College makes double appointment
Gateshead College has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of two assistant principals. Deni Chambers will lead a number of curriculum areas including digital tech, while Suzanne Slater will be the strategic lead for the delivery of apprenticeship programmes. In their new roles they will build on the college’s long track record of providing the highest quality training which gives students the skills, confidence and business acumen needed for a successful career. Deni brings experience in change management and senior leadership in the creative and digital sectors, having previously headed up the School of Creative & Digital Industries at Newcastle College. She also sits on the advisory board of the regional tech steering group, Dynamo North East, and is a governor at the Excelsior Academy in Newcastle. Meanwhile, Suzanne joins Gateshead College having worked within the education and training industry for over a decade as a regional manager for NECC Training and more recently at Northern Skills Group, the commercial training arm of Middlesbrough College. She has also worked in management roles for telecoms giant BT and recruitment firm Reed, and brings a wealth of experience in employer engagement, account management and partnership development. Suzanne said: “It’s great to be working at an organisation that puts employability at the centre of everything it does – an ethos I really buy into. At Gateshead College, students get the chance to gain valuable skills and relevant work experience throughout their course which will really benefit them and their employer when it comes to getting a job. “I’m also looking forward to working with employers to support their workforce development programmes and making sure we continue to build and develop an offer and service which meets their needs.” Deni said: “Digital tech is the fastest growing sector in our region and Gateshead itself is right at the forefront of emerging technology and innovation. “We are perfectly placed to support the region’s ambitions, addressing skills gaps and developing a curriculum that provides a steady stream of skilled and talented individuals into the sector. Gateshead College is forward-thinking and responsive and I am excited to work for an organisation that puts employers at the heart of its curriculum design.” Judith Doyle CBE, principal and chief executive of Gateshead College, said: “I’m delighted to welcome these two brilliant professionals to our senior management team. We were seeking individuals who can inspire, lead, encourage and influence and Deni and Suzanne most certainly possess these vital qualities. “I’m confident that, with them on board, we can continue to deliver programmes that ensure our students are the most highly prized in the jobs market.” To find out more about Gateshead College and the courses on offer, visit www.gateshead.ac.uk/employer
NewVIc students feel empowered by Michelle Obama and female business leaders.
Since October, NewVIc has been working with the National Literacy Trust to deliver ‘Words for Work: Women in Leadership’ – a programme which aims to engage and empower our future female leaders. Earlier this week, the programme culminated in a fantastic ‘Women in Leadership’ panel event, which was attended by over 200 female students from across East London. Students heard from inspirational female leaders and learnt about their journeys to success, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. The panellists of professionals included: Laura Bates – Everyday Sexism Project Marie Scott – CMS Law Thanyia Moore – Comedian Kavita Hansla – National Literacy Trust Elizabeth Yentumi – Ministry of Justice Emilie Marsh – Lancôme Sanisha Wynter – National Student Union Kathleen O’Malley – Network Rail Later that day, seven NewVIc students were invited to the sold out event ‘Becoming’ – An Evening with Michelle Obama’ at the Royal Festival Hall, to discuss her new memoir. Michelle chatted with author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about everything from her childhood spent in the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive, motherhood and her time as a resident in the White House. “Michelle Obama stands for race equality and gender equality. She just wants to make this world a better place and she believes in us young girls, that we have the power to make this change, and that’s why she particularly addressed us because we are the younger generation. As she says, she is laying the foundations for us to become the future leaders” “What I got from that was the feeling of empowerment and I think that’s enough for me to strive forward. I realise now that my fear of rejection and failure is something I’m emphasising too much and I shouldn’t.” “It actually made me realise that behind every woman, every leader, there is a story to tell.” NewVIc A Level students “The students were a credit to themselves and to NewVIc. The inclusive environment from the minute you walk in the door is hugely evident. They listened incredibly to the panel and asked such insightful questions. It was wonderful to see them rushing to take a copy of Michelle Obama’s autobiography at the end of the event.” Fiona Evans National Literacy Trust, Head of School Programmes The ‘Words for Work: Women in Leadership’ programme, focuses on challenging stereotypes and