Engineering inventors and information technology wizards of the future showcased their end of year projects at Newbury College's annual Engineering and IT Skills Exhibition on Thursday 3 July at 1.30pm. The exhibition was opened by special guest Nigel Warrick, CEO of NJW Limited.
Following a welcome by Nigel Warrick, guests had the opportunity to view student's work and speak to them about their projects. Special guests to the exhibition included Mayor and Consort of Newbury Councillor Jo Day and Councillor David Allen, Town Mayor of Thatcham Councillor Gary Johnson and West Berks Council Chair ' Councillor Jeff Beck. A range of companies attended the event with their own displays and company information. These are companies who invest in young talent by employing apprenticeships and providing skills across a wide industrial base including Xtrac, Williams F1, NJW Limited, Culham, Blatchfords and Schliefring.
The event saw some fascinating engineering skills displayed and showcased some of the best local engineering and computing talent in West Berkshire. The exhibition was co-ordinated by Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, Richard Willis who said, "The event was a great success, the students have worked really hard and this was evident in their displays. This presentation day provides learners with valuable experience in discussing their work with a wide range of visitors from various Engineering and IT backgrounds".
This year has yet again seen some interactive and aspirational projects. One of these belongs to Jamie Pinnell who works at the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Jamie has developed a 'Pulse Jet', using skills in all areas that are required on the STFC Apprenticeship Scheme to create the initial version of the Jet Engine that we know today that was later developed into the Turbine Jet Engine. The Jet is a standalone demonstration for outreach events that can be used to display thrust, flow rates, and material properties. The project is an essential unit in the Level 3 National Diploma, the Level 4 Higher National Certificate and the Level 5 Higher National Diploma. In each course it draws together the application of the other academic study areas in one practical subject.
Companies were so impressed with student's projects that both a Level 3 Engineering Student and HND Computing student have been offered interviews from companies visiting the exhibition. The Exhibition was closed with a presentation to Williams F1 Apprentice Conner Murphy who was awarded the Runner Up Outstanding BTEC Apprentice of the Year Award (19+).
As part of their course students at Newbury College took part in a Skills Project providing them with valuable life skills. New faces at Newbury College were shown around exhibits of current students work at Taster Day and took part in a quiz regarding the projects in order to give them a flavour of what College life has in store.
Principal Dr Anne Murdoch presented certificates and awards to students who have shown exceptional dedication and hard work in both their project and their College course throughout the year.
Skills Project Co-ordinator Sian Ellis is delighted with the efforts of the students and said, "Students have worked incredibly hard on their Skills Projects producing outstanding results. The Level 2 Carpenters built a Wendy House for a local charity; the Level 2 Animal Care students planned and held a successful dog show; the Level 1 Cookery students have led an exceptional food and beverage service and this is just a snippet of what the students have achieved. All of these projects have allowed students to build on their knowledge and skills and develop their confidence in leadership, communication and teamwork. The standards of their projects are fantastic and I am confident that the skills that they have developed will stand them in good stead in their futures".
All students on a full time course have been working on vocational projects designed to build on the skills that they have acquired during their course and help to enhance their employability, giving them the confidence to talk about their achievements.
Budding readers at Newbury College were presented with awards and certificates for their achievements in the 'Six Book Challenge'. The awards were presented by College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch and Head of West Berkshire Library Service Mike Brooks.
The challenge is run in partnership with West Berkshire Libraries and is now in its sixth year. It is designed to encourage adults who are not confident with reading to read six books, articles or even digital content of their choice and record this in a diary. Forty students completed the challenge and certificates and prizes were presented at two award ceremonies held at Newbury College earlier this month.
Hilary Cole, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Culture said; "I am delighted to hear that so many students took up and completed the challenge this year. Reading is an excellent life skill and is also one of the most effective ways to relax."
Feedback has shown that readers who had previously not enjoyed reading before taking up the Six Book Challenge now feel inspired to read. Lauren Peters who has previously taken part wanted to do the challenge again this year and said; "The challenge was great fun and I would recommend taking part to all my friends".
Learning Resources Centre Assistant Hector MacEachen, who helped organise the event said, "The Newbury College reading challenge runs alongside the National 6 Book Challenge and has been very popular with our students. They have enjoyed taking part in the reading challenge and borrowed a wide range of material to read".
Newbury College will be celebrating Adult Learners Week by offering a range of FREE taster courses throughout the week of 16th June and opening up all existing evening adult leisure classes for learners to come along and try out a subject of their choice, free of charge!
The College will be hosting a variety of courses throughout the week at various venues. Courses will include, Flower Arranging, Counselling and Coaching, Public Speaking, Digital SLR Photography, Windows 8, Spanish and Italian for your Holidays, Nail Art and many more. Venues will include: Newbury College's Monks Lane campus, Newbury College's Calcot Community Learning Centre and Greenham Community Centre.
Community Learning Manager, Sarah Hughes said, "We look forward to Adult Learners Week here at the College and are excited about putting on a large variety of free taster sessions for the general public ranging from Jewellery Making to a taster session on Creative Writing. It is a fantastic opportunity for people to try something new and to see what Adult Learning at the College has to offer. We will also be attending Thatcham's Lifelong Learning Adult Learners Week Celebration in Thatcham Broadway on Saturday 14 June, where we will have lots of free activities for all the family including a demonstration from Newbury College's Ballroom dancers, Arts and Crafts activities, an interactive flower arranging demonstration and much more".
To see a timetable of courses taking place throughout Adult Learners Week and to enrol on any of the workshops, please visit our website at www.newbury-college.ac.uk or telephone the Community Learning department on 01635 845213. Throughout Adult Learners Week there will be an enrolment stand at the Newbury College Monk's Lane Campus should you wish to speak to subject specialists or sign up for a course. Courses can be joined throughout the year by calling 01635 845000 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..