Students enjoy Simon Weston Visit

Simon Weston OBE a veteran of the British Army visited the college Tuesday 10th March 2015 to talk to students about his journey since suffering severe burn injuries the Falklands War.

His message was to take advantage of all opportunities in life, invest in your future now and be the best you can be.  He also said the world did not owe you a living and nobody owed you anything it was up to you to take responsibility for making the most of your life. He said the only person who can put you down is yourself and do not allow others to do this to you.  He said believe in yourself because if you don’t then nobody else will.

The story of how he faced up to his injuries where he suffered 46% burns to his face and body and as he said came to terms with the loss of the Simon Weston pre-the incident in 1982 where the troop carrier the Sir Galahad was destroyed at Bluff Cove in the Falklands War - to the Simon Weston he is today was absolutely amazing.  He was genuinely a motivational and inspirational speaker and his lovely welsh lilt along with his brilliant sense of humour and his truly remarkable story meant the hour passed all too quickly.

Stafford bricklayer Gareth Smith laying foundations for future

Article first published in The Staffordshire Newsletter.

A BRICKLAYER from Staffordshire is building towards his future career thanks to an award winning apprenticeship scheme run by Barratt Homes.
Gareth Smith, 18, is studying for a Level Two NVQ Diploma in Bricklaying at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.
As part of the Barratt Trade Apprentice Programme he spends one day a week at  NULC, with the rest of his week on site, gaining hands-on experience while laying the foundations for his future career in construction.
During the course of his apprenticeship Gareth will have the chance to work on a number of sites, and he is currently based at Yarnfield Park near Stone.
He said: "I chose the Barratt apprenticeship scheme because it has a good reputation and it's going really well.
"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at school but I knew that it wasn't for me so I decided to try bricklaying and I'm very pleased I made that decision.
"I like working with others and being on site to actually do the job because it's given me experience of doing all sorts of tasks."
Barratt Developments PLC, parent company to Barratt Homes, has a record of recruiting young people to the business and was recently named as the Macro Employer of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014.
Adrian Farr, from Barratt West Midlands, said: "We are delighted to have such a strong and dedicated group of apprentices working across our sites.
"They provide a fantastic contribution while learning and gaining valuable experience every day.
"We are extremely proud of our apprenticeship programme and I would encourage anyone who will soon be leaving school and is wondering what to do next, to think seriously about taking up an apprenticeship."
To find out more about the Barratt apprenticeship scheme visit www.barrattfuturetalent.co.uk or check out apprentice vacancies through NULC.

Students visit Crown Paint Factory

On Monday 3^rd November, a group of P&D students made up of three work based learners and three Level 1 learners from Painting & Decorating visited Crown Paints Factory at Darwen Lancashire.

The students met Paul Marsden, a technical consultant, on arrival who met the group and outlined the agenda for the day. The group were taken into the “Learning Academy” and given a tour showing the history of Crown Paints as well as being shown old decorating products used in the past.

Students continued their tour in the Technical Department where they looked at the work of paint chemists and how paints are tested before they are released and given a demonstration on the process. They viewed how Crown paints were canned and prepped, leading the group to view the Crown warehouse where the paints are stored ready for delivery.

The final part of the day saw the students take on a quiz about what they had discovered . Spot prizes were given from baseball caps to t-shirts. The winner of the quiz overall won a pack of Purdy brushes.

The learners had this to say about their experience of visiting the Crown Factory:

“Great experience and great freebies”

“Enjoyed walking around the actual factory and found the experience really interesting”

“All of the tour was great fun”

“Enjoyed the day, would definitely go again, very interesting. Loved the hat I won too”

Mark Turner, tutor at Newcastle-under-Lyme College said: “Crown made us feel welcome, they made the day interesting for both students and staff by combining humour with technical expertise. Students were encouraged throughout the day to answer questions to aid their learning experience and the quiz at the end provided some great competitive spirit between both groups. All students were a credit to the College and we hope to return in the future with more.”

Thistley Hough Academy welcomes construction roadshow

On Wednesday 7 May 2014, Newcastle-under-Lyme College Construction staff took to the streets to promote Painting & Decorating, Joinery and Bricklaying courses. 

