Department Newsletter
Spring 2025 / wakefield.ac.uk
Welcome
Greetings from Wakefield College’s Business & Management and Travel & Tourism Department!
We’re excited to share some of the incredible opportunities that come with exploring careers in these dynamic and ever-evolving industries.
At Wakefield College, we believe in learning through experience. Our students have recently worked with organisations like Vico Homes, gaining real-world business skills while contributing to meaningful community projects. Travel & Tourism students have also taken to the skies—literally— experiencing the world of aviation first-hand through sessions in a state-ofthe-art flight simulator.
These kinds of experiences help develop the practical skills, confidence, and industry insight that prepare you for a wide range of future pathways—from the world of work to further study or even launching your own venture.
Whatever your goals may be, exploring business or travel and tourism can open doors to exciting and rewarding possibilities. We’re here to inspire and support you on that journey—wherever it may lead.
Wishing you all the best as you take your next steps!
BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
T Level Business Students Making a Difference in the Community
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Our T Level Business students have been gaining invaluable hands-on experience while making a real impact in the community, thanks to their placement with Vico Homes (formerly known as WDH).
As part of their Estate Day of Action, students teamed up with the Estates and Environmental teams, local partners and residents to improve the Bryan Close area in Castleford. Activities included a litter pick, bulky waste collection, and an interactive door-to-door survey to gather feedback on what improvements residents would like to see in their neighbourhood.
students’ academic and personal growth—an achievement recognised by the judges of the Educate North Awards 2025, where we were named finalists in the Employer Engagement Award category.
A fantastic example of meaningful collaboration, personal development and community impact in action.
Ben Porter Head of Business and Travel & Tourism
The initiative was a huge success, with one resident moved to tears by the strong sense of community spirit and the collective effort to bring about positive change.
This experience gave our students a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world setting—developing their communication, leadership and problem-solving abilities.
The strength of our T Level partnership with Vico Homes has played a key role in our
“The Estate Day of Action was a fantastic opportunity to connect with our customers in the community and hear what it’s like for them living on our estates. It’s so important for us as a landlord to listen, understand, and act on customer feedback.”
Sarah Roxby Executive Director of Housing
at Vico Homes
Travel & Tourism students’ once-in-a-lifetime Fiji trip with Think Pacific
20 students from the Animal Care and Travel & Tourism departments at Wakefield College embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Fiji, hosted by Think Pacific.
The trip’s itinerary was specially tailored to the College’s Animal Care and Travel & Tourism provision – with activities encompassing ecotourism, animal and wildlife care, sustainability and conservation.
During the eighteen days, students and staff from the College explored the magnificent landscapes of the island such as the Rainforest Park, the Sand Dunes National Park, tropical gardens, coral reefs and bush trails.
They observed Fijian animals in their habitats, ranging from birds to reptiles and marine wildlife, as well as learning about the welfare and veterinary care they received from charities on the Island such as Animals Fiji.
Several organisations delivered specialist presentations and projects for the group including the Coral Coast Conservation Centre, teaching them about the historical development of tourism in Fiji and the range of conservation efforts practiced on the Island.
The students expressed their enthusiasm towards experiencing a new culture; some students even conducted their own research into their destination in advance of the trip.
The trip was fully funded for the students through the Turing Scheme – one of the UK Government’s initiatives to provide funding for international learning opportunities and global mobility projects for colleges and universities.
“After developing a relationship with Think Pacific, the College decided to select one of their educational trips to enrich the students’ learning, which has all been made possible through the funding from the Turing Scheme. The trip showcased to the students the opportunities of ecotourism, animal care and sustainability in Fiji. They learned how tourism impacts the Island, its people and its wildlife.”
Henry Manwaring Deputy Head of Curriculum and lead organiser of the trip
OPEN EVENTS
OPEN EVENTS
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OUT MORE ABOUT...
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A LEVELS* FOUNDATION LEARNING
* Wakefield College only
* Wakefield College only
A LEVELS* | T LEVELS | VOCATIONAL COURSES | APPRENTICESHIPS FOUNDATION LEARNING | UNIVERSITY CENTRE | ADULT LEARNING EVENTS 2024 EVENTS 2025
WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER 5pm-7pm WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY 5pm-7pm SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER 10am-12pm SATURDAY 13th JUNE 10am-12pm EVENTS 2025 EVENTS 2026
WEDNESDAY 16th OCTOBER 5pm-7pm WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY 5pm-7pm SATURDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 10am-12pm SATURDAY 14th JUNE 10am-12pm
All events will take place at Wakefield College and Castleford College
Events taking place at both Wakefield College and Castleford College
