My College Newsletter December 2016

My Future

MY COLLEGE Issue 6 December 2016

Middlesbrough College Student and Parent Newsletter

Inside this issue Our year of achievement Meet the student president Smart ways to get work experience Teesside techno boom creating jobs Leading North East journalist joins College New aircraft cabin prepared for take-off

COLLEGE LAUNCHES IT’S OWN APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING COMPANY NORTHERN SKILLS GROUP SEE PAGE 8 TO READ THE FULL STORY

FOR SKILLS • FOR JOBS • FOR UNIVERSITY

Welcome

to our new style My College newsletter This edition gives you an overview of the type of courses offered at Middlesbrough College and perhaps more importantly, an insight into life at College, the types of careers open to you once you complete your chosen course, and changes in the jobs market as well as government policy shifts.

Recent data suggests that, jobs continue to expand in technical and professional occupations such as business, health and care, teaching, digital technologies and advanced engineering – with many other areas remaining stable and still requiring replacement staff each year, as employees retire or move on from their current roles.

Education policy remains in significant reform. Changes to SATs at primary level and GCSE’s at secondary are working their way through the school system, whilst Colleges too are experiencing education reform as the government policy for all students to achieve a Grade C at GCSE Maths and English continues to play a significant part in our school leaver programmes. We pride ourselves on preparing young people for the world of work, no matter what direction they choose and are pleased that our performance in English and maths resits is also better than the sector average in the first year of this new government policy in 2015/16.

Last year – we progressed more students to University than ever before (over 1000!), with students arriving here, from a wide range of starting points.

We continue to expand the number and range of apprenticeships we have on offer through our acquisition of the North East Chamber of Commerce training company over the Summer, and are now proud to be the largest provider of apprenticeship opportunities in the Tees Valley. This will become more important as a new government policy means that large employers will be charged through their payroll, to pay for the training of their apprentices from next April. The government is expecting employers to expand the number of apprenticeship placements available to them next year as a result, and in preparation of this, we are launching our new company name for this apprenticeship and training arm, Northern Skills Group in this edition. We are also pleased that our apprenticeship success measures are also significantly above local and national rates and with very high proportions (97%) of our apprentices progressing into work or further education after their apprenticeship completes.

Our adult retrain offer also continues to be strong with many joining us to change their career direction, return to University or to improve their job or promotion prospects and we have a wide range of courses starting in January for those wishing to kick start their career in the new year.

A starting point to suit you At Middlesbrough College, we offer courses at a range of levels, so no matter what GCSEs you join us with, we’ll find a starting point to suit you and help you progress to your chosen career. The table below gives you an indication of the entry requirements needed for our courses.

Three Courses These include A Levels, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 and advanced apprenticeships. Level 3 courses can be vocational which means they are practical and prepare you with skills for a specific trade/career or university or they can be academic such as A Levels. A triple distinction on a Level 3 vocational course is equivalent to three A’s at A Level.

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Level 2 vocational qualification and/or five GCSEs at grade C or above (grade 4-5 for new GCSE measures).

Two Courses These courses are usually vocational and involve a varied range of learning activities. The courses are practical and prepare you with skills for a specific trade/career.

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at mostly grade D or above (grade 3 for new GCSE measures).

One Courses For students who want to find out about what is involved with an occupation and to learn skills which will help you progress on to Level 2 courses or into a job. These courses are usually vocational and practical in nature in order to prepare you with skills for a specific trade/career.

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Entry Level vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at grade E-F or above (grade 2-1 for new GCSE measures).

Level Courses These courses will help you build up skills, experience and gain confidence in order to progress onto a Level 1 course.

Entry Requirements: No formal qualifications.

Choosing your next step can be confusing, so whatever your age and starting point, we would recommend you come along to one of our open days and speak to our industry trained tutors or independent careers advisors to help you make your decision.

Zoe Lewis - Principal / Chief Executive 2

Course Information 01642 333333

The importance of quality, independent careers advice Good careers advice is worth its weight in gold to many young people who would otherwise end up taking a path that may not suit them – or maybe even be completely unaware of what their options really are. Did you know that there are lots of choices open to school leavers including vocational courses, A levels and Apprenticeships? Did you know that many employers see young people with apprenticeships as more employable than those without?

And, did you realise that, for many employers, attitude is as important as qualifications?

every stage of their journey; before starting college, during their studies and after when making decisions on whether to go into higher education or employment. Our professional careers guidance advisors have many years’ experience in delivering careers advice and within the team have professional qualifications up to Level 7 Postgraduate Careers Guidance.

The College also has an online careers package, Career Coach, designed to help map out education and career options which will help everyone reach their career goals, whatever they may be. Simply search Career Coach online at www.mbro.ac.uk for more details.

Middlesbrough College has a dedicated careers guidance team who support students with impartial careers advice at

Tees Valley job vacancies 2015 Middlesbrough College offers courses in all sector skills areas and ensures the courses we deliver match employer demand and local skills requirements. The graph below shows where the job vacancies are within the Tees Valley.

Health Professionals Business And Public Service Associate Professionals Science, Research, Engineering and Technology Administrative Occupations Caring Personal Service Occupations Teaching and Educational Professionals Elementary Administration and Service Occupations Corporate Managers and Directors Sales Occupations Business, Media And Public Service Professionals Science, Engineering and Technology Associate Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades Transport and Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives Health and Social Care Associate Professionals Customer Service Occupations Other Managers and Proprietors Process, Plant and Machine Operatives Skilled Construction and Building Trades Textiles, Printing and Other Skilled Trades Secretarial and Related Occupations Leisure, Travel and Related Personal Service Elementary Trades and Related Occupations Culture, Media and Sports Occupations Skilled Agricultural and Related Trades Protective Service Occupations Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

2015 | 0

| 1000

2014 | 2000

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A great year of achievement 2015/16 FE STUDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS Our full-time students enjoy their time here at Middlesbrough College!

