Six Hyndburn students have been rewarded for their commitment to, and passion for, their studies.

The students, who attended Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC) and Nelson and Colne College (NCC), are successful applicants of the Pilkington Scholarship fund – providing a welcome cash boost to support them in pursuing their dream careers.

The fund, established in 1929, provides scholarships or grants for those aged 25 or under, who live within Hyndburn and are continuing their education through university level study. 

Awards were given for entries that demonstrate excellence, endeavour, greatest contribution, overcoming greatest obstacles and progress, following nominations for their tutors.

Four students who studied a NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care were the first to benefit.

Declan Bloomer, from Clayton-le-Moors, was nominated by tutor Cheri Fenwick.

She said: “Declan was a deserving candidate for the greatest achievement award. His outstanding academic achievements, successful completion of the Care Certificate, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and his pursuit of higher education all exemplify his commitment, dedication, and potential to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and beyond.”

Declan has gone on to study Nutritional Science at Edge Hill University.

Cheri also nominated Halima Nawaz, from Accrington.

“Halima’s outstanding academic performance, work experience at esteemed healthcare institutions, and active participation in extracurricular activities made her an exceptional candidate for the Excellence award. 

“Her achievements, dedication, and potential for success in the field of children’s nursing – which she is studying Salford University – set her apart from her peers and made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.” 

Jessica McLoughlin, from Accrington, also benefitted from the fund.

Her entry said: “Jessica’s consistently high grades, active participation in extracurricular activities, and completion of the work placement made her an ideal candidate for the Endeavor Award. Her outstanding achievements, dedication, and passion for helping others positioned her as an exemplary individual deserving of recognition and support.”

Katelyn Hodgkinson, from Accrington, was praised for “consistent progress in academic studies, coupled with her excellent work experience reports and her decision to study Adult Nursing at UCLAN.”

NCC A Level student, Charlie Boyer, from Accrington, was nominated by his tutor Kat Atherton for overcoming obstacles.

Charlie has worked incredibly hard over the past two years during his A Levels, showing excellent resilience and true grit and determination after stepping up to the challenge during the transition from GCSEs.

Kat said: “Charlie showed great resilience in the face of some challenges in year 1. He remained committed, putting in extra effort by actively participating in additional workshops for support.”

Charlie is now studying Sports Journalism at UCLAN.

Joshua Baynes, from Accrington, studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at ARC.

His nomination, submitted by tutor Michael Worthington, said: “Josh’s nomination for the category of Excellence was testament to his unwavering dedication, academic achievements, exceptional work experience, and relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.”

Josh is now studying Teacher Training at Edge Hill University and plans to become a PE Teacher.

The Pilkington Scholarship fund is one of the many ways that Accrington & Rossendale and Nelson & Colne College support learners to succeed and follow their dream career path. The courses are designed to teach technical and academic skills, supporting the people of Hyndburn to reach high value careers, and to meet the skills needs of regional employers.

Excelling in the regional SkillBuild qualifiers, Shelby Fitzakerly secured an impressive second place in the final of a national competition, which saw 78 construction trainees vying for victory in their respective trades.

19-year-old Shelby, an Accrington and Rossendale College student, part of the Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), knew she wanted to pursue a practical career where she could put her academic and technical skills to the test.

After winning her heat in the regional qualifiers of SkillBuild, Shelby, from Gisburn, went head-to-head with seven fellow apprentices in the final showdown at Milton Keynes.

Judges rigorously assessed competitors’ technical skills, knowledge, and ability to perform under pressure, evaluating tasks such as hanging wallpaper murals, freehand painting, and preparing woodwork against the clock. And Shelby emerged as a standout runner-up in the demanding painting and decorating category. An amazing achievement for a student just in the first year of training.

Shelby said: “The competition was amazing. Taking part gave me a real confidence boost and helped me improve my skills like my timing and following a plan.

“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. I was in shock! It was great getting through to the finals and I didn’t expect anything else. It was a really good experience.”

Still in the first year of her three-year apprenticeship working for former Accrington and Rossendale College student Chris Penny, she plans to become a painter and decorator once qualified.