The Roadshow at Thistley Hough Academy in Penkhull was aimed at raising awareness for the skilled trades. The Painting and Decorating department ran interactive demonstrations in the food hall where pupils got the chance to learn basic decorative effects such as creating a heartwood grain using a wooden instrument called a ‘rocker’. 

There was a lot of interest from the pupils, with Years 8,9,10 and 11 all asking the lecturers about full-time courses and discussing what jobs there are in the industry. NULC lecturers were on hand to discuss each trade and were able to pass on their advice to the enthusiastic pupils.

Amongst the many students attending Melvina Kearns, Year 8, was able to have a go at creating a heartwood grain using the wooden ‘rocker’. She commented "It was good to have a go at something different."

Thistley Hough Information Advice and Guidance (CEAIG) Manager Sue Greenhalgh was delighted with the response to the Roadshow "The demonstrations were stunning, insightful, engaging and pitched at the right

Site visit to Apedale Light Railway Centre

A group of students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) will be carrying out building surveys at Apedale Light Railway Centre.

Students studying the Level 3 BTEC in Construction are visiting the Chesterton tourist attraction on Tuesday 12 November where they will be carrying out building surveys of two of the buildings.  The practical visit will help the students to gather evidence for a Building Surveying unit they are currently studying as part of their Level 3 vocational course.

Steve Pinnell, Construction Tutor at NULC, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for our Construction students to gain practical skills on a real working site.  Here at NULC we’re keen to encourage students to gain the practical employability skills that are needed to ensure they progress in to a successful career.” 

Steve added: “During the visit students will survey the site to gather evidence on their method of construction, materials and noting of any structural defects. The data collected during the visit will be used to produce formal reports that will form part of their coursework and be marked.”

The College offers a range of full-time, part-time and Apprenticeship courses in Construction at its purpose built £5 million Skills and Technology Centre on Knutton Lane. 

Young people wanting to find out more about the courses available are invited to the College’s Open Events on Wednesday 13 November and Thursday 5 December, from 5.30pm – 8.00pm. 

Steve Pinnell and construction staff will be providing taster sessions and demonstrations in Bricklaying, Joinery and Painting and Decorating where young people and their parents can get hands on experience of the courses available at NULC.

To find out more about studying Construction at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students create educational garden for local community

A community garden designed and constructed by students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) was officially opened today.

Landscape gardening students have created a community garden at Newcastle Fire Station on Knutton Lane.  The garden was officially opened by NULC Principal Karen Dobson on Monday 1 July at 2.00pm.

Representatives from Newcastle Fire and Rescue and year 6 pupils from St Mary's Primary Schools attended the event at Newcastle Fire Station.  Following the ribbon cutting, the primary schools pupils took part in a planting workshop with Level 1 Horticulture students where they each got to take a potted plant home with them.

Nick Anderson, Lecturer in Landscape Gardening at NULC, said: “The garden will be open to the local community and provide a relaxing environment where youngsters will also be able to benefit from the educational opportunities provided through growing their own vegetables.”

The completed garden will be used as an outside space for local primary schools where children will have the opportunity to plant, watch things grow, learn about different plants and gain an interest in the attracted wildlife.

The garden includes a wildflower area and a tomato crop for the children to develop. The area is wheel chair friendly and includes a paved area for the children to use as an outdoor classroom and community learning environment.

The enterprising students wrote to local construction suppliers with a wish list including timber for raised planting beds, trellis for climbing fruit and compost bins as well as a number of other items.  Local suppliers including Emery’s Builders Merchants, S Keeling Timber, All Turf and Euroflor have all generously donated materials enabling the students to construct the community garden.

The Level 1 qualification in Landscape Gardening launched in September 2012 at the College and has gone from strength to strength with students gaining work placements at leading local visitor attractions including Biddulph Grange Gardens and the Dorothy Clive Gardens.

Nick added: “The vocational qualification in Landscape Gardening complements the College’s existing construction provision and allows learners of all ages to gain a recognized qualification with skills in gardening, landscaping and issues effecting the environment.”

To find out more about studying Landscape Gardening visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students landscape town centre flower bed

Landscape Gardening students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are transforming a large flower bed within Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.

The flower bed, which is situated on Pepper Street next to the Roebuck Shopping Centre, will be re-designed and planted with a range of colourful summer plants by 10 students who are studying the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Landscape Gardening.

