In here you’ll find an abundance of good news stories, features and updates from students and staff across Cheshire College’s three Campuses.
We’d love to hear more! Send your news to p.release@ccsw.ac.uk so we can include it in our next issue.
JUST SOME OF WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO …
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CHESHIRE COLLEGE HOSTS 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CREWE WOMEN’S DAY EVENT
CHESHIRE COLLEGE T-LEVEL STUDENTS SECURE NATIONAL FINALS SPOT AT F1 IN SCHOOLS COMPETITION
COLLEGES COLLABORATE FOR CHESHIRE AND WARRINGTON SKILLS COMPETITION
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS OFFER CAREER ADVICE AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK
BEHIND THE SCENES IN LA: CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
OPEN EVENING
CHESHIRE COLLEGE JOINS NATIONWIDE CELEBRATION FOR COLLEGES WEEK 2025
Cheshire College – South & West has kicked off National Colleges Week 2025, celebrating the crucial role of further education in shaping the workforce, strengthening communities, and driving economic growth.
Running from the 3rd to the 7th of March, this annual event, organised by the Association of Colleges, highlights the contributions of colleges in empowering individuals, supporting local economies, and providing essential skills for success in the workplace
This year's theme, “Building Brighter Futures,” highlights the College’s contributions across five key government priorities. Throughout the week, Cheshire College is showcasing how its courses and apprenticeship programmes equip students with essential skills, preparing them for careers in industries such as renewable energy, public services, and healthcare.
Each day focuses on a different aspect of the College’s impact. From driving economic growth and sustainability to supporting public services and improving healthcare, Cheshire College is demonstrating how education transforms lives and communities.
Coinciding with National Careers Week, the College is also hosting a range of guest speakers across all campuses, giving students valuable insights into career opportunities in a variety of industries. From showcasing the skills needed for thriving industries to exploring the future of green energy,
the College is demonstrating its impact across the key areas.
Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, said: “ Colleges Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the impact of further education.”
“We are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers while making meaningful
contributions to society. This week showcases how we are building brighter futures for our students and the wider community.”
The College is sharing success stories, industry partnerships, and student achievements across social media, inviting staff, students, and the wider community to join the conversation using #CollegesWeek and #BuildingBrighterFutures.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE HOSTS 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CREWE WOMEN'S DAY EVENT
Cheshire College – South & West hosted the annual Crewe Women’s Day at its Crewe campus on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in collaboration with Motherwell Cheshire. The event marks the 10th anniversary of Crewe Women's Day, a key celebration within the region of International Women’s Day, and will also serve as the launch of the charity’s rebrand under its new name, Her-Place Charitable Trust.
The event marks a decade of Motherwell’s Crewe Women’s Day celebrations, which have continuously empowered and recognised women in the community.
This year's milestone event featured a vibrant line-up of inspiring exhibitions, performances, and a dynamic marketplace spotlighting female-led businesses, artisans, and charities. Attendees will also had the option to view a selection of live theatre performances that celebrate women’s stories and achievements.
In addition to the performances and exhibitions, food and drink stalls offered a range of refreshments, as well as a children's area with activities such as face painting, ensuring the event was enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College expressed excitement about the event, stating:
“ We are thrilled to be hosting the 10th anniversary of Crewe Women’s Day. This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in our community”
“It’s truly inspiring to see the energy and passion from attendees and participants, and we are proud to be part of this milestone celebration.”
The event was free to attend, with donations encouraged to support the important work of Motherwell Cheshire, a charity dedicated to supporting women and families.
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.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE
CHESHIRE COLLEGE T-LEVEL
STUDENTS SECURE NATIONAL FINALS SPOT AT F1 IN SCHOOLS COMPETITION
Cheshire College – South & West's T-Level Design and Development for Engineering students have achieved remarkable success at the recent F1 in Schools Regional Finals in Shropshire, securing a place in the competitions National Finals.
The F1 in Schools competition, the UK’s largest STEM event, challenges students to apply engineering, design, and business skills in a high-pressure, real-world environment.
Since the start of the academic year, competing students have been designing and manufacturing their own miniature F1 cars, securing sponsorships, developing presentation kits, and refining their competition strategies.
Their dedication paid off as all teams from Cheshire College were nominated for top awards, with multiple victories including Fastest Reaction Time, Best Engineered Car, Fastest Car, and Best Sponsorship and Marketing. Their efforts culminated in an impressive second-place finish at the UK Regionals, earning them an invitation to the National Finals.
