Education News TCCG Summer 24

The Cornwall College Group Welcomes New Principal and Chief Executive

The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) has appointed Rob Bosworth as its new Principal and Chief Executive, following the retirement of the current Principal, John Evans.

Rob joins TCCG from Exeter College, where he served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

During his tenure, Rob was pivotal in enhancing the educational framework of the college, contributing more than two decades of expertise to help shape its outstanding educational offer and student services.

“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the new Principal and Chief Executive of The Cornwall College Group,” Rob said.

“It has been overwhelming to experience the passion and commitment of the staff, and a real joy to meet the incredible students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Evans for his contribution to the region as Chief Executive.

The college has made immense progress during John Evans’ tenure. I look forward to working with the TCCG Board, the leadership team and college staff, to build on this, and ensure Cornwall and Devon have a world-class further education offering for its community.

Recognised for his innovative approach to education, Rob is an Honorary member of the City & Guilds Group for his commitment to vocational excellence and innovative partnerships. In addition to creating academies with Exeter Chiefs, Exeter City Football Club and Michelin Star Chef Michael Caines, Rob also was instrumental in establishing the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre and the Future Skills Centre.

Rob’s leadership at Exeter College, along with his roles in the Ted Wragg Multi Academy Trust, the South West Institute of Technology, and the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, have significantly shaped education and skills strategies to meet industry demands in the region.

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Prime Minister visits Cornwall College p2

Camborne campus multi-million-pound redevelopment p2

Discover specialist degrees in the South West p3

Students working beyond borders p5

Students shine during College Awards p6

Rob Bosworth set to join TCCG

The Cornwall College Group Welcomes New Principal and Chief Executive (continued)

“In my experience, place-making, partnerships and people are at the heart of outstanding education and training,” Rob said.

“We will look to grow current partnerships and establish new ones, so the Cornwall and Devon economies can thrive with the necessary skills to deliver their ambitions. I know with the great team we have here at TCCG, we can continue to be a college the region can be proud of.”

Patrick Newberry, the TCCG Chair of Governors, said everyone was “delighted to welcome Rob to the Group”.

“His outstanding track record in further education and his integral role in the success of his current college assure us that he will build on the excellent work John Evans has done and ensure we remain an excellent college for learners and our community.”

Patrick added that John had transformed TCCG into one of the best colleges in the South West and the top performing college in Cornwall.

“He has inspired an amazing energy and drive to ensure every learner gets the best education and learner experience possible, and I know

Rob is excited to build on this excellent foundation,” he continued.

“We cannot thank John enough and he deserves full recognition for the brilliant college that he is handing over.”

The new principal will further develop and embed TCCG’s future strategy while continuing to deliver a high quality, sustainable college, according to Patrick.

“He will also act as an impactful ambassador and lead the continued development of stakeholder relationships and the establishment

of TCCG as a key partner in economic and social development,” he added.

Rob starts at TCCG on the 1st of July, with John leaving on the 12th of July.

TCCG consists of Cornwall College campuses in St Austell and Camborne, Duchy College Rosewarne and Stoke Climsland, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College, Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre, as well as University Centres in Newquay and at the Eden Project.

It is the top FE college for education and training in Cornwall.

Prime Minister ‘blown away’ by talent at Cornwall College

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, paid a special visit to Cornwall College Camborne in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.

Accompanied by John Evans, principal and chief executive of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), the PM explored the thriving hub of innovation in vocational training.

During his visit, Mr Sunak spoke to motor vehicle, engineering and electric vehicle students, and expressed his admiration for the College’s cutting-edge Battery Bay, a pioneering UK-first initiative, and the exclusive Heavy Goods Vehicle training area, the sole facility in Devon & Cornwall dedicated to the advancement of this critical sector.

Rishi Sunak said: “It was incredible to visit Cornwall College and I was blown

away by the talent and skill-sets of the apprentices there.

“And in National Apprenticeship week, it’s great to see so many apprenticeships in action – not only kickstarting careers but ensuring people are earning and learning from the get-go.

