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Olympic hero opens MUGA Chris Tomlinson inspires students - see page 3

December 2013

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A word from the Principal

BEING CREATIVE IN ADAPT-ING TO CHANGE: Derek Branton

Looking forward to 2014Without doubt 2013 has presented the college sector nationally with unprecedented levels of change. Following the radical modification to higher education funding in 2012, this August saw new funding methodologies introduced for 16-19 year olds and adult FE learners.

In addition, we had the biggest single change in the arrangements for 16-19 learning for many years with the introduction of the new study programmes for all students regardless of the level of study. The changes have certainly presented us with many new challenges but I do believe that a real strength we have as a college is our ability to adapt to new circumstances and find creative solutions.

What is absolutely critical to us in this period of tight finances brought about by the Comprehensive Spending Review and reflected in the new ways in which colleges are funded is that we recruit

well at the beginning of the academic year. Our recruitment of young people has remained very healthy despite the turn down in the demographic trend with significantly fewer year 11s leaving schools in the Bridlington and Filey area last summer. We have also seen strong rates of internal progression of 17 year olds who, having successfully completed a level 1 or level 2 programme, have progressed to a level 2 or level 3 programme respectively.

Our recruitment to adult college-based courses is significantly up on last year and the tremendous amount of work undertaken in developing the HE curriculum has meant that we have filled the additional full-time places that we successfully made a bid for last year from HEFCE. The new 24+ FE learner loans have proved to be popular with adults on level 3 courses. Indeed we are considering expanding our provision aimed specifically at adults in this area.

As we move through the year we shall be seeking to build on the good start to ensure we meet all our targets which is critical to us securing the best funding levels for 2014-2015. We have made a good start but we do need to continue to recruit throughout the year, particularly to our work-based provision, programmes for unemployed people and apprenticeships.

As I write, the College Self Assessment Report for 2013-2013 is in its final draft ready to

be considered by the Governing Body – it makes for good reading, showing a college adapting well to the new funding climate and curriculum change with teaching, learning and assessment and overall effectiveness graded as outstanding. However, there is no room for complacency. While our FE long programme success rates now stand at an impressive 84%, we have had a fall-back in apprenticeship success rates which are now our priority for improvement and will be the focus of much activity being undertaken by the Heads of Curriculum Area and their teams over the coming months.

One of the major changes taking place in the FE landscape over the next few years will be the growing importance of the Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The LEPs will have a local growth fund with an element dedicated to skills development in their area as well as being responsible for FE capital. Our area is covered by two LEPs – the Humber LEP and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding LEP. We are working closely with both organisations and have already drawn down funding for specific skills training from each, working in collaboration with other colleges in the Humber and North Yorkshire.

In recent years the College has seen the growth in the attendance and profile of our award ceremonies for both HE and FE learners. On Saturday 26 October the Priory Church in Bridlington was packed for the HE

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A word from the Principal cont.

graduation ceremony. In order to expand our FE awards event next March we shall be hiring the Spa Theatre for the evening. I know many staff have been frustrated at not being able to attend the ceremony held previously in Crofters at Gallows Lane because of restricted seating so next year you will be invited to attend.

Olympic long jumper Chris Tomlinson has officially opened the College’s new £220,000 sports facility in Bridlington.

The “multi-use games area” (MUGA) has a playing surface covering 1,789 square metres and will be used for a wide variety of sports.

It accommodates three tennis courts, two five-a-side football pitches and three basketball courts, and is also marked out for netball, volleyball, handball, hockey and cricket practice.

The facility will be used by students on sports courses as part of their practical and coaching sessions and by others in their extra-curricular activities, as well as by the community and sports clubs.

Chris said: “It was great to meet the students. They were really keen to find out what it’s like to be an athlete and make a living from working in the industry.

“It’ll be excellent for the College students to have the MUGA so they can take part in outdoor sessions in athletics, netball,

Olympic long jumper opens MUGA

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP: Students attend grand opening of new sports facility.

football and other sports throughout the year.

