A year in review – and what a year!

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As we approach the end of 2019, instead of my usual column, here is a round-up of news from throughout the year, highlighting what a stellar organisation the Nelson and Colne College Group is.

January

We kicked off the year with an Engineering Apprenticeship Event where more than 100 visitors attended Nelson and Colne College to discover the exciting range of career opportunities in the thriving industry. Students and local salon owners were also inspired by a visit from Dawn Ward, one of the British aesthetic industry’s leading ladies, who talked about her journey in business and the skills required to succeed.

February

Nelson and Colne College maintained its position as the ‘number one college’ in figures released by the Department for Education. This included our status as the number one college in Lancashire for A Level progress, the leading FE College in the country for GCSE Mathematics progress, and second nationally for GCSE English progress. Meanwhile, Lancashire Adult Learning’s approach to family learning and improving lives through adult education was praised by the National Literacy Trust during a visit to Northlight in Brierfield.

March

Around 200 people from Burnley and Pendle took advantage of Lancashire Adult Learning’s Raising Aspirations careers event held at Northlight. The free event was held to highlight the employment and educational opportunities available in Pendle and Burnley for those seeking employment or a change of career. Nelson and Colne College celebrated National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week, and was also top of the national table for 16-18 learner achievement and Apprenticeship timely achievement!

April

Nelson and Colne College was named as the FE College of the Year in the prestigious Educate North Awards 2019 – a fantastic honour. The awards celebrate and recognise best practice and excellence in the education sector and the honour acknowledged our outstanding performance in the areas of teaching, student experience, innovation and economic impact.

May

Hair and Beauty students at College learned about the history of one of Europe’s leading salon fixture and fittings manufacturers when they visited the factory of REM, based in Nelson, and discovered the company’s 100 years of heritage. A new group of volunteer teachers in Pendle, Burnley and elsewhere also took their first steps into teaching after being trained by LAL to help teach the 370 targeted learners basic English skills through the Integrated Communities English Language Programme.

June

Artistic and creative students had their chance to shine at the College’s annual Art and Design End of Year Show, showcasing a wide range of pieces including fine art, film, graphics, photography and textiles exhibits. I’m delighted that four of these students were later awarded Commendation Awards by the Mayor of Pendle for their contribution to art and culture in the borough.

July

Lancashire Adult Learning celebrated training up 700 members of the public to be lifesavers across the Red Rose County, working in partnership with the North West Ambulance Service, Lancashire County Council and BBC Radio Lancashire. Ninety-five per cent of LAL’s staff also undertook essential lifesaving training over the course of the academic year. Meanwhile, College BTEC Sport and Exercise Sciences student Dominika Bzdon had her extraordinary achievements recognised when she was named as the national BTEC Sport Student of the Year.

August

I was thrilled that the College bucked the national trend and enjoyed a stunning rise in the highest grades at A Level, with many progressing on to Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge, or leading Apprenticeship or employment opportunities. There were so many success stories on a brilliant day, and it was fantastic to recognise these achievements, alongside those of our vocational students, at our Star Awards.

September

Engineering Apprentice Michal Halamicek, who is employed at acdc as Quality Controller, won the North West Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards Regional Final. A richly deserved award for the amazing impact he has made at the company. Our ‘Class of 2019’ University Centre graduates also received their honours at a glittering graduation ceremony in subject areas including Business, Biology, Computing, Engineering and Teaching.

October

We launched a new Nelson and Colne College Group brand following our successful merger with Accrington and Rossendale College, also to incorporate Lancashire Adult Learning. Lancashire Adult Learning launched its participation in social prescribing, connecting people to non-medical support in the community – an example being where education is prescribed as an alternative to medication, empowering people with the right tools to become self-managing and resilient.