EMPLOYER SATISFACTION

79.4%-84.2% 86.6% | Other Tees Valley Colleges

| National Rate

87.8% | Middlesbrough College

Employers working with Northern Skills Group (Middlesbrough College’s apprenticeship and training company) have a higher satisfaction rate than the national average!

86.4%

79.6%

HE STUDENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS Students on higher education courses at Middlesbrough College are, on average, more satisfied than those nationally.

National Rate

86% 91%

NORTHERN SKILLS GROUP NATIONAL RATE

Middlesbrough College

16-18 STUDY PROGRAMMES (INC ENGLISH & MATHS) ACHIEVEMENT RATE

95%

STUDENT PROGRESSION After graduating 95% of our students go onto higher education or employment.

Our students are beating the national rate on achievement!

79.1% 78.4%

MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE NATIONAL RATE

ADULT COURSES ACHIEVEMENT RATE Our adult learners are up on the national achievement rate!

88.4% 86.4%

MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE NATIONAL RATE 4

3080 WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENTS WERE COMPLETED BY OUR STUDENTS THIS YEAR

Course Information 01642 333333

A great year of achievement 2015/16

OVER 1100 BTEC AND A LEVEL STUDENTS APPLIED TO UNIVERSITY IN 2016!

THE HIGHEST IN THE TEES VALLEY CURRENT ATTENDANCE RATE Our attendance rates are better than ever!

97%

94% A LEVEL PASS RATE

The A Level pass rate at our Sixth Form is a fantastic 97%.

TIMELY APPRENTICESHIP ACHIEVEMENT RATE On average, Northern Skills Group apprentices complete their qualifications faster than the national average.

NORTHERN SKILLS GROUP NATIONAL RATE

71.2%

58.9%

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

25% STUDENTS AT MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE ARE 25% MORE LIKELY TO GET A GRADE C IN GCSE MATHS RE-SIT THAN AT OTHER GENERAL FE COLLEGES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

985

STUDENTS STUDIED HIGHER EDUCATION COURSES AT MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

4800

COURSES DELIVERED TO FORMER SSI WORKERS 5

Inside our Sixth Form Middlesbrough College Sixth Form, MC6 is a modern A Level centre, situated in a fantastic multi-million pound campus. With state of the art facilities including labs, classrooms, social spaces and study areas; it boasts a vibrant environment which is the perfect learning space for students to make the transition from school to university.

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Course Information 01642 333333

100% in 19 A Level subjects

Sixth Form Success Hardworking students at Middlesbrough College celebrated a stellar set of A Level and BTEC results over the summer period as an impressive 19 subjects saw 100% pass rates. Scores of students tore open envelopes at the College’s Middlehaven campus, as the overall pass rate for A2 Levels reached more than 97%.

It’s the third consecutive year of improvement in the College’s results for AS and A Level. This year saw even more students study A Levels at Middlesbrough College as the number increased by nearly 10%.

Students achieved 100% pass rates in key academic subjects such as English Literature, English Language, French, Further Maths, Business Studies, Politics and Law. Meanwhile a record number of BTEC students achieved triple distinction stars – the highest grade possible – with 760 students achieving distinction profiles.

Did you know?

Choosing Middlesbrough College Sixth Form also means that students can benefit from our amazing facilities on campus including our open plan learning resource centre and new STEM Training Centre which includes two brand new fully resourced laboratories for wet chemistry and biology.

Setting his sights on a career in law Adam Fenby of Norton is well on his way to fulfilling his ambition to be a legal eagle after an outstanding stint at MC6, Middlesbrough College’s Sixth Form. The bright youngster has won a coveted place at Durham University to study law after scooping A Levels in Law (B), History (A) and English Literature (A).

And not only has Adam achieved academic success, he was also voted Student of the Year and won the Principal’s Award, as well as clinching an internship with top international legal firm Herbert Smith Freehills in London. Adam chose Middlesbrough College over a school sixth form to study for A Levels because it had a different, more relaxed feel – although he’s worked hard for his qualifications.

He said: “The help I got from the College was fantastic – my tutor Bernadette Morgan put me in touch with an organisation that helped me organise the internship. She also got me involved in a support and progression programme that links North East students with Durham University to try a week’s lectures and submit an essay – I don’t think I would have got into Durham without it.”

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Preparing you for Uni

of our A Level and BTEC students successfully applied for a place at a Russell Group Institution in 2016. This group of world-class universities all share a common ethos of delivering outstanding teaching and learning experiences with their students.

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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Middlesbrough College

Thinking apprenticeships?

Think Northern Skills Group

Full steam ahead for Hitachi partnership

Aspiring apprentices across the Tees Valley have a new partner to support their skills needs. Northern Skills Group – an expert provider of apprenticeships and training has launched in the North East.

It’s the apprenticeship and training company of Middlesbrough College, and includes the expertise of the former North East Chamber of Commerce training provider, NECC Training.

The new Group, which has bases in Durham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and York, is already working with a range of businesses – from multi-nationals to ownermanaged firms. Its team of experts, many from industry backgrounds, is on a mission to equip businesses with the means to improve competitiveness and future-proof their skills through high quality apprenticeship training.

