased natural light and modern LED lighting. This is in addition to recent updates in the
Esports studio that is set up with all kit necessary to host large gaming competitions.
This September, Ellesmere Port Campus also unveiled an industry standard ‘Hospital Ward’ which mirrors the same facility at Crewe Campus. The cutting-edge equipment, digital reality programmes, tactile models and life-like mannequins will enable students to simulate real working conditions in a hospital, making them highly desirable to both universities and employers.
Principal and CEO Jasbir Dhesi OBE emphasised the importance of remaining at the forefront of innovation at Cheshire College:
“ Our aim has always been to give our students every possible opportunity to achieve success; both during their time at College, and beyond. Having these facilities on site allows our students to grow in confidence and achieve a more rounded understanding of their studies which will benefit them for their future studies and employment.”
Developments at the Crewe Campus are set to continue as work on the Institute of Technology is well underway with the new building for technical education due to be unveiled in summer 2025.
FUTURES PROGRAMME
THERE ARE NO LIMITS
The Futures Programme at Cheshire College – South & West provides our students with coaching, support and unique opportunities to ensure your goals for the future are achieved.
Whether your dream is to go to a top university or start on the career ladder in a highly respected industry, we’ll work with you to boost your skills and confidence throughout your time with us.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY…
DYLAN
First Class BA Degree in Philosophy and Theology from Pembroke College, Oxford
I chose to study at Cheshire College due to the excellent standard of teaching and the flexible and enriching nature of the College environment. I was particularly attracted to the College by the Futures Programme. I received incredible help, advice, mentoring and opportunities throughout this programme, and it was pivotal for me getting into Oxford.
USE THE CONTACT DETAILS BELOW TO SPEAK TO FUTURES SUPERVISOR, PADDY MCDEVITT.
Head to the Student Hub when you’re on Campus.
patrick.mcdevitt@ccsw.ac.uk
01270 654654 (ext. 4832)
Scan the QR code to see what some of our students say about our incredible Futures Programme.
STUDENTS SOW SEEDS OF SUCCESS BY GROWING THEIR OWN HERBS
The Academy West Restaurant at Ellesmere Port – based within Cheshire College and run by students – is starting an innovative micro herb project as it continues its goal to ensure ingredients are as fresh and local as possible. It is thought to be one of the first Colleges in the UK to have its own micro herb scheme.
The herbs and leaves will be grown in a specialist chiller within the new Deli on-site at the College. The farmshop-inspired Deli launches on Tuesday, 1st October, and will sell fresh produce and artisan food products to staff and students every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Academy West is one of two restaurants at Cheshire College campuses that offer students the chance to work in the restaurant as part of their learning. They collaborate with local businesses and prestigious chefs and have a strong focus on using homegrown and locally sourced ingredients.
Adam Gaunt, Chef Lecturer for Catering and Hospitality, said, “ We decided to introduce the herbs as we were starting up the Deli from scratch, growing our own fruit and vegetables, and we thought growing our own herbs would be a really good start. We hope to eventually set up our own gardens at the College, too. The herbs will be used in everything from finishing dishes to making infused oils, garnishing cocktails, making salads, and all the private events we do here at the College. Sustainability is really important in the food industry, and we want to give the students opportunities to try something they could later use in their careers. It will also allow us to grow herbs to order when we’re planning a particular menu.”
The herbs will be grown using an Evogro indoor plant growing system. The innovative technology is used mainly in Michelin-starred and highend restaurants, and Cheshire College is one of the first colleges to use it. The chiller is linked to an app so students can sow the seeds and see the herbs
growing in real-time. A calendar shows when they will be ready. Cameras on each shelf take photos regularly, and technology allows students to control the light temperature and humidity.
Mark Parsons, Assistant Principal for Cheshire College, said,
“ Sustainability is a main priority for us across the College, and we strive to ensure this is woven into all our courses. In the food industry, there is a big focus on seasonal, fresh and locally sourced produce, and it’s important that our students understand that and are introduced to ways of doing this as part of their learning. Technology offers many industries the opportunity to develop and innovate, and we want our students to experience this too so they can embed it in their future careers. The Evogro system is really exciting as there are many benefits for students both in learning what goes into the growing process and using the end product in the food they create.”