“Since 2010, this Conservative government has created a world-class apprenticeship system from the ground up, with over 5.7 million apprentices trained across the UK.

“I am delighted to see Cornwall College helping to lead that charge, arming the future workforce with the tools they need to succeed.”

“In our view, not everyone needs to go to university; you can start earning and learning at the same time – It’s a great way to start a career,” he added.

Phase Two of Camborne campus multi-million-pound redevelopment

Cornwall College Camborne has announced significant changes to its campus as part of the transformative multi-million-pound redevelopment project.

The campus is buzzing with activity as trenches are being dug to facilitate the installation of cutting-edge plumbing and pipework, to meet the evolving needs of students and staff, ensuring a state-of-the-art environment to support excellence in education for generations to come.

A new, modern and easily maintainable energy centre will be created as a stand-alone control hub, to withstand the elements while seamlessly integrating into the campus environment.

One of the notable features in the ongoing redevelopment is the creation of additional greenspace. Picnic benches and communal areas are being introduced to provide learners with inviting spaces for relaxation and socialisation between lessons.

In alignment with the College’s commitment to sustainability, the ongoing redevelopment involves the planned removal of the Sharman building and the Tamar annex, with 92% of the material demolished being recycled and reused where possible. This will not only create space for valuable landscape, but also encourage wildlife to the area.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, paid a special visit to Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne redevelopment

Study for a specialist degree in the South West

High-tech soil science lab secures £574k Good Growth investment

High-tech soil science lab secures £574k Good Growth investment

A new high-tech laboratory to help farmers, growers and horticulturalists in Cornwall manage their land and soils more sustainably and productively is being established at the Eden Project. The Centre for Excellence in Land-Based Research and Knowledge Transfer is a Cornwall College Group led bid in collaboration with the Eden Project. It is being made possible by a £574,820 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Centre of Excellence will be based in Eden’s new geothermally-heated Growing Point nursery and will be equipped to perform cutting edge analysis of soils, plants and feedstock.

High-tech soil science lab secures £574k Good Growth investment

A new high-tech laboratory to help farmers, growers and horticulturalists in Cornwall manage their land and soils more sustainably and productively is being established at the Eden Project.

The Centre for Excellence in Land-Based Research and Knowledge Transfer is a Cornwall College Group led bid in collaboration with the Eden Project.

It is being made possible by a £574,820 investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the UK Government though the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Centre of Excellence will be based in Eden’s new geothermally-heated Growing Point nursery and will be equipped to perform cutting edge analysis of soils, plants and feedstock.

New MSc Programme Revolutionises Conservation Education

In a pioneering development in conservation education, Newquay University Centre is thrilled to announce the launch of the MSc Conservation Project Management programme.

This innovative Master of Science degree is meticulously designed around the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation and aims to equip students with indispensable skills in conservation project design and management, alongside expertise in conservation funding and communications.

Recognising the significant gap in essential skills amongst graduates of traditional zoology or wildlife conservation degrees, the MSc programme has been created to address this shortfall.

This programme will not only bridge the gap but also produce confident, experienced and seasoned graduates ready to make a positive impact in their careers and industries.

College Launches HNC/FdSc Professional Superyacht Engineer Programme

Falmouth Marine School is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for individuals aspiring to excel in the maritime and superyacht engineering sector.

The newly launched HNC/FdSc Professional Superyacht Engineer programme is meticulously crafted to empower marine enthusiasts with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for a thriving career in the maritime industry.

Designed in collaboration with esteemed commercial yachting organisations, this cutting-edge programme seamlessly integrates academic excellence with real-world, sea-going experience.

Through a dynamic curriculum, participants will embark on a journey to obtain both the Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Professional Superyacht Engineering, while immersing themselves in hands-on training aboard commercial vessels.

Rishi Sunak, PM, took a tour of our cutting-edge facilities during his visit to our Camborne campus.

Meet Rango, Rosewarne’s recently adopted tiny bearded dragon. The name was suggested by students during a social media competition.

