NPTC Group of Colleges Full-time Courses 24/25 - North

Conten ts

Brecon Beacons College

Penlan, Brecon, LD3 9SR

Y Gaer (Part of Brecon Beacons College)

Glamorgan Street, Brecon, LD3 7DW

The CWTCH

(The former Tourist Information Centre)

Cattle Market Car Park

Heol Gouesnou, LD3 7BA

Newtown College

Llanidloes Road, Newtown, SY16 4HU

Fronlas Farm

Mochdre Lane, Newtown, SY16 4JA

General Enquiries

Tel: 0330 818 8100

Email: enquiries@nptcgroup.ac.uk

This publication is printed using environmentally friendly vegetable mineral oil-based inks on FSC® Certified paper from sustainable sources.

This prospectus gives details on all full-time, academic and vocational programmes.

For details on all other courses offered by NPTC Group of Colleges, please check out our website: www.nptcgroup.ac.uk

Information contained within this prospectus was correct at the time of production. NPTC Group of Colleges reserves the right to alter or cancel courses where circumstances demand. Every student is guaranteed equality of opportunity and access to programmes appropriate to their needs.

Why Choose NPTC Group of Colleges?

Students at NPTC Group of Colleges are celebrating after achieving top results in their vocational qualifications.

Students sitting their Level 3 vocational qualifications excelled with 70 students achieving distinction grades, and 24 students achieving the highest possible grade profile of triple distinction star which is equivalent to three A*s at A Level.

In addition, no fewer than 376 learners successfully achieved the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate with an outstanding pass rate of 100 per cent with 58 per cent achieving between an A* and C grade. Many students have already secured places at university and others can now follow their chosen career path after securing the grades they needed to progress.

Mark Dacey, CEO of NPTC Group of Colleges said he was delighted with the results.

Results Highlights

At Brecon Beacons College, James Vaughan achieved a triple distinction in his Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services qualification. James is moving on to a Criminology degree at Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, and hopes to go into Military Forensics.

Level 3 students in Health and Social Care are also moving on to degree-level nursing courses after succeeding in their exams, with Nicole Davies going to Swansea University and Laura Griffith s heading to the University of South Wales.

“The hard work of students and staff has paid off and they can’t be praised enough for the efforts that have been made to achieve these results."

From the Level 3 Business with Applied Law course, mature learner John Evans achieved a Distinction Merit in Business Studies, and a Pass in Law, while his partner, Sam passed her certificate in Law. John and Sam are progressing to the University of South Wales, studying for a Law degree and a foundation degree.

At Newtown College, Eva Dimitriou gained a Distinction in the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Art. She is going to Cardiff University to study for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre.

Another UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts student, Meggan Parkes also received a Distinction but will be returning to college to study the UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance.

Ruby Morgan achieved a Distinction in Art and is going to Birmingham Met to study a BA (Hons) in Fine Art.

No stranger to the stage, Nye Parton achieved an incredible Distinction in the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts and has a place at The Backstage Academy in Bolton to study a BA (Hons) in Stage and Production Management. Student Nye with his certifcate and balloons at Netwown College.

Alex Willingham achieved a Merit in the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts. He will be going to Liverpool Media Academy to study for a BA (Hons) in Acting and Performance.

BTEC Extended Diploma in IT student Tomas Roostan achieved a Triple Merit.

Students John and Sam celebrating with balloons at Brecon Beacons College.

Nye Parton Tomas Roostan

Award-Winning Facilities

Newtown:

Newtown:

Top-of-the-range engineering equipment

State-of-the-art catering facilities

Brecon: Brand new motor vehicle extension

Newtown: A classy training restaurant - Themes

Newtown and Brecon: Award-winning construction department

Newtown: Exceptional performing arts studios and more Brecon and Newtown: Exciting Lee Stafford Hairdressing Academy

Newtown: Unique College owned farm.

World class theatre and conference areas.

Newtown: Industry standard engineering facilities.

Brecon: Extensive range of sports equipment

The CWTCH, at the heart of Brecon

Y Gaer, Brecon

Brecon Beacons College

moving into town

In Brecon, further education provision is being transformed as NPTC Group of Colleges continues on course and relocates into the town centre. Successful moves have already been made into the town and include the former Tourist Information Centre which was refurbished and is now The CWTCH. It’s a communitybased venue which offers state-of-the-art computing for students and the public with Ultra-fast 1GB internet connection; video conferencing facilities; flexible working areas and teaching spaces.

Work has also been completed on Y Gaer, Brecon’s landmark museum and library which has opened its doors to prospective care workers of the future, with College classes now moving into the space. In September 2023, Health, Social and Childcare lessons relocated from Brecon Beacons College, Penlan, to y Gaer with its 21st Century learning spaces, as a way of making education more visible and accessible to the community. Also being hosted in y Gaer are the College-run café and the College’s dedicated student library section.

Work is also due to begin at Watton Mount and the Coach House which will also join the former library on Ship Street as part of the Brecon Beacons College relocation project which will allow students access directly to the town centre and the facilities provided by local business on a daily basis.

Nigel Brinn, Powys County Council’s Executive Director for Economy and Environment, said: “The transfer of these prominent town centre buildings will bring considerable regeneration benefits to Brecon, boosting the trade of shops and businesses and breathing more life into the town centre.

“The council will work closely with NPTC Group of Colleges, as they deliver their development plans for Brecon Beacons College.”

Mark Dacey, CEO of NPTC Group of Colleges, said he was delighted that progress was being made. “This project has been in the pipeline for some time, and we are delighted that it is now moving in the right direction with contracts for Watton Mount and Ship Street Library being exchanged.”

Award-Winning Teaching

Here at NPTC Group of Colleges you will be taught by experts with a wealth of industry specific knowledge plus firm links with the best employers, giving you the highest quality of teaching and learning.

We pride ourselves on giving every student the individual support they need to succeed, whether that be progressing on to top universities, apprenticeships or into your dream career with the best employers.

At whatever level you join us, we will be with you every step of the way to support your educational journey, and promise that whenever you decide to leave us, you will leave with the skills and qualifications needed to flourish.

Within each subject area there is a regular programme of assessment and support. You will be involved in planning your individual learning and setting targets for improvement which are regularly reviewed with your tutors. We provide tutorial support in addition to timetabled lessons to assist exam preparation, UCAS applications and pastoral support. Our library is well-equipped and provides access to the services and resources that you need for your studies. As well as extensive collections of books, newspapers, magazines and DVDs, our centres also offer access to online information, advice on research methods and can help with references.

VisionEffortSystemspractice Attitude

The VESPA Growth Mindset continues to be a resounding success with our A Level and Level 3 Vocational learners across the College. With over 1,600 students enthusiastically engaging in the activities and reflection weeks during their protected tutorial time, the feedback from learners and lecturers remains positive and highly valued.

The learner feedback identifies that the VESPA activities are key in helping them to develop into proactive, resilient and independent thinkers. As a College we are committed to offering more than an education; we want to give our learners techniques and tools to develop a growth mindset and enjoy the journey of discovering new and exciting ways to reach their goals.

Many students believe that they aren’t capable of being high achievers. They see other students around them and think ‘they are cleverer than me’. Our aim at NPTC Group of Colleges is to give students access to the VESPA programme to instil in them the understanding that being a high achiever isn’t biological! Everyone has the ability to make some thoughtful changes to how they approach tasks which will enable them to achieve their aims. The VESPA programme isn’t an academic programme, it is a programme to encourage students to take positive steps to improving their academic results, but it also provides them with new strategies that will help them to be proactive in life beyond education.

The VESPA programme is delivered through our tutorial programme and includes a range of activities to encourage students to be strong independent thinkers. The activities often prompt engaging discussions and debates which the students really enjoy. It gives them the opportunity to develop strategies they may not have previously thought about to help them reach their goals. Once they implement small changes based on the activities, they have the opportunity to reflect on how well a new strategy has helped them.

Measuring Success

Students complete three simple questionnaires throughout the year. They score themselves out of 10 for all five elements of VESPA. After the AS students had completed the final questionnaire near the end of their course, the results showed that they were scoring themselves significantly higher in all elements. This reflected their growing confidence and understanding that the strategies they had learned through the VESPA activities were helping them get closer to reaching their goal. 9

V E SP A Growth Mindset:

Success for our Students Vision

What does VESPA mean?

How well do you know what you want to achieve?

Effort

How many hours of independent work do you do?

Systems

How do you organise your learning and organise your time?

Practice

Comments from our Students

What kind of work do you do to practise your skills?

Attitude

How do you respond to setbacks?

VESPA has been an e ective tool to improve our motivation, organisation and revision. It served as a way for us to explore new study methods and track our progress to becoming more studious students.

VESPA has been an e ective tool to improve our motivation, organisation and revision. It served as a way for us to explore new study methods and track our progress to becoming more studious students.

are allow personal communication skills. to skills

Comments from our Students

The are allow personal communication skills. to realise skills compared

Completing the VESPA academy activities and surveys have been a very experience and made me re ect on how much work and e ort I was pu and whether it was enough the get the grades I wanted. Vespa has helped I was not doing enough work and revision to achieve my target grades. After activities changed now, I put work to want through

The VESPA questionnaires I feel allow me insight into myself personally and on how well I am doing in myself both mentally and academically.

VESPA questionnaires I feel allow me insight into myself personally and on how well I am doing in myself both

Completing the VESPA academy activities and surveys have been a very experience and made me re ect on how much work and e ort I was pu and whether it was enough the get the grades I wanted. Vespa has helped I was not doing enough work and revision to achieve my target grades. After using activities changed

Your Application Your Journey Your College

Welcome to the online application system here at NPTC Group of Colleges. You have the power to manage every stage of your journey, from researching courses that interest you, to completing the application form and setting interview dates. You can also log into your account at anytime to see where you are in the process.

Right Course, Right Choice!

With so many choices available we understand that making a decision can be difficult. We are here to support you through the process, whether it be vocational courses or an apprenticeship!

So how do you choose?

Explore your options by reading our full-time prospectus, browsing our website for ideas, attending open evenings or taking advantage of our awesome career app, ‘Career Coach’.

KEEP IN TOUCH

It’s now down to you and getting the grades you need – if at any stage you change your mind about the course you have chosen to study or you don’t get the grades, don’t panic! Remember, we are always here to help.

Don’t forget you can change your choice of course at any stage, right up to enrolment.

Good luck in your GCSEs and we'll see you in September!

Applying for A Course

1

Go to the search bar and type in one of the subjects you wish to apply for e.g. Brickwork, Dance, Sport or Hairdressing. Click on the course of your choice from the search results. and then the 'Apply Now' button on the right.

If this is your first time applying to the College, you’ll need to create a Learning Hub account so make sure you have an email address ready.

Your username will be the first part of your email address (the section before the @).

Passwords must be at least nine characters long and contain at least one uppercase, one lowercase and one number.

Once you have completed the form and clicked register, a pop-up will show you what your username is – but you will also receive an email confirmation. Once you have clicked 'register', you can continue with your application. Simply fill out each stage step-bystep. If at any point you need any help, College staff are always on hand to help via telephone, email or social media!

E-mail: admissions@nptcgroup.ac.uk

You can stop at any point and the application will be saved. To log back in just visit the College homepage. The MY APPLICATION button is located on the top of the page.

2 Book your interview

We’re planning our interviews for the next academic year right now and you will be able to book an interview by signing into Learning Hub. An interview is a chance for you and your parents/guardians to come in to talk to us, find out all about the College and get more information on the subjects or courses you’ve chosen to study. There’s no need to worry about your interview, it’s a relaxed and informal opportunity to ask questions and make sure the course is right for you.