The 10 students will be split into two teams who will present their Landscape Design ideas to members of the Roebuck Shopping Centre’s Head Office.

Shaun McDonald, Landscape Gardening lecturer said: “We are so pleased to be involved in this project. It’s great to be able to contribute in improving the town centre. We are really keen to make sure the garden design matches the design of the Roebuck Shopping Centre to ensure it is in keeping with the architecture.”

NULC is one of the largest providers of 16-18 education in Staffordshire and offers every type of post-16 course, including AS/A Levels, vocational courses and Apprenticeships.

Susan McCarthy, Roebuck Shopping Centre Manager said: “I’m thrilled we are finally getting around to do something with the flower bed at the back of the Shopping Centre. It is in a bad way and we’ve been planning this transformation for months.”

The students will begin the transformation on Wednesday 8 May by clearing the space ready to begin implementing the chosen design.

For more information about our Landscape Gardening courses, call 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk or visit www.nulc.ac.uk

Students transform shopping centre garden

Students studying Landscaping Gardening at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are redesigning the Roebuck Shopping Centre's Garden  as part of their practical course.

Click here to read more and view photos on the Roebuck Shopping Centre's website.

Gardening students renovate customer garden

Six students studying the Level 1 Diploma in Landscape Gardening at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) spent half a day re-turfing a back garden for a real life customer.  The students spent half a day completing the job to a professional standard.

Nick Anderson, Lecturer in Landscape Gardening at NULC, said: "This was a great opportunity for the students to get a real hands-on experience."

To find out more about studying Landscape Gardening at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Businesses urged to donate gardening supplies

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College are calling upon the local construction industry to help them create a community garden.

Horticulture students have written to hundreds of local building suppliers, asking for donations in order to create a community garden at Newcastle Fire Station on Knutton Lane.

The students’ wish list includes timber for raised planting beds, trellis for climbing fruit and compost bins as well as a number of other items.

Nick Anderson, Lecturer in Horticulture at NULC, said: “The Horticulture students are dedicated to making the project a success, but in order to do that they need the support and donations of building supplies.  Donations no matter how big or small will be greatly received and help to provide a lasting community garden for the local children of Knutton and Newcastle-under-Lyme.”

The Horticulture students have designed the community garden and displayed their plan in the College’s Skills and Technology Centre.  The students aim to start work in April once they have managed to gather the materials needed.

The completed garden will be used as an outside space for local primary schools where children will have the opportunity to plant, watch things grow, learn about different plants and gain an interest in the attracted wildlife.

The garden will also include a wormery and a sand pit for the children to use. The area will be wheel chair friendly and include a paved area for the children to use as an outdoor classroom and community learning environment.

Nick added: “The garden will be open to the local community and provide a relaxing environment where youngsters will also be able to benefit from the educational opportunities provided through growing their own vegetables.”

The Level 1 qualification in Horticulture launched in September 2012 at the College and has gone from strength to strength with students gaining work placements at leading local visitor attractions including Biddulph Grange Gardens and the Dorothy Clive Gardens.

Nick added: “The vocational qualification in Horticulture complements the College’s existing construction provision and allows learners of all ages to gain a recognized qualification with skills in gardening, landscaping and issues effecting the environment.”

Anyone wishing to donate items for the community garden is asked to contact lecturer Nick Anderson at Newcastle-under-Lyme College on nick.anderson@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254208.

Horticulture students gain inspiration from Tatton Park

On Wednesday 5 December, students from NULC enjoyed a festive visit Tatton Park.

The BTEC Level 2 Floristry students and City and Guilds Level 2 Horticulture students, spent the day at Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire. The visit provided the students with the opportunity to  look around the extensive gardens of the estate and visit the mansion house, which was decorated using a Dickensian theme.

 
The horticultural students experienced winter planting themes, while the floristry students gained inspiration for large event floral decorations.

To find out more about studying Horticulture at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

New course helps students to grow community garden

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have joined forces with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for a new community project.

Newcastle Community Fire Station has invited students from the College’s new Horticulture course to create a community garden at their new station opposite the College on Knutton Road.

The green fingered students will be putting their skills to use by creating a community garden using hard landscaping such as decking and paving as well as soft landscaping including planting.