November

A busy month, including the celebration of everything that is great about the Red Rose County at Northlight with our wonderful Lancashire Adult Learning team. At College, we hosted our hugely successful Engineering Because event at College, attracting schools from across a wider footprint than ever before to take part in the competition and encourage them to consider a career in Engineering. Students already studying A Levels or vocational courses at College were also inspired, with Conference Day and Industry Careers Days respectively. Career focused sessions were delivered by a mix of business people, leaders, academics, our much-valued alumni network and our own fantastic teaching team here at College.

December

The end of a breathless year, in which so much has been achieved. Our popular Lancashire Adult Learning Festive Market was held at Nelson and Colne College, and it is also the time of year to give something back. LAL has once again taken up a lovely opportunity to become involved in the Cards for Kindness initiative, which sees greeting cards delivered to elderly residents in care homes across Lancashire, as a way to try and reduce loneliness.

With that, I wish you a happy festive period and best wishes for 2020. Amanda.

College’s partnership with Burnley FC in the Community enters fifth academic year

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Burnley FC in the Community is pleased to announce that it has entered is fifth academic year in partnership with the Nelson and Colne College Group.

Initially confirmed as the Clarets charity’s Principal College Partner in 2014, the relationship has proved to be a lasting and purposeful pairing, incorporating established programmes such as the Shadow Youth Team, as well as more recent developments including apprenticeships, traineeships and employability initiatives.

The partnership’s flagship programme is the Shadow Youth Team; a combined football and academia BTEC that offers talented players aged 16-18 the chance to continue into higher education whilst gaining practical football experience.

Following a similar format to nationwide football academies, players train daily with UEFA licensed Burnley FC in the Community coaches and play on a competitive basis whilst completing a BTEC Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma with the support and guidance of highly skilled teaching staff at Nelson and Colne College.

Across five years of the partnership, 408 young people have completed the programme, with a further 32 completing the female equivalent – the Girls’ Post-16 Academy. Last season, alongside their BTEC qualification, 28 Shadow Youth Team graduates secured their FA Level 1 Football Coaching award. Players have also progressed onto impressive destinations both in the UK and overseas including university, employment, semi-professional and professional football.

With a shared aim to expand the horizons of disadvantaged young people, the partnership has more recently evolved to incorporate employability opportunities. Burnley FC in the Community now delivers a bespoke programme, developed in partnership with Nelson and Colne College, from the charity’s Leisure Box community leisure facility in Brierfield. Mentoring participants with low attainment levels in maths, English and ICT, participants are supported with studies away from the traditional college environment, with qualification accreditation provided by Lancashire Adult Learning, a part of the Nelson and Colne College Group. 73 participants have taken part in the course to date, 90% of participants have achieved a qualification and 75% have moved onto a higher education course in the same subject.

In addition, Burnley FC in the Community now operate the sports facilities at Nelson and Colne College, inclusive of an indoor sports hall, multi-use games area and outdoor 3G pitch.

Neil Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community said: “Our partnership with Nelson and Colne College is our standard bearer for working collaboratively with other organisations in our community. One of the very first we established, it remains one of our most important and valued we have as an organisation.

“It’s been fabulous to enjoy another year of success and to see how the relationship continues to reap new and exciting rewards.”

Amanda Melton, Principal and Chief Executive of The Nelson and Colne College Group said: “The relationship that we enjoy with Burnley FC in the Community definitely makes it one of our premier partnerships and we hold it in the highest regard.

“I’m thrilled to see what began as a small cohort on the Shadow Youth Team has grown into a programme where hundreds of young people from across the North West region have enjoyed the benefits of its success, and that the offer now supports increasing numbers of aspiring females through the Girls’ Academy. What’s more, the opportunities and scope continue to broaden, and I’m excited to see our partnership progress further over the coming years.”

The highly successful Shadow Youth Team programme and Girls’ Post-16 Academy will also be available at Accrington and Rossendale College from September 2020. Students can apply now.

To find out more information about Burnley FC in the Community and the Nelson & Colne College Group visit www.burnleyfccommunity.org or www.nelson.ac.uk.