“It’s a real boost for students on sports courses but also those who are interested in the kinds of activities that will be taking place on it.”

Matt Jeffery, the College’s sport maker, said: “The students were fascinated by what Chris had to say and they really benefitted from spending the morning talking to him and taking part in his coaching session.

“We’re now looking forward to putting the MUGA to good use during sports lessons but also the extra-curricular sports and

fun physical activity sessions that are open to everyone.”

Sports student Zach Briggs, 17, from Bridlington said: “I really enjoyed meeting Chris and finding out what it’s like to be an elite athlete.

“It was also great to use the MUGA for the first time during Chris’ coaching session. We can’t wait to start using it!”

The MUGA has a multi-use tarmac surface, enclosed by mesh fencing. It will be available for use by students but also for community groups and clubs for sports and activities for adults and children.

One of the prices we pay for success is that our staff are attractive to other colleges. After over 17 years’ service Mark Keen will be leaving us at Christmas to take on his new role of Assistant Principal, responsible for Quality at Bishop Burton College. I am sure you will all join me in thanking Mark for his superb

contribution over the years and wish him success in his new post.

I hope everyone has a well deserved Christmas break. Best wishes for 2014!

Derek

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Governance mattersKeeping College staff regularly and better informed of governance issues

The intention of this article is to keep College staff updated and aware of the information being presented to and agreed by Governors.

The Board of the Corporation met on Wednesday 9 October 2013 at Gallows Lane, Beverley and highlighted below are the key discussions and decisions of that meeting.

Membership of the Corporation

Richard Lacey was appointed as the new Chair of the Corporation, he was previously Vice Chair. There were also three new members to the Corporation: Dr Elizabeth Hall, Councillor Irene Charis and Miss Lesley Archer. The Corporation saw the departure of Alison Michalska who leaves after six years of being a Governor. The Corporation also agreed to reduce the number of Governors from 20 to 18, with a membership of eight female Governors to nine male, with one vacancy, and 11% of Governors being of black, minority and ethnic origin. This offers a good reflection against the profile of College learners.

College performance

Governors learned that the early enrolment figures looked strong across the board with increases in student recruitment to the same period last year in 16-18 year olds, adult college-based learners and HE programmes. The key performance indicators

(KPIs) and a summary of targets for the academic year 2013/14 were reviewed and approved.

FE Choices survey

Governors were informed that in all areas the College’s learners had rated their experience of the College higher than the average rating for FE colleges nationally, with an overall score of 8.5 out of 10.

GCSE and A-level results

Governors noted that the College continues to do well against the latest college GCSE benchmarks and they fully supported the College’s perseverance and ambition for its learners.

E-learning

Governors noted e-learning continued to be of significant importance in terms of curriculum delivery at the College, with more work planned on evaluating the impact of e-learning and a programme of training courses to be delivered to further support teachers and support staff. It was recognised that the recent survey showed our students have a very positive perception of e-learning.

Ofsted inspections

Governors received a report on current Ofsted’s requirements for inspection, particularly useful for new Governors, and were also updated on the College’s preparations for the short

notice inspection and the work being undertaken on the online Inspection Zone. Governors are keen to achieve ‘Outstanding’ in the next inspection and recognise the pivotal role they play in supporting this..

Approvals

After consideration by the Corporation, the following policies and documents were approved:

• The Corporation’s current internal control arrangements

• Supply-Chain Fee and Charges Policy

• The Internal Audit Strategy for 2013-2014

• The Corporation’s Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.

Joanne MylreaSecretary to the Corporation

Next meetingThe Corporation meets

again on Wednesday 11 December 2013

at Gallows Lane.

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Student’s doctorate story inspiresA mum-of-three who got back into education at East Riding College has told current students her story after being accepted for a doctorate at the University of Hull.

Michelle Connor, 40, of Beverley, graduated from the university in the summer with a first class BSc in Psychology and her dissertation is to be published in an academic journal.

But she returned to the College to tell learners who are following in her footsteps on the Level Three Access to Higher Education Diploma about the inspiration and support she received from tutors.

