Talent Newsletter - January 2013

they go on to study at university or gainemployment in their chosen industry.

“All students who picked up their certificatesat the ceremony should be extremely proudof their achievements and I speak on behalfof everybody at Walsall College when I wishthem every success in the future.”

For the latest news and course information log on to www.walsallcollege.ac.uk

Walsall College Higher Educationstudents paraded to Walsall TownHall in their caps and gowns onFriday 30th November, for theirformal Graduation Ceremony.

During the parade, students brought Walsalltown centre to life with their achievements,led by Town Crier, Cyril Richardson, who wasshouting about their success on HigherEducation courses.

Over 650 attendees were present at theceremony, including students, family, friendsand lecturers. VIP guests invited to theceremony included Governors, the Mayorand Mayoress of Walsall and former student,Dr Geoff Archenhold who also gave aninspirational speech. Geoff has had anextremely successful career, having been anadvisor to the government and founded hisown company.

TALENT @ Walsall College January 2013 1

The high achieving students receivedcertificates for success on courses such asHigher National Diplomas (HNDs), HigherNational Certificates (HNCs) and FoundationDegrees in the College’s five key clusters:Business & Professional, Creative Industries,Digital & Technology, Health & Public Servicesand Services to People. Special awards werealso presented to students for outstandingachievement.

In the current economic climate, studyingHigher Education courses at college isincreasingly popular, giving students a morecost effective route to achieving a universitydegree. Many of the students who graduatedwill now be going on to top up to degreelevel at university or to put their skills to usein the workplace.

Walsall College Principal and Chief ExecutiveJatinder Sharma, said: “By choosing to studyHigher Education, our students haveequipped themselves with the skills,knowledge and experience to succeed, as

ISSUE No. 17Students • Parents • Partners • Stakeholders • Employers

TALENT

Students Parade toGraduation Ceremony!

DREAMACHIEVERS

Walsall College Painting andDecorating apprentice, Jamie Irwinhas successfully achieved hisApprenticeship qualification atAston Villa Football Club.

After completing a Level 2 Painting andDecorating course at Walsall College, Jamiewent on to do an Apprenticeship with AstonVilla’s facilities department, who areresponsible for maintaining Villa Park andthe Bodymoor Heath Training Ground. Histutors at the college encouraged him toapply for the role, with a team he’ssupported his whole life, after beingimpressed with his attitude and progressionon the course.

Jamie said: “After three years at college, Ifelt ready to start working but there was stillso much that I could learn to improve mylong term career prospects; so anApprenticeship seemed like the ideal routeto take.

“Doing my training at Aston Villa wasamazing as I was able learn new skillsquickly and supported by a mentor who hasover 10 years experience in painting anddecorating.

“I also became a dad last year, so anApprenticeship meant that I could earn afull-time wage to support my family whilecontinuing to work towards my dreamcareer.”

Head of Facilities at Aston Villa FootballClub, Tom Fantini said: “We took Jamie onat a grass roots level and built on the skillshe had developed at college and wereimpressed with his work ethic andcommitment to learn from his peers.”

Jamie added: “I’ve always wanted to make aliving from painting and decorating, butfollowing an Apprenticeship route hashelped me to get my dream job quicker thanI thought was possible. I love coming towork every day, and at Aston Villa I’ll alsohave the opportunity to learn other tradesand continue to develop my career.”

Apprenticeship

Helps Jamie

Land His Dream

Villa Contract

APPRENTICE Jamie brushed up his skills

HI:ED GRADUATION CEREMONY held at Walsall Town Hall

OVERALL HI:ED LEARNER OF THE YEAR 2012Viktoryia Auramenka

2 TALENT @ Walsall College January 2013

Walsall College HND Fashionstudent, Georgia Homer wasannounced as the runner up in theprestigious final of the YoungDesigner of the Year competition,held at Clothes Show Live, NECBirmingham on Tuesday 11thDecember.

Georgia was one of just ten finalists that cut,sewed and out-stitched hundreds of otherstudents to battle for the title of YoungDesigner of the Year 2012.

The competition gives fashion studentsacross the UK a chance to showcase theirdesigns live onstage at Clothes Show Live inBirmingham, with the winner also securing atrophy, £1,000 prize money, industry workexperience with a top British designer and adonation towards their college or university.

Students were asked to design to a specificbrief, create a mood board and explain therationale behind their design. Thecompetition encourages students to interpretthe brief in their own unique way, resultingin a multitude of different viewpoints.