3 Conditional offer

After you have discussed your entry requirements at your interview and chosen the course you want to study, we will put your conditional offer on Learning Hub, which you can immediately accept.

4 Finding your application

If you ever need to log back into your account, you’ll find the MY APPLICATION button on the top of the homepage. You will be able to tell where you are in the application process on your homepage!

WHY STUDY LEVEL 3 AWARD IN

ADVANCED SKILLS BACCALAUREATE WALES?

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (AdvSBW) qualification is an exciting new Level 3 qualification that supports students to become effective, responsible and active citizens, equipping them with the skills for future study or to enter the job market.

The qualification has primarily been designed for students aged 16-19, and can be taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications, including A Levels.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Our two-year course is made up of three projects: Global Community Project, Future Destination Project, and Individual Project. You will develop and apply the four integral skills and have opportunities to develop the three embedded skills. Students will take part in a variety of exciting activities and contexts which will be based on the United Nations sustainable development agenda and Wales’s Well-being Goals as defined by the Well-being of Future Generations Act (Wales).

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

You will develop a range of skills which are attractive to employers, colleges and universities including:

Integral skills

M Planning and Organisation

M Critical Thinking

M Problem-Solving

M Creativity and Innovation

Embedded skills

M Literacy

M Numeracy

M Digital Competence

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Global Community Project (25%)

You will select a global issue to investigate, share your knowledge with others and take part in a community action.

Future Destination Project (25%)

You will gain an understanding of yourself, explore future employment and wellbeing goals, and plan how you can achieve this.

Individual Project (50%)

You will plan, manage, and research a topic linked to your future education or career aspirations, and create a written dissertation or an artefact.

Assessments can be taken throughout the two-year course with external moderation in January and May. You are likely to complete the Individual Project in the second year.

CAREERS WITH AdvSBW

This qualification allows you to develop important skills that you can take forward whether you are moving on to university, training or employment. Developing these skills will help you become an effective, responsible and active citizen and can have a profound effect on your future success and wellbeing.

"The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales develops valuable problem-solving skills, by providing relatable problems to which learners can productively work towards proposed solutions. It allows learners to analyse information, to consider multiple approaches to a problem and whilst working collaboratively, recommended creative solutions."

Rebecca Davies Chief Operating Officer at Engineering Education Scheme Wales Ltd

Future Employability Skills

The world of work is evolving quickly, and in 10 years’ time, it is highly likely you’ll be working in a job that doesn’t exist yet! This means you will have to figure out how to prepare for a future job role that’s impossible to predict. At NPTC Group of Colleges we will integrate future employability skills into your learning programme so you can thrive in the future world of work!

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the World Economic Forum have identified a set of core and integral skills that workplaces will require:

Core Skills

Literacy (English and/or Welsh)

Numeracy

Digital skills

Core Skill Development

In addition to your main qualification, your learning programme will be designed to include the following opportunities:

M Enrolment onto a GCSE resit programme based on progression and your future destination (Maths, English/Welsh)

M Completion of Essential Skills Wales qualifications (Communication, Application of Number, Digital Literacy)

M Upskilling using the Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST).

Integral Skills

Working together

Critical thinking and problem solving

Self-management

Creativity, innovation and initiative

Decision-making

Integral Skill Development

Depending on your area of study, integral skills will also be developed through the tutorial programme, and the inclusion of the following qualifications:

M The new Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

M Essential Skills Wales qualifications (Essential Employability Skill)

Career Coach - tailored careers advice using local job market intelligence

When students have a clear vision of the future, they’re more likely to excel in their studies and go on to forge successful careers. Career Coach is a free online tool available from NPTC Group of Colleges that can help shape that vision.

Using comprehensive job market data, Career Coach can help you find your perfect job and the courses that will help you get there!

Career Coach’s detailed online assessment suggests careers based on your interests and skills. With detailed labour market information, expected earnings and the number of jobs in the area, Career Coach highlights the best courses to help you progress into your chosen career.

Career Coach also links into the College’s Career Ready initiative which has been specifically designed to get you ready for the world of work. Career Ready offers CV writing workshops, interview preparation and practice, work experience placements and support with all aspects of the application process.

Scan here to start using Career Coach or visit our website at: www.nptcgroup.ac.uk

it PAYS to Learn

If studying full-time is not for you, then work-based learning could be exactly what you are looking for. There are programmes to suit everyone! Work-based learning gives you the chance to gain experience in a real job, plus job-specific qualifications while earning money. Opportunities vary depending on the programme.

The routes are:

q Accountancy q Agriculture

q Business Administration q Care

qChildcare q Construction

q Customer Service q Engineering

q Hospitality and Catering q Motor Vehicle

q Land-Based Service Engineering

Jobs Growth Wales+

If you are aged 16-18 years, Jobs Growth Wales+ offers learning programmes to support you to build work-related skills and identify career choices. This is a very flexible programme designed around you to develop new skills and gain recognised qualifications to boost your career options until you venture on to your apprenticeship, college or work journey. To apply you must be:

M Between 16 and 18 years old; and

M Living in Wales; and

M Not in full-time education, employment or training

What will it offer me?

M Receive ongoing training support from a designated contractor

M Evidence to state on career related applications and CVs

M Free training and work experiences

M Build your confidence as you grow your skills and experience

M Get a foot in the door and access to jobs with local employers.

What support is available through Jobs Growth Wales+?

Jobs Growth Wales+ has three strands of support:

M Jobs Growth Wales Plus Engagement

M Jobs Growth Wales Plus Advancement

M Jobs Growth Wales Plus Employment.

Why become an apprentice?

q Earn while you learn - be paid a salary

q Gain skills, knowledge, experience and face new challenges

q Gain a nationally recognised qualification

q Excellent progression opportunities.

What types of apprenticeships are there?

q There are three types of apprenticeships you can apply for depending on current skills and qualifications:

q Foundation apprenticeship - Level 2

q Apprenticeship - Level 3

q Higher apprenticeship - Level 4+.

Apprenticeships

You will be on placement with an employer and possibly attend College for one day a week. You will be assessed in the workplace and helped to gather evidence for your portfolio.

An apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme where you can earn a wage while you learn. If you live in Wales and are over 16 and not in full-time education, you can apply for an apprenticeship.

Degree Apprenticeships

NPTC Group of Colleges and Wrexham University have recently been awarded funding under the new Degree Apprenticeship Pilot Programme for Wales. Reflecting the skills needs of Wales, universities and other degree awarding institutions were asked to design a new suite of digital programmes to enable Welsh organisations to upskill their existing employees or recruit new talent in areas such as software engineering, cyber security and data science for the new digital degree apprenticeships framework.

Interested?

Please contact the team by emailing us: pathwaystraining@nptcgroup.ac.uk Or call us on: 0330 818 9442

How did our apprentices do?

Dyfrig Micah

Apprentice Level 3 Agricultural Engineering:

"Completing my Level 2 qualification and now near to completing my Level 3 Apprenticeship in Land-based Service Engineering has been a fantastic experience. One I would recommend to anyone."

Tim Hughes

Director for Smithfield Tractors Builth Wells:

"We greatly value the knowledge gained by Dyfrig going to Newtown College covering Agricultural Engineering. He is now a very valued member of our workshop engineering team."

Jake Carter and Liam Rowlands

Apprentices Level 3

Fabrication and Welding Engineering:

"My apprentices Jake Carter and Liam Rowlands have become friends since starting on the course in September. They have said that coming to College as part of their apprenticeship has given them the opportunity to not only learn their craft and obtain their Level 2 qualification, but have met new people that they might not have met outside of College as they work for different organisations."

Hayley Foy

Apprentice Level 5

Health and Social Care:

"I really enjoyed completing my Level 5 apprenticeship. It gave me more of a knowledge and understanding of the correct procedures to follow to enable me to support my team and to promote a happy workforce."

Ben Randell and Sam Crumpton

Apprentices Level 2 Plumbing:

“Every day we work in different places and see different people and completing an apprenticeship in plumbing is filling a vital gap in the construction sector. Learning and earning money is a great way to achieve a professional trade and it's also good for my mental health.”

Phoebe

Apprentice Level 3 Business Administration:

"Doing an apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to work for a local business that cares about the community. With the support of my employer, colleagues and NVQ Assessor, I am learning about Business Administrations and Customer Service with the opportunity to put these new skills into practice."

Welcome to the Newtown 6th Form Academy Partnership

Welcome to the best of both worlds!

The Newtown 6th Form Academy Partnership is an exciting, innovative partnership between Newtown College and Newtown High School.

By working in partnership, we are able to offer the very best teaching and learning experiences for students across a wide variety of courses; offering you the freedom to follow the pathway of your choice and embrace your personal learning style.

Our partnership will offer an exciting, broad and diverse curriculum which can be tailored to the needs of each student. In addition, there will be the opportunity to link with industry professionals at the College and dedicated, experienced staff at School and College.

Partneriaeth Academi’r

6ed Dosbarth Y Drenewydd

Newtown 6th Form Academy Partnership

We run a full and varied provision of AS, A Level and BTEC subjects in the 6th Form Academy across Newtown College and Newtown High School, and we recommend that all pupils should study a range of at least three subjects, in addition to the Advanced Skills Baccalureate Wales.

In exceptional circumstances, it is possible to study five subjects, providing this has been agreed with the Head of the 6th Form Academy.

Subjects include:

q Art and Design

q Biology

q Business and Law

q Chemistry

q Drama and Theatre

q English Language

q Geography

q Graphic Communication

q Health and Social Care

q History

To Apply

Online applications are made at: www.powys6.cymru

For more information:

q Digital Technology

q Law [E-sgol]

q Maths

q Music

q Photography

q Physical Education

q Physics

q Psychology

q Sociology [E-sgol].

Claire Scotti: 14-19 Partnership Manager School Liaison

Email: claire.scotti@nptcgroup.ac.uk

AccesS to HUManitIes

The Access to Higher Education Diploma – Humanities is designed to prepare students to study Humanities and Social Science in Higher Education. This is located in the Sixth Form Academy.

It provides the knowledge, understanding and skills required to progress to Higher Education or to enhance employment potential

What will I do?

Teaching and learning will take place by a process of lectures, tutorials, seminars, discussions, demonstrations, blended learning and group work.

Learners will be assessed by using a range of assessment strategies including presentations, essays and class tests. Learners will be assessed by a range of assessment methods.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of the course allows entry onto a wide range of degree programmes including

q Law

q History

q English

q Psychology

q Counselling

q Criminology

q Teacher Training

q Social Work

Access to Humanities and Social Science 3

This course caters for students 19 and over who are hoping to return to education. Students will need a C grade in GCSE English and a D in GCSE Maths or equivalent. However, those without these grades will be required to sit an initial skills assessment prior to enrolling, followed by an interview.

1 Year Newtown

Agriculture and Farming

Agriculture is more than just farming; it is one of the world’s biggest businesses. There are over 200 different career areas available in agriculture and presently there is a very high demand throughout the industry for educated, practically skilled and motivated young people.

Approximately 450,000 people work in the UK agricultural industry, of which almost 300,000 are in managerial or partnership roles within a farming enterprise. Choosing to study agriculture will provide a fulfilling and interesting career choice and it will also open the doors to many other industries, due to the broad education, skills and training that you will experience.