Michelle said: “The Access course definitely provided me with a firm foundation on which to do a degree by enabling me to learn essay and report writing, presentation skills and referencing.

“The tutors really prepared me for studying at higher level so nothing was a complete shock. I had really good relationships with them and I have kept in touch with them.

Michelle said: “Having small groups was a tremendous help – compare that with university where you’re in a lecture theatre with 180 people – and the tutors were always available to answer questions and advise on your essays.

“The tutors really helped me get the best out of myself. They hold your hand a little bit but you need that when you’re getting back into education.”

Michelle, who has 20 and

13-year-old sons and a 9-year-old daughter, had a successful career as a buyer for a manufacturing firm but gave up work because of difficulties finding a childminder.

When her daughter started school, she enrolled on two counselling courses at the College as she thought about her next step in her career and education.

Having decided she wanted to study for a degree in psychology, she enrolled on the Level Three Access to Higher Education Diploma, which helps people who have been out of education to meet university entry requirements and teaches them how to write in the higher education style, research and reference.

The course is available in a

INSPIRING: Michelle shares her success story with Gill Cook, Access tutor

variety of specialisms called “pathways” and Michelle chose the social sciences pathway, as that featured psychology, and passed with a distinction.

She has now graduated from the university and is about to begin her doctorate. Her dissertation, on reasons why students abstain from alcohol has been lined up for publication in a psychology journal.

One of her tutors, Gill Cook, said: “Every year the Access programme provides learners with the entry qualifications, skills and confidence to make the step up to higher education.

“Michelle worked very hard on the course and has clearly continued to do so in her degree. We are delighted with her achievement and wish her the best of luck for her doctorate.”

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Another story, this time on two lines

New teacher training bursary A new range of bursaries are available to support staff who are considering moving into teaching.

The bursaries, of up to £20,000, are available to people with a degree who want to teach maths or English, or to support students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

The amount depends on the subject in which the learner wants to specialise and their class of degree.

To qualify, learners need to be studying on an initial teacher training course, including the College’s Pre-Service Postgraduate Certificate in Education course, in 2014/15.

Director of learner services David Daulby said: “These are an excellent opportunity for people who are considering moving from a support role into teaching English, maths or LDD students.

“They are available to members of staff working in a college or training provider who is not employed in a teaching capacity as long as they hold a relevant degree, do not hold QTS or QTLS and are not currently undertaking any paid teaching work.

“This may include FE staff who are currently, for example, technicians, learning support assistants, or learning resource assistants, and wish to train as teachers in FE.”

A total of 56 academic staff have been awarded outstanding performance payments following their introduction in 2012/13.

The payments of £500 are made once a year to individuals who achieve a grade one lesson observation in their final observation of the academic year and are determined as “professionally effective” against the required criteria in their appraisal.

They are available to tutors, assessors, vocational trainers and learning support assistants and are paid with the December salary.

Principal Derek Branton said: “It is excellent to see that so

many members of teaching and learning staff have earned these outstanding performance payments for their efforts at the College.

“The aim of this incentive it to provide extra impetus for the College’s drive to provide outstanding teaching and learning, assessment and learning support.

The successful members of staff have all been notified by letter. They also include two vocational trainers.

Quality and teaching standards newsExcellence pays dividends

OUTSTANDING: Learners benefit from professional effectiveness.

EFFORTS REWARDED: Derek Branton

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David Thacker steps down as chairThe Chairman of the Corporation of East Riding College, David Thacker, stepped down in the summer after eight years at the helm.

Mr Thacker, from Driffield, a well-known figure in education in the region and former headteacher at Driffield School, has decided to hand over the reins in his 16th year as a governor with the College. The chairman is now Richard Lacey.

Mr Thacker said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow governors, staff and students at East Riding College and I am delighted to leave the College in such a strong position.

“Working together, we have seen excellent progress in terms of improvements to the success rates of our students and the facilities in which they study, as well as very significant increases in the number of people who choose the College for their further or higher education qualification.

