My College – Middlesbrough College Student and Parent Newsletter April 2020

My College

Middlesbrough College Student and Parent Newsletter

April 2020

You Have a Place at Middlesbrough College We are supporting all Year 11 students to take their next step in education.

Whatever your career ambitions are, we will support you and help you to achieve it.

Apply online today!

In this issue Focus on: • Construction, • Engineering, • Student life, • Our people, • Upcoming events

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Hello and welcome

‌to our first 2020 newsletter. We hope that you are doing well and that you enjoy reading about all of our latest news, events and photos from this term.

These are truly unprecedented times and Middlesbrough College wish you and your family a happy and healthy Easter break.

Remember to take time every day to do something for your body, your mind and your soul.

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Congratulations!

Our Apprenticeship Awards 2019 was a huge success and was very special for all students and staff involved. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award- you should be very proud!

Hannah Apprentice of the year Hannah Cooke has wowed her employer by achieving top results in her recent end point assessment.

Hannah said “My dream is to become a fully qualified accountant and I know I have the support from Svitzer to help me get me to where I want to be! The support from Middlesbrough College and Northern Skills Group has been fantastic, my tutor was really helpful and made our study sessions interactive with group work and activities, they also checked my progression to ensure I was on track. I worked really hard for my distinction and am proud to have such a well-respected qualification for the industry.�

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Supporting our community through Covid-19 These are unprecedented times and the team at Middlesbrough College would like to wish you and your family good health and calm spirits.

Take time to do something for your mind and body every day – start a new hobby, learn a skill online – spend time with family.

Remember to stay at home as much as you can, use technology to check in with your loved ones and keep washing your hands- stay safe.

We’re supporting our local community and we’ll be here for your next steps into education.

Donating to local food banks To help our community as much as we can we have created food parcels that have been delivered to all local food banks. We hope our contribution will help local vulnerable families.

Continuing to support our students We have agreed to pay free school meals into student bank accounts until we hear further details about the new government voucher scheme, to make sure they are supported during these uncertain times. We have also agreed to continue bursary payments to eligible students.

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#HelpBoro and NHS Volunteer schemes Over 300 of our staff have volunteered to work with the #HelpBoro scheme at Middlesbrough Council and the NHS Volunteer scheme, we are so proud of them all.

Middlesbrough Council have put together a range of support to help our residents and communities stay safe and well throughout these difficult times. If you are affected by Coronavirus and feel you need help, let Middlesbrough Council know and they will match you with a volunteer in your area.

We’ve moved to online learning In order to keep our community safe, we have moved to online learning. No matter what subject students are studying at Middlesbrough College, they can continue their learning remotely- our plumbing students can even learn how to service a boiler thanks to our forward thinking technology! We’ve also loaned laptops to students where needed and our IT Team delivered over 200 out into the community after the College had closed.

Supporting our applicants Here at Middlesbrough College we are guaranteeing all applicants a place to study with us in September. We appreciate there is still uncertainty about how your GCSE grades will be calculated, but please be assured that no matter what your grades are, we can help you achieve your career ambitions.

We are also guaranteeing all of our Higher Education applicants a place to make sure they can take their next step in their education.

We know that everyone has more to offer than just their exam grades. Every student has interests, skills and hidden talents that define who you are and where you will go in life.

During our enrolment period, we will make sure all of our applicants are fully supported in starting their chosen courses at a level that’s right for them.

We will be in touch soon with further updates.

Top tips for working from home We know how difficult it can be to stay motivated whilst working from home so that’s why we have come up with our top tips to help you get the most out of your working day whilst staying safe at home!

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Pretend like you are going into the office or going into College.

Set an alarm, get up, get showered and get dressed!

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Keep a dedicated office space and keep it tidy.

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Schedule breaks.

Take the time to make a hot drink and have a screen break.

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Socialise with your colleagues/ class mates. It’s important to still stay in touch so schedule in regular online Skype/ Zoom meetings to keep each other updated on what you are working on and to check in on them.

Maintain your regular hours – set a schedule and stick to it!

This will help you make the most of your time.

Have a walk around your garden or roadside on your lunch break, following official guidance. Fresh air and some exercise can help you be more productive in the workplace.

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Be positive! Stay calm and don’t be too hard on yourself.