NCCG’s apprenticeship initiatives are strategically crafted often in collaboration with employers, ensuring the perfect alignment with the ever-evolving needs of modern industries. We take pride in addressing the most current skills gaps, providing businesses with a pipeline of ambitious talent armed with the latest industry knowledge.

Accrington and Rossendale College is a beacon for technical excellence, with strong employer links and unrivalled, tailored, tutor support. This is evident in Shelby’s success, not only within this competition, but within her Apprenticeship as well. 

Partnering with NCCG means tapping into a resource that tailors education to employer’s specific needs.

If you’re eager to boost your workforce with skilled professionals, reach out today. Discover how our apprenticeship programs can elevate your business by shaping a workforce that meets your industry’s demands.

Six Hyndburn students have been rewarded for their commitment to, and passion for, their studies.

The students, who attended Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC) and Nelson and Colne College (NCC), are successful applicants of the Pilkington Scholarship fund – providing a welcome cash boost to support them in pursuing their dream careers.

The fund, established in 1929, provides scholarships or grants for those aged 25 or under, who live within Hyndburn and are continuing their education through university level study. 

Awards were given for entries that demonstrate excellence, endeavour, greatest contribution, overcoming greatest obstacles and progress, following nominations for their tutors.

Four students who studied a NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care were the first to benefit.

Declan Bloomer, from Clayton-le-Moors, was nominated by tutor Cheri Fenwick.

She said: “Declan was a deserving candidate for the greatest achievement award. His outstanding academic achievements, successful completion of the Care Certificate, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and his pursuit of higher education all exemplify his commitment, dedication, and potential to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and beyond.”

Declan has gone on to study Nutritional Science at Edge Hill University.

Cheri also nominated Halima Nawaz, from Accrington.

“Halima’s outstanding academic performance, work experience at esteemed healthcare institutions, and active participation in extracurricular activities made her an exceptional candidate for the Excellence award. 

“Her achievements, dedication, and potential for success in the field of children’s nursing – which she is studying Salford University – set her apart from her peers and made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.” 

Jessica McLoughlin, from Accrington, also benefitted from the fund.

Her entry said: “Jessica’s consistently high grades, active participation in extracurricular activities, and completion of the work placement made her an ideal candidate for the Endeavor Award. Her outstanding achievements, dedication, and passion for helping others positioned her as an exemplary individual deserving of recognition and support.”

Katelyn Hodgkinson, from Accrington, was praised for “consistent progress in academic studies, coupled with her excellent work experience reports and her decision to study Adult Nursing at UCLAN.”

NCC A Level student, Charlie Boyer, from Accrington, was nominated by his tutor Kat Atherton for overcoming obstacles.

Charlie has worked incredibly hard over the past two years during his A Levels, showing excellent resilience and true grit and determination after stepping up to the challenge during the transition from GCSEs.

Kat said: “Charlie showed great resilience in the face of some challenges in year 1. He remained committed, putting in extra effort by actively participating in additional workshops for support.”

Charlie is now studying Sports Journalism at UCLAN.

Joshua Baynes, from Accrington, studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at ARC.

His nomination, submitted by tutor Michael Worthington, said: “Josh’s nomination for the category of Excellence was testament to his unwavering dedication, academic achievements, exceptional work experience, and relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.”

Josh is now studying Teacher Training at Edge Hill University and plans to become a PE Teacher.

The Pilkington Scholarship fund is one of the many ways that Accrington & Rossendale and Nelson & Colne College support learners to succeed and follow their dream career path. The courses are designed to teach technical and academic skills, supporting the people of Hyndburn to reach high value careers, and to meet the skills needs of regional employers.

Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) are delighted to welcome Lisa O’Loughlin to the helm, as Principal and CEO. Joining the College Group from The Manchester College and LTE Group, Lisa brings a wealth of experience across the Further Education Sector and will ensure that Nelson and Colne College Group continues to be at the forefront of high-quality education across the country.