This year’s theme ‘Fashion Wonderland’required entrants to design and produce an

innovative yet wearable dress for theirfavourite fashion industry icon that has thewow factor. The judges were impressed withGeorgia’s design, which was inspired byreality tv star, Whitney Port. Her innovativedress used a bold sunflower print with watercolour effects and based on sheer fabrics tocreate a floating shape. To add a contrastand for the ultimate wow factor, it wasembellished with studs and finished withleather straps.

Georgia said: “I really enjoyed taking part inthis competition and to come second in thecountry is an amazing feeling. Fashion is avery competitive industry so get thisexposure is fantastic. It has been a greatexperience and seeing my design on acatwalk, has given me even moreencouragement to pursue my dream ofbecoming a fashion designer.”

Curriculum Manager for Fashion at WalsallCollege, Christine Taylor said: “We areextremely proud of Georgia’s achievement inthe final. She was highly commended by thejudges on the creativity and originality of herdesign, and we also believe that she has allthe makings of a successful professionaldesigner.”

Walsall College Human Resourcesstudent, Stacey Russell has beenhonoured with the Black CountryBranch of the Chartered Institute ofPersonnel Development (CIPD) 2012Student of the Year Award.

The CIPD is the world’s largest Chartered HRdevelopment professional body. It aims to drivesustained organisation performance through HR,shaping thinking, leading practice and buildingcapability and setting the global benchmark forexcellence within the profession.

Having worked as a medical secretary at WalsallManor Hospital for six years, 26-year-old Staceydecided to enrol on a Human Resources Practicecourse to help her up-skill and progress hercareer within the NHS. Stacey said: “I am thefirst point of contact that many patients andvisitors have with the hospital, and I find myselfdealing with number of personal issues on adaily basis. I enjoy this part of my role but feltthat this was an area I could really develop myskills in with the right training.

“Returning to the classroom after a four yearbreak was a little daunting at first, especially nothaving had any previous experience of workingin a HR role but I was determined to succeedand worked hard.

“Winning this award is a fantastic achievementand has given me even more confidence tocontinue towards my goal of working in HR.”

Stacey now intends to pursue to go to universityand study for a degree in HR. Human ResourcesLecturer at Walsall, Kevin Willmore commented:“Stacey showed a great desire to learn andproduced work of a very high standard, so weare delighted her efforts have been rewarded.”

Stacey was presented with the prestigious awardat a ceremony which was held at the Holiday Innin Wolverhampton on Friday 7th December.

Stacey Named RegionalHR Student of the Year A group of Walsall College Sport

students received training recently toenable them to become volunteergolf activators for The GolfFoundation, and support the charityin its mission to encourage moreyoung people to take up the sport.

Set up in 1951, The Golf Foundation believesthat golf is a wholesome activity that enrichesthe lives of those who participate in the sport.Through its work, it aims to give all youngpeople a positive experience through themedium of golf, regardless of their backgroundor circumstances.

Regional Development Officer at The GolfFoundation, Jason Sorrell put the studentsthrough their paces by setting up a series ofstreet golf challenges in the courtyard atWisemore Campus, which involved shootingsoft golf balls through a car window, at atarget and over obstacles.

As part of their role as activators, the studentswill be tasked with visiting schools and collegesacross the borough to encourage people toattend Street Golf sessions at Walsall College.The students will also develop the activities anddeliver the sessions themselves.

Sport Lecturer, Andrew Blake said: “We’redelighted that Walsall College has been chosen

to lead on this project in the borough, whichcame about after students successfullycompleted a six-week course at CalderfieldGolf Club in Walsall.

“This is a great opportunity for the studentsinvolved to develop their golf skills and getvaluable experience in leading activities andevents. They will also be able to work towardsobtaining a Certificate in Coaching Golf, whichwill help to widen their career prospects.”

Jason Sorrell at The Golf Foundationcommented: “Once the scheme is off theground and running in Walsall, two studentswill then be selected to get involved in anational youth panel to promote golf acrossthe UK, and given training in presenting,completing risk assessments and personaldevelopment.”

Students go for Golf

DREAMACHIEVER

Over the course of 18 months, 37Automotive Engineering studentsfrom Walsall College will take on aproject of renovating a vintage fireengine from the 1950s.

Donated by leading tyre manufacturerGoodyear, the engine is one of only a fewremaining and the only one still owned by themanufacturer. To rejuvenate the engine,students will put their skills to the testworking on various parts of the vehicle tobring it back to working fashion.

