Newbury College students recently became the champions of the West Berkshire Finals of Champions of Enterprise. A programme run in partnership with the Education Business Partnership.
Champions of Enterprise enabled the student teams to compete against one another in a two day programme which saw them reviewing and analysing possible business ventures with the support of local entrepreneurs before judges decided which business to invest in. The winning team made up of Business Students Ollie Hicks and Joshua Carter, IT student Daniel Hicks and Art & Design student Ashleigh Cook went on to compete against schools at the local finals at The Regency Park Hotel on Tuesday 8 December.
Course Leader for Business Studies Peter Doyle who helped organise the programme said, Thank you to the Education Business Partnership for organising the event. It's been a fantastic way to introduce the students to the business world, which they have all learnt a lot during the programme. The students put a lot of time and effort into their business idea and are delighted to have won.
At the end of the night Amanda Richards, CEO of EPB West Berkshire said, One of the students here this afternoon not only felt she had learnt so much more about presenting creative ideas and team work but as a 2nd year art student, she also found herself learning about the language of business.
The event was hosted in order to enhance students' enterprise skills and give them an insight into how a business is set up and run, and the factors that makes businesses successful.
Newbury College students catered for Porsche Reading's recent showcase event in which they invited past and present owners of their vehicles to take part in a fun and interactive evening, which included a question and answer session with Porsche racing drivers and 'a question of sport' game.
The catering students created a variety of canapes which they served along with drinks to staff and guests at the event.
Newbury College offers full and part time courses and apprenticeships in catering. Jobs in this area range from those preparing food, cooking, serving food and drink, welcoming guests and housekeeping behind the scenes.
Curriculum Manager for Services Rachael Elsey said, Thank you to Porsche for inviting us to cater their prestigious event. The students thoroughly enjoyed catering the evening. Opportunities like this provide our students with valuable experience within the catering industry.
For members of the public who would like to try the catering students' food, the College Training Restaurant is open for general bookings, providing diners with the opportunity to sample the excellent dishes created. With menus varying throughout the year, there is always something new and exciting being served, from hearty soups to decadent desserts. Enjoy a two course meal for £7.95 or a three course meal including coffee for £10.95.
Alternatively for businesses needing catering for events, the College catering students are always looking for new ventures to take part in. For more information call the College on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Newbury College held its annual Higher Education Graduation and Further Education Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 8 December to celebrate the success of its students. The College was delighted that former Newbury College student, and Chief Executive Officer of insurance market Lloyd's of London, Inga Beale, attended as the guest speaker.
Inga Beale talked about how her career has progressed since studying Business Studies at the old Newbury College site in the 1980s. The evening was a celebration of students who have achieved Higher Education qualifications, Level 4 and above, and Further Education learners who received awards to recognise their hard work and dedication to their courses.
The Graduation Ceremony was attended by governors and VIPS guests including: the Mayor of Newbury Councillor Howard Bairstow; the Mayoress of Newbury Councillor Jo Day; the Mayor of Thatcham Councillor Shelia Ellison; and West Berkshire Council Chairman Peter Argyle.
Dr Anne Murdoch OBE, Newbury College Principal said The Newbury College HE Graduation and FE Awards Ceremony is a celebration of the achievements of our hardworking students and staff and an opportunity for their family and friends to recognise the successes of individuals. We a grateful to all employers who sponsored the FE awards for their commitment to supporting the College and for their generous donations. This year was particularly special as we welcomed back Inga Beale, former Newbury College student and CEO of Lloyd's as our guest speaker who presented certificates and awards to Graduates.
Higher Education students from courses including Computing, Engineering and Teacher Training graduated this year. The Further Education Awards are sponsored by local employers including, Apple Print & Creative, City Motor Holdings, David Lloyd Leisure, David Wilson Homes Euro Car Parts, Fiona Crutchley, Hogan Music, Kaizen Systems, M&B Beauty and Hair Supplies, Priory Thornford Park Hospital, Roc Technologies, Salon Services, The Breeze, The Castle School, The Corn Exchange, The Vineyard Group, West Berkshire Council and Wickes Newbury.
After the retirement of long-standing governor Tony Allen, this year the College name the Newbury College Learner of the Year Award in his name. The Tony Allen Award for High Achievement' was awarded to Luke Admans.
Following the ceremony, graduates, award winners and guests were treated to a drinks reception and canapé refreshments handmade by the College's catering students.
As part of Road Safety Week, Royal Berkshire Fire Brigade Blue Watch visited Newbury College to demonstrate to students how they emergency extract victims of road traffic accidents.
Blue Watch attended the College on Tuesday 24 November where they gave a Q&A session and interactive demonstration to Level 2 Motor Vehicle students who were able to take part in dismantling a car in order to get the victim out. The following day Blue Watch repeated the exercise under timed conditions, and staff and students were invited to attend. A willing volunteer in protective clothing was placed in the driver's seat, and was successfully freed.
Motor Vehicle Course Leader at Newbury College Alistair Napier said, The College recognises the need to work with young adults with regards to road safety and are thrilled to be working with the Royal Berkshire Fire Brigade. On behalf of Newbury College we would like to extend our sincere thanks to RBFS Blue Watch for organising and staging the event.
The event was in addition to students visiting the Drive Safe Stay Alive roadshow.