Fronlas Farm at Newtown College operates a 140-hectare working upland sheep and beef farm which allows students to gain up-to-date practical experience that reflects the agriculture industry of mid Wales and the small and medium enterprises in which most agricultural and agricultural engineering students find employment.

The farm boasts a range of purpose-built classrooms as well as cattle and sheep housing and state-of-the-art handling facilities.

We also offer extensive opportunities for estate skills, conservation and diversification. The farm carries around 150 beef cattle, including a suckler herd and a beef finishing enterprise, and 750 breeding sheep rearing around 1,200 lambs.

Newtown College's Themes Restaurant is supplied with both beef and lamb from the farm. The farm also supplies both Morrisons and Sainsbury’s supermarkets with lamb throughout the year.

What will I do?

Our courses are extremely hands on, and also allow you to gain valuable work in the landbased sector. At College you will cover areas such as livestock production, crop production, estate maintenance, and tractor and machinery maintenance and operations. These subjects will be delivered by our lecturers who possess extensive industry knowledge of modern production systems as well as cutting-edge IT technologies, including drones and GPS systems.

Many of our students progress to higher education either at the College studying the HND in Agriculture course, or other institutions to study other agriculture-related degrees.

Career opportunities

On completing an agriculture course, students can choose from a wide range of practical career paths within the UK agricultural sector, including farm manager, livestock manager, nutritionist, agronomist, farm consultant, farm inspector, and auctioneer.

“I am just completing the Level 3 in Agriculture and have had such a fabulous experience on the working farm here. I was a runner up in the Lantra Cymru Awards and am now applying to go to university”

Emma Morgan-Page

Elin has shown a high level of commitment to her HND Agriculture course despite all the challenges we have faced over the last two years. She is heavily involved in the running of her family farm and is the secretary of her local YFC group. She is an attentive student who always participates fully and gets involved in class debates where she contributes with robust, reasoned arguments. Elin’s hard work has been rewarded with a Distinction. Her research project was especially interesting since it looked at the role of Welsh uplands farms in feeding the nation, a topic area Elin is very passionate about.

The YFC has opened many doors for Elin. At a county level she has held the position of Youth Forum Chairman and has been awarded Junior member of the year. She competes in YFC wool handling competitions and has won the YFC wool handling competition at the Royal Welsh Show and the Novice All-Nations award allowing her to compete in the Welsh Team at the Royal Balmoral Ireland. She has also competed in stock judging competitions, public speaking and Fferm Factor.

Courses

Average annual earnings

Elin also gives a considerable amount of her time to the community and has recently taken on the role of sponsorship secretary for the Welsh International Speed Shear which is run alongside the Royal Welsh Show as a fund-raising event. She has won the Student of the Year at the same show.

Earlier this year Elin was awarded the prestigious Lantra learner of the year for persons aged 20 years and under which recognised her contribution to the land-based sector in Wales. Elin reached the final three in the Farmers Weekly Award, which is a fantastic achievement. On top of this, she won the NPTC Group of Colleges Student of the Year for 2022.

Elin has just completed a 'top-up' year at Aberystwyth University and achieved a 2.1 degree. She then plans to travel across the world to gain new experiences through working in different countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand. Her long-term ambition being to return home and work alongside her father on the family beef and sheep farm.

She has been and will continue to be a great ambassador for NPTC Group of Colleges and Agriculture.

Elin Protheroe HND Agriculture

Elin Protheroe

art, design and Creative Media

At NPTC Group of Colleges we will help, support, and guide you on your way to becoming a part of this very fast moving and dynamic sector. The UK had an estimated 2.29m creative industries jobs in the year to September 2021, including 1.62m permanent roles, official statistics show.

A further 663,000 creative industry jobs were selfemployed. Overall, employment in the creative industries has not suffered during the pandemic as much as was initially feared. The creative industries accounted for 6.9 per cent of all UK jobs in September. This is up from 5.8 per cent in 2015, since then the creative industries have added about 400,000 new UK jobs.

When creative jobs that are outside the creative industries are also added in – to calculate the total of the UK's creative economy – the total figure has reached 3.12 million, meaning one out of every 11 jobs is in this industry.

Our lecturers are practising artists so you will be learning from those who still play an active part in the creative sector. At NPTC Group of Colleges, we will give you the opportunity to explore your personal creative talent in the context of a wider cultural arena and to shape it, change it and make a difference.

We are a creative centre for learning where students progress, we aim to help you be career ready!

https://cvp.nptcgroup.ac.uk

What will I do?

Lessons are taught in a creative environment, using cutting-edge industry standard equipment within purpose-built specialist facilities.

There are numerous opportunities provided for Art, Design and Creative Media students to exhibit work both within the college and at external public events. Creative Media students work on ‘live’ projects, during which they will liaise with clients and screen their final piece of work

Career opportunities

q Architects

q Arts heritage

q Craftspeople

q Designer

q Director

q Film producer

q Fine artists

q Graphic designers

q Photographer

q Print maker

q Product designers

q Prop and set design

q Spatial, interior and landscape design

q Tattoo artist

q Teaching and education

q Videographer

q Web designer.

Shop Window Transformation

This shop window had seen better days. A post was put out on Facebook calling for someone local to transform the space. Newtown Art and Design Department took on the challenge! This was designed, curated and executed by the students during the lunch time Art Club.

The painting is inspired by the legendary Laura Ashley who has left a massive mark on the local area. We hope the local people of Newtown and the surrounding area will enjoy this vibrant painting that was a massive team effort, seven weeks in the making. We will miss painting this at lunch times now!

Creative, Visual and Performing Arts Student of Year 2022 - Minka Stears

Minka received a Distinction in her UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma and is an outstanding student and very talented artist. She specialised in contemporary portraiture and has produced many fabulous pieces both large and small scale.

While she is interested in documenting people, their bodies and the way they hold themselves through art, she has also produced numerous animal pictures in oil paints and inks too. Minka is also talented at other techniques including pastel chalks. She builds her work from sketches to larger scale paintings.

Minka progressed onto the Art Foundation Course at Newtown College before University, where in the last year she has designed and painted a mural for Newtown town centre celebrating Laura Ashley’s heritage, as part of the extracurricular Art Club.

She created a painting focussed on the pressures of climate change on young people’s mental health, as part of the One Generation Project exhibition at the Oriel

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Davies. This led to her volunteering at the Gallery where she worked with their Creative Producer to curate our Art and Design Department’s End of Year ‘Process 22’ Exhibition.

She also modelled her own designs in the ‘Made in Wales Fashion Show’ at the Pryce Jones building in collaboration with Fashion Enter, which was hugely successful, highlighting the history and importance of fashion and textiles in mid Wales.

On top of this, she achieved a Distinction Grade for her portfolio of work on the Foundation Diploma, producing exceptionally inventive, mature and skilful paintings.

Minka said: "I'd highly recommend the Art and Design courses at Newtown College for anyone looking to expand their confidence and skills, as well as learning more about the creative industries. I found all the tutors helpful and friendly, and the college was great overall."

If you are under 21, you must have one of the following: 5 GCSE passes at grade A*- C, (or equivalent) plus an Extended Diploma (Creative Media related) or two AS subjects OR one full A Level and be over 17. All students need to submit a portfolio of practical work at interview.

We welcome applications from mature students. If you are over 21, have few qualifications but are interested in the creative media industry, please get in touch with us to talk about how we can help you.

Automotve engineering

A career as a mechanic technician means guaranteeing a future of steady work as a mechanic. Slumps in the economy can affect people buying new cars, but vehicles will always require maintenance and repair. If you enjoy meeting different people every day, being ‘hands on’, working with cutting edge technology, or have a creative eye and a love of restoration – then a career working with any vehicle is waiting for you.

The motor vehicle departments at Newtown and Brecon Beacons College also have fully equipped workshops with four post, two post and scissor-style vehicle lifts, diagnostic testing equipment from Bosch, Crypton, Pico, Autel and ASNU ultrasonic injector cleaning facilities. The Newtown Campus also has a fully functional MOT-style ATL testing bay and dedicated diagnostics area.

The Motor Vehicle department grew in 2022 with the eagerly awaited delivery of a dedicated electric vehicle electric rig and a Peugeot 208 vehicle to support the learning and training opportunities for new electric vehicle technologies.

Average annual earnings

Now learners will have even more opportunities to learn about the vehicles and their latest technologies.

What will I do?

Our courses aim to explore a vehicle’s construction and accurately repair damage to the vehicle. You will complete a series of assignments and practical tasks carried out in excellent facilities.

Career opportunities

Employment for mechanics is usually with garages, transport companies, road haulage companies or large organisations with fleets of vehicles. At technician level you will perform skilled diagnostic work, including work on electronic and computer controlled systems. The work is challenging and logical, involving a lot of problem solving. In larger companies, it is usually possible to gain promotion to supervisory and management roles.

Mechanic £13k - £30k (Emsi - economicmodeling.com)

Automotive Engineer £60k+ in senior roles (Prospects.ac.uk)

Vehicle Paint Technicians £18k - £40k (Emsi - economicmodeling.com)

Be mechanical... with a career in mechanics, cars or body repair

Automotive Engineering

Level 3 Motor Vehicle students at Newtown College got a rare opportunity to learn more about future electric battery operated technologies when they got to view an electric conversion of a classic Fiat 500 thanks to Electric Classic Cars in mid Wales.

The Fiat 500 has all the character of a classic with a modern twist. The motor is mounted at the back (giving more luggage space at the front), and includes three battery packs with a hidden charge point under the Fiat badge. The students took a keen interest in the set up, with the speed and power advantages of electric quickly realised. As a classic enthusiast, Tom Watkins, technician at the College, took particular interest.

Dan Pritchard, Motor Vehicle lecturer, said that training in hybrids and electrics was "an area the College was currently looking into. This new vehicle technology is going to play an important role in the future of the industry and it’s great to see examples of classics like the Fiat converted, and to know that this and others are available to view on our doorstep".

Electric Classic Cars is based in mid Wales and has produced a number of classic conversions which include a 911 Porsche, a 1972 Range Rover and a BMW E9. The business owned by Richard Morgan has quickly grown and Richard said how important it was that students now learn about electric vehicles to support both current builds and conversions: "There will be a greater demand in the forthcoming years for this knowledge and it's surprising how many misconceptions already exist about battery powered cars."

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“We were delighted to become the first college in Wales at the beginning of 2020 to offer training with the block automotive electric and hybrid vehicle training equipment. We have had the pleasure of training vocational students and industry professionals in Levels 1-4 award in electric/ hybrid vehicle system repair and replacement.” Lecturer, Dan Pritchard

Applied therapies including Beauty therapy

Today’s beauty and applied therapy industry is an everexpanding, ever-changing, ever-fascinating sector. If you are innovative and ambitious, there is no limit to your potential, be it in PR, journalism, makeup, becoming a salon owner or beauty therapist or founding your own beauty company!

No other industry has such a constant worldwide demand for qualified, creative, well-trained individuals. The beauty/ applied therapy industry offers bright opportunities with careers in the fashion industry as a makeup artist or stylist. You might have the independence to start your own salon or spa or even become an instructor at College and inspire others to enter into the business.

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What will I do?

As part of the Lee Stafford Academy Hairdressing, Barbering and Applied Therapies, you will be taught in industry leading salons by highly skilled professionals with a wealth of beauty industry knowledge. Courses will cover makeup, massage therapies and technical aesthetic applications such as eyebrow shaping, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, waxing, manicure and pedicure, as well as anatomy and physiology, skin and hair growth.

Career opportunities

Dermatologist, eyelash technician, nail technician, spa owner, freelance beauty therapist, beauty writer, beauty vlogger.

