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Newcastle College Recognises benefits to business at the NECC President’s Club

Posted on March 26, 2013 | Leave a comment

 

Eamonn Leavey, NECC Head of President’s Club, John Mowbray, NECC President, Robin Ghurbhurun, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, and James Ramsbotham, NECC Chief Executive.

Eamonn Leavey, NECC Head of President’s Club, John Mowbray, NECC President, Robin Ghurbhurun, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, and James Ramsbotham, NECC Chief Executive.

Newcastle College recently launched its brand new Recognition Service, Recognise Me, to the region’s business community at a major industry event held by the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC).

Speaking at the NECC President’s Club dinner at St James Park, the college announced the launch of the service to over 140 of the region’s key business leaders, highlighting the huge benefits on offer to employers across the region.

The unique online product enables employees to study a degree course in a way that is quicker and more cost effective than traditional routes. The product uses a process which allows applicants to have their previous experience and learning ‘recognised’ and counted towards their new qualification.

Because the assessment is delivered online, employees working anywhere in the UK can access the service, meaning that no time is taken out of the workplace.

Robin Ghurbhurun, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, said: “This was the ideal opportunity to launch our new innovative Recognition Service, which gives employers a host of benefits when looking to develop their workforce.

“This ground-breaking approach to delivering higher education allows us to re-train and develop a workforce entirely online, reducing the time and costs involved in completing a degree course, whilst at the same time ensuring that the service is tailored entirely to individual business needs.”

The Recognition Service is initially available for over 40 higher education qualifications in areas such as Business Management, Health and Social Care, Engineering, Science and Construction, Sport, Leisure and Tourism and Digital Media, IT and Computing.

Eamonn Leavey, Head of the President’s Club at the NECC, said: “The NECC is the region’s largest business membership organisation and the President’s Club offers the North East business community the chance to hear first-hand about innovations in the business world, as well as meet and discuss experiences and views. This is the ideal platform for products such as this to be launched.”

Robin continued: “The Recognition Service represents a major development in promoting the accreditation of prior learning. There is no doubt that the current economic climate and changes to funding have created a need for institutions to offer more flexible and cost effective ways of studying and for employers to be able to up-skill their employees in the most cost effective way possible. Our higher education fees, courses and facilities have been developed in direct consultation with employers to enhance careers and help businesses.”

More information can be found at http://www.ncl-coll.ac.uk/adults/which-course/-adults-which-course-recogniseme

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Carole Kitching, Interim Principal for Newcastle College, gives her opinion on Raising the Participation Age in Education.

Posted on March 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

Carole Kitching‘’Newcastle College welcomes the Government’s decision to increase the age to which all young people in England must continue in education or training.

‘’From summer 2013, young people will be required to continue in education or training until at least the end of the academic year in which they turn 17. And from 2015, young people will be required to continue until their 18th birthday.

‘’However, raising the participation age does not mean young people must stay in school. There is a whole range of options open to them, which is a very positive thing.

‘’Young people aged 14-19 will be able to choose full time education in college, free schools or traditional schools; from 16 they can decide to explore an apprenticeship in their favoured area of training; or opt for part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

‘’In the present economic climate, it makes sense for young people to come out of education with the best possible start. To give young people a range of options that will equip them with the skills they need to make informed choices once they reach adulthood at 18, can only be a good thing.

‘’We are ensuring that this country’s next generation workforce is fully equipped to impact positively on the economy. Newcastle College actively encourages young people to stay in education. The Government’s new and clear direction echoes our mission and is one that we wholeheartedly support. Education has the power to change lives and communities for the better.

‘’The Government’s approach ensures that there is an inclusivity for under 18’s in education, that all these young people have educational support and importantly, all have access to impartial advice and guidance on the paths that are open to them. Raising the participation age is a positive, new direction for the further education sector and Newcastle College will certainly rise to the challenge’’.

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Newcastle College named as north east hub for Peter Jones Enterprise Academy

Posted on March 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

Newcastle College has been chosen as a north east hub for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.