Adam (pictured above) adds, “ Sustainability is key for us as a department this year. We are working on recycling and zero waste, and we promote as much seasonal produce as we can with local suppliers and local provenance, as it’s important for us to teach our students that part of the industry. We hope to instil those values early on so they can stay with them throughout their career.”
The award-winning restaurant already has a Highly Commended Rosette from AA Hotel Services Rosette and a Gold Accreditation and Centre of Excellence for Food and Beverage Service from People First. It is also working towards achieving a Green Star Award, a key industry award recognising a restaurant is at the forefront of the industry when it comes to its sustainable practices.
Academy West is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays and also offers catering for private events across the region.
Choosing Higher Education at Cheshire College – South & West will provide you with the opportunity to study locally at one of our three cutting-edge Campuses based in Cheshire.
01270 654654 01244 656555
WINNERS AWARD
CHESHIRE COLLEGE HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS GRADUATE AT CHESTER CATHEDRAL
Students from Cheshire College –South & West celebrated successful completion of their Higher Education courses on Wednesday 23rd October, as they attended their formal graduation ceremony at Chester’s beautiful 16th century Cathedral.
The students had all studied at Crewe, Ellesmere Port or Chester Campus and were graduating in subject areas as varied as computing, engineering, performing arts and people management.
The courses offered at Cheshire College are developed with a focus on local skill priorities, so that the training meets the current and future needs of employers in the region. Many of the graduates have undertaken their higher technical studies to improve their employment prospects or to advance their careers in companies that they already work for. Amongst the cohort were higher-level apprentices that combine their studies with working in
the engineering industry for employers such as Bentley, National Gas and Trac Precision Solutions.
Friends and family joined the students to mark the occasion with canapés and drinks provided by the College’s Hospitality & Catering students, live music from H Sanson and Hollie Edgeley, and inspirational words from guest speaker Alex Stanniforth, Elliott Oliver, who graduated in Engineering (Manufacturing) Higher National Certificate Level 4 from the College’s Crewe Campus was keen to share his thoughts about coming back to College as an adult:
“ I am really proud of myself for sticking at it for 2 years especially after so long out of education, this course will help me progress at my workplace, from shop floor level to a management level.”
Graduating from the Ellesmere Port Campus with a degree in Performing Arts (Acting) Higher National Diploma Level 5, Cristian Matyus added:
“ It feels unreal to be graduating today, this experience at Cheshire College has made me more confident; I am hoping to get into dramatherapy, and the course has been really helpful.”
Director for Higher Technical Education, Lynne Rowland, said that the graduation ceremony had been both emotional and celebratory:
“ We are enormously proud of our Higher Education students, and although we’re sad to see them go, we know they will achieve every success as they go forward with their new careers.
“ We have invested heavily in resources and facilities for Higher Education students over the years, because we are passionate about ensuring our HE students get quality education, first-class facilities and bespoke teaching whilst they’re studying with us. And it’s wonderful to hear how grateful today’s students are, and how much they value Cheshire College’s contribution to their education.”
Whether students are progressing
from a Level 3 course at Cheshire College, returning to education as a mature student, changing career or wishing to enhance their current career opportunities, Cheshire College offers a range of Higher Education qualifications to support its students’ journeys.
These include, but are not limited to, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) as well as a range of professional qualifications.
Cheshire College is the lead education provider in the Cheshire and Warrington Institute of Technology. The Institute is a collaboration between further education providers and employers to enhance the higher technical skills of people across the region. The College will be unveiling a two-storey-state-of-the-art facility in summer 2025, which will be used to enhance delivery of higher education courses at the Crewe Campus.
Improve your reading, writing or maths skills
Do you struggle with your reading, writing or numeracy skills, or lack confidence with English or maths? Whether it is helping with family homework, advancing your career, running your own business, continuing your studies or just coping with dayto-day tasks, improving your English and maths can help you to follow your dreams. Our FREE* English and maths courses are available year-round and can help you:
Gain confidence with English and maths
Progress to higher-level study at the College, including our Access to HE programmes
Use maths confidently in daily life
*If you haven’t already attained a grade 4/C in GCSE English and/or maths or a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and/or maths, you can study on our English and maths course for free.