The accomplishment not only grants students the opportunity to compete on a national stage but also opens doors for fully-funded scholarships at Aston University,
furthering their academic and professional aspirations.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal for Innovation, Curriculum and Quality at Cheshire College, praised the students' achievements, stating:
“ The F1 in Schools competition challenges students to
think like real engineers, problemsolvers, and business professionals. Their success reflects their exceptional talent, resilience, and dedication.
We are incredibly proud to see them compete at such a level and are excited about the doors this will open for their future careers.”
CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS WIN BIG AT REGIONAL HAIR AND BEAUTY COMPETITION, MOVING TOWARD NATIONAL FINALS
Students from Cheshire College –South & West are celebrating after securing top spots at the Association of Hairdressers & Therapists (AHT) regional hair and beauty competition, earning them spots at the National Finals.
Held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool, the competition showcased the students' exceptional talent in makeup, body art, and nails. Their outstanding performances in the regional rounds guarantee them a chance to compete against the best from across the country in the National Finals on 12th May.
Among the top winners was Alfie
Waddon (pictured above), a Level 2
Media Makeup student, who claimed 1st place in the Fashion Magazine Vogue Look category.
Jordan Brockhurst, also a Level 2
Media Makeup student, earned 3rd place in the Half Body Art competition. Her intricate avatar-inspired body art earned praise from the judges, demonstrating his technical skill and creativity.
Other standout performances included Lily Carlin, who took 2nd place in Box Art – Nails, showing incredible attention to detail and a creative flair that stood out in the competition.
The AHT competition, a key event in the hair and beauty industry, provides students with a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills, creativity, and technical expertise. The competition is widely recognised within the industry, helping students gain exposure and recognition, paving the way for future careers.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal of Innovation, Curriculum and Quality at Cheshire College commented:
“ Competitions like the AHT regional event provide an incredible opportunity for our students to refine and showcase their technical skills. These experiences not only boost their confidence but also prepare them for future success in the industry.”
“We are immensely proud of their achievements and excited to see them compete on the national stage.”
Andrea Huby, Assistant Director at Cheshire College – South & West, also expressed her pride in the students' success:
“ We are absolutely thrilled with the results from the Regional Hair and Beauty Competition. Alfie, Lily, and Jordan have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage, and their dedication truly shines through in their work.”
“These competitions offer such an important platform for our students to gain recognition in the industry, and we look forward to supporting them as they move on to the national finals.”
PROGRAMME
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.
paddy.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.
CHESHIRE COLLEGE APPRENTICE
HARRY GRANT TAKES HOME IMECHE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARD
vital role in advancing engineering excellence and supporting the development of professionals committed to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Harry’s Apprenticeship Assessor, Leslie Sinclair, shared his praise: Harry has done tremendously well in winning the overall award, it is a superb ”
It was a pleasure guiding Harry through his apprenticeship program. It has given me real satisfaction seeing him gain the recognition he thoroughly
In addition to his apprenticeship success, Harry has achieved a distinction in his Higher National Certificate (HNC) and is now preparing for his upcoming End Point Assessment (EPA) results.
Reflecting on his journey, Harry shared, “ I want to thank my tutors John Fifer and Dan Evans for all their support during my HNC and Leslie Sinclair for his support as my assessor. ”
“It’s nice to see the hard work I put in to complete the apprenticeship being recognised.”
COLLEGES COLLABORATE FOR CHESHIRE AND WARRINGTON SKILLS COMPETITION
Talented students from across Cheshire and Warrington came together for the annual Cheshire and Warrington Skills Competition, a WorldSkills-style event designed to enhance collaboration between regional colleges and develop industry-
ready talent.
Now in its third year, the competition unites students from Cheshire College – South & West, Reaseheath College, Warrington Vale Royal College, and Macclesfield College. Hosted over multiple weeks and divided
into various categories, the event provides students with the opportunity to showcase their skills in line with industry benchmarks and employer expectations.
This year, Cheshire College proudly hosted the Art and Design and Creative
Media categories, utilising its cuttingedge facilities at the Crewe campus.
Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College emphasised the significance of the partnership between colleges:
“ This competition is a fantastic example of the power of partnership between colleges in Cheshire and Warrington. By working together, we are enhancing our students' skills and confidence and ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.”
“It is inspiring to see such talent and dedication from all involved, and I am incredibly proud of what we are achieving as a region.”
Throughout the competition, expert teaching staff from all four colleges collaborated to assess student's work. Judges commended the exceptionally high standards demonstrated, noting the challenge of selecting winners due to the outstanding quality of work presented.