Lucy Lewis

Lucy Lewis

Former Applied Beauty student Lucy Lewis from Newtown College was recognised for her incredible talents by being shortlisted for the prestigious VTCT Excellence Awards 2023.

Celebrating VTCT’s 60th anniversary, the awards aim to recognise our students and partners going above and beyond to demonstrate excellence in vocational education.

VTCT is the UK’s market-leading specialist vocational and technical awarding organisation for the personal services and well-being sector, with a number of qualifications in sports therapy, fitness, and learning and development. VTCT qualifications offer a direct progression to a job and an accessible route to economic empowerment.

The Student of the Year category sponsored by Wella recognises an exceptional student for their work, either within their programme of study or in relation to a particular project related to their studies. This may include high performance or achievement rates, innovative ways of presenting work, going the extra mile, conducting voluntary work alongside their studies, or using what they’ve learned during their qualification to create an opportunity for themselves to strengthen their record of achievement.

Beauty Therapist £21k in salon

Makeup Artist £40 per hour (freelance)

Lucy has already experienced success with Newtown College after winning a gold medal in the Inspiring Skills Finals 2020 for Beauty Therapy, and a bronze medal for competing in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner category in 2021 for WorldSkills.

Ariyarnna Tidbury

Newtown College student Ariyarnna Tidbury has made it through to the final eight in the Beauty Practioner WorldSkills Competition to be held in Blackpool in November.

This follows on from her success at the Skills Wales Competition where she achieved a bronze medal.

The WorldSkills competition focuses on the role and tasks of a beauty therapy practitioner carrying out a range of services which reflect both current and traditional standards plus current industry requirements. Competitors will be tested on health and safety, exceptional client care and communication skills as well as specialist skills and technical knowledge to the highest level.

Beauty and Applied Therapy Lecturer Lisa Brandon said: "I am extremely proud of all of Ariyarnna's achievements and to get through to the final just shows what skill level and dedication she has."

Salon Owner up to £100k

Senior Stylist £30k - emsi

“We were delighted to have students Ariyarnna Tidbury and Lucy Lewis achieve bronze medals at the Skills Wales Competition this year.”

Lecturer Lisa Brandon

Be stylish... with a career in beauty and applied therapy

Ariyarnna Tidbury

Business and Management

Business and related subjects such as finance, accounting, management and economics are among the most popular fields of study at universities worldwide. This is because business graduates are in high demand worldwide, business touches on pretty much every aspect of modern human society, and careers with a business degree are diverse and often highly paid.

The School of Business, Tourism and Management reflects this successful and dynamic sector, with staff bringing a balance of academic excellence and industry expertise to ensure a stimulating and positive learning experience.

What will I do?

The College is committed to improving numeracy, literacy and digital literacy skills. Students on all courses are encouraged to develop their basic skills which are vital to ensure career success.

The department offers workshops run by experienced business people, and first-class links with local businesses to ensure that students gain a deep understanding of how companies are managed and run.

Career opportunities

q Accounting

q Business administration

q Event managing

q Forensic accounting

q Hotel management

q Human resources

q Marketing

q Rural tourism

q Stockbroker.

Be motvated... with a career in business, accounting and management

“The business course has helped me to look at businesses from different perspectives. Researching businesses in depth has helped to gain a strong knowledge and understanding. Completing a wide variety of units has given me an insight into different career options”. Chloe Preece.

Average annual earnings

Accountant £62k

Marketing Manager £50k

Tour Operator £24k

Event Planner £29k

Brecon Jazz and Business Learners Open Summer Gallery on Festival History

A new Brecon Jazz gallery exhibition opened this summer at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon, supported by NPTC Group of Colleges. The exhibition showcased forty years of Brecon Jazz Festival posters. Helping to open the gallery were Level 3 Business Studies learners from Brecon Beacons College, whose Festival poster designs were also on display from this year’s coursework.

In June, the Level 3 learners had united with Neath College’s Jazz Ensemble to organise a musical and visual taster day outside The CWTCH, the College’s Community Hub. As part of their coursework, the learners had to manage and promote an event, which included drafting and designing the posters publicising it, which are now on display in the theatre. The winning poster which promoted the taster day was the red one (pictured lower middle) as chosen by the class themselves and Brecon Jazz Club.

As well as the Business learners, the gallery was opened by members of Brecon Jazz Club with guest visitors Richard Walters from the Brecon Show, and Cardiff-based jazz vocalist, composer and university lecturer, Dionne Bennett. Brecon Jazz Club commented: “We’re delighted to reveal that three of this year’s College class will be continuing with us on small ‘freelance’ working contracts, helping with the Festival work. The collaboration is having a tangible impact already and there is a lot more we can all do and achieve through cooperation.”

Christine Davies, Director of Programme Innovation at NPTC Group of Colleges, said that the Jazz Club team have been “a driving force in the involvement of the College,” and she welcomed Dionne, and her colleague Guto, to the CWTCH, Brecon Beacons College. On behalf of the College Group, Christine said they looked forward to continuing work with all involved.

Computng, Website and Game design

With employment in the computing and digital industries set to grow at five times the national average over the next decade, computing and digital technology is fast becoming one of the UK’s most highly paid careers, accounting for over 1.58m jobs across the UK.

Top employment sectors include application and software development, data management, cyber security, data analytics, hardware, devices, and open source hardware. All our full-time courses are aimed at students who want to gain nationally recognised qualifications in computing and digital technology. We will help you to meet your personal, career and employment goals whether you are leaving school, are in work or simply want to improve your computing skills.

Past students are now working as: software developers, dynamic CRM developers, data analysts, IT support and operations technicians, web and eCommerce developers, data warehouse analysts, and systems analysts.

Our dedicated lecturers have sector experience backed up with subject-specific knowledge. Lessons unfold in creative ways illustrated with real-life case studies and examples. Students can take on industry work experience.

The department uses modern hardware and software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Visual Studio Community, Visual Studio Code, Java, Audacity and Game Maker, Unity, Maya, React Native, VM Ware, macOS, Windows, Linux, Oculus Quest 2. All our courses are delivered in bespoke IT laboratories with a specialised suite for the delivery of PC construction and network developments.

Achievement on our programmes currently stands at 99%, and 100% of BSc students find employment in computingrelated careers within three months of graduating.

What will I do?

You will explore how computing and digital technology is used in industry by developing sector specific knowledge, technical and practical skills, along with how to apply these skills in a work related environment.

Career opportunities

The majority of students on computing and digital technology courses progress on to higher education and within NPTC Group of Colleges, we can offer our students degrees on their doorsteps. We have an ideal progression route where, following the successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma or A Level programme in a related discipline, students can progress on to the HND Computing (two years) followed by the BSc (Hons) Applied Computing (third year).

To go on to higher education or secure employment in a range of business and technology focused organisations, many students study computer related courses. Some of the organisations that employ past students and graduates include Fujitsu, NPTCBC, The Good IT Company, BVG Group, Tech-Wales Ltd, Box UK, DVLA, CGI, Arvato CRM Solutions and Virgin Media.

Please note that if you are considering teaching as a career, universities require GCSEs at grade B or above for Maths, English and Science. For Computer Science courses, some universities ask for a minimum of grade B at Maths GCSE.

Potential career opportunities: software/apps design and development, cyber forensics, games design and development, web design/ development, systems analysis, database development /administration, technical support, network and security.

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Be creative... with a career in computng, web and app design

Friends re-unite and praise IT courses

Two friends and former students of Brecon Beacons College recently re-united in their old classroom and gave its IT courses the thumbs up!

Jamie Smith (left) and Luc Zimmer (right) studied the BTEC Extended Diploma in IT from 2017 to 2019 and have since moved on to apprenticeships in their chosen careers. The two friends came back to College for a visit to their tutor, Helen Griffiths, and wanted their stories to be told about what they learned from the course.

Jamie decided against doing A Levels after his GCSEs and finished a Level 2 diploma in IT at another College. When he moved into the area, the BTEC Level 3 was available for him to continue his learning. He achieved an overall merit and a place on an apprenticeship with an e-commerce company. Now he works as a Customer Service Team Leader for the same company he had the apprenticeship with.

Jamie wanted to emphasise that “studying IT doesn’t mean you have to go into an IT career. Learning skills in Microsoft Office Excel, for example, means I can get on with my work a lot faster.”

Jamie also said: “One of the best things about the course is you learn different aspects of computing. We had lessons on web design, gaming and cybersecurity. I’ve helped with web design in work since then.”

“I remember enjoying a lot of the work, like me and Luc doing a presentation about cybersecurity and Fortnite, and going on trips to universities for workshops. Our classes were also small, which meant we had more time with the tutor and could focus easily.”

Luc, meanwhile, found the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma through Careers Wales. He’d wanted to move on to something different to his work in hospitality and enrolled after a

successful interview. Since passing the BTEC, Luc has moved on to a Technical Support apprenticeship in Cardiff.

On his visit, he said: “I could have settled for the easy option of staying in my job in hospitality, but I decided to push myself and do something different. I now use something that I learned on the course every day in my apprenticeship.”

Luc added that he “learned a lot aside from technical skills. Our tutors would always want work done on time, which gave us experience in working to deadlines; something I’d be struggling without in my apprenticeship as we have to work to Service Learning Agreements.”

On what she is most proud of, tutor Helen Griffiths answered: “Seeing how my students have taken our guidance and forged a career. Every student who has returned to visit expresses that ‘meeting deadlines’ was one of the most important skills they learnt as well as IT.”

Alan Nicholls

Alan achieved a triple distinction star studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in IT. This is the highest possible grade and gives him a qualification equivalent to three A* at A Level.

Speaking about his achievement, Alan said:

“I really enjoyed studying the course. There wasn’t much IT support when I was in school, so it was great to come to College and have support from my IT tutors here. I’m hoping to get an apprenticeship in cybersecurity as it’s really important to work in cybersecurity to protect people from ransomware and more issues.”

Tom Kerman was on the same course as Alan and was also pleased with his grades. Tom has finished with a Distinction, Merit, Merit.

Jamie Smith and Luc Zimmer

Alan Nicholls

Construction and the Built environment

Building the Future

A new suite of qualifications has been introduced across Wales that has been developed with employers to better meet the skills needs of the built environment sector.

There will be an increased focus on new and traditional techniques, on knowledge of the industry as a whole and on the generic skills needed to progress into work from education.

Construction Skills (Multi Trade – Pre Foundation)

Construction Skills Level 1 is a full-time, further education course designed for students who are interested in a career in the construction industry. The course consists of a knowledge of health and safety, practical and theory sessions from some of the following, depending on the chosen College: bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, painting or tiling.

The Level 2 Foundation in Construction and Built Environment

The Level 2 Foundation in Construction and Built Environment is a brand new qualification where you study two trade experiences from the following:

q Working with brick, block and stone

q Wood occupations

q Painting and decorating

q Wall and floor tiling

q Groundworks.

The construction and building services industry has around three million workers in the UK, making it one of the country’s biggest employers. The industry requires a large number of newly trained operatives each year in order to keep up with demand. Jobs are available across all areas, and with salaries rising at the moment, there has never been a better time to join this rewarding industry. Training takes place in spacious and well-equipped workshops where students have the chance to develop new knowledge and skills which will equip them for a successful career in the construction industry.

What will I do?

Tuition is carried out by industrially experienced and qualified staff who focus on developing students' skills. Many of our staff are former students of the College and understand how to make learning interesting and enjoyable and are able to get the best out of students.

