Issue 9 I August 2025
Welcome to Engage
As we draw to a close, on another fantastic academic year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our incredible employers and partners for the vital role you play in enriching our students’ experiences. Your continued support enables us to offer meaningful opportunities that help bridge the gap between education and the world of work.
You will be able to read about some of the outcomes of these partnerships in this this edition of Engage - from students gaining hands-on experience at the Lake District’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, to showcasing their talents at the regional SkillsWeld competition, and learning directly from industry leaders at one of Yorkshire’s top-rated spas.
I’m also proud to introduce our brand-new Adult Learning Course Guide, packed with part-time, full-time and online courses tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses. We believe that flexible, future-focused training
is the key to helping your business and your people thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, we’re also excited to expand our Engineering offer with new degree apprenticeships and a Top-Up degree, launching from September 2025. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about these developments in our ever-expanding curriculum offer, in this edition of Engage.
Thank you once again for your continued partnership.
Prinicipal and Chief Executive Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
To find out more, call our friendly Apprenticeships Team on 01924 789469 or email apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Develop industry-relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours Grow and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce
Flexible, Future-Focused Training to Grow Your Business and People
By Laurent Berges, Director of Adult Skills at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
As the demands of the workplace continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: upskilling your workforce is no longer optional - it’s essential. That’s why we’re proud to introduce this year’s Adult Learning Offer from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, packed with flexible and practical courses designed to help your employees grow.
Supporting staff development isn’t just good for morale - it’s smart for business. Whether your team members are looking to sharpen technical skills, retrain for new roles or simply explore fresh interests, our Adult Learning programmes offer the right mix of convenience, relevance and value.
With an expanded range of Online Learning courses, employees can study at their own pace around work schedules. This not only removes traditional barriers to learning such as travel and time but also supports your organisation’s sustainability goals by reducing your carbon footprint.
Many of our online and in-person adult courses are also free of charge, meaning your team can gain recognised qualifications at zero cost to them or your business.*
We’ve also launched new Green Skills programmes to support emerging industries and sustainability-focused roles. Courses in areas like Electric & Hybrid Vehicles, Construction and Engineering ensure your workforce stays ahead of the curve whilst contributing to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Alongside career-focused training, we offer short courses in photography, music production, floristry, printmaking and more. Encouraging staff to explore creative interests can boost wellbeing, confidence and retention - helping your team thrive both in and outside of work.
We understand that returning to education can feel like a leap. But with the support of our friendly, expert staff, your employees won’t take that step alone. Whether they’re building a new skillset or rediscovering a passion, we’re here to help them succeed.
Now’s the time to invest in your greatest asset - your people. Encourage your team to explore our Adult Learning Offer and help shape a more skilled, confident and future-ready workforce.
MEET OUR Adult Learners
Meet Toby
Meet David
Former fitter, joiner and cabinet maker, David, is now a full-time Lecturer after carrying out a Certificate in Education.
“After working in the wood industry, I wanted a change in career. I decided I needed something to future-proof myself and give a little back to education. I didn’t think teaching was ever an option, but the opportunity came up and now here I am as a Lecturer in Carpentry and Joinery at Wakefield College.”
Skills Bootcamp in Heat Recovery & Transfer student Toby, who is completing the course to progress in his current role as an Engineer at Lambsons Building Products, shared:
“Understanding how much energy we use and could be saving was important to my employer, Lambsons Building Products, so this programme was a perfect solution. The course is well delivered, and I’ve really enjoyed expanding my knowledge and meeting new people. I’d recommend it to any individual or business becoming more energy conscious.”
Meet Caroline
Following the pandemic, Floristry student Caroline - reentered education to gain the skills and qualifications to do what she loved. Caroline said:
“I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I’ve had if it wasn’t for following my dreams. Changing my career path and entering education again later in life certainly took me out of my comfort zone, but I’m so pleased that I did it. I can’t get over how good it feels to wake up every single morning and go to the business I have created, and that this is my life now.”
Students Gain Real-World Skills
Next-gen welders shine at SkillWeld 2025
National Qualifiers
Fabrication & Welding apprentices from Castleford College demonstrated their technical talents during the SkillWeld 2025 National Qualifiers.
The event challenged participants with four rigorous tests across the three core welding disciplines including gas tungsten arc welding, stick welding and metal inert gas welding.