raising aspirations of students by developing their literacy, communication, leadership skills and preparing them for the workplace by learning how these skills can be used to overcome the barriers women face in their careers. During the first phase of the programme in October, a group of NewVIc students were invited to Lancôme for an immersion day. It was an incredible opportunity for young female students to network in the corporate world. Students saw first-hand how women are valued and developed in a hugely successful international company. “The motivational women that led the programme gave a tour of the company’s offices, encouraged the students to reflect on their own aspirations and dreams and gave them the chance to ask both pertinent and personal questions. The day gave our young female students a deeper understanding of the world of work and left them feeling that there are no limitations to what they can achieve and how high they can aim. The warm and supportive vibe also left us as female staff members full of confidence and enthusiasm to do the same.” Jodie Fink NewVIc A Level Tutor The programme has been a huge success seeing so many strong young women, from all different kinds of backgrounds, develop their literacy skills and have the courage to challenge stereotypes by aspiring to go into leadership roles. Find out more
‘The apprenticeship levy gives employers more flexibility’
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Keep calm and seek advice says leading college
With just a week to go before thousands of students across Staffordshire receive their A-level results, Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC), the highest performing further education institution in the region, is reassuring students that whatever their results, there are options and support available. Liz Wyman, Head of Learning Resources and Guidance at Newcastle-under-Lyme College said: “Understandably, students can get nervous in the run up to results day, even though the vast majority get into university, an apprenticeship or employment without a hitch. These results are the culmination of two years hard work and there is often a lot riding on the outcome. We would urge students to stay calm and seek advice if things don’t go to plan.” “As a caring college, we want to ensure that students have the best support available, whether they have out-performed expectations, undershot or are simply having doubts about the choices they have made. It is important that students, including those from other colleges, are reassured that whatever their results, there will be options available.” On Thursday 18th August, NULC will open its doors to students collecting results and will have knowledgeable staff on hand throughout the day to give advice and guidance. NULC’s support team will be joined by advisors from local universities and Entrust, who will be available to provide independent career advice. In 2015 NULC celebrated record results, with an overall A-level pass rate of 99.2%. 173 students achieved A* or A grades and 31 subjects achieved a 100% pass rate. For several consecutive years NULC has been the biggest provider of students to higher education in Staffordshire, with 860 students progressing to 91 different universities last year. For those students choosing to stay closer to home, NULC offers progression opportunities through a range of university-level programmes including Foundation Years, Foundation degrees, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Diplomas (HNDs). These courses are a perfect option for those wanting to study in a dedicated University Centre within a smaller institution that boasts first class facilities and fantastic student support. It is not too late to apply for courses starting in September; there are a range of course options available, including HNC/Ds in Business, Sport, Performing Arts, and Health and Social Care. NULC also promotes a broad apprenticeship offering with equally strong success rates, standing 11% ahead of the national average. Currently there are around 70 local apprenticeship vacancies available through ‘The Workshop’, a dedicated apprenticeship hub, housed within the main reception area at the College’s Knutton Lane campus. Giovanni Neglia, 19 from Burslem took AS levels, however, instead of going to university, he chose to step directly on the career ladder, undertaking a higher apprenticeship in business administration with Hanley Economic Building Society. He said: “University is not the only option, being an apprentice means that I’m not building debts, I’m getting my qualifications paid for and I am progressing towards university-level qualifications whilst earning and gaining experience.” Principal and Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme College, Karen Dobson said: “This is an exciting time of year as students across the country receive their all-important exam results. For many, a university place will be calling, but for an increasing number of young people apprenticeships are becoming an attractive choice. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in your chosen field, with the ability to study to degree-level, whilst earning a wage.” To find out more about apprenticeships at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/apprenticeships or contact the Work Shop on 01782 254287 or theworkshop@nulc.ac.uk