You will cover practical craft skills, job knowledge and advanced trade techniques in your chosen path. You will also learn the interpretation of construction drawings and the calculation of materials and costings. Students are also encouraged to participate in skills competitions as a means of enhancing their practical ability and developing higher level skills.

Assessment

To achieve this qualification, learners must complete:

q One externally set, externally marked multiple-choice test

q One externally set, internally marked project covering two trade areas

q One externally set, internally marked guided discussion.

Progression

On completion, the qualification will provide a broad foundational knowledge across the construction or built environment industry as well as introductory knowledge and skills in two chosen pathways. The qualification provides the knowledge to progress on to further study:

q Progression in Construction Level 2 (Full-time) –City & Guilds

q Construction Level 3 Two-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) –City & Guilds

q Construction Level 3 Three-year (Part-time Apprenticeship) – City & Guilds

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CHOOSE FROM TWO TRADE EXPERIENCES BELOW:

and Joinery / Roofing

Who is the qualification for?

It is suitable for:

q Learners aged 16+ currently working in or intending to work in the construction and built environment sector. Site operatives who want to widen their knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector more generally.

q Learners will need to have achieved, or be working towards their Level 2 Essential Skills English and Maths (or equivalent). There are no other additional entry requirements for this qualification.

Average annual earnings

Newtown

/ Construction Civils-Groundwork Brecon/ Newtown

Bricklayer £52k Carpenter and Joiner £50k

Plasterer £48k

Wall and Floor Tilers £48k

Site Manager £60k

Project Manager £70k

Civil Engineer £70k

engineering

An engineering career will provide you with excellent pay, lots of variety in your work and high levels of job satisfaction. Whichever discipline you choose, building a strong foundation of knowledge with an engineering course at NPTC Group of Colleges can start you out on your journey to success.

You will gain other skills for English, Maths and IT, personal learning skills and social and communication skills which will make you a more rounded, employable professional. Our close relationship with the industry ensures that we are in step with the latest technological advances, giving you the very best training available.

What will I do?

MECHANICAL

Mechanical involves many different routes including analysis, design, manufacturing. You will develop a solid understanding of key concepts. Mechanical/maintenance engineers use these principles and others in the design and analysis of specialist components in a variety of sectors.

Our purpose-built industry-specification workshops and classrooms house state-of-the-art engineering equipment and computers. Workshops contain manual lathes, milling machines and engineering benches, while separate specialised workshops and classrooms contain Haas advanced Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machines in milling, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing technology.

WELDING

The welding industry requires highly skilled people for the many employment opportunities in areas such as energy, oil and gas, engineering maintenance and industrial manufacturing.

Our highly skilled lecturers will support and guide you through the basics of this industry and you will learn how welding integrates into an engineering system.

Our industrial specification purpose-built welding workshops house high-quality equipment, covering all aspects of welding applications, including Metal Inert Gas (MIG), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Manual Metal Arc (MMA), and Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing (DT/NDT).

Career opportunities

q Strong links with over 100 local, regional and national employers

q Great progression opportunities to university and excellent apprenticeship programmes

q Fantastic state-of-the-art engineering facilities

q Courses matched to industry standards to meet skills needed

q One of the most in-demand, growing sectors of industry.

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Average annual earnings

Junior Engineer/Graduate £30k

Senior Engineer/Manager £47k

Director or above £72k

Welder £16k - £31k

UK Engineering sectors

Automotive £48k

Chemicals and Pharma/

Medical £50k

Defence and Security/ Marine £47k

Energy/Renewables/ Nuclear £52k

Food and Drink/Consumer Goods £48k

Oil and Gas £53k

Be inventIve... with a career in engineering

Foundation studies

Our foundation programmes allow students to develop the key skills in independent living, health and wellbeing, community and employability through a person-centred approach.

The courses offered are full or part-time and the staff delivering have a wide range of vocational expertise as well as extensive experience in working with learners with additional learning needs. Each course includes a structured timetable, study support, chill out/quiet rooms, enrichment activities and an introduction to College life and Further Education. Students will follow a pathway which develops communication, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills and from this comes improved confidence and strengthened personal, social and emotional skills required for learning and life.

You do not need any formal qualifications; just a desire to participate in the learning activities we offer. It is possible to try lots of different subjects depending on your individual interests. This helps you to find out what you enjoy, what you are good at and help you with your future choices. You can work at your own level and speed, but extra help is available as part of the course and, through learning support and tutorials, we are able to cater for a wide range of needs. Our staff are qualified, experienced teachers with specialist skills to deliver the courses offered in a supportive and caring environment.

We hold employability and progression events with employers and support agencies. The school runs a number of enterprise and volunteering activities and encourages students to participate in a variety of competitions at both regional and national levels including Skills Competition Wales and ILS sports tournaments.

Our students create pop-up shops and mobile enterprises and we ensure that students make links with supported employment organisations.

Students undertake an initial educational and life skills needs assessment during the transition and induction process. Tutors then work with students to identify their long and short-term aims and suitable targets and routes for progression are then agreed and reviewed at regular intervals.

Our courses offer learners an introduction to College and opportunities to sample various vocational areas such as construction, horticulture and catering from which they can then make an informed decision on future progression routes.

Over 95% of students progressed to higher-level foundation studies courses, mainstream College courses, supported employment, or voluntary services.

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No formal qualifications required

Pathways 3

No formal qualifications are required but a desire to participate in all learning activities must be demonstrated at interview.

No previous knowledge is required for these courses. Acceptance onto a course will be through the College's application and interview process. Learners need to be able to demonstrate an ability to work at least at Entry 3 prior to this course. Learners must have a positive work ethic and demonstrate an interest in skills development. The courses include practical trades, performing arts, catering, IT and sport.

Gateway to Work Pathways 4

This course is a one-year full-time internship programme, supporting learners with additional learning needs to gain employment with work experience in real life internship placements. Learners will attend approximately two days in the workplace and one day in the classroom for formal teaching.

Gateway Level 1 in Health and Social Care

GCSEs at E/F grades or successful completion of Entry 3 qualifications.

Be inspirational... with a career in foundation studies

Brecon/ Newtown

Newtown

Gardening and Hortculture

Horticulture is a diverse and dynamic industry that includes the commercial production of fruit, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants as well as the design, establishment and maintenance of parks, gardens, leisure and sports grounds, open spaces and managed landscapes.

Horticulture is a worldwide industry varying in scale from large multinational companies to small entrepreneurial organisations and companies. Local authorities, botanical gardens and The National Trust are also big employers. At home and abroad, British-trained horticulturists are always in high demand.

We offer a range of horticulture and gardening courses that provide you with the skills and training needed to succeed in a career in this sector. With our fantastic facilities including modern greenhouses and outdoor stock beds filled with an intriguing range of plants, you are sure to enjoy the real outdoor experience. Planted areas include a Mediterranean herb garden, a wildlife haven and elements of gardens recreated from our successful gold medal winning gardens at various shows around the country.

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What will I do?

Lessons combine classwork and practical work, emphasising the wide range of skills needed for employment in the horticulture/gardening industry. You will also be expected to attend work experience placements, gaining valuable on the job experience.

Students are also given the opportunity to develop their enterprise skills through a number of sales activities throughout the year!

Career opportunities

q Nursery work

q Garden design

q Plant production

q Landscaping

q Science

q Tree surgeon

q Retail garden centres

q Plant propagation

q Groundsmanship

q Organics

q Education

q Self-employment.

New innovations – Lettuce Wall at Newtown College

Newtown College has gone all green-fingered as it introduces a new horticulture course. This exciting new addition has brought with it a new collaboration with Cultivate, and a new initiative with the introduction of a lettuce wall to the Newtown College Foyer.

The eye-catching addition of the lettuce tower in the Newtown College foyer is part of the Crop Cycle project, a Farm Urban system to cultivate lettuce and other greens using a soilless system of vertical towers. This project is funded by the Welsh Government to introduce indoor growing Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) of food crops into communities. Whilst we live in a rural

Average annual earnings

environment, new ways of nurturing plants, using what is known as hydroponics, is revolutionary and is growing in popularity.

Local, sustainably grown food is absolutely key in tackling important issues surrounding our food system, climate change and biodiversity.

Richard Edwards, Cultivate Crop Cycles Project Manager, said: “They taste great, are highly nutritious and are super fresh. Visit our deli in Newtown to try them for yourself!”

College Set for Food Resilience with New Gardens

NPTC Group of Colleges has been awarded new garden spaces by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy. The purpose of the gardens is to provide a community area where all students learn skills in food planting and maintaining a green space. Amongst the most transformational features are new tool sheds, greenhouses, plant beds and gardening equipment spread across Brecon Beacons College, Neath College and Newtown College. Also included in the collaboration are new litter picking hubs, which loan out litter picking equipment to groups of students as well as people in the wider community.

Horticulture tutors and students at the College have already made use of the new opportunities on offer by helping to build the facilities. Horticulture classes in Brecon are having their space for greenhouses and plant beds doubled through this project, adding to the border, kitchen-garden, upcycled workbenches and heated greenhouses currently set up at their outdoor facilities in Penlan. The new food growing garden area from the charity is just the latest addition, with more to come!

Horticulture tutors Simon Penn and Susan Roberts have exciting plans for the garden, saying:

“Our students have enjoyed getting stuck in, including the construction of green oak raised beds, the greenhouse, compost bins and the installation of trellis and habitat boxes. This was followed by planting a range of heritage Welsh fruit trees and delicious edible selections featuring raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb and a range of herbs they’ll be able to harvest and enjoy.”

Speaking of the impact on the College’s food and wildlife resilience, they added: “The species planted and wildflower turf were chosen to attract pollinators and support biodiversity. This garden is a superb interactive and rewarding opportunity to learn and grow, while understanding the benefit to the wider environment and our greater wellbeing.”

hairdressing

Welcome to the Lee Stafford Academy of Hairdressing, Barbering and Applied Therapies, the first and only one of its kind in Wales.

Not just a celebrity endorsement, the training programme has been developed by Lee himself with specialists to train not only the students, but also our own experienced hair and barbering staff. You will learn specially designed ‘recipes’ which are unique to Lee Stafford Academies, reflecting some of the most cutting-edge styles seen in salons across the UK. These are training in specialist skills that you can’t get anywhere else.

You will receive training in up to 22 fundamental skills and techniques which you will learn to what Lee calls ‘Michelin standard’. Once accomplished in these techniques, you are then encouraged to use your creativity with no bounds.

These skills can be tested in national competitions with other Lee Stafford Academy students in FE Colleges across the UK during the academic year.

We’re aiming to make our hair and barbering students the most employable in the country, so if you're serious about hair, NPTC Group of Colleges is the place for you!

What will I do?

You will cover cutting, styling and setting skills, colouring, shampooing and conditioning, client consultation (including the recognition of diseases and disorders of the hair and scalp), basic salon health and safety, essential skills and retail. At Level 3 you will undertake advanced cutting, styling skills, bridal hair, colouring, advanced salon health and safety, client consultation, retail, IT and communication skills. As part of this programme, learners will be required to attend a work placement at an external organisation for at least one day per week or for a two-week block and a twilight/evening commercial session at the College.

Career opportunities

No other industry has such a constant worldwide demand for qualified, creative, well-trained individuals. The hair industry offers bright opportunities with careers in the fashion industry and working behind the scenes in film, theatre and TV. It also offers the independence to start your own salon.

q Barbering

q Colour technicians

q Salon owner

q Senior stylist

q Wedding hairdresser

q Working on cruises.