The fire engine found its way back toGoodyear in Wolverhampton last year as thecompany was approached by a collector whowas looking to sell the engine. As a brandthat is proud of its heritage Goodyear felt itwas right to bring the engine back to its rootsand display it at the Bushbury Lane tyre plant.Historically, the 1950s fire engine served the

Goodyear tyre plant for over 15 years beforethe vehicle retired and was sold in 1971.

Brian explains: “We are excited to be workingwith the students on this project, seeing ageneration of eager engineers helping torestore an important part of our history isnothing short of amazing, we anticipate agreat launch and we know the achievementsof this project will be significant”.

Paul Duckhouse, Automotive Lecturer atWalsall College comments: “We are alsopleased to be working with Goodyear, as thisis a great opportunity for students to takepart in a real restoration project and developtheir skills with practical experience. Initiallythe students will complete a full mechanicaldiagnosis of the vehicle and use this to devisea project plan for the required repairs. Theyhave already expressed their excitement inbeing involved with this project and restoringthe fire engine back to use.”

Students Gear Up forRestoration Challenge

ACADEMY HEALTH CLUBOur Health Club membership includes access to a large gymnasium, cardiovascularequipment, a specialised free weight area and an aerobics studio. 01922 651157 [email protected]

JEROME’S RESTAURANT & COFFEE BARAn elegant but informal atmosphere is awaiting you at Jerome’sRestaurant & Coffee Bar, where all food is prepared and served by our talented Hospitality and Catering students. 01922 657061 [email protected]

Georgia Cuts it in

Fashion Final

GOODYEAR challenges students

SPORTS STUDENTStarget charity

ADULT LEARNER Stacey rewarded

YOUNG DESIGNER shines on catwalk

TALENT @ Walsall College January 2013 3

Olympians Geraint Thomas andSteven Burke attended the BlackCountry University Technical College’s‘Accelerate Live’ event, inspiringstudents to learn about science andengineering.

Geraint Thomas and Steven Burke, the record-breaking Team GB cyclists, were welcomed tothe Black Country UTC on Saturday 24thNovember, where students were invited to meetand greet the inspiring stars.

Over 150 students attended ‘Accelerate Live’ atthe College, the first in a run of ‘Live Series’events, which will showcase the science ofengineering through fascinating presentationsand exhibitions.

Also at the event, there was the award winning‘Pedals to Medals Interactive Experience’ whichtook visitors on a journey through the evolutionof the bicycle, from Penny Farthing to Olympic2012 mean machine.

When asked how bicycles have changed overthe years, Geraint said: “Bikes are just gettingbetter and better. Each year, changes being

made and when you look backover a long period of time, thedevelopments are remarkable. They reallyhighlight the power of engineering.”

Geraint also praised the facilities the BlackCountry UTC has to offer students, saying: “Iwish I’d had similar facilities available to mewhen I was at school.”

“We’ve been working closely with a bicycledeveloper recently and it is really interesting tolearn about the engineering behind it all.Hopefully this event will have inspired the kids.Who knows, they could be the engineers of thefuture, helping us to win even more goldmedals!”

Chris Hilton, Principal of Black Country UTCsaid: “It was a pleasure to welcome Geraint andSteven to the College.

“We hope that this event will have engaged thestudents with science and engineering.”

A group of former Access to HESocial Sciences students recentlyspent 10 action-packed days inIndia, as their prize for winning thenational Pants for Poverty fairtrade underwear designcompetition.

The students raised money from the sale ofpants during the 2012 Pantrepreneurchallenge organised by the Gazelle group ofcolleges, and were given the chance to seehow their entrepreneurial efforts will helppeople living in India.

Pants to Poverty supports cotton farmers inIndia by sourcing the materials for itsproducts directly from them, supporting theestablishment of social businesses such ascotton seed companies, while also fundingeducational programmes.

During the trip the students, along withtheir Lecturer, Anne Wylie and CEO of Pantsto Poverty, Ben Ramsden, visited a numberof villages and delivered sportingequipment, computers and sanitationequipment to local schools.

The students were also able to see first handhow the fair trade pants are made, with a

visit to a spinning mill where raw cotton isprocessed into fabric and a textile factorywhere the final goods are produced.

In addition, the group took part in a pressconference with local media and visited asocial enterprise venture in Mumbai. Beforethey left there was also time to attend awedding and Bollywood party, visit templesand a tea factory, see school childrenperform a special dance and shop forsouvenirs!