Professional Cookery students from our St Austell campus took home silver at The Country Range Student Chef Challenge 2024 in London.

The Cornwall College Group Insta News

Students chatted with local radio station Source FM about the clean-up of Sailors Creek with Surfers Against Sewage

Marine Science students joined forces with Falmouth Town Council for a day of pond cleaning, making waves for a cleaner, greener tomorrow!

Our students put their strength to the test with the high-tech damagecontrol simulator, HMS Havoc at HMS Raleigh

Our apprentice Tegan has become the first female brick-laying apprentice to qualify with Corbey Construction

Return of the College’s highly anticipated Apprenticeship Games

Apprentices from Pall Corporation were this year’s winners for The Cornwall College Group’s (TCCG) Apprenticeship Games, sponsored by Cornwall Opportunities.

Now in its seventh year and coinciding with the National Apprenticeship Week, the Games bring together apprentice teams from various

businesses for competitive events, testing their mental, physical and creative skills.

After a gruelling day of competition, PALL emerged victorious as the first-place gold medallists, closely followed by Wales and West scooping silver, with King’s Service Centre hot on their tail, securing a third-place bronze award.

Head of Apprenticeships at TCCG, Teresa Copping, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have hosted another successful year of Apprenticeship Games and celebrate the valuable partnerships we have with regional employers.”

The following teams battled it out this year at the Camborne campus: South West Water, Cornwall Council,

Working beyond borders

More than 75 learners, from a wide range of subjects at The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) have undertaken life changing work experience visits to Seville, Lebrija and Lisbon.

In one of the most recent trips, foundation learning students, supported by the Turing Scheme,

used independent living skills gained in their courses to engage with Spanish culture and work in hospitality, administration, IT or customer services.

Besides work placements, students managed daily tasks like grocery shopping and money management.

Sharing their enthusiasm, the group expressed feeling more equipped to live independently and more confident when applying for jobs.

The students also shared their experience on BBC Radio Cornwall, enjoying a VIP tour and practicing interviewing techniques.

A&P Falmouth, Fugro GeoServices Ltd, Pendennis Shipyard, Pall Corporation, BD, Kings Service Centre, Imerys, Wales & West, Rittal, Team PESC, Cormac, Serco Engineering and Asset Management.

Concorde Recruitment, CCB and South West Water supported this year’s competition alongside Cornwall Opportunities as the main sponsors.

DISCOVER OUR LOW-COST GYM FACILITIES AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

The UK government-funded Turing Scheme has given dozens of TCCG students a chance to complete work placements abroad.

With more trips planned in the new academic year, TCCG continues to provide unique and exciting opportunities for all students.

Shadow Minister praises College

Seema Malhotra MP toured the unique maritime and marine facilities, accompanied by Steve Taylor, head of campus, Jayne Kirkham, local Labour Party candidate and several marine and maritime industry representatives.

During her visit, discussions focused on the vital links between the education sector and addressing the skills gap, as she engaged with marine engineering, boatbuilding and marine conservation students, with a specific focus on the dynamic opportunities arising from the Celtic Sea Project and floating offshore wind initiatives.

Commenting on the day, the Shadow Minister said:

“It’s been great to see employers working so closely with the College and to talk to young learners about why they’re choosing these courses and the support that they need to be successful.”

Principal and CE, John Evans, said: “the visit served as a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exceptional facilities and the incredible talent in Cornwall.”

Head of Falmouth Marine School, Steve Taylor, emphasised:

“As a specialist college, our mission is to educate and prepare the future generation of marine scientists, maritime professionals, ecologists and conservationists. It is crucial that our voice resonates with policymakers to ensure challenges faced by these industries and the education sector are effectively addressed.”

Apprenticeship Games winners 2024 Pall

Foundation learning students in Seville, Spain

Cornwall College Camborne

Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education (FE) recently paid a visit to Falmouth Marine School, part of The Cornwall College Group, in celebration of National Careers Week.