Peter Wilson, Northern Skills Group lead, said: “We build skills training solutions and apprenticeships around companies’ specific needs. Not only are we working with some of the region’s most high profile businesses such as Hitachi Rail Europe, Primex, SAGE (UK), ElringKlinger (GB) and Nifco, we’re also supporting an increasing number of smaller organisations across a range of industries. Apprenticeships are a proven, cost effective way to increase business growth.

By investing in managers of the future businesses can bank future productivity gains.”

Northern Skills Group is responsible for more than 1,500 apprentices across the North East and North Yorkshire.

Group assessors – chosen for their industry backgrounds – help employers and learners to get the most value from apprenticeship programmes in the workplace.

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A partnership with Hitachi Rail Europe is seeing scores of young people becoming competent and ready to work with a leading rolling stock manufacturer. The College is delivering training to prepare candidates for the global business at its Newton Aycliffe rail vehicle manufacturing facility.

Hitachi’s new recruits have undertaken a high quality apprenticeship that is specifically aligned to their on-thejob future role requirements. Between learning at Hitachi’s £82m Newton Aycliffe base and Middlesbrough College’s apprenticeship and training company, Northern Skills Group, candidates have access to the industry-leading STEM Centre, and see how products are manufactured and tested, and how workers remain safe.

Andy Buckworth, executive director of STEM at Northern Skills Group, said: “Hitachi Rail Europe’s investment in County Durham promises so much for the regional economy, and we’re committed to supplying the skills needed by the firm and its supply chain. This partnership offers young people an excellent route into high quality manufacturing jobs with a world-leading company.”

The partnership is designed to give candidates the skill and knowledge foundations in core functions of manufacturing, combined manufacturing operations and inspection and testing.

Course Information 01642 333333

launches apprenticeship and training company

Experts in

Apprenticeships and Training

Apprentice Beth weighs in with wagon-loads of talent Seventeen-year-old Beth Cowardine is showing she’s no lightweight when it comes to tackling an apprenticeship – because she weighs wagons for a living. Beth, from Darlington, says she owes her burgeoning career in logistics to a good grounding at Northern Skills Group.

Beth secured a place as an apprentice with Cobra Middlesbrough Ltd, a Road/Rail Terminal based in the old Middlesbrough Goods Yard. Beth and her two fellow colleagues, weigh all the lorries in and out of the North Road site, after Northern Skills Group found her a work placement there.

She said: “When I left school I did a few different things, but then I saw the Traineeship course in Logistics at Northern Skills Group and thought it looked interesting. As part of the course, they arranged the work placement for me – and I really enjoyed it.

My work includes waving wagons on and off the weighbridge, handling invoices, logging orders and handling other kinds of admin.”

Cobra liked Beth too, and took her on. She’s now starting an 18-month apprenticeship with the company, and returns to Northern Skills Group one day a week as part of it. Geoff Robinson, Operations Director at Cobra, said: “Beth is like a breath of fresh air. She is full of enthusiasm and learning more skills every day. We look forward to her taking on more responsibilities in the future”.

BENEFITS OF APPRENTICESHIPS ➤➤ ➤➤ ➤➤ ➤➤

Earn a wage Gain a recognised qualification Receive hands-on training Learn job specific skills

LOOKING FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP? NORTHERN SKILLS GROUP PROVIDES EXPERTISE FOR STUDENTS SEEKING APPRENTICESHIPS Northern Skills Group is the apprenticeship and training company of Middlesbrough College, providing apprenticeships across the North covering everything from Hairdressing to Manufacturing. A fast-track to your career, as an apprentice you will learn on the job, building up knowledge and skills whilst gaining a qualification and earning a wage.

Visit northernskills.co.uk for our full list of vacancies and to apply!

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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Former Stokesley Sixth Form College student Ben Slater

Student aspires to help others communicate

Katie-May Nasr plans on helping youngsters communicate with confidence on completion of her course. The ambitious 18 year old from New Marske studies a BTEC Diploma in Health and Care alongside an A Level in English Language.

Dedicated Ben is a testament to hard work

With dreams of a career in Physiotherapy, Sports studies student, Ben Slater knew that an Access to Higher Education Diploma at Middlesbrough College could help get him where he wanted to be.

With predicted grades Distinction* Distinction, her Diploma, is the equivalent to 2 A Levels. Coupled with an A grade in AS Media Studies and a predicted B in English Language, she is well on track to achieving her dream of studying Speech and Language Therapy at Leeds Beckett University.

The former Outwood Academy Bydales student swapped the school sixth form environment for Middlesbrough College as she preferred the independence on offer. Katie commented: “the fact that I am able to combine a BTEC Diploma alongside A Levels is great. It gives me a perfect blend of practical experience combined with theoretical study. I love the science modules on my Diploma, and I’m learning about the science behind language on my A Level so I’m in a perfect position to get started on my degree in September!”

Former Outwood Academy Bydales student Katie-May Nasr

After studying A Levels at Stokesley Sixth Form College, Ben enrolled onto the course as a shy individual with little belief in his abilities. However, since spending a year at Middlesbrough College, both aspects significantly improved, something which his tutor, Andrew Maguire quickly picked up on.

Andrew commented on the matter: ‘’With the range of interactive lessons and varied assessment methods the Access to Sport Diploma offers, Ben soon found his feet and achieved Distinction grades across the board’’.

Whilst studying, Ben also carried out work experience at James Cook University Hospital and private clinic, North Yorkshire Physiotherapy, something he feels benefitted him when he came to attending interviews for Higher Education.

With his excellent work ethic, punctuality, intellectual knowledge and new found confidence, he was offered a place at Sheffield Hallam to study Physiotherapy. Ben is a true testament to showcasing that hard work pays off.

