Tag Archives: Sixth form

Newcastle College students gain unique insight into new Sixth Form development

BAM Training

Construction students from Newcastle College are now among the first people to see inside the new landmark Newcastle Sixth Form College development after visiting the site as part of their training.

The five students, who are all working towards an NVQ Level 3 Heating and Ventilation Installation (Commercial) apprenticeship, were invited by on-site contractors BAM to take part in a guided tour of the site and were given a unique insight into what it takes to work on such a major project.

Adrian Cairns, Services Engineering Director at BAM, was on hand to cover everything from the building’s under-floor heating systems to the installation of high specification chilled beams, which are used to regulate temperature as well as control lighting.

The students also gained access to the building’s roof in order to see how the complex air coolant system operates as well as get a peek of the building’s spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Taking part in the tour were 21-year-old Jordan Cook, who is from Gateshead and is an apprentice with the Upnorth Group, Andrew Miller, 21, who is from Chester-le-Street and is an apprentice at Newcastle City Council, Perry McAllister, 19, who is from Washington and is an apprentice with Kennedy Services Ltd, James Douglas, 28, who is from Blyth and is an apprentice with HLA Services, and 19-year-old Ross Dickinson, who is from Newcastle and is completing his apprenticeship at Newcastle City Council.

Five more Newcastle College students are due to visit the site on November 29, all of whom are studying an NVQ Level 2 Heating and Ventilation Installation (Commercial) apprenticeship.

Adrian Cairns said: “It’s great to be able to give these students the chance to see inside a real working building site on the scale of Newcastle Sixth Form College. Visits like these are important in making sure that students know exactly what to expect when they finish their studies. I’d love to think that someday I’ll be taking lessons from one of these students about the next generation of heating and ventilation systems.”

The new Newcastle Sixth Form College building is due for completion in February next year and will become the first dedicated Sixth Form College in the city, providing a world class learning environment for GCSE, A Level, AS Level and International Baccalaureate students.

The 11,000 sq metre building will include specialised facilities in classrooms, as well as performance studios and laboratories. At the heart of the building there will be an open-plan, light and airy social space with a bistro serving drinks and snacks.

Reg Whitehead, Course Tutor for Heating and Ventilation at Newcastle College, said: “It was great for the students to see how their knowledge is put into practice as part of a development as impressive as Newcastle Sixth Form College. Newcastle College has built up a great relationship with BAM throughout this project and I would like to thank all those involved in these important site visits.”

New Principal prepares for the opening of world class Newcastle Sixth Form College

School pupils looking to continue their education will be able to take advantage of the latest in educational and environmental technology when Newcastle’s new city centre sixth form college opens its doors in the spring.

Steve Gibson, newly-appointed Principal of Newcastle Sixth Form College, has taken over at the helm just months before the opening of a multi-million pound building, boasting 150 classrooms, fully-equipped ICT and language labs, debating chamber and lecture theatre.

The new college, which is the only purpose-built sixth form college in the city, is on schedule to be completed in February, with doors opening to students in July.

Designed to meet the latest best practice in sustainable development, the roof will be covered with a variety of indigenous plants that will flower in summer to attract wildlife.

And showcasing a raft of unique design concepts, the outer northern wall will include gold cladding made of copper and aluminium, while the atrium will boast an impressive feature staircase and stylish floating classroom, which will form the centrepiece to the college reception and will be known as The Hive.

Steve said: “Very exciting times lie ahead for Newcastle Sixth Form College as we prepare to move into the new building. I am delighted to have been appointed Principal at such a pivotal time.

“In the spring, we will have the very best facilities at our disposal in surroundings that have been designed and developed to the highest standards to create a dynamic world class learning environment.

“With an outstanding teaching staff, we are already in the top five percent of colleges nationally for learners progressing on to Higher Education. However, with the addition of the new building opening in 2013, we believe there are no limits to what our students and we as a college can achieve.

“And it’s not too late to join our A Level students, who will be moving into the new college. We are still taking applications because, as with university, some students often feel, just as they start their new courses, that they have made the wrong subject choices or chosen the wrong place to study.”

Newcastle Sixth Form College is rated among the top performing sixth form colleges in the region, and has more than 40 A Level courses to choose from – more than any other in the region.

It has more students doing A Levels this year than any other school or college in the north east and in August saw a record number of students receive offers to study at Russell Group Universities across the UK, which are considered the most prestigious and include Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh and Westminster.

Steve added: “We are extremely proud of our reputation as a leading centre of excellence for further education and believe our new facilities will only enhance the achievements of our students as we move into a new era.