Pete Hall, Neighbourhood Co-ordinator at Newcastle Community Fire Station, said: “The new Community Fire Stations are open to the public and they are fast becoming a hub for the community. Therefore we thought it a great idea to ask students from the College to get involved and create a lasting legacy in terms of a community garden.”

Once the garden is complete, youngsters from local primary schools will be invited to maintain the garden and continue planting throughout the year.

Nick Anderson, Lecturer in Horticulture at NULC, said: “This is a going to be a fantastic opportunity at the start of the new course for students to roll up their sleeves and put their new found skills to use.”

Talking about the course Nick added: “The new Horticulture courses complement our existing construction provision and provide a route for students wishing to move into landscape construction and maintenance.  The course is available part-time and full-time, with opportunities available to both young people and adults from across the area.”

Places are still available for people to sign up for the new Horticulture course. Students signing up for the new course will also be able to make use of the new gardening facilities at its Skills and Technology Centre, which include greenhouses and space to develop hard landscaping skills.

Tutors also hope to engage with high profile local gardens and visitor attractions to offer work experience opportunities and placements for students.

To find out more about the new Horticulture courses at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/newcourses2012 or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

NULC Celebration Event 2012

NULC hosted it's first Celebration Event on Wednesday 27 June.  The event brought together a wide range of learners from across the College in order to celebrate their achievements over the past academic year. 

Awards were given in 11 different categories which recognised academic achievement, personal achievement, services to the College and the community as well as sporting success. 

Award winners from the Faculty of Technology and Enterprise

Award winners from the Faculty of Technology and Enterprise pictured with Head of Faculty Dominic Whittaker (centre). 

• Learner Endeavour: Alex Higgins – Level 2 Practical Engineering

• Services to College: Damien Coady – L2 Apprentice in Painting and Decorating

• Apprentice of the year: Adam Heath – AAT level 4 Diploma WBL

• Young Achiever: Keiran Weller – Level 3 year 2 Business

• Adult Achiever: Michael Jones – Level 4 AAT

• Work experience / placement; Ryan Leadbetter – Level 2 Diploma in Practical Engineering 

• Return to Learning: Jill Trueman – L1 Diploma in Bench Joinery

Each award winner received a unique trophy designed by a team of learners from our art and design courses and was made on College premises in the Engineering department. Award winners were joined by parents and guests to celebrate their achievements.     

To see the full gallery of images from the day visit our Facebook Page here.

College launches exciting new courses in Animal Care, Floristry and Horticulture

Students applying to study at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) from September 2012 can now choose from three brand new subject areas.

The College is launching new courses in Small Animal Care, Floristry and Horticulture to help meet local demand.

Alex Ellis, Director for Curriculum Innovation at NULC said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch this new range of courses to further enhance the range of education and training opportunities available to both young people and adults in North Staffordshire.”

Alex added: “We continually review our curriculum to ensure we’re providing courses that meet local needs and we felt that there was a gap in the market for this type of provision.

“We’re expecting the courses to prove popular and we’d encourage people to apply as soon as possible to secure their place on a course.”

NULC is the only college in North Staffordshire to provide Small Animal Care as a full-time course at Level 1 and Level 2. During the course, students will have the chance to visit a variety of organisations that specialise in caring for small animals, as well as undertaking work placements in animal care environments, such as vets’ practices and rescue centres.

Floristry has been introduced as a full-time course at Level 2 and Level 3 to meet the demand from people wishing to enter the floristry business. It will have a commercial-focus, and run alongside the College’s successful Transform Hair, Beauty and Holistic Therapy Salon and Spa. Part-time courses in Floristry will also be on offer from September 2012.

Picture of NULC Greenhouse

Other new courses include Horticulture (Landscaping and Gardening) at Level 1, which is available both full-time and part-time.

Alex added: “Horticulture complements our existing construction provision and provides a route for students wishing to move into landscape construction and maintenance.”

The College’s Horticulture students will be able to make use of the new gardening facilities at its Skills and Technology Centre, which include greenhouses and space to develop hard-landscaping skills. Tutors also hope to engage with high profile local gardens and visitor attractions to offer work experience opportunities and placements for students.

NULC is currently home to 3,500 full-time students and 1,600 adult learners. The College offers a wide range of courses including A/AS Levels, vocational courses and Apprenticeships as well as a range of courses for adults delivered within workplaces, at community venues and at the College.