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Introducing TTE

Meet Aaron Naqui Aaron is a Learner Recruiter for TTE and is delighted to be part of the Schools Liaison Team. Aaron worked at TTE for 18 months before they joined the Middlesbrough College Group.

Aaron said “As I’d already had experience as a school representative I’ve settled into my position with the College really quickly! I’ve been in my new role for around four weeks now- I was already familiar with the College School’s Team which made the transition a breeze. It’s a great team to be part of!”

I am here to support any students any parents with information and advice with courses and apprenticeships at TTE.

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TTE joins the Middlesbrough College Group TTE is the top performing engineering apprenticeship training provider in the area, serving over 600 engineering students and apprenticeships in many specialist areas. TTE is now part of the Middlesbrough College Group and will continue to provide technical training for the UK and international workforce through its Technical Study programmes and Advanced Apprenticeships in Engineering Maintenance, Production and Laboratory Operations.

TTE currently operates in 31 countries from the Azerbaijan to Indonesia. We are in the process of opening a new training centre in Senegal, West Africa with the support of our local partners and have also been shortlisted to provide consultancy services for developing apprenticeship programmes in Nigeria.

We are exploring new opportunities in India and Kenya and are in close contact with the British Embassies and the Department for International Trade.

Our ambition is to expand the international training arm of our business to create more jobs for Teessiders!

TTE has also been shortlisted to provide consulting services for developing apprenticeship programmes in Nigeria!

Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive of Middlesbrough College, explained: “TTE has an incredibly strong reputation for providing skills locally, nationally and internationally - and we’re going to build on that.

“The TTE team is highly respected for delivering world class training and that will continue as normal while we invest in staff, equipment and facilities.”

A one of a kind mobile training facility turned heads as it stopped on Teesside.

The latest leg of VEGATRUCK’s UK tour, which includes a 60m2 exhibition space, saw it stop off at TTE. TTE featured the mobile training facility at a recent open day, allowing engineering students to get on-site training and hands on with the state-of-the-art technology.

Newly elected Redcar MP and former TTE apprentice, Jacob Young has urged businesses to benefit from booming Teesside by supporting apprenticeships and technical training.

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Taking the lead on technology Middlesbrough College is the only GFE College in the Tees Valley selected by the Department for Education to deliver newly developed T-Levels from September 2021.

T-Levels are new courses which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A Levels.

These 2-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work. The qualification will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-thejob’ experience during an industry placement of at least 350 hours. They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skills employment further study or a higher apprenticeship.

Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive of Middlesbrough College said “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver these new high quality qualifications in 2021. A major part of a T-Level is the significant amount of industry experience that a student will gain from working with an employer.

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We are also proud to be in the final stages of being selected as the Tees Valley hub of the North East’s forthcoming Institute of Technology - a new concept providing higher technical training through collaboration between further and higher education and employers.

As an IoT provider, we will deliver a range of top quality courses that provide clear routes into skilled employment and pathways for progression.

As one of only 12 carefully selected providers in the country, we will drive innovation in the sector through new and distinctive learning.

In 2021 we will be offering T-Levels in Digital, Health and Science, Education and Childcare and Construction.

CPI sets up students for the future One Teesside business that knows all about the benefits of T-Levels is Redcar-based CPI (Centre for Process Innovation).

The leading technology innovation centre has been working with Middlesbrough College for more than eight years – helping provide young people with vital workplace experience and training – and views apprenticeships and T Levels as essential to its operations.

Hayley Carter, Learning and Development Business Partner at CPI, said: “We have a great relationship with Middlesbrough College and have taken on a number of apprentices over the years, many of whom have become a fundamental part of our team.”

T-Level success for digital students

Three students from MCDigital who have been piloting the brand new T-Level qualifications have been offered apprenticeships after impressing their employers.

Cameron Hawkes, Jerome Stephenson and Jon Young, all trialled the new qualification this year and have all been offered paid employment after making a good impression on their T-Level placements with Ovo Studio and Tascomp.

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Education takes you higher

Our Alumni At Middlesbrough College we aim to take students higher and help them to land their dream jobs, make inspirational changes in the community or head to their first choice University.

We know that many of our students and apprentices have gone on to achieve great things since leaving Middlesbrough College so that’s why we got back in touch with them and launched The Middlesbrough College Alumni!

Jonathan “It sounds cliché but choosing to study Engineering at Middlesbrough College really changed my life. It’s given me so many opportunities in my career. Plus, I even met my wife here, who was studying A Levels at the time! Now I’m working for PD Ports as a Senior Mechanical Project Engineer.”