“I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the success of the College over the past 16 years and wish them every success for what I am certain will be a very bright future.”

Principal Derek Branton said: “David Thacker has made an invaluable contribution to the lives of literally thousands of young people and adults in education and training through his work at East Riding College.

“Under his chairmanship of the Governing Body, the College has grown into the largest provider of education and training in the East Riding of Yorkshire and has earned numerous accolades for the very high quality provision of teaching and learning it provides.

“David will be sorely missed but he leaves the College in a strong position to continue on a path of continued improvement.

“I look forward to working

with the new chairman, Richard Lacey.”

Mr Thacker, who retired as headteacher of Driffield School in 2001, became a governor of East Yorkshire College in Bridlington in 1997, prior to its merger with Beverley College to form East Riding College in 2002.

His achievements with the College were recognised during a presentation by Governors of a crystal Lindesfarne Gospel decanter, which featured an inscription of the College logo, his title as Fellow of the College’s Corporation and a recognition of his “outstanding contribution to college governance in the East Riding”.

Though he is stepping down as a “full” Governor, he will continue as a co-opted member of the Remuneration, Finance and Human Resources Committee.

INVALUABLE: David Thacker, Chair of the Corporation standing down as chairman being presented by Derek Branton, Principal.

NEW CHAIRMAN: Richard Lacey

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New road safety campaign

Students at East Riding College helped launch an innovative road safety campaign aimed at making young people more aware of the dangers and consequences of reckless driving.

The campaign takes the shape of a series of posters and advertisements based on the format of a traditional fruit machine and is jointly funded by the TOM (Take One Moment) Foundation and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) with support from staff and students at the College.

The campaign focuses on four key areas where lives are still being lost because of the actions of drivers: Texting and driving, talking on the phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and being distracted by friends or loud music. The iconic new posters, which feature students from East Riding College, are being distributed across the region during national Road Safety Week (November 18 to 24).

Enrichment officer Tracy

Underwood said: “The College is very happy to support and promote this campaign to our young people. The students who were involved found it a very worthwhile experience and were all affected by the final images on the posters.”

Performing arts student Ryan Wilson, 19, who appeared in the campaign, said: “It is really important for all people of my age to be aware of the effects and consequences of dangerous driving. Some of the images will stay with me for a long time.”

The campaign was brought about off the back of the hugely successful regional TOM Foundation Speed Dating events, at which it was noticed that young people didn’t seem to be fully aware of the dangers associated with phones, seatbelts and general distraction.

In many cases young people talked about not wanting to wear a seatbelt as it could crease clothes and texting at the wheel seemed to be commonplace.

Flemingate updateThe College has taken further steps towards securing its relocation within Beverley. Following the approval of outline plans for houses on the Gallows Lane site, the College has been busy working to put in place the legal contracts related to both the sale of the site in Gallows Lane and the purchase of the site in Flemingate.

The College has now concluded putting together the necessary legal agreements in terms of the acquisition of land at Flemingate and the disposal of the Gallows Lane campus.

It will now be working closely with the nominated building contractor, Houlton, towards commencing construction of the new campus in the spring of 2014 with an opening in time for the 2015/16 academic year.

CLOSER: Flemingate site

DRIVING SAFETY HOME: TOM Foundation teaching students the dangers of unsafe driving practices

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Boxing star’s visit inspires studentsStudents at East Riding College were inspired by a visit from Great Britain boxing star Amanda Coulson to one of their sports sessions.

The former Amateur Boxing Association British champion coached learners and took part in a question and answer session during one of their weekly boxing coaching sessions at the Beverley campus.

It forms part of the College’s Active! scheme, which aims to encourage students who are less likely to play sport to take part in regular exercise.

The visit was made possible by Sportivate, a National Lottery funded Olympic and Paralympic legacy initiative, which funds the boxing sessions that are delivered at the College by City of Hull Amateur Boxing club’s Bob Beautyman.

Student Jason Cooper, 16, said: “It was a really good experience boxing with Amanda. It’s so inspiring knowing where she came from and what she went onto achieve.”