Upon starting her new role Lisa says:

“I am delighted to be here at Nelson and Colne College Group and cannot wait to get started on ensuring that the only Outstanding College in Lancashire continues to go from strength to strength. Following on from the great work that the team have done prior to my joining I intend to work with our excellent teaching and support teams to further strengthen the high-quality academic education available to young people and adults across the region. I will also work with cross-college teams to extend the aspirational career routes available to all through further developing technical education and employer partnerships and really highlight why Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult learning are truly the very best places to be to secure your future, whatever that may be.”

Lisa’s experience includes developing a college strategy and operational plan to increase learner achievement by more than 10% as well as increasing learner satisfaction. She has also guided the college to deliver an ambitious and award-winning curriculum strategy and undertaken significant campus redevelopment. The curriculum strategy, centred around employer co-creation, saw students achieve ambitious career goals, in organisations like Wilmott Dixon, Lloyds Bank and The Fox Corporation as well as ensuring students wanting to go to University secured places at Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities., Alongside her role at The Manchester College Lisa worked closely with Greater Manchester Combined Authority supporting the development of the regional skills strategy in her role as Chair of Greater Manchester College’s Group. It is expertise like this that will be at the heart of all developments that lay ahead for Nelson and Colne College Group.

Having previously worked in East Lancashire, as Deputy Principal of Blackburn College between 2007 and 2013, Lisa is no stranger to the area and is dedicated to ensuring that all learners, at all levels and all ages, are able to access only the very best skills and experience throughout their education.

One of Lisa’s immediate goals is to undertake a strategic review, which will rely upon meaningful discussions with local employers, school leaders and key partners to understand their own goals and ambitions and where NCCG can work alongside them to help achieve these, alongside student, parent and staff interactions.

Chair of Governors for Nelson and Colne College Group, Phil Wilkinson, says of Lisa’s arrival:

“I am delighted that Lisa has now joined us as Principal and CEO of Nelson and Colne College Group and am supremely confident that she is the perfect individual to help shape our outstanding organisation through our next phase, further strengthening our college group and extending the reach of our extraordinary education experience across East Lancashire and beyond.”

Nelson and Colne College Group’s plans to develop an Advanced Digital Skills Academy have been given the seal of approval from Pendle Borough Council.

The £2.29m investment proposal to help tackle Lancashire’s digital skills shortfall has now been sent to the Government to request the green light to release the funding.

The Academy is one of eight projects in the Nelson Town Deal designed to promote sustainable growth, transform the town and provide new opportunities for local people through the £25 million New Towns Fund investment.

Its aim is to integrate world-class teaching, innovation, and business acumen at Nelson and Colne College and create a new town centre learning spoke for digital skills.

Fionnuala Swann, Nelson and Colne College Campus Centre Principal, said: “This project demonstrates the strength of partnerships forged through the Nelson Town Deal and of our shared commitment to upskilling our communities and retaining talent.

“If successful throughout this next phase, the funding will be used to create a college hub for the project, refurbishing parts of the existing college building to create over 100 new teaching spaces with access to state-of-the-art equipment.

“This redevelopment will create a new learning environment to support the delivery of our digital T-Level courses, alongside our wider digital curriculum.

“It will provide access to facilities for all learners wanting to improve their digital skills and there will be 200 high-spec PCs in the Academy.”

Alongside the college hub, a town centre spoke will also be developed, focussing on digital skills for adult learners.

Upskilling and retraining opportunities will be offered at a range of levels from beginners to support improving employability chances, through to higher level courses designed to meet the specific digital skills demands of regional employers.

The spoke element will also include a business space to facilitate interaction between learners and employers as well as a business workspace for start-up businesses.

Stephen Barnes, chair of the Nelson Town Deal Board said: “As the college campus is located outside the town centre, a key objective of the hub and the town centre spoke is to work in tandem, creating a strong connection between the college and the centre of Nelson.

“The new Advanced Digital Skills Academy is also designed to establish a link between local employers and learners as well as supporting a more vibrant town centre.

 “Learners and participating businesses will get enormous benefit from this project which will also help to rejuvenate the town centre with increased footfall to support the businesses there.”