Jonathan Boyd,

Level 3 Mechanical Engineering

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We want to share your stories, experiences and achievements to help inspire our current students. If you are a former Middlesbrough College student and feel your achievements and career experience could help inspire our current students, we would like to hear from you. Visit mbro. ac.uk/alumni to share your story.

Taking success higher Josh Carr Josh Carr studied Level 2 Mechanical Engineering at Middlesbrough College before achieving his goal of securing an apprenticeship. Josh is now studying for a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship with Jacobs Engineering through Northern Skills Group, Middlesbrough College’s Apprenticeship and Training arm.​

Annie Lince Annie Lince, a Level 3 Music Practice student has been accepted to study at the prestigious Young Americans College of the Performing Arts in Southern California, USA. Annie, who is from Saltburn-By-The Sea, thanks Middlesbrough College for giving her the confidence and skills to follow her dreams, and is excited to travel the globe, sharing her passion for music with young people.

Annabell Green Annabell Green, a BA (Hons) Culinary Arts Management student from Middlesbrough College has gained a work placement in a 2 Michelinstarred restaurant in Milan after dazzling the judges in the Young Risotto Chef of the Year competition.

Julian Nwosu After caring for her mother during her battle with cancer, Julian Nwosu, a 42 year old full-time mum of three from Ingleby Barwick decided she wanted to change her life by becoming a qualified Nurse. Julian enrolled onto the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health at Middlesbrough College one year ago and is now on track to graduate with a first class honours degree in Adult Nursing.

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Middlesbrough College Sixth Form

Raising aspirations At Middlesbrough College Sixth Form we are keen that all of our students reach their full potential. Our Raising Aspirations Programme is designed to ensure that our most talented students are given the encouragement and assistance they need to achieve success.

Our specialist coaches and teachers offer activities, events and support to provide students with the best possible preparation for University!

A Level Biology students celebrate Medical School success!

Three students from Middlesbrough College Sixth Form have been offered places to study on competitive and coveted degree programmes in Medicine and Veterinary Science. Getting a place at a Medical School is extremely difficult with thousands of talented students applying every year, but Izaak Lojko, Nicole Olagesin and Melissa Wright from Middlesbrough College have all gained offers from a string of top universities.

Field trips!

Our Law & Criminology students enjoyed a workshop at The Crown Prosecution Service.

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A Level Biology students doing fieldwork at Cranedale.

Higher Education Taster Day at Middlesbrough College

Eve

“I really enjoy studying at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form. The ‘Mix it up’ programme has been perfect! I have loved studying a mix of A Levels and my BTEC programme as you get a good balance of practical and theory work and a mix of different teaching styles.

The ‘Mix it up’ programme has been great for my University applications and I am excited to hopefully study for a degree in Visual Communications next year.”

Eve Gowing

‘Mix it up’ programme- A Level Film Studies, Art & Design and BTEC Journalism

FAQs about our Mix it Up programme What is the ‘Mix it up’ programme?

Why should I study the ‘Mix it up’ programme?

Our ‘Mix it up’ programme allows you to mix up A Levels and vocational qualifications so you can study 2 A Levels and one vocational BTEC qualification.

If you aren’t sure what you want to do when you leave College, the ‘Mix it up’ programme allows you to keep your options open and it will make your University or job applications stand out!

How many subjects can I study?

Students can study 3 subjects.

2 of these subjects must be A Level subjects.

The final subject is a vocational qualification.

You will learn practical skills which are prized by employers through a more vocational course and you can also gain an excellent foundation for further academic study by studying an A Level.

Also it’s not all about exams!

You will be assessed in a variety of assessment styles.

Which subjects are included in the ‘Mix it up’ programme?

You can choose up to 2 A Levels from this list:

And 1 vocational qualification from this list:

Art, Craft & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Film Studies, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Mathematics, Media Studies, Photography, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies with Philosophy and Ethics and Sociology

Criminology, Business, Law, IT, Human Biology, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Music Practice, Travel and Tourism, Journalism, Engineering, Construction or Sport

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Focus on...

Construction

The average salary for a Quantity Surveyor is £42,890!