Students at BBC Radio Cornwall

Creative and Digital students in Seville, Spain

Travel and Tourism, and Professional Cookery students in Lisbon, Portugal

Students Shine at College Awards

A prestigious awards ceremony took place at St Mellion resort, as The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), hosted its highly anticipated Shining Star Awards, to honour and recognise outstanding student accomplishments. The event, attended by students, their families and employer representatives, proved to be a night filled with joy, inspiration and a touch of celebrity glamour.

The Group was delighted to have a celebrity host, Jonathan Wilkes, for the evening, who handed out the Shining Star awards to all winners. The entertainer, singer and presenter compered the awards ceremony, which added an extra layer of excitement to the event.

“I’m here to meet some incredible and inspiring young people who’ve worked so hard this year, not just the winners, but also all the nominees,” said Jonathan Wilkes, who was impressed by the dedication and perseverance displayed by all the students.

John Evans, principal and CE of TCCG, said the Shining Star Awards were “one of my favourite nights of the year. This is a real chance to celebrate all our fantastic students’ achievements.”

The heart of entertainment in St Austell

Performing Arts students from Cornwall College St Austell provide two nights of comedy entertainment with their production of “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy” at The Keay Theatre.

Level 2 and 3 learners from the Creative Digital Academy captivated audiences with their entertaining twist on the iconic characters created by the

acclaimed Charles Addams; Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, Pugsley, uncle Fester, cousin Itt and more.

Under the direction and choreography of Cornwall College and Studio 4, the group brought the Addams Family to life, drawing inspiration from the celebrated Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, featuring music and lyrics of Andrew Lippa.

Following last year’s success of the Academy’s full-scale musical for their Final Major Project performance of Chicago, learners were eager to showcase their talents on stage once more.

The Keay Theatre, known for hosting exceptional events and showcasing emerging talent, set the backdrop for this dynamic production.

Our Amazing Alumni

Our students have gone on to achieve great things...

TikTok famous, MARIA is more than just an influencer best known for Granfer videos. She is also a fifth-generation beef, sheep and arable farmer. Maria studied land-based Agriculture and Vet Nursing through The Cornwall College Group.

ELLIOTT, studied professional cookery at our St Austell campus and is now executive chef at 45 Park Lane, part of the famous Dorchester Collection. Here he is, cooking food for the Oscars with mentor and well-known chef Wolfgang Puck, alongside Oscar winner Brendan Fraser.

ALISHA is a freelance hairstylist/colourist in fashion, music and TV, living and working in London. She has styled hair for Georgia May Jagger, Alex Scott, Wallis Day, Motsi Mabuse, Jessie J, Channing Tatum and others. She also owns and runs a salon, Bleach, in London.

BRENDAN studied at Level 2 and Level 3 to become a personal fitness trainer at our Camborne campus and now runs his own business, Moore Movement Fitness.

LUCY, a recent Horticulture and Landscape apprentice alumni, now gets to experience a stunning landscape in her new permanent job at Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, the company she trained with.

LAURA is a fundraising manager at Hugs Foundation and studied FdSc Animal Behaviour and Psychology at Newquay University Centre.

TIM is head chef at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen and studied professional cookery. He has returned to help current students with the Outlaw’s pop-up restaurant!

HARRY studied Agriculture at Duchy College Rosewarne and Bicton College. He now helps manage his family farm in Porthleven, which supplies milk to Rodda’s.

GAVIN has received an OBE. He has been in the British Army since 1998 in a variety of roles, notably as Army Sergeant Major. He now works as an instructor for the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence in the United States.

Did you study with us? Scan the QR code to join our alumni community!

Getting ready for college

If you haven’t decided what you want to study yet there’s still time to apply! Visit our website to find your perfect course and complete the application form, which you will be able to find on the top of the course page. We’ll be in touch as soon as you apply to talk through your application and discuss what happens next. A great way to meet people is at our student social spaces run by the CCSU (Cornwall College Students’ Union), your tutors will show you these in your first week. As well as being modern, well-equipped spaces, they also have their own dedicated Facebook pages where you can find out about any events and trips taking place.

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