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In celebration of Adult Learner's Week, on Saturday 6th June Newbury College held a free 'Adult Taster Day'. This was a fantastic opportunity for adults to explore the wide range of learning opportunities on offer at Newbury College. Visitors tried out leisure courses via interactive workshops and 'have-a-go' activities or discussed their learning next steps with tutors.

Adult learners can enrol now for leisure courses (from Art & Craft through to Upholstery), for professional courses (from Accountancy through to Web Design), or for free Distance Learning courses (from Common Health Conditions through to Safe Handling of Medicines). It's also easy to improve your English, Maths, ICT and language skills via Newbury College.

Sarah Hughes, Community Learning Manager at Newbury College said, "This was the first Adult Learning Taster Day that the College has held and hopefully it will be the first of many. Over half of our attendees enrolled for a course on the day. Via a raffle the event raised £190 for the Alzheimer's Society."

Newbury College welcomed Shaun Stocker on the 8th June for an inspiration talk to staff and students about his time serving in the Army and how he has dealt with his serious injuries.

Shaun Stocker joined the British Army at the age of 16, but was seriously injured in 2010 in Afghanistan at the age of 19 resulting in him losing both legs above the knee, the loss of his left eye and 70% of his vision in his right eye. Shaun underwent pioneering surgery in Australia to have two special prosthetic limbs fitted to the bones of his remaining part of his upper legs and is the only UK solider to have these special limbs that take just seconds for him to put on and give him more control over this walking.

Shaun hasn't let his injuries stop him and has gone on to become a Motivational Speaker, Charity Fundraiser and Property Developer.

GCSE teacher at Newbury College Michael Taylor, who organised the event, said "My impression of Shaun was that he is such a considered and unassuming character who carries a huge message for all individuals and organisations. He presents a humbling account of having life-changing events thrust upon him and how through his self-acceptance he has embraced a new perspective on life. Shaun's story is more than a journey to a 'recovery'; he is a flagship of example of how perceived limitations can enable possibilities through a 'what if' mentality."

Shaun is currently raising money for Blind Veterans UK, who have supported him in adapting to life after sight and limb-loss. To donate to the charity please visit Shaun's JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/shaunstocker) or donate by text (txt BVuk50 and your amount to 70070).

 

Kennet at War Trust members with Cameron and Luke

Trustees from Kennet Valley at War Trust attended a special function at Newbury College on Friday 5 June where Interactive Media Students Cameron Moorecroft and Luke Admans (pictured) presented members with the new database-driven website that they have designed as part of their course.

Newbury College is running a series of events to de-mystify apprenticeships, and help employers, prospective apprentices and their parents better understand the benefits of this type of training.

On Tuesday 2nd June, the College is offering a free breakfast briefing for organisations who might be interested in employing apprentices. Entitled 'Apprenticeships Explained: what's in it for the employer', the session will look at the myths and realities of recruiting apprentices and will include success stories from local employers. To book a place call 01635 845229 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Martin Russell, Senior Business Executive at Newbury College said: "We work with leading national employers through to local businesses to support apprenticeships from Accounting to Engineering and Motor Vehicle to Retail. An apprenticeship is a comprehensive training programme of huge benefit to employer and employee".

Later in the month, on 24th June Newbury College is holding one of its monthly 'Apprenticeship Information Sessions' for young people and/or their parents to hear about Apprenticeship programmes and the job vacancies available.

Rob Jukes, Workplace Learning Manager at the College said "Apprenticeships are open to anyone aged 16 or over, whether they are just leaving school, have been working for several years, or are seeking to start a new career. Places can be booked via the College website www.newbury-college.ac.uk/news".

The success of Newbury College apprentices was rewarded in March at the College's annual awards evening with winners working at companies as diverse as Jubilee Day Nursery through to Williams F1. Tim Plows, winner of the silver award for outstanding achievement has recently received further recognition for his work at Xtrac Limited by scooping the West Berkshire Adult Learner Award for Outstanding Achievement.