Lee Stafford Education ‘STAF’ pays Brecon Beacons College a visit

NPTC Group of Colleges is the only Further Education College in Wales to be a member of the Lee Stafford Academy of Hairdressing, Barbering and Applied Therapies. The tutors receive training in unique hairdressing recipes through the Academy.

The College staff took part in a week of training with Lee Stafford Education (LSE) ‘STAF’ (train-the-trainer), Tony Wood, whose expertise will help them stay up-to-date on the latest hair recipes for their lessons.

Juliana Thomas, the Head of School for Hairdressing and Applied Therapies, expressed:

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to undertake advanced Level 3 training with ‘STAF’, Tony Wood, from the Lee Stafford Academy of Hairdressing, Barbering and Applied Therapies. All our hairdressing lecturers and instructors are motivated, excited and inspired by the four days of intense practical work that was held at Brecon Beacons College.”

Our students put their learning to practical use by offering a range of hair and beauty treatments to the public. Appointments are available at Brecon Beacons College and Newtown College, and can be booked by phoning the College.

Speaking about the opportunity to open to the public again, student Tmai Bufton, said:

“It's great to have clients booking to come to the College for treatments after Covid. Serving the public means I can have more hands-on experience of what a salon environment is like.”

Tmai also mentioned the benefits of studying Beauty, including as a mature learner, commenting:

“I study the course alongside my job in an elderly care home, which has been really supportive of my studies. Full-time courses can sound like a big commitment if you’re in work and have children, but are usually three days a week.”

“Long term, I’d like to be self-employed in hair and beauty, specialising in treatments for the elderly.”

Tmai Bufton

Courses

Average annual earnings

Salon Owner up to £100k

Senior Stylist £30k - emsi

Wedding Hairdresser £34 - £50 per person (not including trials)

Barbering A pro barber can earn as much as £1,000 a week

https://www.londonschoolofbarbering.com/much-can-barber-make/

"What students can expect from a lee stafford Academy are quality recipes that are easy and incredibly effectve, that you can go out into the big wide world and get an amazing job with."

Lee Stafford

Still Wales' first and only award-winning Lee Stafford Academy of Hairdressing!

The Lee Stafford Education Foundation added to the long list of accolades in 2023 with a recent shortlisting for Educator of the Year, sponsored by Wella Professional, at HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2023.

Widely regarded as one of the industry’s most prestigious events, the awards recognise the names that have achieved business brilliance, helping uphold Britain’s reputation as a world leader in hairdressing expertise.

The Lee Stafford Education Foundation reached the finals after submitting an attention-grabbing entry, detailing the skills and experience that have contributed to their career success to date.

Founder Lee Stafford says: "I still can’t believe it! The awards are so respected across the industry, so just to reach the finals is a huge honour."

Jayne Lewis-Orr, Executive Director of the British Hairdressing Business Awards, added: "To make the shortlist for this category, nominees need to demonstrate a passionate approach to education, with the technical, creative and business skills to back it up."

What's more impressive is that this nomination comes just after being named winner of the first-ever Education Expert category at the annual Most Wanted Awards, held at the spectacular Tate Modern, London.

The Education Expert trophy goes to an individual or team delivering exceptional education for the hairdressing industry. One of the most glamorous nights in the hairdressing calendar, every year Most Wanted brings together industry icons, superstars, and tastemakers to celebrate the most exciting, progressive, and game-changing hair talents in the UK and Ireland.

Hairdressing legend Lee Stafford – whose eponymous bright pink product line is sold in Boots – has spent the past few years trying to fix a persistent problem – hairdressing college graduates are rarely salon-ready.

It’s his ‘Omelette Analogy’: if hair was cookery, then students are being taught hundreds of different ways to make a not very good omelette – and the answer is to have one Michelin Star way to do it.

So, he created The Big 10, a kitemark for hair that trainers from his non-profit foundation take to colleges nationwide. Lee and his team won the prestigious Most Wanted trophy, a prize from category sponsor Colourstart, publicity across the Creative HEAD brand for the duration of their winning year and the opportunity to appear at Creative HEAD events.

Health, Social and Childcare

The School of Health, Social and Childcare has courses designed to meet the needs of the community and prepare students for careers in this highly sought after industry. You will receive work-related training and some courses assess you in your workplace. This means that you will gain industry experience vital for progression onto higher education, as well as the recognised qualifications you need for a career in this industry.

Healthcare workers need strong communication skills and a caring nature. Nursery workers can be employed in day nurseries and children’s centres or become childminders.

Staff in the School of Health, Social and Childcare are industry experts as well as lecturers. Our supportive and caring lecturers are committed to ensuring students succeed.

Within the courses for Health, Social and Childcare, the delivery of bilingual units will be available for students.

Brecon Beacons College moves to Y Gaer

Health Social and Childcare have moved from Brecon Beacons College to Y Gaer.

Y Gaer, Brecon’s landmark museum and library, has opened its doors to prospective care workers of the future, with classes now moving into the space. All Health, Social and Childcare lessons have now been relocated from Brecon Beacons College, to Y Gaer as a way of making education more visible and accessible to the community.

With 21st-century learning spaces, students of all ages have already been enjoying the boosts to learning opportunities awarded by a new facility, such as reading groups for local nurseries in the library area. Included in the new facilities for the learners are children’s reading areas, interactive

whiteboards, and open-plan classrooms featuring beautiful views and plenty of natural light.

Kelly Sherwood, Head of Health, Social and Childcare at NPTC Group of Colleges, is happy learners are starting afresh in Y Gaer, commenting: “We are delighted as a department to offer students the opportunity to study at this amazing new venue. We are hoping to engage with the town and local employers to enhance the experience for all.”

Councillor David Selby, Portfolio Holder for a More Prosperous Powys, commented: “Powys County Council welcomes Brecon Beacons College into Y Gaer. Courses on health, social and childcare are particularly welcomed, and we plan to explore further how we can work collaboratively for the benefit of Brecon and the surrounding communities. We are excited to see the college run café in operation, providing an additional attraction to all visitors to Y Gaer.”

What will I do?

All students complete a related work-based placement, with a focus on employability skills and improving numeracy and literacy. Students are also encouraged to complete a Welsh language communication course and enhance their interpersonal skills through group activities and fundraising events. All students undertake charity and fundraising work throughout the year for local and national charities.

Career opportunities

Our courses can lead to a career as a teacher, teaching assistant, childcare practitioner, speech and language therapist, nurse, paramedic and social work. Many progress onto the Health, Social and Childcare degree programmes at the College before entering employment.

Y Gaer

Courses

Average annual earnings

Children, Adult, Mental Health

Nursing

£25k - £48k

Social Work £23k - £47k

Speech and Language £24k - £49k

Occupational Therapy

£21k - £41k

“College introduced me to a lot subjects that really interested me, boosted my confidence and helped with my team work.’’ Ffion Jones.

Student Success

My name is Harry Rush, and I am a former student of Brecon Beacons College. I studied Health and Social Care Levels 2 and 3 for nearly three years.

Unfortunately for me, I did not pass my English and Maths GCSEs at school so I couldn’t go straight onto Level 3. I had to start at Level 2.

However, even if I passed them, I still would have started at Level 2 as it gave me the chance to learn the basics.

When I started Level 2, I had three tutors. They all had their own way of teaching which helped me find my best way of learning. I found out very quickly this was visual and practical. During my placement I went to a residential home for four days. The luckiest thing happened to me at the end of those four days: I was offered a job! That was in February 2020, and I am still there now.

I passed all my exams and completed Level 2 in August 2020 and started the Level 3 course in September that year.

This was very different to Level 2. It was a lot harder but very rewarding for my self-development. The whole of Level 3 year 1 was online due to the pandemic which I found very difficult, but I knew I had to do it to go where I wanted to. When I started Level 3, my mindset on what I wanted to do flipped. I realised I was a lot happier interacting with and looking after people, so I decided to pursue adult nursing with the aim of eventually becoming an operating theatre nurse. To do this, I knew I had to put everything into my studies to work towards my university application.

About a month before I was going back to do Level 3 year 2, an advert came in the post for an Open University Nursing course and Healthcare Support Worker job. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to apply. I went through all these forms and checks, whilst I was still in my last year of college and working. One of

my tutors helped me prepare by giving me a practice interview. I had a phone call three days after the interview and was told they were offering me a place.

None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the Health and Social Care courses at the College, and my amazingly supportive tutors who I cannot thank enough. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them teaching me and making me thoroughly enjoy the subject. Most of all they helped me to believe in myself.

What this journey has taught me is no matter how many ups and downs you have in your life, if you want something strongly enough and believe in yourself you can achieve nearly everything you want in life. It has also taught me that opportunities can arise from anywhere and not to count them out until you have given it your all. There is no doubt in my mind that studying Health and Social Care is the best decision I’ve made in my life so far and I highly recommend the course to anyone who aspires to work in a healthcare setting.

Thank you all so much for what you have done for me!

Congratulations to Newtown College student Lily Owen for winning the Montgomeryshire Society Prize for Further Education 2023.

The Montgomeryshire Society is a charitable organisation based in London whose members have a continued interest in the Montgomeryshire County of Wales. The organisation has long supported and encouraged students at the College by providing an opportunity to be selected for their Further Education prize.

Lily Owen is currently studying Level 3 Diploma in Childcare. She has used her own experiences of dyslexia to plan bespoke learning experiences to support individual learning needs for children. Lily has developed an interest in the topic of schemas for supporting children’s learning and strives to promote children’s choices.

Harry Rush

Lily Owen

Performing arts

The School of Creative, Visual and Performing Arts offers full-time courses in Art and Design, Media Production and Performing Arts based at Newtown College.

Classes are taught in a creative environment and using cutting-edge industry standard equipment within purposebuilt specialist facilities, including Hafren Theatre.

Extensive one-to-one support is provided with applications for conservatoires and top dance and performing arts universities and we ensure that all our students are ‘audition ready’. Our students do progress and importantly they are really employable – we aim to help them be career ready!

Average annual earnings

Art Director £23k - £59k

What will I do?

Our courses provide exciting and challenging opportunities through specialist training in dance, drama, singing and musical theatre. You will be given the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of performance activities as part of the College's theatre, dance and music companies making use of our professional studios and fully equipped Hafren Theatre.

Career opportunities

q Actor q Arts administrator q Choreographer

q Dancer q Musical theatre performer

q Pilates/Yoga instructor q Screenwriter

q Teacher q Theatre director.

Product Designer £19k - £46k

Actor, Presenter, Entertainer £24k - £66k

Although, according to Forbes magazine, George Clooney made $239 million in 2018 – Emsi

Courses

Student Success

Performing Arts student Joe Jones from Newtown College developed his musical talents over lockdown and has launched his very own album.

Joe was introduced to music at a young age by his father, who is also a musician. However, it wasn’t until his teens that he took more interest in playing. He began to enjoy music more, and with internet tips and tutorials, it gave him the freedom to become creative and develop his own style.

During lockdown, Joe found more time to be reflective both in his music and what was happening in the world around him. The album ‘We Were Just There’ was recorded at home using just his PC, digital audio workstation, guitar and piano.

Lecturer Elizabeth Hebden said: “We are all so impressed with Joe’s talents and proud of his dedication to exploring this medium, adding another string to his bow as an artist."

Why Nye gets all the Backstage Passes

Performing Arts student Nye Parton has been building up his experience as a stagehand whilst working alongside his studies at Newtown College in the creative arts industry and production.