Nelson and Colne College Group’s Assistant Principal for Technical Curriculum, Morag Davis, joined a panel of local leaders for a discussion on how Lancashire can prepare for the industries and tech of tomorrow, and empower the workforce with the skills to drive them. 

Morag discussed the opportunities that exist for business and academia to come together and some of the innovative solutions being deployed to fill the ongoing skills gap.

She began by sharing Nelson & Colne College Group’s recent Ofsted inspection in which we received Outstanding across the board, in part, as a result of the deep collaboration with local employers at every level.

Adding colour to the picture, Morag explained how the level of engagement with local businesses has led to their input becoming the “backbone of the college’s curriculum,” taking multiple forms from leaders coming into to talk to students to checking on curriculum content, to ensuring training is relevant to sector needs.

On the skills gap, Morag spoke of the significant investment being provided from the UK government, partly because of the ‘Skills Whitepaper’ produced by the Commission for the College of the Future – of which Nelson & Colne College Group’s Principal and CEO, Amanda Melton, was a contributor.

She explained how the college has used this funding to strengthen ties with local employers and develop apprenticeship programs so students can enter real working environments and begin applying their skills immediately.

Giving a real-world example, Morag shared details of the college group’s new, two-year T-Level program, equivalent to three A-Levels in both size and academic rigour.

Technical in nature, she described how T-Level students are soon in the field, acquiring practical skills that simply can’t be refined in purely classroom-based environments.

Moving onto the college’s new Digital Skills Hub, Morag discussed the importance of providing learners with access to quality ICT training and the continuing need for local businesses to collaborate in bringing the venture to a wider audience.

An example she raised was the college’s new mobile VR unit that provides students and companies with immersive experiences for projects such as risk assessments and training.

In concluding her segment, Morag talked of Accrington College’s 2019 amalgamation into the Nelson & Colne College Group. She described the significant investment now going into Accrington College to complement the local skills landscape, covering disciplines as varied as mechanics, nursing, and hair and beauty.  

Moreover, she stressed how important it was to create an ecosystem of training providers, colleges and local businesses so the next generation of skilled workers can be firmly established.

To hear the full discussion, click here: https://www.insidermedia.com/event/made-in-lancashire-breakfast-2022

Nelson and Colne College Group is investing almost a quarter of a million pounds in new equipment to train motor vehicle technicians and engineers in the latest electric vehicle (EV) technologies. 

The new facilities at the Accrington and Rossendale College campus will cover the servicing and maintenance of EVs, battery fault diagnosis and repair, electric motor technologies, and the installation of charging equipment.

Once the equipment is in place (early 2022), students at Accrington and Rossendale College will get the opportunity to work on electric vehicles, from EV battery faults to the installation of charging facilities.

The funding for this initiative has been provided from a government Skills Development Fund designed to support the move to greener technologies. Led by Blackburn College, the project will create five electric and hybrid vehicle skills centres across Lancashire at Blackburn College, Nelson and Colne College Group, Blackpool and the Fylde College, Lancaster and Morecambe College and Myerscough College.

Dr Steve Wright, EV project leader, said:

“I’m delighted to see the College making such a significant investment in this field.

“The roll-out of electric vehicles is crucial to meeting our country’s climate obligations and it’s vital that the technicians working with these new vehicles and their charging systems, are up to date and ready for the challenges of the next era of motoring.

“We’ll be using the new equipment to make sure that all of our motor vehicle students have experience of working with EVs. 

“Some of the new resources are very specialist and beyond the reach of smaller businesses.  We’ll be making them available to local employers to upskill their staff if they wish to.”

The new facilities build on existing equipment already in operation at Accrington and Rossendale College and Nelson and Colne College.

Find information on Motor Vehicle Courses available at Accrington and Rossendale College here.

 

Picture shows: Vehicle Maintenance and Repair L2 students Oliver Law and Byron Carney with Motor Engineering Lecturer Martin Brunker, at Accrington and Rossendale College’s fantastic workshop facilities.