Business Bulletin Issue Four I November 2023
Welcome to Engage There’s been lots of fantastic things happening across the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group since our last edition of Engage. We started the academic year on a high, welcoming thousands of students of all ages and levels to start or continue their academic journey with us. In October, we welcomed 16 Ofsted inspectors to carry out a full inspection of our three colleges. The Group is the first organisation to receive an Ofsted inspection within 18 months following a merger and we’re incredibly proud of what we have achieved during this time, which is testament to the hard work of our staff, students and partners. We’re delighted to announce that the Group was rated ‘Good’ in all areas and received a ‘Strong’ rating for its contribution to meeting local, regional and national skills gaps. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our employer partners who spoke to the inspectors and completed the survey we sent ahead of the inspection. Your feedback and positive comments are very much appreciated by colleagues across the Group. The full report can be accessed using the following link and we look forward to sharing more highlights from the report with you in the coming weeks: Heart of Yorkshire Education Group - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted October also saw colleagues and students across the Group take part in a number of activities and projects to marK T Levels Week and Love our Colleges Week 2023. This gave us the opportunity to celebrate our T Level industry placement partners and our wider employer partners, and the work they do to support our students in gaining valuable industry skills.
This edition of Engage is being distributed as we mark Global Entrepreneurship Week from Monday 13th until Friday 17th November, so it seems fitting to share some of our students’ inspirational stories in becoming prosperous entrepreneurs following their time with us. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and finding out more about Alex’s and Sam’s entrepreneurial success, as well as the other fantastic initiatives we have going on and employer-focused events coming up. We hope to see you or your business at one of our upcoming Employer Forums, which are listed on page 8.
Sam Wright Principal and CEO of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Taking the world by storm, one toastie at a time Since completing a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery at Selby College in July 2023, Alex Beighton has started her very own successful – and delicious – food business. Hear from Alex, who previously attended Campsmount Academy, about her journey from student to entrepreneur… How did you come up with the idea of your business? Myself and my cousin, who is my business partner, came across a horsebox for sale and the opportunity to convert it into a mini kitchen. We started brainstorming what we could serve out of it and what food is missing when you go to big events like festivals or a Sunday market. Our business idea was to offer a range of delicious cheese toasties which customers could personalise themselves and so far, it has gone down a treat! Although not every event was a success, our first year of trading as “Gouda for the Soul” has been extremely rewarding and we’ve met lots of other businesses. I never would have thought at my age and after only completing my studies a short time ago, that I would be running my own business.
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How do you plan to expand your business? We have expanded our menu since we started and are looking forward to creating more items. We currently take our trailer all over to different events, but are hoping to open a café or a bakehouse in the future. When we do expand, we still plan to attend a group of artisan markets called Little Bird Markets as everyone that you meet there is so supportive, and they give you their own tips and tricks that really do help. How did your course help prepare you to launch your own hospitality business? I learnt so much on my course, but the skills that I use the most day-today in my business are knife skills and how to present dishes. My former tutor Adrian Dawes taught me how to make simple dishes look extravagant. As students, we also got to learn in a working restaurant which really helped prepare me for entering the hospitality and catering industry.
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What made you want to enter a career in hospitality and catering? The thing I love most about hospitality and catering is the people. Everyone is always happy to help you and wants you to be the best you can be. Adrian always used to talk about all the different people he worked with and the things he learnt from them, passing this knowledge onto his students. What’s your advice for someone who’s wanting to start up their own business? My one piece of advice for anyone wanting to start their own business is simply not to give up. Adrian always used to say to us that you might not always get it right the first time, but what really matters is that you keep on trying. Find out more about Alex’s journey and Gouda for the Soul, at: www.goudaforthesoul.co.uk
Making his mark in the music industry Sam Lane's remarkable journey through the world of music, marked by his passion, determination, and unwavering dedication, has led him to become a successful entrepreneur. Overcoming many challenges posed by Asperger’s, Sam progressed from the Level 2 Music programme at Wakefield College right through to the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Higher National Diploma (HND) in Music. Sam now runs his own record shop called Lightning Bolt Records, which is Castleford’s only independent record shop, all whilst pursuing his passion as a DJ.
Lightning Bolt Records Sam's enduring passion for music eventually led him to set up his own record shop, Lightning Bolt Records. This entrepreneurial endeavour became a platform for him to share his love for music with the community. The record shop quickly gained popularity among music enthusiasts, becoming a hub for vinyl collectors and music aficionados.
Discovering his Passion Sam found his deep-seated love for music at an early age. Despite having Asperger's, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect social interactions and communication skills, Sam's passion for music remained unwavering, and he aspired to turn his love for music into a career.