Nye, who is a second-year student, has been working with a stage crew to build the infrastructure for big events such as the Reading Festival as well as rigging, staging, music and lighting for high profile artists such as Elton John, Diana Ross, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams, George Ezra, Maddison Beer and many others.

Nye explained some of the tasks his crew were involved in with the set-up preparation to a show. The list includes loading and unloading staging, rigging, scenery and equipment and arranging a set, props and equipment between sets. They also have to transport sets safely to locations, helping departments set up sound, lighting, special effects, and props and hanging backing materials.

He went on to say: “It can involve heavy lifting, climbing ladders and working on high walkways. It's hard work but it’s been rewarding. Meeting artists and seeing the performances all come together. I’ve built up lots of useful knowledge and I’m known to never be without my gaffer tape. A lot is common sense when it comes to safety and a good ability to work in a team within a team.”

“I have secured a place on the Foundation Certificate course at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts LIPA. I feel that Newtown College has taught me how to channel my creativity. I’ve been surrounded by eager, creative and supportive individuals. Over these last two years I have had the BEST tutors who have been so dedicated and hard-working. Without them, I wouldn’t be taking this next step in my life”. Josh Owen.

Nye Parton

Plumbing and Electrical installation

Building the future

A new suite of qualifications has been introduced across Wales that have been developed with employers to better meet the skills needs of the built environment sector in Wales.

There is an increased focus on new and traditional techniques, on knowledge of the industry as a whole and on the generic skills needed to progress into work from education.

The Foundation Qualification for Building Engineering Services is a new qualification where you study two trade experiences:

q Plumbing and domestic heating

q Electro technical systems and equipment (electrical installation).

The building engineering services industry has around three million workers in the UK, making it one of the country’s biggest employers. The industry requires a large number of newly trained operatives each year in order to keep up with demand. Jobs are available across all areas and with salaries rising at the moment, there has never been a better time to join this rewarding industry.

Training takes place in spacious and well-equipped workshops where students have the chance to develop knowledge and skills which will equip them for a successful career in the construction industry.

What will I do?

Tuition is carried out by industrially experienced and qualified staff who focus on developing students' skills. Whilst you will initially study for both electrical and plumbing trades, you will later choose one pathway.

You will cover practical craft skills, job knowledge and advanced trade techniques in plumbing and electrical installation. You will also learn the interpretation of construction drawings and the calculation of materials and costings. Students are also encouraged to participate in skills competitions as a means of enhancing their practical ability and developing higher level skills.

Assessment

To achieve this qualification, students will complete a range of internally and externally set projects, guided discussions and multichoice tests.

‘‘The past year has been one of our best for high results in exams.” Lecturer, James Seddon “The College has amazing staff, amazing people. I love it. It’s never too late to change career or learn something new.” Monika Dent

Progression

You may progress to a second year full-time programme in your chosen trade area or secure an apprenticeship as a plumber or electrician and further your studies with us along one specific pathway.

Courses

Who is the qualification for?

It is suitable for:

Learners aged 16+ currently working in or intending to work in the construction and building engineering services sectors.

Average annual earnings

Plumber £19k - £37k Electrician £16k - £38k

Solar Panel Installer £25k - £30k Gas Engineer £40k - £50k

Be practcal... with a career in plumbing, electrical and solar energy

Professional Cookery, Culinary arts, Hospitality and restaurant

Are you interested in working on board cruise ships, super yachts, international hotels or Michelin star restaurants? Or you may just want to set up your own hospitality business. These are just some of the opportunities offered to you in the hospitality industry.

The hospitality and culinary arts industry is one of the largest industries in the UK, with a wealth of job opportunities available at home and abroad. Career paths include chefs, food and drink service, hotel management, events management, restaurant management, bakers and patisserie chefs, contract catering, product development, and food manufacturing.

The College runs a busy training restaurant offering the highest level of service to the public: Themes. It provides table theatre, silver service and a roast of the day, carved at the table from our silver trolley. All our outlets serve a range of locally-sourced produce including beef and lamb reared on the College farm and vegetables and herbs cultivated by the horticulture department.

What will I do?

You will develop practical skills from working within the professional kitchens as well as opportunities for real life work experience at local functions and national events. You will learn from established and experienced staff who are qualified in all aspects of the hospitality and catering industry.

Career opportunities

If you’re looking for a ‘hands-on’ career with excellent employment opportunities with currently a high demand for jobs within the industry, then hospitality is definitely a career for you.

We have strong links with local and international employers, and there are many opportunities for students to undertake part-time employment alongside their studies.

The College has a reputation for producing highly experienced and qualified students who repeatedly gain recognition at culinary competitions across the UK. Many students have gone on to positions all over the world as well as some holding senior positions in local establishments.

“I have found the facilities and dedication of the staff incredible.” Harry Reeves

Courses

Average annual earnings

Commis Chef £12k - £16k

Sous Chef up to £30k

Head Chef £25k - £55k

Baker £14k - £23k (£37k in London)

Event Manager £33k - £40k+

Fine Dining Restaurant Manager £22k - £40k

Public Services

The uniformed public services sector is made up of many professions that protect and serve the population around the world. From rescuing climbers as part of the mountain rescue team, being deployed in the army as a medic or attending a crash site as a paramedic, police officer or fireman on the motorway, the professions are highly trained and ready for active service in many types of emergencies.

Many of the public services lecturers have been in active duty across the uniformed public services, using their expert knowledge and experience to engage students and make them aware of available opportunities.

The department runs educational visits across the country to highlight the breadth of possible careers available in uniformed public services, providing students with our ethos of ‘more than just an education’.

What will I do?

Study full-time at the various campuses, completing your main course including many interactive and practical assessments, plus engaging with the many activities on offer across the campuses.

Brecon Beacons College

Brecon Beacons College is situated in the heart of Brecon Beacons National Park, an incredible environment for students to engage in a wide range of public services activities alongside their Public Services course. Educational visits and trips are run to utilise the natural beauty of the area, from leadership sessions, team building and outdoor education tasks. Visits to local emergency services are arranged to strengthen the knowledge of the learners and develop much needed skills in readiness for their future careers.

At our Brecon Beacons College, some modules of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services can be taught through the medium of the Welsh language and students will be able to complete their assessments bilingually where possible.

Newtown College

At Newtown College, the students can study from the Level 1 combined course up to a Level 3 Uniformed Public Services course, which includes the Advanced Level in Welsh Baccalaureate. Students are engaged and stimulated with a range of teaching methods, and like in Brecon, can utilise the surrounding countryside for their many expeditions and local emergency services visits and experiences. Staff nurture their development and many students progress to HE courses or suitable UPS careers.

Career opportunities

q Army q Coastguard

q Emergency services q Fire service

q Navy q Paramedic

q Police officer q RAF

Average annual earnings

Army Officer £20k

Firefighter £21k - £36k

Paramedic £36k

Police Officer £25k

(Starting salary)

Joining Forces with Police and Crime Commissioner

Newtown College recently welcomed the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, Dafydd Llywelyn. The Police and Crime Commissioner joined colleagues from the Road Policing Unit and provided a question and answer session with the Sports and Public Services students. He then visited students from the Gateway to Further Education department and saw the work that they had recently been doing in conjunction with local Police Constable Jennings. They created a thoughtprovoking display to campaign against hate crimes. The group also worked with colleagues in the College’s Media department to create a short film to raise awareness of

Courses

issues relating to hate crime. The Commissioner spoke highly of their good work, reinforcing the messages and the value of the campaign.

The Commissioner then visited The Hafren Theatre, which is based in Newtown College. He saw first-hand the use of the facilities which were occupied that day by the Welsh Blood Service, highlighting the versatile role the theatre space plays. Sara Clutton, Theatre Manager, also took the Commissioner on a tour of the venue showing him the stage area and a trip not for the faint-hearted to the top of the fly tower.

Some modules can be taught through the medium of Welsh and students will be able to complete assessments bilingually when possible.

Be courageous... with a career in the police force, fire service and armed forces

Sport

The sport, coaching and fitness industry is a fast-paced, dynamic and thriving area with an ever-increasing demand for qualified, motivated and professional staff.

The College has a long-standing reputation for sporting success, with many former students gaining international honours in a wide variety of sports, including Duncan Jones, Adam Beard, Daniel James and Chelsea Lewis.

We are proud of our excellent results, on and off the sports field, and the high-quality teaching that fuels our success. Coupled with excellent pastoral care, the College’s sports department epitomises our strapline of ‘more than just an education’.

Many of the sports staff have experience in playing and coaching top-level sports which is invaluable in developing students’ sporting abilities.

What will I do?

You can develop a wide variety of personal and vocational skills that will ensure you are able to progress towards pathways in either employment or a suitable university course.

Brecon Beacons College

The Sports Academy at Brecon Beacons College uses the facilities of Brecon Leisure Centre which include an athletics track, astroturf pitch, sports hall, tennis and netball courts and a swimming pool. On site, the Sports Academy has its own training pitch and strength and conditioning centre, which has benefitted the development of many athletes over the years, like Dan Lydiate.

The surrounding countryside of the Brecon Beacons also boasts many outdoor adventure activities such as mountain walking, canoeing and mountain biking; all students can collectively engage in various activities either as part of their

course, through the enrichment programme or the newly established Duke of Edinburgh Award qualification. Lecturers are community coaches and athletes, including Rhian Davies, hockey player for Welsh Masters, and professional rugby player, Chay Billen.

Some modules of the Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development and WBQ can be taught through the medium of the Welsh language and students will be able to complete their assessments bilingually where possible.

Newtown College

The Newtown College Football Academy train and play home matches at the new 3G pitch at Latham Park. We also use the facilities at Maldwyn Leisure Centre which include the sports hall, astroturf pitch, fitness studio and fitness suite.

q You will benefit from staff dedicated to the sporting profession. Gareth Watkins is an active football coach within the community and Andrew Davies is a current GB athlete for Wales.

q Our partnerships with local business and sports clubs provide opportunities that match your course to future careers, whether local or further afield.

Career opportunities

The wide range of courses we offer could lead to many careers including a sports coach, PE teacher, disability sports officer, sports therapist, sports analyst, sports nutritionist, gym instructor or sports development officer.

Academic progression includes higher education at the College or another institution. Some elite sportspeople can gain scholarships to study abroad, e.g. golf in America.

Sport Science

If you work in high-profile sport science, your salary can exceed £60,000 and may reach up to £100,000* 5x30 Officer £20k Physiotherapist £24-£43k

NEWTOWN AFC

FREE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NPTC GROUP OF COLLEGES

A new Newtown AFC Scholarship programme for talented 16-18-year-old football players. The free programme, in partnership with Newtown College, will provide players with an opportunity to an NCFE sports science programme which is equivalent of 3 A Levels (or an alternative course of the player's choice) and train full-time at the football club. The team will also play in the English Colleges Football League. Our academy is thriving at the moment and the new scholarship programme will add another vital layer to our development pathway.

All players will need an appropriate level of GCSE's to suit the course and will partake in a trial before the course start date.

To register your interest in the programme and to find our more information please email: scholarship@newtownafc.co.uk

Student Success

Sport students Laura Shinton and Jennifer Jarvie received the highest grade that can be achieved: a triple D* in BTEC Level 3 Sport, Coaching and Development. The result is equivalent to 3 A* qualifications and means they have a total of 168 UCAS points.

Courses

Laura, a devoted swimmer who has ranked top ten for the 50-metre in breaststroke at the nationals and top 15 in the 100-metre breaststroke in Wales, said: “I’m really pleased with my results which means I can go on to Solent University Southampton to study Health."