Christie Lamb, 18, said: “I really enjoyed the session and Amanda was excellent. You could see she’s really talented.”Matt Jeffery, the College’s sport maker, who organises regular

activities for learners, said: “The students have really been enjoying the boxing sessions here at college and the visit of Amanda will hopefully inspire them to keep at it. “For them to hear from a real life elite athlete, what you can achieve if you put your mind to it, really made an impression on them”. To help inspire and motivate Sportivate participants, Sport England’s Sporting Champions team of current and retired elite athletes, many of whom competed at London 2012, are visiting Sportivate sessions to share their experiences and enthusiasm for sport.In her capacity as a Sporting Champion, Amanda hopes she

can use the inspiring memories of London 2012 to help the young people at this boxing project which is supported by the Humber Sports Partnership, stay in sport one year on from the Olympic Games.She said: “I really enjoyed visiting this exciting Sportivate boxing project at East Riding College. The opportunity to support such community sports programmes is a real privilege for me. “I’m hopeful that by using the Olympic and Paralympic legacy from London 2012 and through my experiences in competing at elite level, I can inspire all the young people in attendance to sustain their sports participation.”

ENTHUSIASM FOR SPORT: Amanda Coulson shares her sporting experience with students

It’s a record...We had a record 30 apprenticeship vacancies advertised this month

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Graduates and their families packed the Priory Church of St Mary in Bridlington to celebrate the achievements of higher education students from East Riding College.

The church was full with about 400 people attending the event, which saw students presented with scrolls by Principal Derek Branton in recognition of the successful completion of their course.

The winner of the student of the year award was Madaline Palmer, 44, from Hessle, who studied on the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Policy and Practice.

She was chosen for the award because of her passion for her studies and using what she learned to drive standards in the care of children in the nursery where she works.

Madaline, a nursery nurse at the McMillan Nursery School in North Hull Estate, started off on one of College’s bite size study skills courses prior to the foundation degree and steadily grew in confidence over the years to achieve first class marks.

She has now progressed to a “top-up” degree with the College, a one-year course which will turn the foundation degree into a full

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BA (Hons), with a view to then doing a PGCE teacher’s qualification. Her ambition is to become a childcare tutor.

She said: “The course has really helped me to fulfil my role at work and spurred me to do further training.

“I’m really pleased to receive the award and I want to thank the College, particularly my tutors Gerry and Sophie, my employer and my course mates for their support throughout.

“I would also like to thank my family for their continued support through the time I have been doing the course.”

Principal Derek Branton said: “The ceremony was an enjoyable family occasion. We heard from many graduates about how their new qualifications had supported them to advance in their jobs or find new employment opportunities, which is exactly what these courses are designed for.

“It is so pleasing to see the sense of pride that this level of success at higher education level instils in our learners and the positive impact that is having on their lives. We are delighted to have supported them in their achievements.”

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East Riding College has been named the College with the best higher education student satisfaction ratings in East Yorkshire.

Some 88 per cent of the College’s students said they were satisfied with the overall quality of their degree or other higher level course, compared to the average score of 85 per cent for all institutions nationally, which includes all universities.

In particular, students said that staff were good at explaining things, enthusiastic and accessible, and that their course was intellectually stimulating, with over 90 per cent agreeing to these statements.

The National Student Survey, carried out by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, drew responses from about 304,000 final year students at 154 higher education institutions and 165 further education colleges.

Principal Derek Branton said: “This is an excellent outcome for East Riding College and demonstrates the very high quality of teaching and learning across the full range of degrees, teacher training and other higher level courses.

“Our main focus is to ensure that students are challenged and stimulated by their higher education experience, feel they are getting excellent value for money and complete their

course with a qualification that will help them to achieve their career goals.

“In particular, we know our students feel they benefit from the high levels of contact time with their tutors and the excellent support and advice they provide.”

The survey, conducted by Ipsos MORI, provides valuable information for prospective students, and helps universities and colleges to further improve the education they provide.

Colleges and universities are asked to encourage students to complete the survey but cannot influence their responses.

HE student satisfaction: 88%

The New Horizons Travel Hub on the Gallows Lane site has been officially opened.

The Travel Hub, in the Westwood building next to the restaurant reception, has been set up to give staff, students and other customers the face-to-face point of contact for those who are based permanently based at the Beverley site.

New Horizons manager Katrina Diamantis said: “This will allow staff and students to get costings for those well-earned holidays. All bookings will be made through New Horizons Travel Agency as you are accustomed to but this will allow the team to offer you a more personalised service.”

The Travel Hub will offer information about prices, destinations, tour operators and the many different types of holidays there are on offer, including National Express and National Holidays.

Offers targeted specifically at staff will be sent out, offering excellent deals, in addition to the five per cent discount staff and students receive on bookings.

The Travel Hub will be open from 9.30am until 4.30pm every Wednesday and Friday. It is run by Katrina Diamantis and Sophie Jones with the help of a number of travel and tourism students.

For further information, email travelhub@eastriding.ac.uk

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Joiners’ work experience at stablesTrainee joiners from East Riding College in Beverley have been polishing their skills by undertaking work at a nearby stables.

The group, who are studying towards a Level One Diploma in Site Carpentry, have been spending two days a week outside of their normal timetable on the project.

They have been mending and replacing fences and cross country jumps, and gaining essential experience in on-site working.

Jake West, 17, from Hull, said: “It gives us a chance to work using our initiative and in groups, rather than set individual tasks, producing things that have a purpose and are used rather than being thrown away at the end of the day.

“It also gives us an understanding of how to act and speak in a workplace and gives us the chance to acquire new skills that we otherwise would not have learnt.”

Tutor Craig Leach said: “Work experience is an important part of most East Riding College

WORKING HARD: Craig Leach and students fixing fencescourses and the students are really grateful to have been given this opportunity by the owners of the stables.

“As well as allowing them to practice their skills on a live project, this has allowed us to build further links with local businesses.”

Students took part in a range of fun activities for Children in Need this year. These included coming to College in fancy dress or onesies, selling hand-made birthday cards, tombolas and all sorts of other things. Motor vehicle maintenance learners also carried out winter services checks on cars to raise extra cash.

What we did forChildren in Need

BUSY: Students raising money for Pudsey throughout the College

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Staff at the Todz charity shop in Bridlington have been brushing up on their retail skills after securing free training through the College.

Four learners at the Quay Road premises have undertaken Level Two Retail NVQs, with one of them also doing the Level Two NVQ in Team Leading to help them in their supervisory duties.

Assessor Tracy Rafter said: “Our training partnership with Todz has been a real success, with four staff already benefitting from

their training and another batch of four learners already enrolled.

“East Riding College has access to a number of funding initiatives which enable employers to secure qualifications at no cost to their organisation or the individual, and the staff at Todz are an excellent example of that.”

Shop manager Lesley Gaines said: “Working with East Riding College has been really beneficial for Todz, our volunteers and our members of staff.

“The retail qualifications have

Retail qualifications help improve service at Todz

IMPROVED SERVICE: Staff at Todz show off their certificates with Tracy Rafter, College assessor (second left)

helped us to improve the service we provide to customers. We are seeing a lower turnover of staff, an increase in morale, a more pleasant working environment through improved displays and increased sales as a result.

“The whole training process, with Tracy coming into the shop and supporting us throughout, has been very straightforward and, best of it all, the College was able to source funding to provide the qualifications at no charge to Todz.”

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Who would you like to nominate? To nominate a member of staff for the Employee Recognition Award, visit the human resources section of the staff intranet, where it is possible to download details of the procedure and a nomination form.

Recognition for Anne and Sophie

TEACHING EXCELLENCE: Sophie May collects her award from Andrew Wren, Vice Principal Curriculum and Quality.

The two latest winners of the Employee Recognition Award are lecturer Sophie May and Anne Farley, PA to the director of learner services and managers at St Mary’s Walk.