“We very much look forward to welcoming students into the new building and helping them to realise their ambitions.”

* People can find out more about the new sixth form building and the courses available this year at an open evening at Parsons Building on the campus on Wednesday (October 3), from 4.30pm to 7pm. Tutors will be available to offer advice and guidance to prospective students on a range of subjects and qualifications.

To find out more, visit the website at www.newcastlecollege.co.uk or contact 0191 200 4000.

Advice lined up for GCSE results day 23 August 2012

Newcastle College is offering support and guidance to all students receiving their GCSE results this week, with a dedicated telephone Advice Line.

Whether students have studied at Newcastle College or not, the GCSE Advice Line is there to help and will operate between 10am and 4pm on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 August. Telephone number is 0191 200 4516.

Face to face advice will also be offered at the Sports Hall, Rye Hill Campus between 10am – 7pm on Thursday and 10am – 4pm on Friday.   

The GCSE Advice Line is available to any student, their parents and guardians and has been extremely well received since its launch eight years ago.

Sharon Walker, Schools Liaison Co-ordinator at Newcastle College, manages the Advice Line and has given support and guidance to thousands of people over the past years.

She said: “The GCSE Advice Line was developed to give those who are unsure about the options available to them once they have received their results. Every year we get calls from parents, guardians and young people who are worried that they did not get their predicted grades or are just unsure about what they now want to do. It may be that they have achieved better results than they expected and are looking for something a bit more challenging.

“The key thing I say to everyone is not to panic. There are many options available, some of which you may not have considered yet. The important thing is to find out what the individual wants to achieve, their interests and aspirations and then identify the realistic options available to help them reach their goal.”

Sharon added: “We get lots of calls from students who are unsure if they want to go down the traditional academic route. This is such an important time in a young person’s life and it is vital that they choose the path that is right for them.  Newcastle College offers a full range of vocational qualifications, including National Diplomas. Apprenticeships are also on offer, which allow you to combine employment and training in a range of vocational areas.

‘Apprenticeship frameworks are developed in partnership with employers and provide the skills that businesses really need. A Higher Apprenticeship is the equivalent to a Higher Education qualification and is great for those who are looking to progress in their career.

‘Through Newcastle Sixth Form College we also offer traditional A and AS level subjects and alternatives such as the International Baccalaureate, which combine A Level subjects with enrichment activities, such as voluntary work”.

Some students are worried about fees and Newcastle College can help. To assist students with the increase in Higher Education tuition fees, Newcastle College has kept its HE fees at £5,800, way below the £9,000 that many universities charge.

The college has also introduced the Newcastle College Maintenance Allowance (NCMA) scheme, which can provide eligible 16 -18 year olds with £1200 over two years to help towards the cost of books and travel.

Sharon continued, “Results day can be very stressful and it is important to have the opportunity to speak to someone who understands the concerns and issues that you may have. Not getting the grades that you expected may feel like the end of the world, but there are many options. We see many people every year in the same situation who still go on to achieve their ambitions. My advice would be that if you have any worries or concerns give us a ring. We are here to listen and to work through the options available, be that continuing your education, moving into employment or combining the two”.

Newcastle College offers a range of courses from entry level to Masters Degree. For more information visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk.

Newcastle students are top of the class

Newcastle Sixth Form College students are celebrating after achieving outstanding A-level results today.

Director of Newcastle Sixth Form College, Steve Gibson said: “I’d like to say congratulations to all of our students who have opened their results today.

“They have had some remarkable results which are testament to their two years of hard work and the fantastic support of the staff at Newcastle Sixth Form College.”

Kelly-Leigh Cooper, 18, was among hundreds of students that received their results this morning. She is delighted after achieving two A’s and a B.

The former Hebburn Comprehensive School student from Hebburn has won a place at Edinburgh University to study literature and history and hopes to become a journalist.

Kelly-Leigh said: “I am really pleased with my results. I couldn’t have asked for more and I’m so happy to be going to university.

“It’s great to know that all of my hard work has finally paid off.”

The college, which has been ranked among the top nationally for students progressing onto Higher Education, has a record number of more than 80 students going to prestigious Russell Group universities this year.

Daniel Hind, 18, from Hebburn, is looking forward to starting his course in Photography, Video and Digital Imaging at University after achieving A* and two A’s in his results. He eventually wants to study a Masters and a PhD to become a university lecturer.

He said: “I am really happy with my results and I can’t wait to start my degree.

“It feels great knowing that I got into my first choice of university.”

As well as having lots of students going off to university, Newcastle College also has a record number of students staying at the college to study Foundation Degrees.