Student Success

Courtney Ashworth achieved Triple Distinction Stars (D*D*D*) and is going to study Sports Injuries Rehabilitation at Wrexham University.

Owen Brunt accomplished Triple Distinction Stars (D*D*D*). Owen said: "I worked really hard for the grades I came out with and am pleased with my place at Cardiff Met to do Sports Performance Analysis."

Elis Tudor achieved a Triple Distinction Star (D*D*D*). Elis has received a scholarship as a result of her grades and is going to Aberystwyth University to study Primary Education leading to QTS.

Iwan Evans is leaving the Welsh team to join the Netherlands cycling team.

Prys Eckley and Conor Drain are receiving grants.

Iwan Evans and Caine Ballentine Price are completing WBQ at Ysgol Y Bannau.

Jack Jones is finishing off with Distinctions in most units but also achieving two silver medals at the recent Welsh Karate Championships. One is in individual youth kumite and the other is in the men’s kumite team.

He also competed for Wales this year in Serbia. Jack is an outstanding sports ambassador to the College, having received a scholarship in his first year for his excellence and has gone on to lead activities in the sport and public service industry. He is a true role model within the community!

Well done to NPTC Group of Colleges' cross country team, Finley Hines, Sam Lennox, Tom Callard, James Fishlock (pictured) and Evan Price-Davies for winning the Welsh Inter Schools Team event at Brecon.

At the Red Kite Challenge at Devils Bridge, Evan Price-Davies finished in fourth place after being 10 seconds in the lead and still managed to grab an under 20 Gold in the Welsh Championships. Well done.

“If you want to break away and do something different, College is great. I left school and came to do sport here at Newtown College and it’s been fabulous. The support I’ve had from the lecturers has been invaluable, like Andy Davies who’s a GB athlete, and Gareth who also coaches. They have given me loads of guidance on becoming a coach.” Jennifer Jarvie.

Be energetc... with a career in sport, coaching and fitness

College Life Create Your Own Experience

Student Support

Every student at NPTC Group of Colleges is important to us and we go the extra mile to ensure that the time you spend at College supports your individual needs.

We offer a range of support services that include:

q Admissions

q Careers

q Equality and diversity

q Student finance

q Professional counselling and wellbeing

q Safeguarding

q Specialist support for looked after children

q Study support for students with additional learning needs and/or disabilities.

If you feel you may benefit from additional support when you come to College, please tell us about this on your application form.

For more information, please email our Student Support team on: studentsupport@nptcgroup.ac.uk

College Fees, Costs and Funding

Tuition costs

The College does not charge tuition fees for full-time courses but all students are required to pay a nonrefundable administration fee upon enrolment.

Additional costs

There may be additional course costs for specialist equipment, clothing and travel. Students who attend structured work experience as part of their course may need a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Those who do will be expected to cover this cost.

Financial help

There are a range of options available to make student life a little easier on your pocket. These include:

q Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

q Welsh Government Learning Grant

q Financial Contingency Fund.

For more information, please email: studentsupport@nptcgroup.ac.uk

NPTC Group of Colleges’ students’ Union

The Students' Union is run by the students, for the students. Their role is to make sure that student voices are heard at senior management level, listening to students from across the Colleges, holding events and campaigns all year round, helping you meet new people, and creating an inclusive and friendly student community. For more information, contact student-union@nptcgroup.ac.uk.

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Serious About Sport

If you’re serious about sport, as part of the Sports Academy you will benefit from:

q a structured training programme that is overseen by experienced coaches; personal performance monitored regularly by our team

q training sessions and lectures are planned to avoid unnecessary clashes

q the chance to compete in the successful NPTC Group of Colleges’ sporting teams

q being part of national coaching schemes for your chosen sport.

If you compete regularly in a sport for club, county or national teams and are interested in joining our Sport Academies, check out: www.nptcgroup.ac.uk

RUGBY

q Welsh Schools’ Cup Winners (8 times)

q Welsh College Cup Winners (19 times)

q British Colleges’ Cup Winners

q Rosslyn Park 7s’ Winners

q College Super 15s’ Winners

International Students

q Ashley Beck q Justin Tipuric q Dan Lydiate

q Adam Beard q James Hook q Lloyd Peers

q James King q Eli Walker q Dan Baker

q Dafydd Howells q Adam Jones q Duncan Jones

q Darren Morris q Spencer John q Paul James

q Leigh Davies q Arwel Thomas q Gwyn Jones

q Craig Mitchell q Kerin Lake q Kiera Bevan

q Gwen Crabb q Kelsey Jones q Lowri Norkett

NETBALL

q Welsh Colleges’ League Champions

q Finalists at the British Knock-out Cup

International Students

q Helen Jones q Amanda Cooper

q Chelsea Lewis q Nicola James

FOOTBALL

q Welsh League Champions q Welsh 5-a-side Champions

q Welsh 5-a-side Runner-up

International Students

q Daniel James q Ben Davies q Joe Allen

q Connor Roberts q Joe Rodon q Ben Cabango

OLYMPICS

q Dan Jervis (Swimming)

PARALYMPICS

q Rob Davies (Table Tennis)

DANIEL JERVIS

From NPTC Group of Colleges to the Olympic Games

NPTC Group of Colleges alumnus Daniel Jervis reached an Olympic final at his maiden Games in Tokyo. The 27-year-old swimmer from Resolven finished fifth in the final of the 1500-meter freestyle at the delayed Summer 2021 games in Japan.

Jervis, who left NPTC Group of Colleges in 2014 after completing a Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating, took up swimming to keep his grandfather company after he suffered a heart attack. Daniel joined him in the pool and hasn’t looked back since.

Jervis is no stranger to competing at the highest level of swimming. He competed at his first Commonwealth Games in 2014 within a week of graduating from NPTC Group of Colleges.

Daniel finished 3rd in the 1500-meter freestyle at the Glasgow Games in 2014. He then went one better at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia winning a silver medal again in the 1500-meter freestyle. At the same games, he narrowly missed out on a second medal, finishing a close 4th in the 400-meter freestyle. Daniel also has experience of competing at World and European Championships on several occasions since leaving college.

After only just missing out on competing at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Daniel finally got the chance to make his dream of competing at the 2021 Olympics a reality.

Jervis, when interviewed by the BBC after his final, said: “Yes, I’m part of Team GB and I’m British but I’m a Welshman. I’m very proud to represent Wales in there,” referring to the pool behind him.

He then went on to say that he had hoped to break the British record in the final of the 1500-meter, but it wasn’t to be on the night. Jervis added that he aims to break the British record that is currently held by fellow Welshman David Davies.

DAN LYDIATE

Ospreys, Wales, British & Irish Lions

Sports Alumni Dan Lydiate is a former Coleg Powys BTEC Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science student. A local farmer’s son from Abbey Cwm Hir, Llandrindod Wells, he went on to study a Foundation Degree in Strength and Conditioning at Brecon Beacons College.

A talented flanker, he then moved on to a professional rugby career signing up for the Newport Dragons where, in his first year, he was capped with Wales Under 20s.

Dan was named in the Wales National squad for the November 2009 international series.

He made his first test match start as flanker on 28 November 2009, after which he was named in the Wales squad for the 2010 Six Nations Championship.

He played every match of Wales’ 2011 Six Nations Championship campaign as well as all four warm-up matches. In August 2011, he was named in the Wales squad for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. He also later made up the squad of the 2015 World Cup in England.

He played in Wales’ opening two games against South Africa and Samoa, as well as playing a key role in Wales’ quarter-final win over Ireland.

In the 2012 Six Nations Championship, he received the Player of the Tournament award after featuring in every game bar the opener against Ireland and receiving Man of the Match awards. It was in this very year that he was also nominated for the Welsh Sports Personality of the Year award.

In April 2013, he was named in the squad for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.

He left Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of the 2012/13 season to join the club Racing Métro 92 before becoming an Osprey in 2014, whose training ground is, in fact, the Colleges’ Llandarcy Academy of Sport,

Talking about his time at the College, Dan said:

“Without the College’s strength and conditioning programme, I would not have been able to achieve these levels. It was the difference, and is as good as any system in professional rugby.’’

Daniel Jervis

Dan Lydiate

Enterprise Bureau

Supporting

Employment Bureau

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Employer in Residence at the CWTCH!

Business and Applied Law students with Brecon Beacons College have taken part in a day of mock job interviews, with help from Brecon-based fly fishing company, Airflo Fishing. The ‘Employer in Residence’ day was organised by Centerprise, the College’s Enterprise and Employability department.

Sherrie Woolfe is the Senior Director of Finance and HR at AirFlo Fishing and delivered the mock interviews and a presentation throughout the day. Sherrie gave insight into the background of both the business and her own career, including how their work is part of a global company with a base in the United States.

Cara Mead, the College’s Senior Officer for Enterprise and Employability, said: “We are proud to be the first college in Wales to offer an Employer in Residence

Programme, which allows employers to engage and support students whilst they are still in education. We believe this will help equip our students for their future careers, and also open their eyes to the meaningful opportunities available in Powys, raising aspiration to pursue their own careers locally.”

#CaruCymraeg #LoveWelsh Welsh at the College

Welsh language and culture is an important part of the ethos of NPTC Group of Colleges. The College is aware of how being bilingual can benefit you in education, the workplace and in everyday life. Provision is expanding across many of our subject areas, giving you the opportunity and choice to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually in the classroom or on your work placement.

We are here to support you should you wish to have a Welsh speaking personal tutor, study in Welsh, complete your assignments in Welsh, sit your exams in Welsh or receive your course materials and resources in Welsh whilst studying with us at the College... the choice is yours. We will also encourage you as a non-Welsh speaker or Welsh learner to develop your Welsh language skills, giving you better employment opportunities in the future.

If you don’t wish to study through the medium of Welsh but want to maintain your Welsh language skills, don’t worry; we have lots of fun activities throughout the year that will give you the opportunity to use your Welsh whatever your language level... Don’t be shy – siarad Cymraeg!

This symbol on course pages indicates that some courses, modules or aspects of courses can be undertaken through the medium of Welsh.

For more information, contact: cymraeg@nptcgroup.ac.uk

NPTCRateGroup of Colleges

Join us and study degrees and university courses on your doorstep at Newtown College and Brecon Beacons College

We are:

 Local  Affordable  Flexible  Supportive  Forward Thinking

NPTC Group of Colleges is pleased to have developed a number of wide-ranging degree programmes in partnership with a range of prestigious higher education institutions.

All our higher education courses have been designed with your employment and future careers in mind and we strive to give our graduates the best experience and knowledge to equip them for the working world.

We have courses that cover many subjects, some of which are full-time and some are part-time.

We offer courses, at all levels, across a range of subjects, including:

 Business and Management

 Care & Wellbeing

 Childcare

 Computing

 Construction

 Engineering

 Hospitality

 Music

 Public Services

 Sport

 Substance Misuse

 Teaching

 Travel, Tourism and Events

For more detailed information on our courses, please visit our website: www.nptcgroup.ac.uk

#CHOIC E Fest Open E v enings

M Brecon Beacons College

22 November 2023

16 January 2024

19 March 2024

19 June 2024

M Newtown College

23 November 2023

17 January 2024

20 March 2024

22 May 2024 (Higher Education and PGCE)

20 June 2024

M Y Gaer (Part of Brecon Beacons College Health, Social & Childcare only)

22 November 2023

16 January 2024

19 March 2024

19 June 2024

Chwilio NPTC Group