It also offers an expanding range of degree-level courses including Foundation degrees and HNC/Ds from its bespoke University Centre, in partnership with Staffordshire University.

To find out more about the new courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/newcourses2012 or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Skills Squad medal success at regional competitions

Three students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are celebrating after winning medals at regional skills competitions.

The medal winners are Jennifer Hulme, aged 19 from Basford, who won Gold in Health and Social Care, Damien Coadey, aged 25 from Kidsgrove, who won Gold in Painting and Decorating and Luke Jones, aged 19 from Halmerend, who won Silver in Brickwork.

The students are all part of the NULC Skills Squad, which was launched in September 2011 to inspire vocational students to achieve national recognition amongst their peers. The Skills Squad is made up of students from Construction, Hair and Beauty and Health and Social Care who have excelled in their course and demonstrated great potential. Skills Squad students receive additional support from the College to enable them to compete at regional, national and international level.

Alex Ellis , Director of Curriculum Innovation at NULC, said: “We’re immensely proud of our students’ success in the skills competitions, especially as this is the first time we as a college have entered. It is testament to the hard work of staff and the commitment of our students, who often put in hours of extra training and practice, and I congratulate them on their achievements.”

Damien, who is studying an NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Decorative Finishing and Industrial Painting, competed against 10 other tradesmen in the South Birmingham Skillbuild on 26 April. Judges awarded him with the Gold medal and commended his attention to detail and strong technical skills. Damien will now go on to represent NULC at the Regional Finals of the Skillbuild 2012 competition and if successful will secure a place in the UK team for the World Skills Competition, due to be held in Germany in 2014.

Luke is a Brickwork Apprentice at NULC and competed in the junior category of the Nottingham Skillbuild, where he had to showcase his construction skills by building a competition model in a designated time. Luke was one of only two competitors to finish on time and was awarded with a Silver medal. Luke will now be training for the Senior Skillbuild competitions which will take place in 2013.

In 2011 the College gained high levels of achievement on vocational courses, where pass rates place the College amongst the top performing colleges in the country. 106 students achieved a triple distinction on advanced vocational courses, equivalent to three As at A Level and attracting the same number of UCAS points.

To find out more about the range of vocational courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Duke of York visit inspires students to ‘be more than they can be’

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of York to its campus.

 

 

The Duke of York visited NULC to help promote the work of colleges in providing high quality apprenticeships, work-based learning and business skills development.

After meeting local dignitaries in the College reception area, His Royal Highness was given a tour of the College by NULC Principal and Chief Executive Karen Dobson, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley.

The visit formed part of The Duke of York's work to encourage and inspire young people to develop the right skills, and to recognise and support the many apprenticeship schemes that are developing as a part of the Government's Skills and Innovation agenda.

He told students he hoped the College could help inspire them to "be more than you think you can be". The Duke of York added: "I can assure all of you young people that you have a great deal more potential than you probably realise or understand. Over the last 10 years I've been doing a huge amount for British business and I will continue to do so, because I believe in it, and I also believe you young people are the future of it."

His Royal Highness visited the College's £6 million Skills and Technology Centre and was given a tour of the mechanical engineering workshop by Paula Rowland, Curriculum Manager for Construction and Engineering.

He talked to apprentices from companies including: Michelin, Goodwins International, ABB, JCB, Ibstock Brick, EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel), Ham Baker and TT Pumps and was given a demonstration of the College's Lincoln Electric Vrtex virtual welding machine, the only one of its kind in the area.

The Duke of York then visited the construction workshops and awarded prizes to the winning team of bricklaying, joinery and painting and decorating students, who had been competing in the inaugural 'Barratt Challenge', in partnership with Britain's largest house builder Barratt Homes.

Principal Karen Dobson said: "I'm very pleased that the Duke's visit has shone a spotlight on the work that we are not necessarily well known for, in terms of our work for employers with apprenticeships and skills training."


"I am very proud of the staff that helped pulled everything together and of course all the students who have done themselves real credit."


Find out more about the wide range of courses available for students of all ages, interests and skill levels at NULC at http://www.nulc.ac.uk/, email info@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254254.

NULC students invited to RAF Cosford

Following on from a two day workshop provided by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in November, Construction and Engineering students from NULC have been invited to RAF Cosford to take part in a range of activities.