Scan the QR code to apply!
Crewe
Improve your reading, writing and communication skills
Support your children with their homework
Enhance your CV and boost your changes of employment
All classes take place in an inclusive, friendly and relaxed environment, and are available in the daytime and evening. Students often find that they make new friends along the way!
At Cheshire College we offer GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications in both English and maths. After we receive your application, you will be invited to Campus to take an assessment so we can enrol you on the course that is right for you.
FOR 2024 BRIAN MAY ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION LEARNER AWARDS
Three adult students from Cheshire College South and West were named as finalists for the prestigious 2024 Brian May Access to Higher Education (HE) Learner Awards, with one winning the Outstanding Commitment to Study Award.
These annual awards celebrate
outstanding students pursuing AIM Access to Higher Education Diplomas in England and Wales, in recognition of their dedication to their studies and personal resilience.
Each finalist received a £600 bursary from AIM to support their education and an invitation to a
celebratory event on Thursday, November 7, at the Library of Birmingham. Winners in the categories of Outstanding Academic Achievement and Outstanding Commitment to Study were awarded a trophy and nominated for the national Keith Fletcher Memorial Awards.
The finalists from Cheshire College included; Jamielee Hayes and Nicola Hood (pictured above), nominated for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Nahily Getu (pictured right), nominated for Outstanding Commitment to Study.
All three students were enrolled in the Access to HE Health Professionals
Diploma and were nominated by their lecturer, Sally Finnegan.
Commenting on Jamielee’s nomination, Sally said,
“ Jamielee made excellent progress in all areas of her studies, committing 100% effort and determination. Jamielee balanced
her studies with looking after her family and working as a Bereavement Maternity Support Worker, a challenging yet rewarding role which has prepared her well for her future university studies and a career in Midwifery.”
Nicola faced personal tragedy last August when her mother passed away just before she began her Access Diploma. Despite this, she has remained focused on her goal of becoming an adult nurse. Sally said,
“ Nicola is determined to succeed to the best of her ability and she put every effort into all aspects of her studies. Although she has dyslexia, she consistently gained distinction grades on all assignments and successfully secured a place on a Master’s in Adult Nursing with Mental Health at the University of Chester.”
Nahily’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. After losing both parents and fleeing unrest in Ethiopia, she spent time in a refugee camp in Sudan before making the journey to the UK via France. Sally said, “ Nahily secured a place at her first choice of university and is
looking forward to starting a new life for herself working towards her ultimate career goal of becoming a nurse. I have no doubt that she will continue to be 100% committed to her future studies; she is a truly inspirational individual.”
Nahily’s remarkable perseverance was further acknowledged when she was named the winner of the Outstanding Commitment to Study award. This honor reflects her steadfast dedication, having overcome significant personal challenges in her journey toward higher education.
In addition to receiving the award,
Nahily has been nominated for the national Keith Fletcher Memorial Awards. In January, a panel of judges will review nominations from across England and Wales, with four shortlisted learners invited to attend the prestigious ceremony at the Palace of Westminster next year.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal at Cheshire College, expressed her congratulations:
“ We are immensely proud of Jamielee, Nicola, and Nahily and congratulate them on their outstanding achievements, which reflect the determination of our college
community. We wish them the best of luck in the awards process.”
Kevern Kerswell, CEO of AIM Group, remarked, “ The calibre of entries we’ve received this year to celebrate our Access to HE learners is nothing short of inspiring. Each submission showcased not only remarkable achievements but also the unwavering dedication and resilience of these learners. Their commitment to personal growth and academic excellence is truly commendable, and we were thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments.”
HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS
AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE
Cheshire College are providing the technical and practical training to help you develop the core skills and knowledge required to progress in your chosen career.
If you are looking to progress in your current role or retrain in a completely different sector, our HTQs can provide you with the transferable skills to succeed.
ENROL FOR SEPTEMBER 2025...
Construction Management for England
Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
Computing for England Engineering for England
Leadership and Management
Healthcare Professionals' Support for England
ENROL TODAY AND BE ONE STEP CLOSER TO YOUR DREAM CAREER DESTINATION.
OPEN EVENING
CHESHIRE COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW COURSE TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
Two new courses designed to encourage people who have learnt English as a second language into job roles supporting other ESOL students have been launched at Cheshire College.
The College will be offering Community Interpreting and Volunteering to Support English Language Teaching and Learning at Level 1 and 2 from this month. Both qualifications are suitable for people who have learned English as a second language or native speakers who have a second language. Courses will be delivered from both Crewe and Ellesmere Port campuses. Cheshire College is the first Further Education provider in the local area to offer the Volunteering to Support English Language Teaching Learning course.
Mark Parsons, Assistant Principal for Cheshire College, said,
“ We are delighted to extend our offering for students who have learnt English as a second language. We know that the communities the College serves are very diverse, and it’s important to reflect that in the courses we offer. Language can be a significant barrier when it comes to things like accessing services, finding work or socialising; for some, this can be isolating. People who have learnt English as a second language understand the challenges it brings, so they are perfectly placed to help others. These qualifications act as an important stepping stone into roles to support other English learners, and we
look forward to seeing our first set of students.”
Volunteering to Support English Language Teaching and Learning is aimed at giving people the skills and understanding to support others learning English as a second language. It covers understanding safeguarding and confidentiality, recognising some of the challenges English language
students face and also some of the personal and environmental factors that can impact learning English.
The Community Interpreting qualification can be used as a stepping stone to become a Community Interpreter. It allows students to learn more about the role and how it enables people to access services where language poses a barrier.
Association of Apprentices (AoA)
The AoA platform offers a wealth of resources for apprentices to access whilst on their apprenticeship programme and includes:
Monthly webinar sessions
E-learning resources
How do I access the platform?
Scan the QR code below and complete the short AoA registration form
Connecting with other, like-minded Apprentices
Monthly meet-ups with other Apprentices
End point assessment support
CHESHIRE COLLEGE CALLS ON LOCAL BUSINESSES TO UTILISE FULLY FUNDED TRAINING FOR APPRENTICESHIPS
With a significant change in apprenticeship funding, employers that do not pay the apprenticeship levy can now benefit from fully funded training for apprentices aged 16 to 21 (up to the funding band maximum). This development will enable employers to upskill their current workforce or recruit fresh talent to elevate their business and achieve their goals without incurring the training costs.
Cheshire College – South & West, a leading training provider in Cheshire, calls on local businesses to utilise this fully funded training for apprenticeships across different sectors such as construction, education, health, professional services, etc. With a wide range of apprenticeship programmes
and strong industry connections, the College is happy to support employers through the process of upskilling existing employees or integrating new apprentices into their workforce.
The College offers expert guidance and tailored support to businesses, from identifying training needs of the employers to the recruitment and management of apprentices. The apprenticeship programmes are designed to fit around business operations, with flexible delivery methods including day release, block release, and even onsite training.
Additionally, apprentices aged between 22 and 24 years old who have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan and/or have been in the care of
their local authority can also have their apprenticeship training costs fully funded.
For employers that do not pay apprenticeship levy, the apprenticeship service accounts have all been updated to manage this change in funding automatically. Now is the best time for businesses to maximise the potential of this new funding to meet their business goals.
Businesses interested in exploring these opportunities are encouraged to contact Cheshire College’s Apprenticeship Team to discuss their specific needs and find the right apprenticeship programme.
Email: employers@ccsw.ac.uk or call 01244 656455.
Cheshire College is proud to provide impressive facilities at all three of our Campuses.
Whether you’re interested in our newly designed hospital ward at Crewe, our innovative Digital Hub at Chester or our very own Motor Vehicle workshop and Sustainable House at Ellesmere Port, we have the resources to provide expert training and support.
Take a closer look at our Campuses through our virtual maps and let us know what you think!
We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue.
If you'd like to view our collection of past issues of the Cheshire College Chronicle, you can access this anytime by scanning the QR code!