Courses: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Basic Construction Skills Brickwork Carpentry & Joinery Electrical Installation Retrain to Painting and Decorating Retrain to Plumbing Painting and Decorating Plumbing Construction Operations- General Construction Electrotechnical Craft (Electrical Installation) Retrain to Brickwork Retrain to Electrical Installation (Buildings and Structures)

• • • • • • • •

Retrain to Painting and Decorating Retrain to Plumbing and Heating Retrain to Site Carpentry Site Carpentry Access to Higher Education Diploma- Built Environment Building Services Engineering Construction and the Built EnvironmentSurveying/ Civil Engineering Higher National Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment- (Building Services/ Construction Management)

Aleeza and Bryonie are studying Level 3 Construction and the Built EnvironmentSurveying/ Civil Engineering and are aspiring Civil Engineers and Architects.

Bryonie & Aleeza

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Aleeza said “I’ve really enjoyed my experience at the College so far, everything from the facilities on offer to the support available has been great. The College really respect different religions which is something that is very important to me.

“After finishing the course I am keen to progress onto further education to eventually become a Civil Engineer or an Architect.

Thanks to the mix of practical and theory on the course I feel like I have picked up the

skills and knowledge to help me go onto the next step.

“I’d definitely recommend coming to the College, my experience has been brilliant and I’ve made friends for life!”

Bryonie said “I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career as a Civil Engineer - the majority of my family work in the sector so it’s something that I’m happy to carry on!

“Following the course I’m keen to go onto an apprenticeship so I can get further handson experience. I feel like my BTEC has prepared me for the next step so I would highly recommend coming to the College to study.”

Focus on...

Engineering

The average salary for an Electrical Engineer is £43,035!

Courses: • • • • • • • • •

Welding Engineering Performing Engineering Operations Diploma (Mechanical) Welding Engineering Aeronautical Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Foundation/ Extended Diploma) Fabrication and Welding Engineering (Foundation/ Extended Diploma) Instrumentation and Control Engineering (Foundation/ Extended Diploma) Manufacturing Engineering (90 Foundation/ Extended Diploma) Mechanical Engineering (Foundation/ Extended Diploma)

Peter

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• •

Performing Engineering Operations (Mechanical) Welding Engineering Engineering Vocational/ A Level combined HNC in Engineering (Instrumentation, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic, Civil Engineering, Construction Management) HND in Engineering (Instrumentation, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic) BEng (Hons) Engineering (Electrical/ Electronic Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Operations) (Top-up)

Peter studied Level 3 Mechanical Engineering at Middlesbrough College and is now studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Leeds.

“The course covered a mix of practical and theory which really helped to give me a head start for University. My goal is to become chartered Engineer eventually.

Peter said “I looked around several other providers in the area, but Middlesbrough College stood out thanks to the staff and the advanced facilities.

Applying the underpinning knowledge and theory I have gained from Middlesbrough College has certainly helped with my studies at University, and I expect it will continue to help as I start work in industry.

“The facilities at Middlesbrough College were good and I found the support I received from my lecturers second to none.

The Learning Resource Centre in the College is fantastic and there is always someone on hand to offer guidance.

“I would definitely recommend coming here - whether or not you’re unsure about your future, there is such a wide range of courses and options for everyone.”

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Student life Global Games Jam 2020 Middlesbrough College’s doors were open for a whopping 48 hours from 31st January to 2nd February thanks to the world’s largest games jam event! Gamers were set the challenge of creating a game within 48 hours! The fast-paced weekend gave competitors the opportunity to test their skills, explore the process of games development, increase their confidence and meet others with a passion for gaming.

Futsal champions!

A massive well done to our Futsal team who won the North East Regional Futsal League! Throughout the competition they scored 65 goals and conceded 15, not losing a game throughout.

Hospitality degree students recruited to share their passion!

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Four Higher Education students from Middlesbrough College have progressed into careers in the Hospitality & Catering team at College after impressing in their degree studies. Beverley Murphy, Daniel Stevenson, Chantelle Raspison and Joanne Coupland are all now employed within the Hospitality & Catering team as Instructor Demonstrators, teaching

Level 1-Level 3 students within the College after completing their BA (Hons) Hospitality Management degrees at Middlesbrough College. The four students are now progressing with their master’s degrees at Middlesbrough College in Hospitality & Tourism Management whilst working within the team part-time.

Our Performing Arts students make their voices heard Twelve Performing Arts students from Middlesbrough College have taken part in a unique performance project with the award winning Zest Theatre Company.