LAL showcases Health and Wellbeing provision and launches social prescribing work in Accrington

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Lancashire Adult Learning has successfully launched its participation in social prescribing after a Health and Wellbeing showcase in Accrington.

Working in partnership with Peel House Medical Practice in Accrington, LAL’s Healthier Hyndburn event at Accrington Town Hall attracted more than 100 people who came along to try out a range of Health and Wellbeing activities and initiatives.

Social prescribing is about connecting people to non-medical support in the community – an example being where education is prescribed as an alternative to medication, empowering people with the right tools to become self-managing and resilient.

‘Have a go’ learning experiences on the day included healthier microwave cookery, chair based drumming, Mandala stone art, the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and First Aid, as well as Family Learning, Volunteering and ICT and Digital activities. There was also the chance to discover the range of Health and Wellbeing courses that can be offered in the Hyndburn area.

Karen Coburn, 53, from Rising Bridge, said: “I found out about Lancashire Adult Learning while attending East Lancashire Recovery College.

“I do a lot of meditation, but I wanted to do a course more focused on mindfulness. It has been excellent and it been the catalyst for me to meditate again and life is better when I meditate.

“I have taken part in Stress Awareness and the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and the exercises have been designed to suit different situations. We’re hoping to keep the numbers up and become a self-sufficient group.

“I also signed up for First Aid and a horticulture course. I’ve always been interested in horticulture but I have never really considered it as a career – and I’m currently having a career rethink at the moment.”

Megan Smith, 29 from Accrington, attended with two of her children. She said: “I have found the Healthier Hyndburn event very helpful. I have an older daughter at school who has learning difficulties, and I have picked up some useful techniques that I can take home with me to be able to support her in her learning.

“I also found the microwave cookery sessions interesting. The food was really simple and tasty, and I’m taking home some menus so that I can cook healthier meals.”

Nicola Hall, Head of Curriculum and Strategic Partnerships at Lancashire Adult Learning, said: “Our Healthier Hyndburn event was a very positive start to our involvement with social prescribing as well over 100 people were able to participate in vibrant learning activities designed to help them manage their own wellness.

“Those who attended will also now be able to access a range of community learning courses in the Hyndburn area to start their learning journey in order to better look after their Health and Wellbeing.

“We had fantastic feedback from learners and visitors who felt thoroughly inspired by the activities that they had participated in and I would like to thank all of our partner organisations who helped contribute to the overall success of the launch.”

Michelle Pilling, Deputy Chair of the East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “On display today at Lancashire Adult Learning’s Healthier Hyndburn showcase is the art of the possible – a whole spectrum of ideas to support health and wellbeing and in so many creative ways.

“The LAL team are fantastic, demonstrating how they are able to make a difference to people’s lives in a powerful way. On display is a snapshot of the potential that they are able to offer to communities, and it is also excellent to see so much partnership work in action.”

Any businesses and organisations in Lancashire who would be interested in working with Lancashire Adult Learning’s Health and Wellbeing Team can contact Sarah Haworth at s.haworth@lal.ac.uk

As well as its targeted delivery and partnership work, Lancashire Adult Learning offers a huge range of planned provision across the Red Rose County, from Arts and Crafts to Humanities classes, Languages to Health and Wellbeing sessions and Functional Skills English and Maths and Employability courses.

In February 2018, Lancashire Adult Learning was named as the inaugural winner of the national Adult and Community Learning Provider of the Year at the TES FE Awards.

Further information about Lancashire Adult Learning can be found at www.lal.ac.uk or by calling 0333 003 1717.

Fylde Coast residents enjoy free employability event as Lancashire Adult Learning teams up with Blackpool Council

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Lancashire Adult Learning has teamed up with Blackpool Council and the Department for Work and Pensions to raise the aspirations of residents on the Fylde Coast.

The Raising Aspirations event saw almost 200 people walk through the doors of Blackpool Central Library seeking a change in career, a better job or the chance to sign up to a range of educational opportunities to improve their employment prospects.