Access to Higher Education Diploma – stepping stone to a degree An Access to Higher Education Diploma is designed for those who would like to study a Higher Education programme, but who left education without the necessary qualifications. The Diploma can offer you a FREE* flexible pathway to university to study within a year, in a supportive friendly environment which fits around your life. *If you are aged 19 and over, you can access a loan to cover the cost of your course. The Advanced Learner Loan will not be repayable if you go on to university to complete your degree.

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Course Information 01642 333333

Young fitness entrepreneur turns College experience into winning formula When Amy Simpson of Normanby completed her Personal Trainer Level 3 training, she really hit the ground running.

The young entrepreneur has already built up her own business, and recently opened her own 2,000sq ft fitness venue in a prime high street location.

Amy’s tutor Lyndsey Smith said: “We’re incredibly proud of Amy, and it just goes to show what you can achieve with the right training and the right attitude. While Amy was training at the College, she did really well and was nominated to take part in a fitness instructor national competition last year, where she succeeded in gaining fourth place out of the whole country. She was also a runner-up in our Student of the Year competition, and assisted with our Skinny Pigs in-College fitness classes.”

Amy has built up her own personal client base for fitness and food plans over the past six months, run local community fitness classes in her former school, Nunthorpe Academy, and led health and well-being classes for her former teachers there. Now Amy has taken over large premises in Normanby High Street so her clients can come to her.

MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE HAS BEEN RE-ACCREDITED WITH THE BULLYING INTERVENTION GROUP BIG AWARD

Preparing you for Jobs

GymWorld Fitness Studio Student Membership Free to Stud MC ents!

No joining fee, no contract!

Fully equipped Technogym Fitness Studio Personalised training programmes Changing & shower facilities Access to Sports Massage & Therapy Clinics

Student access times: Mon to Wed: 7:15am - 8:30pm Thur to Fri: 9:00am - 8:30pm Weekends: 9:00am - 1:30pm GymWorld Fitness Studio • 01642 333778 • Email: gymworld@mbro.ac.uk Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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Work is a whole different ball game for Middlesbrough students

Improve your English and maths skills whilst in College Maths and English are essential skills used in everyday life, and universities and employers need their students and employees to have them. As a result, learners aged 16-18 and studying full-time will find these components to be at the core of their study programme at Middlesbrough College.

The Government has made it compulsory for students who have not achieved at least a grade C in either English or maths to continue working towards these qualifications.

Students who achieve below a D grade will work towards a functional skills qualification, whereas those who achieve a grade D will resit their GCSE in November. Those joining Middlesbrough College with a C grade in these subjects will continue to develop their English and maths within their vocational curriculum.

When music technology students Niall Coates and Kurtis Brudenell graduated they didn’t expect to find themselves working on a global video game. The pair, who studied at Middlesbrough College on a Teesside University degree programme, now appear on the credits of Madden NFL 17 – the latest in the blockbuster American football video game series.

Niall, 22, and Kurtis, 25, both from Middlesbrough, edited most of the key sound effects in the title which was released on major consoles by international gaming giant EA Games.

It was a chance encounter with the lead sound designer for Madden NFL 17 which eventually landed the pair the exciting role. Will Morton – who previously worked for household name Rockstar Games, and oversaw sound development on the renowned Grand Theft Auto games – recruited Niall and Kurtis on the strength of their enthusiasm and degree experience.

Niall explained: “We were fresh off the degree course at Middlesbrough College, and didn’t have portfolios at the time but we’d got ourselves a DigitalCity Fellowship. “It gave us some funding and networking opportunities to begin building our portfolios. And through that we met Will, who has a lot of experience in sound design.

Niall and Kurtis were responsible for editing some of the game’s “Foley” – an industry term that refers to the reproduction of everyday sounds such as the swish of clothing, the bounce of a ball on turf or the howl of wind.

These sounds are frequently added to games, films and other media in the post-production stages, to add realism. The Middlesbrough pair used their own equipment to engineer a range of sounds that help transport Madden games to famous stadiums across the US. “This small job was just our first step on the ladder and we hope to move up to creating and engineering the Foley in the near future.”

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The government has made it a key priority for students to achieve better results in their maths and English. Schools are therefore putting enormous effort into getting as many pupils as they can to a grade C at age 16, and it can be a challenge to re-engage with students who may have already failed these exams on multiple occasions.

When school leavers join us, they have studied English and maths for 11 years and may come with a negative outlook.

It is, therefore, our focus to boost their confidence and show them these core subjects in new scenarios relevant to their career aspirations.

Our maths and English staff work closely with vocational tutors to tailor the curriculum to the industry students aspire to move into. For instance, a builder will learn the ratio of cement powder to water, whilst a chef will learn how to measure ingredients and mark up products.

It is critical for students to understand the importance of English and maths. Turning up to English and maths classes is essential, and carries the same weight as a student’s core subject. Our bursary payments are linked to attendance and progression to help incentivise the need for students to attend these subjects.

Did you know?

The volume of students progressing from a D grade to a C grade in their GCSE English and maths is 6% higher than the national average at Middlesbrough College.

Course Information 01642 333333

Book yourself in to The Francesco Hair and Beauty Academy for a pamper beauty session or a new hairstyle Call 01642 333272 to book now Appointments available Monday - Friday 10.00am – 8.00pm

Students receive 20% discount on hair & beauty treatments.

Plus 1 FREE haircut in your first term!

THE HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY ACADEMY

Top employers to shape curriculum Some of the country’s biggest and best hairdressing companies are helping to transform the curriculum for aspiring stylists. Wella, Lee Stafford, Toni & Guy, Mac, Dermalogica and L’Oréal are among the employers helping to design the new City & Guilds Hair and Beauty courses offered at Middlesbrough College.

Alongside the successful Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma, the College will be offering the new Level 2 Technical Diploma for applicants applying to study from next September onwards.

The new technical qualifications will combine theoretical study with practical sessions in the Francesco’s salons. The changes will put hairdressers and barbers of the future a cut above the rest.

As the College enters its second year as a partner of Francesco Hair Group, tutors are already seeing a noticeable improvement in the quality of students work.

Curriculum Team Leader Sophie Barwick commented: “All students working in the commercial salons are set monthly targets, product sales targets and are monitored through performance reviews with the Francesco Salon Manager.

We’re also developing their skills in consultation, client retention, customer service and aftercare to ensure that students are fully equipped with the skills to walk into any topclass high street salon.”

Highly valued by employers and universities alike, the new qualifications will have UCAS points attached allowing for successful progression into a range of management roles.

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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Students takeover Teesside hotel From reception to the kitchen, one of Teesside’s top hotels was taken over recently by Middlesbrough College students. Jurys Inn welcomed a team of catering and hospitality students to work across the hotel and get a glimpse into what life’s really like at a four-star establishment.

Waterside Brasserie, within Middlesbrough College, is a modern working Brasserie open to the public where learners are given the opportunity to gain realistic working skills whilst under the guidance of qualified Chefs and Front of House staff.

Morning Coffee Monday to Thursday 10.00am - 11.15pm Friday 10.15am - 11.15am Lunch Monday to Friday 11.45am - 1.00pm 2 Course £8.75 3 Course £10.95 Evening Meal Wednesday & Thursday 6.00pm - 6.30pm sit down 3 Course £15.95!

Frances Atkins Partnership with Middlesbrough College The Yorke Arms has a firm reputation for excellent food with a creative flair. Michelin star chef Frances Atkins is working with Middlesbrough College students and Executive Chef Luke Taylor to produce new and exciting menus of delicious cuisine.

• Call 01642 333271 • Email watersidebrasserie@mbro.ac.uk •

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Course Information 01642 333333

An interview with the Student President Former Stokesley School student Tom Courtman-Stock

What do you hope to achieve during your time as Student President?

My main objective is to improve College life for all students.

I also hope to improve the structure of the Student Union so issues are passed onto the appropriate member of staff more quickly.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I thoroughly enjoy helping people and making students’ lives around College better and easier is very rewarding for me.

What has been your most memorable experience as Student President so far?

My most memorable experience as Student President was winning the election, the wait between the election ending and the result being announced was extremely tense.

What advice would you give to the next Student President?

Elected by students to represent students, Tom’s role is focussed on bridging the gap between College management and students, ensuring their voices are heard on a senior level.

Time management is key as your day can get very busy very quickly so understanding what’s happening and when it’s happening is very important. I wish my successor the best and I am confident that they will do a great job.

What does Middlesbrough College’s Student Union do?

The Student’s Union has a wide array of roles across the College, ranging from setting up student events, to representing the College at a national level at events such as the NUS National Conference. It’s most important role however is to voice the views of students.

Why did you decide to run for Student President?

I decided to run for the Presidency because I really enjoyed my time as Vice President aiding the president at the time and wanted to take it up a notch. I also enjoy helping people and I saw this as the perfect opportunity to help improve the lives of students.

The Student Council

Fashion students feel the power of pop-up

the pop-up shop, sorting out the products and clothing, and working on a rota system for two weeks including weekends.

All the students involved have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working on the fitting room, taking payments, and creating window displays along with offering excellent customer service.”

Fashion students have stepped away from the catwalk and onto the shop floor to help run a charity pop-up store in the town. They have been helping to raise more than £7,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society by staffing the Hill Street Shopping Centre Marks & Spencer store.

Terri-Anne Rigg, store manager at M&S Middlesbrough said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with fashion students at Middlesbrough College and this gives them a great opportunity to test their management, visual merchandising and retail skills in a real-life setting.”

The pop-up, now in its second year, was originally the idea of enterprising staff at M&S Middlesbrough, who raised £5,000 in just two weeks in 2015. This time the 13 Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma fashion students helped to raise even more – taking an impressive £7,010 while gaining valuable work experience.

Work placement co-ordinator Susan Wem commented: “They’ve been involved from the beginning in setting up

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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Leighsha overcomes odds to achieve Leighsha Pattison is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a receptionist having completed a Level 1 BTEC in IT. Having suffered sight loss as a child, this was a great achievement for Leighsha who has been studying at Middlesbrough College for four years. Joining the College with no GCSEs or qualifications, Leighsha quickly progressed year on year and has also achieved her English and maths qualifications alongside employability skills and Braille.

Leading North East journalist joins media department A leading figure in UK regional journalism has joined the media production department within College. Peter Barron – the longest-serving editor in the history of The Northern Echo– will deliver specialist units on the College’s new BTEC Level 3 Creative Media Production (Print Based) course.

Peter, who left his editing role this year to work with a range of local organisations and who still writes for the awardwinning newspaper, said he was delighted to be playing a role in training the journalists of tomorrow. Also a popular children’s author – he will be delivering units on Factual Writing For Print, Writing Copy and Understanding Print Based Industries.

He said: “I like the practical edge that the courses at Middlesbrough College have. Their links with industry and the world of work are impressive, and really give students an excellent chance of making contacts that can help them into the careers they dream about.”

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Course Information 01642 333333

Teesside techno boom is creating job opportunities closer to home Exciting news for tech lovers! A growing demand in new technology for businesses, coupled with a higher need for cyber security is paving the way for an estimated 1.2 million new digital and creative sector positions across the UK by 2022.