The students were all part of the Middlesbrough Youth cast for Zest Theatre Company’s Middlesbrough production of Youthquake.

The two-night performance took place at Middlesbrough Town Hall and gave the young performers from

Middlesbrough College the opportunity to take part in a professional production that allowed their voices and stories to be heard.

The students said “It was amazing as our voices were heard and our stories were shared. It was also fantastic to work collaboratively on a professional project. It was honestly such a brilliant experience, we all absolutely loved it.”

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with our latest events, news and information!

Success at the Regional Hair and Makeup Competitions Our amazingly talented Hair & Beauty students took part in the Regional Hair and Makeup competitions in February and took home numerous awards!

As a result some of our students are through to the national competition taking place in Blackpool.

7 day travel scheme!

The best in the Tees Valley!

We know that student life is expensive so that’s why we give you the best student benefits. Just show your Student ID card when getting on Arriva and Stagecoach buses to take advantage of our new 7 day

bus travel all for just £5 per year!

Further details on our travel schemes can be found on our website www.mbro. ac.uk/student-services

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Taking our community higher

Middlesbrough College gives the gift of music Middlesbrough College has donated a range of music technology equipment as part of a scheme with Ableton, a music production software provider, to The King’s Academy in Middlesbrough. The scheme is part of an education initiative, breaking down the barriers of expensive equipment, so students can engage with music and learn more about the sector.

Tamsin Watson, a final year BSc (Hons) Sound and Music Technology student has praised Middlesbrough College for giving her the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience, as she is teaching the students at The King’s Academy how to use the equipment.

LGBTQ+ Carnival On Valentine’s Day students and staff took to the college street to parade in an LGBTQ+ carnival. A DJ played music and students enjoyed a celebratory lunch and the community spirit in the College!

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The carnival was a real success and a great day celebrating love and equality.

Graduate Salon launch Middlesbrough College’s training salon is now an official Wella Centre of Excellence. The Graduate Salon is used by aspiring hairdressers and barbers who gain industry experience under the watchful eye of experienced tutors. Students train in two state-of-theart, professionally equipped salons as well as an on-site barbershop. The Centre of

Excellence title was awarded to the College after impressing Wella with their hairdressing facilities and the high standard of training at the College’s Middlehaven campus. The salon is open to the public 6 days a week, offering professional, high-quality hairdressing services at highly competitive prices.

Students entertain elderly in learning initiative The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, Middlesbrough, has been hosting a group of 17 to 18 year olds for several weeks.

The students have been studying an Introduction to Health and Social Care at the College, alongside GCSE English and Maths, and wanted to get experience of working in a care home.

So far they have made bird feeders with the residents, memory boxes and gift cards, played bingo and gave hand massage therapy for those who are nursed in bed.

Congratulations To Olivia Aston who was a finalist in the ‘Vocational Student of the Year’ category at the British Education Awards 2020!

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Your chance to work for a forward thinking and dynamic organisation In these unsettling, uncertain times, Middlesbrough College remains at the heart of your community and in the coming weeks, we’re recruiting for up to 50 new job roles!

We’re a supportive, forward thinking, top performing college- with a number of roles available!

We have a range of roles available at the College, including lecturers, business support, apprentices and hourly paid positions.

Be part of an amazing College- providing top class teaching, learning or support to future generations.

Tania Green – A Level Law and Criminology tutor Tania studied for a LLB Law degree at University and found the subject incredibly interesting, so she decided to go into teaching. After starting a family, Tania enrolled at Middlesbrough College on to the part time PGCE course.

Apply online today!

We’re still taking applications online for September and can support you with you next step in education. We can offer telephone interviews and a tour of the College for a later date. Visit www.mbro.ac.uk to view our wide range of courses!​

Tania said “I absolutely love my job and I love working at Middlesbrough College. I had only been working here for 2 minutes and it already felt like I had been working here forever. The staff here are so lovely and very approachable. It is such a welcoming environment and it honestly doesn’t even feel like work.”

Studying a Distance Learning course can boost your career Enrolling on a distance learning course is a brilliant way to keep your brain going over the next few months and can help you to land that dream job you’ve always wanted. So, if you’re eager to pick up some new skills then why not enrol onto a FREE distance learning qualification with Middlesbrough College?

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Find out more and enrol online today www.mbro.ac.uk​