Castleford College apprentices Alfie Tolson Jessica Kingswood, Joshua Curtis, Oliver Ramsay, Ryan Joseph, Samad Hussain and Samuel Mark Egley all took partwith Jessica Kingswood earning first place, followed by Oliver Ramsay in second and Joshua Curtis in third.
The judging panel included Stephen Haymes (Engineering Skills Competitions), Clive Slocombe (Code A Weld), and representatives from Air Products; Chris Porter, Jemma McCafferty, Joanne Price and Paul Kendrick.
Prizes were supplied by sponsors Air Products and Code A Weld, who provided toolkits to support the apprentices’ ongoing training.
Jessica Kingswood took first place at the Skillweld 2025 National Qualifiers
Jessica, an apprentice at Yorkshire Laser Fabrication, said about her win: “I was really nervous taking part but it’s good to know that my hard work has paid off. What I enjoy most about welding is how calming it is and that I get to create things — one of our projects involved making a toolbox, which I really liked. My dream job is to do oil rig welding abroad, so I’m going to gain as much experience as I can in my current apprenticeship.”
Exclusive Work Experience at Michelin-Starred L’Enclume
Six Hospitality & Catering students from Wakefield College are gaining valuable work experience at Michelin Star restaurant, L’Enclume, located in the Lake District.
Of the six, five are gaining practical, hands-on experience in L’Enclume’s world-class kitchen, whilst one is working front of house - offering a rare insight into both the culinary and service sides of a globally respected hospitality environment.
Their experiences not only offer an incredible addition to their CVs but also help inspire current and prospective students about what’s possible through the Group’s strong industry links.
Students carry out software project with British Taekwondo
Computing & Digital Industries students from Selby College successfully completed an industry project with British Taekwondo, empowering them to build their technical and creative skills.
As part of the real-world software development challenge, the students were tasked with redesigning the digital interface used by British Taekwondo instructors for grading students during belt assessments.
Over several weeks, students engaged in every stage of the development cycle - from gathering client requirements to planning, designing and building an improved, user-friendly system tailored to the needs of martial arts professionals.
Rudding Park Spa Team Inspires Beauty Therapy Students
Students at Selby College recently welcomed special guests from one of Yorkshire’s top spa destinations. Freya, Front Office Manager and Lorraine, Spa Therapy Manager from Rudding Park Hotel Spa in Harrogate, visited the College to speak with Beauty Therapy students about careers in the spa industry.
The session included a live facial demonstration and an insightful talk covering day-to-day life in a high-end spa, the importance of client care, and the wide range of roles and progression opportunities available within the industry.
Following a similar session last year, student Marny applied for a role at Rudding Park and is now working there as a Spa Therapist, turning her passion into a profession.
Award-winning celebrity hairdresser and Wahl trainer Michael Damiano (pictured right) also recently visited Selby College to deliver a specialist barbering course to hair professionals.
Focusing on advanced fading techniques, the session gave attendees the opportunity to learn directly from one of the industry’s leading figures.
Michael, who is renowned for his work with top brands and celebrities, shared insights into creating seamless fades which is an essential skill for modern barbering.
Equipping the Engineers of Tomorrow
As the engineering industry continues to evolve, employers are increasingly seeking multi-skilled professionalsindividuals who understand both traditional mechanical processes and emerging technologies like automation and sustainability systems.
Whether it’s preparing learners for the next industrial revolution or supporting businesses with upskilling and recruitment, our Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology courses ensure students are trained in the skills your sector demands today and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Samuel Hunter, Engineering Lecturer at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We listen carefully to what employers are telling us, locally and across the UK. We’re seeing more employers ask for workers who are electromechanically skilled - people who can handle thermodynamics, work with automation systems and contribute to energy-saving solutions. We are building these priorities into our courses through course content and innovative equipment. From pickand-place machines and high-definition CNC machines to full Industry 4.0 setups, it’s a hands-on environment where learners work with the tools and systems used in real-world manufacturing and engineering – preparing them for what’s next.”