These degrees are created in partnership with employers to ensure that students gain the appropriate skills and qualifications relevant to their chosen careers. They are also designed as a stepping-stone to an Honours Degree or employment.

Director of the Sixth Form College Steve Gibson added: “It’s always great to see students doing well and achieving. We aim to prepare and equip students with the skills and knowledge to enable them to progress into their chosen careers, whether that is to continue their studies here or at university, or enter the world of work.”

Newcastle Sixth Form College opens in its new state-of-the-art facilities in 2013, the City’s first dedicated sixth form college.

Sign up for a new start with Newcastle College

Newcastle College is hoping to buck the region’s record high unemployment figures by helping people enrol on courses that could get them a career.

Specialist course advice will be available during enrolment held at the college’s Rye Hill campus, starting on Wednesday August 8 and running until Saturday September 1. The college’s new careers coach will also be visiting various locations around the region: including Newcastle city centre, Whitley Bay town centre, Tynemouth sea front, Gateshead MetroCentre, Manor Walks in Cramlington and a number of Morrison and Sainsbury supermarkets.

As well as course advice, enrolment advisors can also offer guidance on what help is available with finance, childcare and information about what specialist learning support can be accessed.

Carole Kitching, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College said: “There is no denying that times are tough for many young and older job seekers, but gaining relevant qualifications can really help to enhance career prospects. As enrolment for courses beginning in the new term start this week, now is the perfect time for people to think about taking positive action to help get the future they want.

“At Newcastle College we have the widest range of course choices anywhere in the north east offering traditional A levels and the International Baccalaureate as well as many specialist vocational courses, so whatever career someone has in mind we can help put them on the right track.”

Courses for 16-18 year olds at Newcastle College are free, and eligible young people can also access the college’s unique maintenance allowance, which offers £1,200 of financial support over two years. Full details can be found at www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/schoolleavers

In addition, eligible learners can also benefit from discounted travel and course equipment costs.

Many adult full-time and part-time courses are free as well as giving a real boost to people’s employment prospects.

Newcastle Sixth Form College due to open in 2013 will be the city’s first specialist facility. Students within Newcastle Sixth Form College will also have access to a comprehensive reward scheme, which offers a wide range of incentives and discounts.

For more information about studying at Newcastle College visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk or call (0191) 200 4000

North East’s young people get real taster for future careers

The North East’s 16 – 18 year olds can take advantage of free vocational training taster sessions that will help them onto the career ladder, through a range of innovative Summer Schools taking place in and around Newcastle this month.

The free Summer Schools, provided by Newcastle College and held in various locations across its state of the art training facilities, run over several days will train the region’s school leavers in topics often not taught in schools, including Aerospace, Beauty, Business, Automotive, Art & Design, Childcare, Construction, Engineering, Hairdressing, and Hospitality. There is also a free three days course for young people with additional learning needs.

In times of economic downturn and a tough employment marketplace, young people in the North East need extra support and career guidance in a competitive environment. This free training is readily available throughout July and will give youngsters the chance to learn new skills and get a taste of work experience, as well as a very real chance to get their feet on the first rung of the career ladder by making the right training choices at the outset.

Newcastle College recognises that financial difficulties can often play a major part in making choices about training, so it is also offering extra cash support of £1200 to those eligible young people who choose to continue into full time training after the summer.

Carole Kitching, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, said: “Our students come to Newcastle College to develop a career, not just to complete a course. Offering Summer Schools really demonstrates not only the kinds of things you will learn, but also how these skills will be valuable in the work place.

“We appreciate that for some students, starting a new course can be a bit daunting. Having the chance to try out certain aspects in advance and meet new people can be a great confidence booster and help you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a career. You will get the chance to find out about the excellent support we will offer you and to get to know the other students on your course.”

The Summer Schools take place across the range of Newcastle College facilities, which include The Energy Academy, a brand new hub for offshore and wind technologies based at Walker Riverside; the Aviation Academy, which utilises a gigantic Boeing 737 for training and is based at Newcastle International Airport; and The Lifestyle Academy, which includes a Chef’s Academy and luxurious beauty salon.

Summer Schools which take place at The Performance Academy with recording studios, media production facilities and a 250 seat theatre the dedicated Sixth Form College and huge Construction Academy in Walker also give the North East’s school leavers a taste of what full time training can offer.

Young people who take part in the Summer Schools will be given more information and guidance on training choices that will allow them to extend their experience beyond the summer months and help set them on the road to future employment.

Newcastle College Summer School courses are free to those aged between 16-18 years old on August 31 2012 and can be booked by calling a member of the Student Services Team on 0191 200 4000.