Visitors had the opportunity to meet local employers and apply for live vacancies on the day, as well as find out more about free Work Clubs and Functional Skills courses, gain expert careers advice and take part in free employability workshops to develop skills including CV writing techniques and correctly completing job applications.

The Raising Aspirations event is the third roadshow of its kind delivered by LAL this autumn, after Lancaster and Skelmersdale, and a fourth will take place in South Ribble on Tuesday 29th October at Leyland Civic Centre.

Tom Gee, Head of Curriculum for Employability, Volunteering and Skills at Lancashire Adult Learning, said: “We have a successful model for our Raising Aspirations events, which we adapt to different community needs throughout Lancashire. I’m delighted that our Raising Aspirations event on the Fylde Coast has been another positive and impactful showcase.

“It’s also been another brilliant example of our approach to partnership work, and I’d like to thank Blackpool Council, Blackpool Adult Learning and the Department for Work and Pensions for their receptive attitude to collaboration and their support to ensure successful delivery of this event.”

Wendy Stevenson, Curriculum Manager for Adult, Community and Family Learning at Blackpool Adult Learning, said: “The Raising Aspirations event has been very successful. We’re very pleased at how many people have attended and overall it has been a great day for those seeking employment opportunities or a change of career in the Blackpool area.”

Cathy Ross, Employer Advisor Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions in Lancashire, said: “Working in partnership with Lancashire Adult Learning and Blackpool Council brings lots of benefits to our customers, particularly in relation to employability and moving them towards the labour market. The Raising Aspirations has been very encouraging and I am delighted with the results.”

As well as its targeted delivery and partnership work, Lancashire Adult Learning offers a huge range of planned provision across the Red Rose County, from Arts and Crafts to Humanities classes, Languages to Health and Wellbeing sessions and Functional Skills English and Maths and Employability courses.

LAL’s new course guide for Autumn is now out, and is packed with a wide range of courses to help adults across the county learn a new skill, enhance their social life, or develop their career prospects during the first term of the new academic year.

In February 2018, Lancashire Adult Learning was named as the inaugural winner of the national Adult and Community Learning Provider of the Year at the TES FE Awards.

Further information about Lancashire Adult Learning can be found at www.lal.ac.uk or by calling 0333 003 1717.

College Group unveils exciting new identity after merger of Nelson and Colne and Accrington and Rossendale institutions

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Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College have a fresh identity after the recently-combined institutions rolled out an exciting new brand.

Following a successful merger between the colleges in November 2018, the newly-formed Nelson and Colne College Group required an umbrella brand, and Accrington and Rossendale College’s new-look logo has brought its identity in line with the Nelson and Colne College suite.

The launch of the new brand comes as £4 million is being invested into the Accrington and Rossendale College campus. The College’s Broad Oak Building has already had a contemporary makeover with furniture, IT equipment, wall art and the creation of improved study zones which has transformed the environment. Phase two of the plans will be finished shortly – a remodelled Refectory for students as well as brand new Hair and Beauty salons in Heartwood Building.

Phase three of the plans turn to an overhaul of the Hameldon Building, which houses the College’s acclaimed Construction department, and significant landscaping of the site, to improve accessibility and enhance the campus which is known for its green surroundings.

A key aspect of Accrington and Rossendale College’s repositioning as the new College Group’s Technology and Skills Centre for the 16-18-year-old market is because of its long history of expertise and delivery of professional and technical skills, while Nelson and Colne College retains its placing in the Group as a Sixth Form due to its beacon status for teaching and learning excellence.

Rossendale-based agency Studio Up North was entrusted with the branding process for its strong track-record of rebranding established companies nationwide.

A major theme of the branding is creating the extraordinary, which takes its influence from the proud history of both colleges for outstanding academic results, producing and developing talented young people and upskilling the workforce of East Lancashire. The ampersand also returns to the Nelson and Colne College brand after an absence of a decade to signify the link-up with Accrington and Rossendale College.

Principal and Chief Executive of the Nelson and Colne College Group, Amanda Melton, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the outcome and we believe the team at Studio Up North have done a fantastic job rebranding our complex College organisation with a distinguished mark that has a really high quality and prestigious feel.

“We wanted the new overarching Group brand and Accrington and Rossendale College’s identity to be linked to the existing Nelson and Colne College brand to ensure a clear connection across the Group to our long history of outstanding teaching and results and strong national reputation.

“So it was a case of evolving and not transforming our existing brand, while maintaining the Accrington and Rossendale College name because of its positive geographic and historic connections, balancing our well-established Lancashire Adult Learning brand and tweaking the identities of our Professional Skills and University Centres as well as our renowned Apprenticeship offer.

“Colleges are at the heart of their communities, and our terrific new brand is created by the community for the community. We can now move forward as one college to do what we do best which is creating the extraordinary.”

Jamie Kelly, Director of Studio Up North, said: “As a Rossendale man who had his first studio opposite the College in Accrington, and whose wife learned her trade at Accrington and Rossendale College, it has been a privilege to develop the Group’s new brand post the successful merger with Nelson and Colne College.

“Education was a new area for us, and we are an agency that has worked on projects for both private and public sectors, ranging from IT and technology, manufacturing, food and drink, outdoor leisure, logistics and architecture.

“We like to work collaboratively, and so working with an esteemed name such as Nelson and Colne College which is well-known for its outward-facing approach seemed like a good fit – and so it has proved.

“The process has been excellent and we have really relished the challenge. I am delighted with the end result, and I’m excited to see how the brand develops and evolves going forward.”

Nelson and Colne College is the number one college in the country for 16-18 learner achievement and 16-18 Apprenticeship achievement, according to latest Government data, which also places Accrington and Rossendale College in the top 10 colleges in the country for 16-18 Apprenticeship achievement and 16-18 learner achievement at Level 3.

For more information about courses at Nelson and Colne College and Accrington and Rossendale College, contact the Admissions Team on 01282 440272. Alternatively, visit www.nelson.ac.uk or www.accross.ac.uk

LAL raises the aspirations of Lancaster and Morecambe residents with successful careers event

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Lancashire Adult Learning has held a hugely successful employability event at Lancaster Town Hall – attracting 200 people seeking work or a change in career.

The Raising Aspirations event was held to highlight the number of employment and educational opportunities that exist for local residents in the Lancaster and Morecambe area, and by working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Lancaster City Council, numerous people attending on the day walked away with offers of work, with even more submitting applications for positions or enrolling onto courses to develop their skills.

More than 20 employers from a range of sectors were in attendance, and a free bus service was put on for Jobcentre Plus customers to allow those from Morecambe and outlying areas to attend the showcase.

The Lancaster event is the first in a list of Raising Aspirations roadshows this autumn, as the LAL team visits Blackpool on Friday 27 September and Leyland on Tuesday 29 October.

Nicola Hall, Head of Curriculum and Strategic Partnerships at Lancashire Adult Learning said: “Our Raising Aspirations events continue to grow, and take an increasingly important place in our calendar of events.

“I’m very pleased to see that the first Raising Aspirations event of its kind for Lancaster and Morecambe residents was extremely successful. Many people were arriving visibly apprehensive, but were leaving the event with a spring in their step, which is incredibly satisfying to see.

“The success of the event is only achievable through quality partnership work, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to positively work with Jobcentre Plus again, and also team up with Lancaster City Council who worked hard on the ground to encourage more than 50 people through the door who were not referred from the job centres.

“We have a formula that works, and a track-record for delivering results, and this enables us to successfully lift and shift our Raising Aspirations event template to other areas of the county. We’re looking forward to rolling out our roadshow again in the coming weeks.”