Simon Turn, who is currently studying the HNC in General Engineering at Selby College alongside his role as EC&I Supervisor at Drax Power Station, said: “There’s a lot of moving parts in a power station and the technology is constantly evolving. Studying the
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course has helped me build the theory behind the practical work I do every day at Drax. It’s broadened my skills and deepened my understanding of systems like mechatronics and AI, which are becoming more relevant in our field. If you want to progress in engineeringwhether it’s mechanical, electrical or instrumentation - this kind of qualification is essential.”
These state-of-the-art facilities aren’t just available for YHIoT learners, they are also integrated into Skills Bootcamps, such as Carbon Capture and Heat Recovery, making them accessible across a wide range of learners and levels.
What’s more, learners who have completed a HNC/ HND in Engineering can now progress onto a full BEng, accredited by the University of Hull – allowing them to work towards IEng status via the Engineering Council.
The programme can also be funded by employers as a part-time course or through a higher apprenticeship.
Scan the QR code to hear from Sam and Simon directly, as well as other YHIoT learners, by watching our video series.
Get Ready for the Free Childcare Expansion
Launching next April, the Government’s new Free Childcare Plan is set to significantly increase demand for nursery and early years professionals across the country.
This is a golden opportunity for individuals and settings alike to upskill and prepare for recruitment needs. Whether you’re looking to train new staff, progress your career or expand your qualifications - we have flexible, funded training options to support you.
Explore our full range of childcare training options:
+ Childcare Apprenticeships (delivered online)
+ Part-time Adult courses
+ Higher Education programmes
If you are interested in finding out more about these courses, please contact our Course Information Team on 01924 789111 or at courseinfo@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
Unlock Up to £8,500 in CITB Grants
Boost Your Construction Workforce!
If your business is registered with CITB, you may be eligible for grants of up to £8,500 to support apprenticeships and higher-level construction qualifications - on top of government apprenticeship funding!
This funding is a fantastic way to reduce training costs whilst developing the skilled workforce your business needs to thrive. It is broken down into two different types of grants:
+ England Apprenticeship Grants (for Level 2 or higher apprenticeships)
+ Long Qualification Grants (for part-time higher-level construction qualifications)
If you are interested in finding out more about these courses, please contact our Course Information Team on 01924 789111 or at courseinfo@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
New Foundation Apprenticeships Launching in England
We’re delighted to offer new Foundation Apprenticeships in the following areas from 1st August 2025:
+ Onsite Trades (Construction)
+ Engineering and Manufacturing (Engineering)
+ Health & Social Care (Health & Education)
Foundation Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity for employers to:
+ See apprentices thrive in real work-based settings
+ Provide extra support to help them succeed
+ Access a broader and more diverse talent pool
Under the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Funding Rules (2025/26), employers may receive up to £2,000 per Foundation Apprentice, subject to retention and progression.
For more information, please contact our Apprenticeships Team on 01924 789 489 or at apprenticeships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk
COMING THIS AUGUST
What’s new at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Group champions sustainability through Planet Earth Games
Staff and students across the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group have been leading the way in sustainability by taking part in the Association of College’s (AoC) Planet Earth Games.
The UK’s biggest sustainability competition, the Planet Earth Games, provides Colleges with the opportunity to take part in national challenges and activities organised from January until Earth Day on 22nd April, scoring points by submitting evidence of participation.
While activities have been ongoing since the start of the year, the Group hosted its own Sustainability Week in March to boost participation and highlight how small changes can have a big impact on the environment.
Group’s careers services praised with Matrix accreditation
The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been awarded the Matrix standard for its Careers Guidance and Course Information services – helping to deliver outstanding, impartial support to more than 10,000 learners across Castleford, Selby and Wakefield.
As part of the accreditation process, inspectors praised the relationships the Group has developed with local universities, employers and health and local authority services, enabling students to benefit from seamless referral routes and up-to-date labour-market insight.
The experience and knowledge of the Group’s Careers Team were also acknowledged, highlighting that students receive expert, personalised guidance.
It’s Awards Season at Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
We’re proud to share that the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group has been shortlisted for multiple regional awards – a testament to the outstanding work of our learners, staff and employer partners.
The Marketing & Creative Team’s Keep Warm Campaign was recognised once again at the Association of Creative and Print Managers in Education Awards in June, with the Team taking home the Creative Campaign of the Year accolade.
The Group has also been shortlisted for multiple awards at the North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, YO1 Radio Sports Awards, YorkMix Hero Awards and the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards
