We recently commissioned a study to demonstrate our economic impact on the local area and help us quantify the financial benefits to our main stakeholder groups (learners, society, taxpayers and local businesses). The key findings of this report include:
The economic impact of Newbury College to the local business community in Berkshire is £63.4 million each year.
Every £1 that learners pay for their education at Newbury College yields £4.50 in higher future wages ' an 18.1% annual rate of return on investment.
Society receives £5.60 in return for every £1 invested in Newbury College.
Taxpayers receive £5.70 in benefits for every £1 in costs ' a 22.8% annual rate of return.
Commenting on the report, Principal, Dr Anne Murdoch OBE, said: As the primary further education college in West Berkshire, we felt it important for everyone in the area to understand the role we play in the local economy and see the positive benefits we create both as an education provider and employer.
For our learners, it's reassuring to see that future earnings are higher as a result of the education they receive here. And when they leave to join the local workforce, the report shows that our leaners add a further £57.5 million in income to Berkshire's economy each year.
The report, published in March, was carried out by Economic Modelling Specialists International (EMSI), using a model that applies investment and regional economic investment analysis.
Making important decisions about the future can be a daunting task for many of the young people who are currently preparing to sit their GCSE exams and with such a wide choice of A Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and training opportunities now available to 16 year olds, who under recent government legislation are required to remain in some form of education until they are 18, parents and guardians often play a critical role in supporting the decisions young people make regarding their studies.
Newbury College recognises the important role that parents and guardians play as young people make the transition from school to college and regularly asks parents and guardians for their feedback on the provision provided to their children.
A survey conducted following the recent Progress Evening in March highlighted that parents and guardians thought highly of the education and skills that Newbury College provided to young people, with 98% agreeing that the teaching is of a high standard and 100% agreeing that their son/daughter is gaining new skills to help them in the future.
One parent commented I am pleased that my child is enjoying college, that her confidence and learning is growing and that she is happy. Another praised the support Newbury College provides by saying This is the first year [my son's] course has run and the college have been more than supportive in trying to keep my son's interest and encourage him to complete it. They have given lots of praise where needed and have offered more than I could ever have expected in terms of encouragement and care.
Newbury College also provides a range of academic and vocational programmes for 14 and 15 year olds, as well as professional qualifications, business training and higher education courses for adults. An Open Day is being held at the Monks Lane campus on Saturday 14 May from 10am to 1pm where members of the public are invited to come along and discover the wide range of opportunities available. Visitors will be able to talk to subject tutors and take part in a range of interactive activities to get a taste of what Newbury College has to offer.
Parents and guardians of young people looking to take the next step in their education are also encouraged to attend a special Information Evening on Wednesday 15 June which will be hosted by Principal Dr Anne Murdoch and feature talks from existing students on their own positive experiences at Newbury College.
Newbury College Music Technology students took an exciting opportunity to The Corn Exchange on Thursday 17th March. The visit was organised as part of their studies and gave them the chance to see what happens behind the scenes at a major regional theatre.
The visit was led by Andy Morris, the sound lead at The Corn Exchange, and enabled students to learn more about the technical side of the theatre. After an initial discussion on the general operation of the theatre, and its role as a receiving house, the students were taken on a tour of some of the key facilities.
The backstage technical area was of particular interest as it contained a wide selection of microphones, amplifiers, speakers and sound equipment. Andy discussed how each piece of equipment was used at the theatre, giving the students some useful workplace information to support their studies. The visit ended with a practical session in the main auditorium. Andy showed the students how the main digital mixing console work and then worked with them in groups to set-up up and balance some microphones around the theatre's Steinway grand piano.
Matt Foster, Music Technology lecturer at Newbury College said, The mix of theoretical and practical input during the visit was great and really developed on the topics we have already covered in class. After visiting a recording studio in the first term, this visit gave students the chance to learn that theatre sound is another possible career choice for them once they have completed their studies.
Newbury College once again played host to the annual West Berkshire Work and Careers Fair on Wednesday 16 March. The Fair, which gathered over 55 organisations with both work and training opportunities for people in West Berkshire, was officially opened by Councillor Peter Argyle, Chairman of West Berkshire Council.
Following on from the success of previous years, the event is the largest of its kind staged locally and is produced under the direction of the West Berkshire Skills and Enterprise Partnership with the support of Newbury College.
Dawn Ray of dawnrayconsulting who organised the Fair said, The event this year has been the most successful to date in terms of number of exhibitors and visitors throughout the day. The Careers Fair is a great way for people of all ages and skills to speak to advisors and employers about jobs, career options and to gain advice about getting work.
With over 55 exhibitors, the Work and Careers Fair has brought together businesses and organisations from a wide range of sectors who are actively offering opportunities via apprenticeships, full and part time jobs, internships and voluntary work. Amongst the exhibitors, some of the big names included Barclays, IKEA, Job Centre Plus, McDonalds, Microsoft, Ridgeway Motor Group, Thames Water and more.
Newbury College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch OBE was delighted with the turn out at the Fair, Newbury College is very pleased to once again host the West Berkshire Work and Careers Fair. The event has been fantastic with many local and national employers recruiting for local jobs in their organisations. The visitor numbers this year exceeded our expectations with more than 500 visitors attending throughout the day. We look forward to some very positive outcomes for both the exhibitors with jobs on offer and the individuals looking for jobs. My thanks go to Dawn Ray for organising the event and to Councillors Peter Argyle and Sheila Ellison for attending the official opening of the event.
In addition to meeting employers, there were a series of workshops and one to one sessions taking place throughout the day offering advice on successful job hunting, help for self-employed, how to start your own business, writing CVs and preparing for interviews as well as learning how to effectively job search.