Cheshire College achieved notable successes across the discipline. Their achievements underscored the College’s commitment to delivering worldclass education and fostering a skilled workforce that meets both local and
national industry demands. This event highlights the remarkable skill development within these institutions and reinforces the commitment of Cheshire and Warrington’s colleges to producing a highly skilled workforce.
The competition remains ongoing, with further disciplines set to take place in the coming weeks, providing more students with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and gain invaluable experience.
Association of Apprentices (AoA)
The AoA platform offers a wealth of resources for apprentices to access whilst on their apprenticeship programme and includes: Scan the QR code below and complete the short AoA registration form
Monthly webinar sessions
How do I access the platform?
E-learning resources
Connecting with other, like-minded Apprentices
Monthly meet-ups with other Apprentices
End point assessment support
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
OFFER CAREER ADVICE
AT CHESHIRE COLLEGE FOR NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK
Cheshire College – South & West celebrated National Careers Week from the 3rd to the 7th of March 2025, with a range of insightful events led by industry professionals, providing students with invaluable career guidance and real-world advice.
Collaboration with top experts from various fields, including business, computing, science, and public services,
gave students direct access to career insights and professional mentorship. Throughout the week, students gained first-hand exposure to different career paths through expert-led sessions.
Cybersecurity specialists from Code Nation showcased opportunities in the tech industry while in the field of science and biomedical research,
Russell IPM offered guidance on careers in biomedical sciences, helping students explore opportunities in this growing sector.
Business students received expert advice from academics at the University of Staffordshire, who highlighted various career pathways and educational opportunities in the business world.
The travel and tourism industry were also represented, with British Airways professionals offering career guidance and insights into the diverse opportunities within the sector.
Representatives from Cheshire Police provided an in-depth look at careers in law enforcement and public services, offering practical insights into the skills and qualifications required for success in these fields. Meanwhile, students with an interest in sports and coaching benefited from the expertise of NAR Coaching professionals, who shared their knowledge about careers in athletic training and physical education.
Ruth Szolkowska, Vice Principal of Innovation, Curriculum and Quality at Cheshire College, commented on the importance of the week:
“ National Careers Week is a key event that we celebrate every
year offering our students the chance to engage directly with industry leaders.”
“This year’s sessions provided invaluable insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in across a broad range of sectors. By connecting with professionals, students are able to explore diverse career paths and make informed decisions about their future, empowering them to move forward with confidence.”
Reflecting on the impact of the week, students expressed their appreciation for the real-world insights they gained.
National Careers Week at Cheshire College provided a unique opportunity for students to receive practical career advice from professionals who have excelled in their industries.
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.
BEHIND THE SCENES IN LA: CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS EXPLORE LOS ANGELES
Students from Cheshire College –South & West’s Visual and Performing Arts, Esports, A Level Media, and TV and Film Production departments have returned from an inspiring and educational trip to Los Angeles, where they explored the city’s rich cultural and creative industries.
Throughout the trip, the students visited world-class art galleries, where they explored groundbreaking works of both contemporary and classic art. These visits provided them with a deeper understanding of the creative processes behind the artwork and the techniques used by renowned artists.
Esports student Tom described the trip as the “best experience with the best kind of people,” emphasising the friendships and connections he made. Fellow Esports student Kiwi added, “It was a really informative trip showing so much of Los Angeles’ history!”
The students also explored iconic creative landmarks, including the Hollywood Museum, Griffith Observatory, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where they explored the history of film, science, and art.
TV and Film Production student Jessie commented:
“ I enjoyed visiting all the different museums and learning how some of the costumes, props, lighting, and cameras are made.”
In addition to the museums, the students walked along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visited the Santa Monica Pier, and experienced the vibrant atmosphere of Venice Beach.
Performing Arts student Alec reflected on the trip as “the trip of a lifetime!” while A Level Media student Lia shared, “ I made the most amazing lifelong friends and had so many new experiences. I've never felt such joy –this is my best memory.”
For film production enthusiasts, the Big Bus Tour offered a glimpse into celebrity homes and Hollywood landmarks. The group also visited the Farmers Market, where they met local artisans and discovered more about LA’s
creative community
Beyond exploring these landmarks, the students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning activities and explore industrystandard production techniques. These experiences are sure to inspire their future careers in the creative industries.
The trip to Los Angeles was not just an educational journey—it allowed students to build lasting friendships, gain invaluable industry insights, and be inspired by one of the world’s most iconic creative hubs.
Hands on Activities
Bouncy Castle Food & Drink Games and Much More!
No need to Book! The more the merrier.
Hands on Activities
Bouncy Castle Food & Drink Games and Much More!
No need to Book!
The more the merrier.
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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. HAVE A STORY
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!