The team will also be able to provide more information on full time training courses and enrolment – and the cash support of £1200 that may be available depending on eligibility. Full details can be found at www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/schoolleavers

Local people invited to try new skills and win £1000 technology package

Local people are invited to try their hand at crime scene investigation, perform and record their favourite song, see how an authentic Italian pizza is made or take part in childcare practical play and craft activities at Newcastle College’s Open Day on Wednesday 4 July.

The event, which will be held at the college’s Rye Hill Campus, between 10am and 7pm, is aimed at 16-18 year olds and adults looking to find out about the wide range of full and part time courses available at Newcastle College. For 16-18 year olds courses are free and for adults many courses are free or heavily discounted.

For the first time, the college is offering fast track interviews, auditions and portfolio checks on the day to allow those looking to study at the college to secure their place from September 2012. In addition, industry experienced staff will be on hand to offer help and advice and to showcase the college’s world-class facilities. These include the college’s new Sixth Form building, the city’s only specialist centre dedicated to enhancing the education of 16-19 year olds from across the region, which will open in spring / summer 2013.

As an added incentive, the college has teamed up with Capital Radio to offer everyone who comes to the open day the chance to win a number of exciting prizes, including a £1000 technology package, exclusive gig tickets and driving lessons to make the journey to college easier.

Breakfast presenters, Bodg, Matt and JoJo will be running two competitions at the event – ‘True or False’ and ‘Seal or no Seal’. Further details of how to enter can be found on the Newcastle College or Capital Radio websites.

Some of the other activities available on the day  from 10am include:

  • Tours of the new Health Simulation Centre and mobility and ageing suit demonstrations.
  • Taster sessions in hand and arm massage and demonstrations in nail art.
  • An introduction to compiling “mood boards” session with fashion and textile staff.
  • Taster sessions in a wide range of construction skills – painting and decorating marbling techniques, plastering, pipe bending, roofing, simple electrical circuits, tiling and bricklaying.
  • An introductory session on what it means to be a teacher, how to get on that career path and tips on funding.

Newcastle College has been ranked the best performing FE college for 16-18 achievement for the third year running. Courses for 16-18 year olds are free and eligible students can also benefit from an extensive package of financial support, including NCMA, discounted travel and help with course equipment costs. The college recently pledged to continue supporting students eligible for NCMA in 2012/13 by offering them £1200 for the duration of their two year course and will have experienced staff available on the day to talk through the financial support available. 

Carole Kitching, Deputy Principal at Newcastle College, said: “Our open day is designed to give local people a taste of the wide range of high quality courses we have an offer at the college. The event is solely focussed on providing personalised face to face advice and guidance and for the first time we are offering fast track routes for people to enrol and ensure they have a place for September.

“Everyone is welcome to come down on Wednesday and see what we have to offer. We hope that the event will be fun and informative and really showcase the fantastic student experience that we offer here at Newcastle College.”

For more details about the open day and how to book appointments or for more information about the range of courses available at Newcastle College, visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/openday.

£1200 cash boost for Newcastle College students needing support

Newcastle College has re-affirmed its commitment to investing in learning by launching an extensive support scheme for young people which includes £1200 cash over two years.

This week the college announced a financial support scheme for 2012/13 which will offer thousands of 16-18 full time FE students a package of benefits to help with their studies.

The scheme includes the Newcastle College Maintenance Allowance (NCMA), which was introduced in September 2011 by the college to replace the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). NCMA was branded ‘the most comprehensive student support scheme yet’ by the Times Education Supplement and provided essential support to around 2400 students last year, who may not have been able to continue their studies otherwise.

The college has pledged to continue this support in 2012/13, guaranteeing all eligible students £1200 over the duration of their two year course. As courses for 16-18 year olds are also free, this means that all of the money can be spent on essentials such as travel, books and other costs associated with learning.

The number of learners who receive NCMA is not capped and will be available to current and new students as well as those transferring from other sixth forms or colleges who meet the criteria. This means that support is available for students who need it most and removes the financial barriers to learning experienced by more and more students in the current economic climate.

The college also offers a Discretionary Learner Support Fund and Care to Learn scheme, which provides help with childcare costs.

In addition, learners will also be able to benefit from discounted travel, course equipment costs, student union membership, free WIFI, sports and social clubs and heavily discounted gym membership. Students within Newcastle Sixth Form College will also have access to a comprehensive reward scheme, which offers a wide range of incentives and discounts.

Carole Kitching, Deputy Principal of Newcastle College, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer one of the most comprehensive packages of support to young people across the region. There is no doubt that this financial support provides real benefits and in many cases is an essential factor determining whether or not a young person chooses to continue with their education.