Julie Casson, Jobcentre Plus Partnership Manager for Lancaster and Morecambe, said: “The Lancashire Adult Learning Raising Aspirations event was a terrific employability and careers showcase and a fantastic example of successful partnership work between LAL, JCP Lancaster and Morecambe, and Lancaster City Council.

“With 200 people coming through the doors, three quarters of these were customers referred to the event by JCP. I’m delighted at this strong figure, and the positive outcomes in terms of job offers and job applications submitted to employers in attendance on the day.

“Across the county, we have an evolving partnership with Lancashire Adult Learning, and I look forward continuing our great work with the team at LAL.”

Cllr Tim Hamilton-Cox, Cabinet member with responsibility for economic development at Lancaster City Council, said: “I’m delighted that the city council was able to support Lancashire Adult Learning and Jobcentre Plus to bring this valuable opportunity to the residents of our district.

“It is important that our local employers and education providers are able to showcase their opportunities and connect with local people looking for work or training, and in this respect the event was a great success. It was the first time an event like this has been held in our district and I look forward to continuing our partnership to deliver similar events in the future.”

As well as its targeted delivery and partnership work, Lancashire Adult Learning offers a huge range of planned provision across the Red Rose County, from Arts and Crafts to Humanities classes, Languages to Health and Wellbeing sessions and Functional Skills English and Maths and Employability courses.

LAL’s new course guide for Autumn is now out, and is packed with a wide range of courses to help adults across the county learn a new skill, enhance their social life, or develop their career prospects during the first term of the new academic year.

In February 2018, Lancashire Adult Learning was named as the inaugural winner of the national Adult and Community Learning Provider of the Year at the TES FE Awards.

Further information about Lancashire Adult Learning can be found at www.lal.ac.uk or by calling 0333 003 1717.

Nelson and Colne College celebrates stunning rise in A Level performance

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Nelson and Colne College is celebrating a stunning rise in the number of students who achieved the highest A* and A grades at A Level.

The college’s overall A Level pass rate is 99% and the number of students achieving coveted A* and A grades has seen a spectacular rise by three percentage points, up to 24.6%.

Across the board, 2019’s results show an increase in higher grades, with 58.5% of students at NCC achieving high A*-B grades, an improvement of more than five percentage points. The percentage of students achieving A*-C grades have also grown and now sits at 80%.

Almost all subject areas scored 100% pass rates with the Mathematics and Science departments seeing strong achievement with 17 A* grades and 46 A grades.

There was high achievement in Creative subject areas, with 100% of Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Textile students achieving A*-B grades. In Business, Humanities and Languages, there was a total of 23 A* grades and 68 A grades, with strong performances in Sociology, Psychology, Business and Spanish.

Many students are going on to study at top universities across the UK, including Russell Group establishments such as the University of Cambridge, Durham University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds, the University of Manchester, Newcastle University and the University of York.

Students are progressing on to study a range of highly competitive degree courses including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science, Law and Economics.

Principal of Nelson and Colne College, Amanda Melton, said: “I’m delighted with the 2019 A Level results and I would like to congratulate our students on achieving these remarkable results.

“Nelson and Colne College is an extraordinary place to study and the rise we have seen in the highest A* and A grades demonstrates what an extraordinary learning environment we have created here at NCC.

“Each year, we continue to be a beacon for excellence and this is achieved by combining phenomenal teaching, excellent facilities, the offer of exceptional work placement opportunities and a first-class extracurricular programme, including Pre-Professional Programmes for competitive career pathways.

“It all contributes towards our students excelling and achieving the best that they can.”

To follow in the footsteps of this year’s A Level stars, enrolment will be taking place at Nelson and Colne College on GCSE Results Day on Thursday 22 August, and on Friday 23 August.

Nelson and Colne College is the number one college in the country for 16-18 learner achievement, based on government data, and it is number one in Lancashire for A Levels, based on progress scores. It is also the number one college in Lancashire for student satisfaction, based on the government’s FE Choices survey.

If you would like to enrol at Nelson and Colne College, contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk

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