In the Tees Valley alone, this expanding industry makes up 5% of all new job vacancies. This was the largest sector to increase from 2014 with an increase of a whopping 332 extra job vacancies! This presents students on courses such as computing, hardware and software engineering with amazing opportunities in a range of roles. For instance, data scientists are in high demand as companies are on the hunt for talented individuals capable of unlocking the hidden value from big data to create big business results! Sounds pretty good, right?

With more businesses on the hunt for Javascript specialists than any other skillset in 2014, our courses cover all the latest skills of the sector. Ranging from analytics, to data mining and coding, our courses give you a head start in the job race.

By 2018, it is predicted that nearly 270,000 people in the Tees Valley will work in the digital and creative industries across a range of jobs. With Middlesbrough currently showing the highest number of digital and creative sector vacancies in the region, perhaps it’s time to start your future in this exciting industry by applying to one of the exciting courses at Middlesbrough College.

Students kick-start Christmas with some panto fun Armed with a sword and a feather in his cap, Jake Smithson is looking forward to playing the lead role in the Middlesbrough College panto. The 17-year-old from Ingleby Barwick will be robbing from the rich to give to the poor in this year’s production of Robin Hood.

The pantomime has been given a Teesside twist with plenty of local phrases and jokes, and features a few chart-topping tunes. Jake is joined by Jonas Welburn, 17, and Alex Sonley, 18, who are playing King John and Little Joan - a modern take on Robin Hood’s legendary fellow outlaw.

Alex said: “The whole cast has worked incredibly hard to bring this show together, and it really has the feeling of Christmas cheer throughout. Since applying to Middlesbrough College I have been given so many amazing opportunities - the teachers are fantastic and every day is different. My course is varied and interesting and I look forward to coming in every day.”

Claire Teesdale, theatre manager and visual and performing arts lecturer, said: “Staging performances such as these give our students industry experience and knowledge of professional conduct. Students on Performing and Productions Arts courses are involved in 11 productions throughout the year; however the College pantomime is always where we have the most fun. “

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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College trio encourage young women to consider a career in construction

Three young women on course to make careers in the construction industry have encouraged others to follow suit.

Aisan Hasheminick, Samantha Tomlinson-Wren and Emily Thubron, all 18, have secured offers from universities to study construction courses after studying BTEC qualifications.

The trio are now calling on other young women to consider careers in construction – which is a key ambition of government to tackle the gender imbalance in the industry.

Lecturer, Alan Wilson, said: “These three young women have done extremely well, and demonstrate the potential for others like them in the construction industry.

All three are keen to make their mark in a male-dominated industry and I think they set a great example for others who may be looking at their options. We want to get the message out there that women can enjoy fulfilling careers in architecture, quantity surveying, site management and so on.”

Aisan, from Hartlepool, and Emily, from Stockton, are both studying BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Construction and Built Environment, while Samantha is studying a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.

Emily said: “The College has been great for preparing me for university and eventually I hope to go into a civil engineering role.”

ADULTKickLEARNING OPEN EVENT 7 201 in er care your start WEDNESDAY 11TH JANUARY 2017 3.00PM – 6.30PM Come along to our information and advice open event to find out about our new range of part-time courses starting from January onwards.

MANY COURSES MAY BE FREE! Visit our website for details at www.mbro.ac.uk 18

Course Information 01642 333333

Travel services to Middlesbrough College

It’s so easy to get here!

We want to make it easy for you to travel to and from Middlesbrough College.

To ensure that your journey is stress free and does not cost you a penny we offer free travel services to and from College via bus or train during term time.

Free Travel to College Middlesbrough College has teamed up with the area’s biggest bus operators to offer students FREE weekday travel to and from College

This free service applies to all full-time students – your ID Card will need to be shown when getting on the bus. (Last inbound bus to Middlesbrough College is 6.00pm)

TAKING THE TRAIN? Any student who comes to College by train from one of the named stations can claim back the costs for their ticket from Student Services.

You can currently travel to Middlesbrough College for free from the following stations:

• Darlington North Road • Darlington Bank Top • Dinsdale • Allens West

• • • • • •

Seaham Seaton Carew Thirsk Northallerton Yarm Eaglescliffe

Dedicated Middlesbrough College bus routes Struggle to get into Middlesbrough on a public bus route? Middlesbrough College operates a number of dedicated services for students to travel direct to College for 8.30am.

Ingleby Barwick to Middlesbrough College in 40 minutes Great Ayton to Middlesbrough College in 35 minutes via Stokesley and Hutton Rudby NEW for 2016 Easington to Middlesbrough College in 60 minutes via Loftus, Carlin How, Brotton and Skelton

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Free shuttle bus to and from Middlesbrough Bus Station to College every 10 minutes!

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

HOW DO YOU GET TO MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE? Name: Abigail Towers (Aviati

on Operations)

Previous School: St Aidan’s Chu rch

of England Academy, Darling

ton How do you get to Middlesbr ough I use the free bus transport fro College? m my house to the train statio n and then I travel by train to the College. My overall journe y takes roughly 40 minutes Why did you choose Middlesbr ough College?

It was my preferred choice of College and I wanted a fresh start.

I also like the layout of the Col lege and the facilities on off er.

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Look at what’s been happening this year!

Middlesbrough College has partnered with the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts – an international group that gives young people chance to learn skills in musical theatre, comedy, drama, TV and film.

Emergency Services demonstration supported by students.

MC Academy students visited Elizabeth House Retirement & Care Home in North Ormesby to give residents company, and to present them with handmade gifts.