Student, Donna Stevenson led the team inthe competition and is now studyingPsychology at university. She said: “This wasmy first time in India and it was certainly alife changing experience. Seeing howentrepreneurship is a way of life for thoseless fortunate has opened up my mind andmade me more determined to succeed.”

Access to HE Lecturer, Anne Wyliecommented: “The 10 day itinerary was quiteintense at times but it gave the students awonderful insight into the living andworking conditions of farm and factoryworkers and homeless people in India, andalso exposed them to the challenges theyexperience.”

Students have aBrief Encounter in India

Walsall College students showcasedtheir specialist skills to a nationalaudience at The Skills Show, whichtook place from 15th-17th Novemberat the NEC Birmingham.

The Skills Show is the UK’s biggest skills andcareers event, designed to inspire the fashiondesigners, web developers and engineers oftomorrow with exciting opportunities in furthereducation, vocational training andApprenticeships.

The college’s Signmaking apprentices displayedtheir photography and digital print skillsdeveloped in the workplace by wrapping aJaguar XJF at the show, while Fashion studentsshowcased their creative talents with a range ofstunning collections on the catwalk, including ashow titled Organic Fantasy. Talented Hair andBeauty students also styled the models in thefashion show.

The students were chosen from hundreds ofapplications after impressing a panel of judges,made up of representatives from the educationand training sector, with their quality, innovationand creativity.

In addition to inspiring the youngsters with theirexpertise, the students invited guests onto theirrespective stands to have-a-go themselves andtry a range of activities. Including taking andprinting a photo before wrapping part of theJaguar, and creating fashion accessories using arange of different fabrics.

Thousands of visitors attended the event,including students from our Creative Industriesand Business and Professional clusters, to seethe wide range of skills in action. They also hadthe opportunity to get up to the minute careersadvice, access Apprenticeships and real jobopportunities from employers.

Principal and Chief Executive, Jatinder Sharmasaid: “It’s a real privilege for our students tohave had the opportunity to showcase theirtalents and be part of such a prestigious event,which recognises the value of vocational skills atthe very highest level.

“It was also a great chance for students to beinspired by the career possibilities that areavailable to them.”

Students Showcase Skillson a National Stage

Olympic GoldMedalists Race intothe West Midlands

UTC gets backing from Olympic cyclists

STUDENTS visit villages and cotton farms in India

4 TALENT @ Walsall College January 2013

FIND YOURDREAMCAREERPlaces are limited for our Careers Events, please register your interest at: www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/events 01922 [email protected]

Careers in HospitalityMonday 21st January • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Careers in Music, Dance & DramaMonday 28th January • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Careers in Public ServicesMonday 4th February • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Careers in Fashion, Interior Design,Media and GraphicsMonday 11th February • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Careers in Construction, Business, AccountancyMonday 25th February • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Careers in Science and ComputingMonday 11th March • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Careers in Hair & BeautyMonday 18th March • 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Dates are correct at time of going to press.

OPEN DAYS 2013Come to our open days to see ourgreat facilities and meet our tutors.

• Wednesday 20th March 4pm - 7pm

• Wednesday 1st May4pm - 7pm

• Saturday 22nd June 10am - 2pm

Walsall CollegeReceives AoCInternationalStamp of ApprovalWalsall College has received theAssociation of Colleges (AoC)International Charter Mark, inrecognition of its commitment toassuring quality and taking anethical approach to all areas of itsinternational activity.

To obtain the mark Walsall College underwenta rigorous and comprehensive reviewconducted by a team of professional assessors,who evaluated how effectively the college’sinternational business plan helps students,staff and local and global communities toachieve their objectives.

The college’s international activity has grownconsiderably over the last few years as a resultof successfully developing trade links withcountries across the world.

As a highly trusted sponsor of the UK BorderAgency (UKBA), the college has also doubledthe number of international students enrollingon courses from overseas countries, to thebenefit of the local economy as the studentslive and spend money in and around Walsall.

Head of International at Walsall College,Manjeet Kumari-Lal commented: “Beingawarded this charter helps to further enhanceour international reputation with overseasgovernments, agencies, students and otherstakeholders, as we continue to develop ourpartnerships and enhance the student learningexperience.

“It is also credit to our dedicated andexperienced international team, who arecommitted to ensuring that every student andpartner has a positive experience with WalsallCollege.”

Competition Sparks a Careerin Photography for ShaneWalsall College HND Photographystudent, Shane Butler was awardedthe silver prize in the national EEF‘Made in Britain’ Photography Awards2012, during an exclusive ceremony atthe House of Commons in London.