The college, which is one the largest and most successful providers of FE and HE in the UK, will join the Enterprise Academies Network providing opportunities for 16-19 year olds who wish to specialise in enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Newcastle College will be a centre of excellence in the region for the teaching of enterprise and entrepreneurship to young people. It will also have access to a range of guest speakers, master-classes and workshops supported by the academies many high profile partner organisations.

Newcastle College was chosen as a north east hub after demonstrating its commitment to supporting and developing young entrepreneurs. The college is embedding enterprise into the curriculum across the college and supporting students through a range of local partnership projects. In the last couple of months alone, the college has offered students the opportunity to make their business ideas a reality through an enterprise challenge in partnership with local entrepreneur, Roy Stanley and the Business & Enterprise Group. Students at the college have also been invited to apply for a place on a new 12 week enterprise master-class with business specialist and former Chairman of Leeds Football Club, Gerald Krasner.

The college has had links with the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy in the past. Newcastle Sixth Form College student, Grant Ridley was awarded a place at the Academy in 2010 and went on to win the Academy’s National Entrepreneur of the Year Award a year later.

The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy (formally the National Enterprise Academy) was founded by entrepreneur and star of Dragon’s Den, Peter Jones CBE, with a view to encouraging more entrepreneurial activity within the UK, based on a philosophy of ‘learning by doing’.

Starting in September 2009, the Enterprise Academy set out to be a catalyst for cultural change by bringing the boardroom into the classroom. The academy aims to equip future generations of entrepreneurs with the skills and mindset to run their own businesses thereby supporting the future of the British economy.

Robin Ghurbhurun, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, said: “To be named as a north east hub for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is a massive coup and testament to our commitment to develop and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“Newcastle College is committed to embedding enterprise across the curriculum to support and empower young people to be entrepreneurial and develop their own business ideas. Small businesses and start-ups make a huge contribution to our economy, creating jobs, growth and investment. 

Newcastle College shares the academy’s ethos of learning by doing and we hope this partnership will inspire and support many more people to develop their skills and ideas into sustainable enterprises.”

Peter Jones CBE, founder of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, said: “With record levels of youth unemployment, I believe it is a priority to inspire more young people across Britain to consider a different career path – an entrepreneurial one. 

“Our growing Academy network aims to equip young people with the skills, confidence and experience to unleash the entrepreneur in them.

“I would like to welcome the 18 new colleges to our Academy network – through them we can reach out to more young people in the UK and prepare them for an entrepreneurial future.”

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Business leaders challenged to invest in the next generation through apprenticeships and enterprise

Posted on December 12, 2011 | Leave a comment

 

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Newcastle College issued a challenge to business leaders last week – invest in just one young person, by taking on an apprentice and help tackle the growing issue of youth unemployment in the north east.

The college laid down the gauntlet at ‘what’s up with the economy?’ a business event held on Wednesday evening at The Baltic, which was attended by over 50 representatives from key businesses across the region.

Deputy Principal, Robin Ghurbhurun unveiled the college’s latest apprenticeship campaign, the Power of One, and outlined the siginificant economic and social benefits that taking on just one young apprentice can bring to a business. Through its free recruitment and matching service, the college can help employers to recruit enthusiastic and motivated members of staff and develop bespoke training which meets the specific requirements of the business. 

Mr Ghurbhurun, said: “In this tough economic climate businesses are reluctant to take on new members of staff. The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement paints a bleak picture for growth and it is understandable that employers are taking a more cautious approach to investment.

“However, it is imperative that we continue to invest in the next generation and provide opportunities for them to realise their potential and contribute to the local economy. The Power of One provides employers with a cost effective way to recruit motivated individuals who are ready and willing to learn on the job. The employer will benefit from an additional team member and the knowledge that they have given something back to the local community.”

Mr Ghurbhurun also talked about how the college is trying to help tackle youth unemployment by encouraging its students to be more enterprising. Guests were asked to consider how they can support the next generation, including the college’s 30,000 students, all looking for an opportunity.

This view was supported by Roy Stanley, entrepreneur and founder of the Tanfield Group, who asked for an immediate commitment from guests to support one person to set up in business.