Students at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form achieved 1 gold, 7 silver and 21 bronze certificates in this year’s UKMT Senior Maths Challenge.

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Course Information 01642 333333

Student, Sara Gent swam her way to gold to become an Olympic medallist.

The Outdoor Sports Club offers A Level students the opportunity to get involved in a range of activities outside the classroom.

The College is the first college in the North East to be awarded a British Dyslexia Association Quality Mark.

Middlesbrough College has been re-accredited with the Bullying Intervention Group Big Award for excellence in challenging bullying.

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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Smart ways to get work experience Work experience is essential for getting a head start in today’s job market. At Middlesbrough College, we believe you can never have too much experience and have developed excellent relationships with local, regional and national employers to ensure students are provided with a relevant, high quality work placement to accompany their studies.

Work experience isn’t all about adding inches to a CV - it needs to be a real learning experience that helps students decide what they want to do, find out what they’re good at and provides a chance to learn valuable skills that will help them progress in their chosen career, whatever that might be.

Ways to get meaningful work experience Volunteering You could volunteer for a local community project, a charity shop, work with animals, or even go abroad. If you want to gain work experience in a specific industry, such as politics, offer to volunteer with a local candidate on their next campaign. Or if you want to work in education, volunteer as a tutor or with a local education charity.

Invent your own job Demonstrate your entrepreneurial spirit and start your own small business. You don’t have to be the next tech millionaire either. Try selling things on etsy, starting a local cleaning service, starting a blog or YouTube channel, buying vintage clothes in bulk by the kilo and selling them at a local market, or even try buying things on eBay and selling them for a profit. You’ll demonstrate drive, resourcefulness, organisational skills and more.

Seek out smaller companies and start-ups Not only are small companies and start-ups often grateful for an extra pair of hands, you’re also more likely to get a broader range of experience than if you found a structured work experience programme with a large company. You could find yourself working on all aspects of the business and also getting to know members of the team more personally and making real connections.

College becomes a Duke of Edinburgh partner Middlesbrough College has become an official licensed centre to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It means that more students than ever before can complete this prestigious award alongside their studies. Along with a residential trip and expeditions, students will be required to pursue a skill to develop, improve physical fitness and volunteer in the community.

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Course Information 01642 333333

Middlesbrough College

Advantage Advantage Middlesbrough College

Your future depends on what you do today Your future depends on what you do today

Get the Advantage

Army Careers Day Middlesbrough College is looking forward to welcoming the British Army into College for the third year running. Last term’s event allowed over 200 students to try their hand at a range of activities designed to showcase the range of job opportunities in the British Army. With everything from combat activities to fitness tests, students are encouraged to get involved, have fun and explore their options.

Employers and universities alike are on the hunt for skilled individuals who have more to their CV’s and UCAS applications than just a qualification. That’s why, at Middlesbrough College, we have developed sessions to help you get the advantage when you leave us. Whether you’re planning to go straight into a job when you qualify, progress to university, start your own business, or you’re just looking for skills for life; our package includes access to events, workshops, guest speakers and training sessions to help you succeed.

Self-starters share their knowledge

Future careers with Carillion

To encourage students to consider a career being their own boss, the Advantage Team developed a pilot programme showing first-hand experiences of being self-employed. A range of local entrepreneurs including Bricklayer Danny Lawson and local theatre owner David Tuffnell visited the College to share their experiences of starting up a business.

Carillion have teamed up with the Advantage Team to give students a taste of their professional application process. From understanding the job description and person specification, to producing a standout CV and cover letter; students were put through their paces. Following an interview from Carillion’s team of industry professionals, successful students won a £50 voucher and were invited to complete a one day work placement relevant to their course.

As well as discussing industry demands and the challenges it takes to go it alone, the speakers also discussed the opportunities out there to young people across Teesside. The sessions proved an invaluable experience for students who were able to see a different route for their future following completion of their course.

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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MC Connect Dates

To help students make the right choice for their future, we’re offering applicants the opportunity to ‘try out’ their course before enrolling at Middlesbrough College in September. Our programme of taster events cover the majority of full-time courses offered at Middlesbrough College.

These interactive sessions are the perfect opportunity for those who want to know more about their course, the teaching staff and facilities on offer. Once we have received your application, you’ll be invited to our taster sessions by post.

Engineering and Construction

Health and Care

Tue 21st February 2017 Tue 11th April 2017 Tues 11th July 2017 & Wed 12th July 2017

Tue 21st February 2017 Mon 10th April 2017 Wed 5th July 2017

Service Industries and Retail Skills

A Levels

Tue 21st February 2017 & Thu 23th February 2017 Tue 11th April 2017 & Thu 13th April 2017 Tue 11th July 2017 & Thu 13th July 2017

Mon 3rd July 2017 Tues 4th July 2017

Sport, Travel and Public Services

Visual and Performing Arts & Computing

Wed 22nd February 2017 Wed 12th April 2017 Wed 12st July 2017

Mon 20th February 2017 & Tue 21st February 2017 Mon 10th April 2017 & Tue 11th April 2017 Mon 10th July 2017 & Tue 11th July 2017

*Dates may be subject to change

Not yet applied for a full-time course?

Apply today at www.mbro.ac.uk or contact course information 24

Course Information 01642 333333

MC Active offers full-time students the opportunity to partake in a range of sports and activities across the College.

Delivered in partnership with Sport England and through the College Sport Maker and Outdoor Adventure Instructor, MC Active offers a fun opportunity to try something new and get fit. You don’t have to be sporty to get involved; sessions are available to all students through enrichment sessions.