“As our courses are free for 16-18 year olds, all of this extra support goes straight into the learner’s pocket and can be used to cover essential costs associated with studying, such as travel, books and course equipment. Unlike some other college’s, the numbers of students that we will support is not capped so we will never turn away a student eligible for this support. We are fully committed to ensuring that all young people have equal access to high quality education, training and skills and I would urge anyone who thinks that they are eligible for support to talk to our experienced team or apply online and get the support that they are entitled to.”

Newcastle College will be holding an early enrolment event on Wednesday 4 July between 10am and 7pm. For more details on NCMA visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/NCMA or search for the Newcastle College Facebook page.

Trainee Chef gets career back on the boil thanks to NCMA

Bobby Lee Smail, 17 from Houghton-le-Spring, is one Newcastle College student who would not have been able to continue with his studies without the support of NCMA. 

Bobby, who is studying for a full time VRQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery, said: “I was so pleased when I found out that NCMA funding was available to me. It really was the deciding factor in my decision to go to college. 

“My ambition is to become a chef and I knew that I needed to get professional qualifications to achieve this goal, but without financial support I don’t think I could have afforded to do the course I needed to do.

“I used the money I received to pay for my bus pass to get me to and from college. Transport costs are a big factor for many students and without this support I really would have struggled to find the money to get to college every day. In addition, because my course requires me to buy professional chefs whites and knives which can be really expensive, I also received additional money to buy equipment, which was a massive help.

“I think there are probably loads of young people in a similar position to me who think they can’t afford to take courses to help them get their dream job or get them where they want to be in life. But there is actually a lot of help available and I am really pleased to hear that the college is continuing to offer financial help to the students who really need it the most.”

Newcastle College celebrates Vocational Qualification day

Learners taking vocational qualifications at Newcastle College are preparing to celebrate their achievements during this year’s national Vocational Qualification Day (VQ Day).

The fifth annual VQ Day takes place on Wednesday June 20 and will see those who have taken a variety of vocational courses, such as those in Beauty, Construction, Health and Care at the college, mark their successes and gain recognition for their qualification.

VQ Day was established in 2008 to celebrate the value of vocational qualifications as stepping stones into work, or onto higher education for many learners in just the same way as more traditional qualifications.

One Newcastle College student who has seen how vocational qualifications can be the key to continuing in education is Anna Adil.

Anna, 20, from Fenham, began at Newcastle College studying part-time for Level 2 qualifications in a range of beauty disciplines including manicure and pedicure, waxing, eye and facial treatments, skin care and make-up.

When she completed the course she continued studying at the college to take her VRQ Level 3 in Beauty Therapy.

Anna worked incredibly hard and maintained excellent attendance and attracted praise from her tutors for the standard of her assignments. This motivated her to consider progressing even further and she has now taken the next big step of applying for a full time Foundation Degree in Beauty and Spa Management at the college, starting in September.

Anna initially studied part-time because she helped out five days a week in her family’s business, but is now looking forward to being a full-time student at Newcastle College and achieving her ultimate goal of becoming a Spa Manager.

Anna said: “Studying full time will enable me to gain more salon experience and also to complete my course much faster. The Foundation Degree is my main priority now – It’s the best beauty therapy qualification I can get – and I want to complete it as quickly as I can.

“I am proof that taking vocational qualifications, even part-time, can be a real gateway to other achievements, including going onto higher education. I didn’t want to take A Levels as they would not have given me the practical skills I needed for the job I want to do. Having already studied beauty for two years, I feel that I’m more than prepared for starting to learn even more about my subject and developing higher level skills.”

Carole Kitching, Newcastle College Deputy Principal said: “Students taking conventional academic qualifications such as GCSEs and A Levels always receive a great deal of public recognition for their achievements, which is only right, but many taking vocational qualifications whose achievements are just as great, often don’t receive that same appreciation.

Newcastle College wants to celebrate the attainment of all our learners’ goals regardless of the route they take, which is why we support VQ Day.

“In the current economic climate vocational qualifications have never been more important, producing employees with specific training and talent that businesses tell us they need.”

The celebrations represent a great chance to bring the local community together. Not just students and teachers but also employers, parents and prospective students.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the range of vocational qualifications available at Newcastle College can attend an early enrolment event on Wednesday July 4, at Rye Hill Campus, between 10am and 7pm. Alternatively, visit www.newcastlecollege.co.uk/schoolleavers or call (0191) 2004000.

VQ Day 2011 was a great success. Over 300 schools, colleges and work-based providers got involved across the UK

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

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.”