Mr Stanley said: “I am passionate about social enterprise. The market sometimes breaks down in our most deprived areas and I want to see the community band together and create enterprise. Newcastle College is embedding enterprise across its curriculum and helping young people with the aspiration to create their own businesses. Enterprise creates employment and we must support those with an idea and buy into those opportunities.”

Other key speakers at the event included Professor Graeme Leach, Chief Economist and Director of Policy at the IoD and Rosie Smith, North East Agent for the Bank of England.

Professor Leach ran through a view of the UK economic outlook in light of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, stating that in the current economic climate “it is difficult to forecast tomorrow, never mind weeks, months and years”.

Comparing the recession to that of the 80s, Professor Leach said: “The story this time is very different. There are a number of explanatory factors and a far more subdued recovery. Disposable income fell last year and then again this year. There is a significant squeeze on household income due to higher VAT and direct taxes. Consumers and businesses are displaying cautionary and postponement behaviour.”

He also talked about growing concerns in the Eurozone, adding: “Throw in all of the speculation about the Eurozone and it adds to the downward pressure. There is so much uncertainty and we are seeing a flat line view of the world. The situation is so fluid you can lose track. Government’s can come to the rescue, but they simply don’t have the money or the power to control the money supply.”

Rosie Smith gave a view from the Bank of England about the economic outlook.

Businesses looking to support young people through either apprenticeships of enterprise opportunities, should contact Newcastle College on 0845 6004140 or email employers@ncl-coll.ac.uk.

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Employment Gateway is just the job for Karl

Posted on November 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

Unemployed Karl Walton is looking forward to a career in hospitality after a referral to the Employment Gateway at Newcastle College led to a job.

The 24 year old from Blakelaw was offered a job at the Highwayman in Gateshead just two weeks after coming into Employment Gateway. In addition, Karl has enrolled on a training course with the college which will give him nationally recognised qualifications in health and safety, food safety, cookery and customer services for the hospitality industry.

Karl was referred to the Employment Gateway by Job Centre Plus after being unemployed for four years. Despite a constant job search and numerous interviews, Karl struggled to find permanent employment.

Once in the Employment Gateway Karl was assigned a personal advisor and given tailored support. The team looked at his CV, developed Karl’s interview techniques and helped him with his job search. Karl was also helped with basic computer skills and matched with training that could enhance his CV.

Karl said: “The last four years have been really hard. Pretty much all of my time was taken up searching for a job, sending out CVs and attending interviews with no success. After a while it starts to affect your confidence and you start to believe that you will never get a job.”

“When I was referred to the Employment Gateway I didn’t really know what to expect. I have worked with other agencies before, but never really got anywhere so I suppose I was a little nervous.

“I was made to feel really welcome and the work seemed to begin as soon as I signed up. They helped to me to update my CV, develop my interview technique and helped me with my computer skills. I would definitely recommend the Employment Gateway. The people there are really supportive and were committed to helping me to find a job.”

The team at the Employment Gateway is now looking to secure financial assistance for Karl through the Post Employment Service (PES). This will help him with any work related costs, including travel.

The Employment Gateway is designed to give local unemployed people the necessary support to help them get back into work, training or to gain essential employment skills. The new service is available to those who are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance or inactive benefits

Delivered by Intraining, a national training and employability provider, the Gateway can provide customers with a range of services tailored to their individual needs.

Customers can get guidance in successful CV, covering letter and personal statement writing, help in finding suitable job vacancies and access support to help overcome any barriers preventing them getting work. In addition, the team can also provide free training to help prepare for job interviews and improve IT skills.

The Employment Gateway also operates on a drop in basis for those wanting to access IT facilities for seeking employment or to find out more about the wide range of specialist vocational training qualifications available. Newcastle College offers a number of short employability courses covering a wide range of subjects from English and Maths to Business Admin, from Customer Services and Health and Care.

Customers will also have access to an interactive istop kiosk, a self service touch screen tool which provides all the latest job vacancies broken down by industry sector or geographical area, direct from Job Centre Plus.