National Citizen Service Located within Middlesbrough College National Citizen Service (NCS) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all 16 & 17 year olds that builds skills and confidence and helps you get ahead in work and life.

The government-backed programme is UCAS recognised and national employers and apprenticeship providers like Aldi and Carillion who offer guaranteed interviews for NCS graduates.

The first chance to take part in NCS is during the summer holidays after you finish your GCSE exams.

Thanks to government backing, the most you or your parents will ever pay for the NCS experience is £50 (this could be £10 if you’re eligible for free school meals).

To secure your spot or find out more, call our team on 0191 247 4020 or visit www.ncsnortheast.co.uk

Mixed martial arts is a hit with construction students A group of construction students have swapped the construction yard for the ring, having tried their hand at mixed martial arts. MC Active partnered up with Instinct Martial Arts, a specialist gym based in Middlesbrough, to offer students weekly sessions designed to cover all aspect of the full-contact combat sport. The aspiring bricklayers of the future were introduced to a range of new exercise drills, embedding physical combat and martial art techniques using punch bags and pads. Lasting for six weeks, the sessions were planned around student’s timetables and were designed to challenge them both physically and mentally.

They were a great opportunity for students to get fit, try something new and challenge themselves!

Smile through sport sessions College Sport Maker James Hartley has created positive links with Smile Through Sport, a not for profit organisation specialising in disability sports development.

Founded by Paralympian Stephen Miller MBE, the organisation has been providing inclusive sporting opportunities to young people across the North East since 2013. Two coaches work with James on a weekly basis to give foundation learning students the opportunity to get active and try a range of sports they may not normally get involved in.

Be social

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, view us on Instagram watch us on YouTube or connect with us on LinkedIn. Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

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We work with over 2000 employers here are just a few!

Northern Skills Group and Middlesbrough College work with businesses across the North East and Yorkshire and further afield delivering apprenticeship training and assessment at all levels. These include:

PRIMEX

PLASTICS CORPORATION

A subsidiary of ICC Industries Inc.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Acklam Hall Appamondo Begbies Traynor Broadacres House Capellos (Whitby) Caterpillar Churchill services Coast and Country Conyers School Crathorne Arms Darlington Building Society DIY World Durham Tees Valley Airport East Cleveland Youth Hitachi Rail Europe Housing Trust Elring Klinger Espresso Web Evolution LLP / Baldwins Group Greaves West & Ayre Guisborough Hall Homestart Hunstman Pigments Incredible Edibles Intelect ISO Tank Jennings Ford Labman Mastercopy Middlesbrough Council Mulroys Seaview Centre Home Nifco North Tees Hospital Parkmore Hotel Primex Plastics Pure Hairdressing Real Meals Sage UK Shasun Pharma Teesside University The Blue Bell, Yarm The Curing House The Vehicle Group Thirteen Group Total Recycling Solutions Trend Hair Salon Utilitywise Watkins and Wright Hairdressing Watson Woodhouse Course Information Zoe’s Place 01642 333333

Aviation careers take off thanks to new aircraft cabin Shaun Woods, Airport Manager at Durham Tees Valley Airport officially opening the fuselage.

Future high flyers who have their sights on jobs in the aviation industry have seen their careers take off this term.

Nearly 80 students with ambitions to work as cabin crew, airport ground staff and airline executives are studying at the College’s top flight facilities.

A mock fuselage – part of a real Boeing 757 aircraft – was installed at the College earlier this year, giving learners the chance to build their skills in an environment that’s replicated on industry standards. The set-up includes seats, duty-free trolleys and emergency life jackets to simulate life on board an airliner.

Students embarking on Level 3 Aviation courses will earn UCAS points towards university study, and can use Middlesbrough College’s training as a springboard into a range of jobs, including airport management roles. Between College-based learning and real work projects at Durham Tees Valley Airport, students are equipped with the behindthe-scenes skills that keep airports and airlines functioning.

Carole Bennett, director of Sport, Travel and Public Services at Middlesbrough College, said: “Our staff have a wide range of experience – our tutors include everyone from former ground staff through to HR advisors for British Airways.

We can give students a clear perspective of all parts of the aviation industry, from hands-on roles to office functions.

“Middlesbrough College’s status as part of the Swissport Academy – for the second year running – offers our staff excellent personal development opportunities.

The Academy not only means students get chance to undertake real work placements and visit airport environments, but also gives our staff chance to keep their skills and knowledge right up to date.”

Email. courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Web. www.mbro.ac.uk

Develop your Skills 27

OPEN EVENTS

www.mbro.ac.uk

at Middlesbrough College

We offer courses in all of the following areas: A Levels Catering & Hospitality Childcare Construction Trades Creative Arts, Art & Design Engineering Engineering Construction (Welding, Pipefitting & Fabrication)

Fashion Business and Retail Games Design and Media Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy Health and Social Care IT, Computing and Digital Technologies Life Skills, ESOL and Vocational Steps

Motor Vehicle (Automotive Technology) Music Technology and Practice Performing Arts Public Services Sport and Leisure Travel, Tourism and Aviation

Find out about our full-time vocational courses, A Levels and Apprenticeships Saturday 4th February 2017 10.00am - 12noon Tuesday 25th April 2017 5.00pm - 8.00pm

• Meet our industry trained tutors • Check out our interactive subject stands • Chat with our friendly careers team for free, impartial advice • Meet the team who will support you when you come to College

FOR SKILLS FOR JOBS FOR UNIVERSITY

Out of employment or education?

Find out about the range of full-time vocational courses and traineeships starting this January.

DROP-IN

DAY

Wednesday 11th January 11.00am and 3.00pm