In addition to managing Lightning Bolt Records, Sam also pursued a career as a DJ. His eclectic taste in music and deep understanding of the industry allows him to connect with audiences through live performances.
Starting his Educational Journey When starting on the Level 2 Music programme, Sam’s passion for music and his commitment to personal growth were evident from the beginning. The course provided him with a solid foundation in music theory, composition, and basic performance techniques.
Sam’s journey from student to entrepreneur and DJ, running his own music business, demonstrates what can be achieved when you put your mind to it. For more information about Sam's journey, please visit Lightning Bolt Records: www.facebook.com/LightningBoltRecordShopCas/
Despite the challenges posed by Aspergers, Sam's determination led him to progress to the Level 3 Music programme where he was able to hone his skills in music performance, composition, and production. His remarkable journey continued as he achieved a Higher National Diploma in Music, which equipped Sam with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the music industry.
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Taking it to the NexT Level In October, we marked National T Levels Week by looking back on our T Level journey so far and appreciating the exciting opportunities these new qualifications have offered our students.
Selby College opens healthcare simulation facilities During National T Levels Week, we opened a brand-new hospital simulation teaching ward at Selby College. The state-of-the-art suite will enable our T Level Healthcare students to be immersed into reallife scenarios and simulations which they would experience when working in a healthcare setting. Modelling a two-bed hospital ward and a community care environment, our students can practice on and treat realistic mannequins using industry-standard equipment.
Students learn in realistic nursery environment A replica nursery classroom setting has also been created for Selby College’s T Level Education and Early Years students, which includes a soft play, dress up and reading area. Students train on RealCare baby infant simulators, teaching them basic care such as feeding, changing and dressing infants. This is benefitting students’ learning whilst they are out on their industry placements with a range of nurseries and schools in the district, including Barlby Bridge Community Primary School, Brayton Headstart Preschool, Pollington Preschool, Rainbow Preschool, Staynor Hall Community Primary Academy and Selby Community Primary School.
Wakefield College and WDH partnership goes from strength-to-strength Seven T Level Management & Administration students have recently embarked on a 45-day industry placement with WDH across a range of departments including marketing, shared ownership, finance and strategy. This is enabling students to gain hands-on, valuable work experience in their chosen sector, whilst giving WDH early sight of the new talent in their industry. Tim Craven, Social Investment Manager at WDH, said: “Our vision is to create confident communities and one of the ways we do this is by supporting young people, many of whom live in our homes, to access training opportunities, gain skills and reach their full potential. We believe T Levels are a route to this success, by providing young people with valuable, real-life work experience which will form the foundations of their future careers. As a business, this also enables us to create a talent pipeline whilst giving our existing employees the opportunity to continue developing through the mentoring of students.”
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Are you interested in learning something new or looking to upskill? Our wide range of Online Learning courses are designed to fit around your lifestyle and other commitments, meaning you can gain a new qualification online and from the comfort of your own home.
Have you had a successful career in the construction or engineering industry? Have you considered supporting your industry and giving something back to develop the knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes of the next generation of trades people? At the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, we are looking for experienced persons to help with skills delivery, including: • Working effectively with employers in our delivery of apprenticeships, to help our apprentices on their journey to becoming qualified
The courses are nationally recognised by employers so whether you are looking to upskill, retrain or simply develop new skills and knowledge, we have the course for you!
› FREE of Charge* › Study from home › Gain new skills › Learn at your own pace › Achieve a nationally recognised qualification *Courses can be accessed by anyone over the age of 19 in England and will be free of charge to learners, excluding in some postcodes. Please contact us to check your eligibility.
Visit; www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/free-online-learning or scan the QR code to view the full list of courses available.
• Supporting our full-time students in college to develop their knowledge and skills Come along to our Construction and Engineering Recruitment Event on Saturday 18th November 2023, between 10am and 12pm, at Castleford College, to find out more. If you are unable to attend this event but are interested in our vacancies, please email; hr.recruit@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk or scan the QR code to register your interest.
Our guide to meeting your skills needs Check out our brand new all-encompassing Employers' Guide, which outlines the different ways in which we can support your business and its growth, at: www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/employers or scan the QR code.
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What’s new at the Heart of
Yorkshire Education Group Apprentice sets his sights on World Skills UK final
Castleford College and Biffa launch partnership A leading sustainable waste management company, Biffa, has chosen Castleford College as its apprenticeship training provider. Castleford College supported Biffa in recruiting two new apprentices, Bailey and Nathan, who had a successful start to their Level 3 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) apprenticeships in September.
A Fabrication and Welding apprentice from Castleford College is putting his welding skills to the test, as he prepares to take part in the World Skills UK’s SkillsWeld final.