EEF is the organising body for UK manufacturersand aims to help thousands of companies toevolve and compete in a fast-changing world tosecure the future of UK manufacturing.

To change the general perception ofmanufacturing, EEF launched their ownPhotography Awards, sponsored by Canon, toshow how vibrant and expansive Britishmanufacturing is.

This year’s theme, ‘Made in Britain’, requiredbudding photographers to take a snapshot of aproduct or component invented in the UK andcapture its detail and variety, or a process whichrepresents the ingenuity of today’s dynamicmanufacturing environment. Over 800 photoswere submitted from across the country inresponse to the brief.

Shane received the runners up award in theYoung Photographer category and £500 for hisphotograph entitled ‘Moulding Chambers’, animage of casting moulds made at manufacturingfirm, Chamberlin and Hill in Walsall.

Shane said: “Having my photo selected for aprize out of the hundreds which were submittedis an amazing achievement which I’m very proudof. I have a real interest in photographinganything that’s a bit quirky and slightly different

from the norm, so really enjoyed taking part inthis competition. I chose Chamberlin and Hill asthey have a great facility which gave me theopportunity to experiment with light, shade andreflections.”

Photography Lecturer, Ian Male commented:“We are delighted that Shane’s talents havebeen recognised in this competition. Taking parthas also given him valuable experience ofworking to a real brief and I see this as a majorstep for Shane in his quest to become aprofessional photographer.”

“This success is also testament to thecommitment made by staff in ensuring the skillsof our HE Photography students are challengedand stretched to help them achieve their fullpotential.”

Are you or do you know anyone aged 16-24,who is interested in an Apprenticeship?Walsall College has experienced a big surgerecently in the number of local and regionalcompanies looking to take on apprentices,particularly those aged 16-24, and as a result hasover 40 vacancies which urgently need to befilled.

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn andgain qualifications at work. As employees, apprenticesearn a wage and work alongside experienced staff togain job-specific skills. They also receive training towork towards nationally recognised qualifications.

If you or anyone you know may be interested inapplying for an Apprenticeship vacancy, please emailHelen Bosworth, Sales Manager, [email protected] for moreinformation.

Interested in anApprenticeship job? See the

very latest vacancies atwww.walsallcollege.ac.uk/courses/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-jobs/

NEW VACANCIES!

SHOP

THE

SHOP

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SHOP

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SHOP

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SHOP

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OPENING

FEBRUARY

2013

THE JOB SHOPAre you unemployed and looking for work?

Come and visit the Walsall College Job Shop when itopens in February 2013 at our Wisemore Campus,Littleton Street West, Walsall, WS2 8ES

You’ll be able to get:• access to full and part-time vacancies and

Apprenticeships• help with your CV and filling out application forms• access to short courses to get you job ready

Walsall College Motor Vehiclestudents, Ashley Wood and Sam Pricehave successfully completed their twoyear Apprenticeship with the WestMidlands Ambulance Service andprogressed to full-time positions.

After getting to grips with the underbellies ofambulances, Ashley and Sam have nowachieved their intermediate and advancedApprenticeship qualifications. Their hard workand dedication has paid off as they have beengiven permanent full-time positions asmechanics within the NHS Trust. Ashley is basedat the recently opened Willenhall Hub, onAshmore Lake Way, whilst Sam is based atHenrietta Street Ambulance Station inBirmingham City Centre.

Ashley said: “I wouldn’t want to work anywhereelse now. I’ve learnt everything on the job as I

only had basic mechanic skills when I started myApprenticeship. I’ve now worked on too manyambulance vehicles to count and have probablyseen the whole fleet at least once!”

Sam commented: “I’ve really enjoyed the lasttwo years and appreciate all the help andknowledge colleagues have given me, which hasenabled me to complete the Apprenticeship andsecure full-time employment.”

Kelvin Woodhouse, Trainer Assessor at WalsallCollege, presented Sam and Ashley withcertificates last week and said: “This is a fineexample of how partnership working betweeneducation and industry should be. I’m extremelyproud of Sam and Ashley and we hope thissuccess will be a platform for furtherApprenticeships to give more youngsters a stepon the career ladder.”

Apprenticeship Pays Off forMotor Vehicle Students

DREAMACHIEVERS

A STEP ON THE CAREER LADDER for Ashley (left) and Sam (right)

GRADUATE ACADEMYOpen 5 days a week including Saturdays and evenings, call in for a full range of servicesand treatments including fashion cutting and colouring, manicure, pedicure and facialtreatments. 01922 657063 [email protected]

SHANE snaps up success