On Thursday 23 February a number of students will travel to the Shropshire Air Base where they will have the opportunity to meet Sergeant Ian Pringle, from the RAF Motivational Outreach Team who has previously visited the College to provide workshops to Construction and Engineering students. 

Whilst at RAF Cosford the students will spend the morning on the Low Ropes facility followed by lunch in the Junior Ranks Mess.  During the afternoon the students will have time to tour the RAF Museum.

The RAF has been working with students to showcase the types of careers open to them once completing their studies at NULC.

Rob Sproson, lecturer in Construction at NULC said: “The students are very excited about the visit to RAF Cosford.  They’ve been provided with a kit list and are spending time preparing for the visit.”

He continued: “The RAF and in particular Sergeant Ian Pringle have been brilliant and have dedicated valuable time and resources to the students here at NULC, the students have found the sessions they have already attended very inspirational.”

Click here to find out more about Engineering and Construction courses at NULC.

To find out more about the range of careers available in the RAF click here.

NULC students investigate health and safety on site visit

Construction students from NULC were invited for a site visit by Barratt’s.  Five students studying Level 3 in Construction and the Built Environment visited the Barratt’s construction site in Silverdale on Thursday 2 February.

Pictured NULC Construction students James Brian, Jamie Davies, Jason Harbron, Luke Hodgkiss and Dinithi Wijemanne.

The purpose of the visit was to help the students to provide evidence for their Health and Safety assignments as part of their course work.  As part of the Health and Safety assignment, students have to carry out risk assessments and investigate an accident scenario to determine what to do in the event of an accident, who it should be reported to and investigate the causes of an accident on a construction site, who was at fault and what could be done to prevent it happening again.

During the visit the students got the opportunity to carry out Risk Assessments and Accident Investigation on a real operational construction site.

 Pictured NULC Construction student Dinithi Wijemanne.

Mark Turner, Construction Team Leader said: “The visit was extremely beneficial to the students.  They were able to view real life hazards on a construction site and include this in their assignments.”

He continued: “The students were really surprised at how Health & Safety plays such a big part in the general day to day running of a construction site and the amount of working drawings that are required.”

Pictured NULC Construction students James Brian, Jamie Davies, Jason Harbron, Luke Hodgkiss and Dinithi Wijemanne.

To find out more about studying Construction at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.



Barratt's open students minds to career options

Students studying Construction and Business at NULC were invited to take part in a question and answers session with the Regional Managers of Barratt Developments PLC.

A team of seven staff from Barratt Developments PLC came to the College and chatted to students about their own career paths before students got the opportunity to ask questions about the career paths available to them.

Bernard Rooney, Regional Managing Director for Barratt Central said: “I’m delighted to bring my Regional Management team to Newcastle-under-Lyme College today.  We want to build on existing relationships that have been developed with a number of organisations.  It is great to meet and interact with the students who could potentially be our employees of the future.”

Barratt Developments PLC offers a range of career paths in areas including Construction, Design, Sales and Finance.  Students were also able to find out more about The Barratt Academy which includes an Apprentice Programme, Site Manager Programme and Technical and Commercial Programme.

Student Jess Bollington who is studying BTEC Level 3 in Business said: “I’ve come along today to find out more about career opportunities after I have finished my course.  I’m excited to find out what’s on offer from the Barratt Academy.”

Pictured: Bernard Rooney Regional Managing Director for Barratt Central and NULC student Jess Bollington.

To find out more about the range of vocational courses on offer at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students attend Designer Safety Awareness Day

Students studying the BTEC in Construction attended the Designer Safety Awareness Day at the North Staffordshire Medical Institute.

The event was organised as part of the Work Well Together campaign by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Pictured: Consturction students Luke Hodgkiss, Jamie Davies, Jason Harbron, James Brian & Dinithi Wijemanne with lecturer Mark Turner and their certificates.

Students spent the day attending presentations and gaining practical advice from industry experts including HSE, HKS Architects Ltd, Managing CDM Ltd and Laing O’Rourke.  The presentations covered a range of topics including Construction Regulations, Design, Risk Assessments, and Construction methodology.  The students also had the opportunity to review a case study on the new build of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

At the end of the day students were presented with a certificate and health and safety pack which will help them during their Construction studies.

To find out more about the range of Construction courses available at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.