Abigail Bundy, Programme Manager at the Employment Gateway, said: “Karl has been through a huge journey in the past four years and really experienced how tough it can be to get a job. Our role, working in partnership with local employers and organisations such as Job Centre Plus, is to empower people to make a positive change in their life. We are here every step of the way giving support, advice and encouragement. Sometimes it is the little things, like help with a CV or basic computer skills that makes a big difference.”

Karl Walton, with personal advisor Andrea Suffield and Trevor Wilson from the Employment Gateway

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Newcastle College to help jobseekers fight for Army jobs

Posted on October 19, 2011 | Leave a comment

Jobseekers are to be given help to get jobs in the armed forces with the launch of a new course at Newcastle College.

On completion of the College’s new seven-week Uniformed Public Services Employability Skills Course, participants will be guaranteed initial interviews for 1,000 Army vacancies currently available in the North East.

The new course is designed to give jobseekers the opportunity to gain the necessary skills required to work in the public services sector and to also offer help to apply for posts on completion through job search sessions.

The classes are open to anyone who is currently unemployed and interested in working in the public services in a wide variety of roles, or just wanting to improve their employability skills.

Graeme Trevor, team leader for the college’s Uniformed Public Services School, said: “This course offers a real chance for many of the region’s jobseekers to embark upon a whole new career with great prospects.

“It will be of benefit not only to those seeking to serve in the Army but also to those interested in the many supporting but vital roles such as business administration and human resources.”

As well as the nationally recognised City and Guilds Award in Employment and Personal Development, learners will have the opportunity to improve their numeracy, literacy, fitness and confidence, areas identified by the Army as the main barriers to achieving a uniformed services post.

In addition each week of the programme, the Army has committed time to work with the learners so that they improve their understanding of uniformed services life, and to offer work experience and the chance to participate in team building activities.

Learners will also have the opportunity to participate in a volunteering project, designed to help with organisation and team working skills.

The course will run for 15 hours each week, Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, which will ensure that jobseekers’ benefits will not be affected by attending.

Students will also be eligible for travel expenses for up to £10 per week paid direct into their bank accounts.

The course launched with a breakfast meeting on Thursday, October 13. New courses will begin every eight weeks.

Referrals onto the course can be made directly to the school by calling 0191 226 6296.

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Valuing Students in Newcastle

Posted on March 29, 2011 | Leave a comment
Newcastle College, Newcastle University and Northumbria University have joined forces with Newcastle City Council to set up a new working group, the Students in Newcastle Forum.

The Forum will work to enhance Newcastle’s growing reputation as a great place to learn and help to improve services for the 37,000 full-time students living in the city, including many from overseas.
 
Students spend millions of pounds in the city’s shops, pubs and clubs every year, and they make an enormous contribution to the vibrancy and social scene of the city. Newcastle has won a number of accolades including the UK’s best university city (MSN Travel website 2010).
 
Being a successful student city also brings challenges, and the Forum will help to address issues including housing, community safety, health, licensing and transport.  An annual report will be produced, setting out a range of actions to improve student life in the city, and to improve the city’s experience of student life.
 
Leader of Newcastle City Council and Forum Chair, Coun David Faulkner, said: “Students are part of the life-blood of Newcastle. We have the benefit of two universities and a college which are achieving great things and attract thousands of students every year from home and abroad.
 
“Many of today’s students are the wealth creators of tomorrow, and we want to ensure that their time in Newcastle is a happy one so they stay here, live here, work and create businesses here, which benefits everyone in the city.”

President of Newcastle College Students’ Union, Sam Foreman, said: “I am pleased that the council is working with the college and universities to improve the student experience in the city. It is important that we provide support for students as they play a major role in the growth of the city and the economy.”

A study by Universities UK showed in 2007/08 universities’ international revenue was £123 million, which together with estimated off-campus expenditure of international students (£111m) represented £234m of export earnings.

North East universities also provided 13,715 full-time equivalent jobs and a further 14,683 were generated outside of universities with most in the region. They also brought in 16,310 students from overseas.

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