News

13 September 2016

Despite some fantastic opportunities available, Newbury College is currently experiencing a shortage of suitable candidates applying for apprenticeship positions this September, especially in the catering, motor vehicle, engineering and hair industry areas.

The Government's apprenticeship programme gives people the opportunity to experience practical on-the-job training whilst simultaneously studying for a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships were designed to help bridge the skills gap in certain industry areas such as catering, hospitality, engineering and construction.

After a UK-wide marketing campaign to promote the take up of apprenticeships, the number of people starting apprenticeships in 2014/2015 rose to 499,900 (up 14% on the previous year). Despite this increase, the College is still concerned that not enough school leavers are considering apprenticeships as a route to a career.  

We have a wide range of local employers waiting to offer candidates fantastic opportunities to earn a salary and gain industry-specific training at the same time, explains Anne Murdoch, Principal and Chief Executive, at Newbury College. When school leavers come to us they often haven't even considered apprenticeships as an option. What they don't realise is that many apprenticeships offer training up to Level 5 and above, which is the equivalent to a degree.

Whilst it is often possible to start an apprenticeship at any time of the year, a few of the opportunities we have available at the College will come to an end this month due to the requirement to attend a day release programme, continues Murdoch. So we urge potential candidates who haven't yet decided whether to stay in education or enter the workplace, to consider apprenticeships as an option.

Newbury College is offering candidates the chance to find out more about the benefits of apprenticeships and obtain help with applying for one of 22 current vacancies, by attending an Apprenticeship Information Session on Wednesday 21 September between 16:30-17:30pm. Click here to register for the event.

For an informal discussion, contact the College's Advice, Information and Guidance or Apprenticeship team on 01635 845000.

31 August 2016

Consumer group Which? has published survey results which suggest that further guidance is needed for students when deciding on what subjects to study after GCSEs.

The poll of 1,020 UK teenagers revealed that 30% felt inadequately informed about how their subject options would affect their university and degree courses, with 29% agreeing they would have appreciated more advice.

The survey also revealed that over half of the students polled picked their sixth form or college subjects without considering their future prospects.

This, coupled with the news reported recently by The Guardian that one in four UK graduates remain low earners ten years after leaving university, makes it even more important for young people to consider what they want to do in the future and seek advice from a range of different sources prior to choosing what subjects to study after GCSEs, commented Dr Anne Murdoch, Principal at Newbury College.

Which? also advises students to consider vocational qualifications as a route to university.

The traditional route to university isn't one-size-fits all', continued Murdoch. BTEC diplomas (HNCs and HNDs) and apprenticeships offer an alternative to higher education, and include practical experience relevant to the subject choice.

Newbury College student, Bryony Petersen, recently completed BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Public Services, and has a place at University of Northampton to study paramedic science in September. The BTEC course taught me the self-discipline to develop leadership and teamwork skills, expedition training, command, control and much more. My results have earnt me a place at university in a subject that will ultimately lead to me to my dream career as a paramedic, said Bryony.

Newbury College is holding an open enrolment event on Saturday 3 September between 10am to 1pm. Curriculum subject leaders will be on hand to discuss the various options available to students, who can also seek advice from members of the College's Information, Advice and Guidance team.

18 August 2016

On Sunday 14 August, West Berkshire Classic Vehicle Club held its annual Classic Vehicle Show in the grounds of Newbury College. Now in its 24th year, the event attracted over 4,000 visitors and featured many different exhibits ranging from a rare 1905 Fiat Fraschini, an AEC coach, to modern day classics such as the Ford Escort.

Funds raised from the event are donated to the blood cancer charity Bloodwise (formerly known as Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research).

West Berks Classic Vehicle Club Chairman, Mike Kent, said: In the 24 years the show has been running, it has raised a total of almost £129,000 to help with the fight to beat blood cancers.

We could not do this without the support of the club members, our supporters and Newbury College. Thank you for allowing us to use your wonderful venue. We were blessed with fine weather on the day and everyone had a great time.

Newbury College Contracts Manager, Steve Long, said: It was an absolute pleasure to once again host this important fundraiser for West Berkshire Classic Vehicle Club. It was great to see so many people enjoy the classic vehicles on display and have our extensive grounds used for such a worthy cause.

The total amount raised at this year's show was approximately £12,200. This includes a donation of £425 raised by Newbury Radio Control Car Club, who held races in the sports hall.

Click here for more information on West Berkshire Classic Vehicle Club. Click here for more information on Newbury Radio Control Car Club.

10 August 2016

Newbury College is one of four further education colleges in the UK to achieve a 100% student satisfaction rating in this year's National Student Survey.

The survey was undertaken by over 300,000 students across the UK from 155 higher education institutions, 190 further education colleges and 13 alternative providers. The survey takes place each year and the results, announced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) today, help universities and colleges further improve the education service they provide.

Commenting on the results, Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Anne Murdoch said: We are delighted to be one of four further education colleges to score highly in terms of student satisfaction. The result, which surpasses this year's benchmarked score of 88%, is testament to our hard work and determination and supports our aim to provide an outstanding level of further and higher education in the West Berkshire area.

More data and details of the results can be viewed on the HEFCE website.

The other three colleges were Richmond Adult Community College, St. Mary's College in Blackburn and Trafford College.

Read more on this story in the Times Education Supplement (TES).