Richard Hoyland, Biffa Regional Fleet Engineer for East Anglia & Humberside, said: “We’re continually looking for new routes to attract talent into our industry, and this apprenticeship programme with Castleford College allows our apprentices to learn from people who have been in the industry for over four decades, ensuring that these lifelong and sought after skills aren’t lost.”
Kalum Smart, who is a Fabrication and Welding apprentice with TASCA Tankers Ltd, is one of 10 finalists in the SkillsWeld competition who will be competing for gold, silver or bronze. Taking place from Tuesday 14th until Friday 18th November, the finals will be held at Rochdale Training which is a charity that supports learners into employment through apprenticeships and adult courses.
Wren Kitchens donates equipment to students Selby College’s Hospitality & Catering students are equipped for the academic year ahead following Wren Kitchens’ generous donation. Each student has been gifted NEFF digital kitchen scales which will help them measure and weigh ingredients when preparing food and drinks. In addition to being used in assessments, the students will also use the scales to create a range of dishes for the College’s onsite restaurant. Dishes the students have created to date include poached pear with fruit compote and Chantilly cream, stuffed baked tomato with mushroom and garlic and deep coated potato onion rings.
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Students’ art brightens up public spaces across the district
Group scores highly in National Student Survey 2023 We’re proud to announce that the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group placed significantly higher than national average for student experience in the latest National Student Survey (NSS). Over 92% of students stated they feel positive about the teaching and support they receive at the University Centre as part of the survey, 8% higher than the sector average. The University Centre also placed significantly higher than the national average in terms of learning opportunities, assessment, academic support, student voice and course organisation. Applications for September 2024 are now open for the University Centre’s range of degree-level programmes including Foundation Degrees, Full Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Top-Up Degrees and Teacher Training, validated by some of the region’s most wellestablished universities.
Wakefield College students’ artwork has brightened up family hubs in Wakefield, as part of a project with Wakefield Families Together.
Find out more about the University Centre, at: www.heartofyorkshire.ac.uk/HE
This saw Level 3 Fashion Textile students create pieces of artwork for Wakefield Families Together’s Castle Family Hub, helping to enhance the space and make the families who use the hub feel welcome. Wakefield Families Together provide spaces for families to receive support and advice about everyday challenges that come with parenting and relationships, as well as providing more support if needed.
Students play casualties in local emergency services exercise
Students from the Group have recently taken part in a number of major incident exercises with local emergency services across the region. This included a staged chemical attack exercise at Cineworld in Xscape, Castleford, as well as a live-action exercise at First Direct Arena in Leeds, simulating a Marauding Terrorist Attack. The Group’s Make-up Artistry students worked alongside staff from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service to create realistic wounds and injuries on Public Services and A Level students from the Group, who were playing casualties.
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Events & Employer Forums Attend one of our upcoming Employer Forums! Stay ahead of the latest funding, courses and information in your industry by attending one of our upcoming Employer Forums.
Hair & Beauty
Monday 20th November, 6pm-8pm Castleford College and Online Option
Horticulture & Animal Care
Tuesday 21st November, 6pm-8pm Wakefield College and Online Option
Construction
Wednesday 22nd November, 8:30am-10:30am Selby College
Health & Social Care
Give Construction a Try is back! Our next Give Construction a Try event will take place on Wednesday 13th March 2024, and will see partners from industry and education working collaboratively to inform young people about the opportunities within the construction industry. The focus of the event is to inspire young people across Yorkshire to consider a career in construction and raise awareness of the diverse range of roles and opportunities the industry has to offer. By bringing business, educators and industry specialists together we are able to have a greater impact and send a clear message to young people and their schools that Construction really is a great option. If you would like to get your business involved, please email Debbie Lee at; dlee@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Wednesday 22nd November, 8:30am-10:30am Wakefield College
Engineering
Thursday 23rd November, 8:30am-10:30am Castleford College
Creative Industries
Thursday 23rd November, 8:30am-10:30am Wakefield College
Hospitality & Catering
Friday 24th November, 8am-10am Online
Business and Travel & Tourism
Tuesday 5th December, 8:30am-10am Selby College
Business and Travel & Tourism
Friday 8th December, 8:30am-10am Wakefield College
Date for the Diary 2024 Employers’ Breakfast Event Tuesday 6th February 2024, 8:00am – 9.30am Snozone at Xscape Castleford
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Visit one of our OPEN EVENTS 2023/24 Castleford College & Wakefield College Saturday 18th November, 10am - 12pm Wednesday 7th February, 5pm - 7pm Saturday 15th June, 10am - 12pm
Selby College Wednesday 22nd November, 5pm - 7pm Saturday 3rd February, June, 10am - 12pm Wednesday 19th June, 5pm - 7pm