Sophie was nominated by Jane Rodley for the way she has written, implemented and delivered the new BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Policy and Practice (Top-Up).

Jane, who is taking the course herself, said she has delivered sessions which have been informative, relevant and enjoyable.

She said: “Sophie has proved inspirational – even when I felt completely over-stretched with the work load she was there to reassure me and help.

“I can honestly say Sophie is an invaluable tutor to the course, nothing is too much trouble and she is always there to support and nurture us.”

Anne Farley was nominated by David Daulby, Rachel Wright and Lesley Kelly for her “truly exemplary” administrative support and for acting as executive assistant to the Principal during Rachel’s maternity leave.

Her nomination said: “Anne’s work load is extremely challenging and during particularly busy periods she works under significant pressure, often involving tight deadlines.

“She maintains a very professional approach to her work regardless of how much pressure she herself might be under and always makes time available to support

others, whether they be members of her administration team or one of those managers for whom she provides support.”

TRULY EXEMPLARY: Anne Farley, with Derek Branton, Principal

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Students benefit from road safety event

Students at the College have been learning about the consequences of dangerous driving at an innovative event at the Beverley and Bridlington campuses.

The College organised the “speed dating” road safety event in conjunction with the TOM Foundation, a local charity, to press home the message about driving carefully to young people.

It saw students talking with paramedics, police, firefighters and representatives of the TOM Foundation and Safer Roads Humber, spending five minutes with each before moving onto the next.

Enrichment officer Tracy Underwood said: “All of the students who attended this event thought it was thought provoking and vital to all young drivers and car passengers.

“The event raised their awareness of the effects and consequences of dangerous driving through talks and imagery, which will stay with them for long time.”

The event continued an association with the TOM Foundation, which has worked with the College on a road safety promotional campaign which is to be used regionally.

The campaign, developed by Leven company Harper Creative, is being funded by The TOM Foundation and by Yorkshire Ambulance Service charitable fund.

The images of the students will play a vital role in demonstrating carelessness and common actions that can leave drivers and passengers in extremely dangerous situations.

The topics being targeted by the campaign are talking on the phone whilst driving, texting and driving, not wearing seatbelts, and passenger distraction that can lead to car accidents.

DRIVING SAFELY: Students find out how to keep themselves safe whilst driving through a series of fast talks from the emergency services.

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A new training programme which aims to give young people a helping hand into work or an apprenticeship has been launched by the College.

Traineeships are being rolled out nationally to help young people gain work experience and improve their essential skills so they can make their first steps on the career ladder.

The College has teamed up with local and national employers to organise work experience placements which are key to the success of the Traineeships.

The courses are aimed at people aged 16 to 23 who are keen to work as soon as possible and include help with interview techniques and CV writing.

Patrick Sewell, managing director of Sewell on the go, Sewell Group’s fuel and convenience business, said: “As a local company, serving over four million customers a year, it’s important that we support the development of our region, local communities and future generations.

“Traineeships are a great idea and one we fully support. They provide young people with hands-on employability skills such as communication, team work and problem solving that complement academic studies, preparing them for the world of work. We’re pleased to be supporting East Riding College with this scheme.”

Traineeships typically last 20 weeks or less and are structured

around work experience, with attendance at the College helping with preparation for job interviews and writing a CV, improving essential English and maths skills, and tasters in a particular vocational area.

The College has teamed up with local and national organisations and companies to provide work placements. These include catering placements with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, retail placements with Sewell Group and Proudfoots, and hair and beauty and health and social care placements at salons across the East Riding.

Placements will soon be available in construction, food manufacturing and social marketing,

College teams up with employers in new training programme

TRAINEESHIPS: Sewells trainee manager Louise Alexander, College retail assessor Sharon Hemingway and Patrick Sewell, Managing Director of Sewell on the go

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Trade Union Studies unveil their new bannerThe College’s Trade Union Studies Centre in Hull hosted the ceremonial unfurling of a new banner in front of a host of local politicians, trade unionists and learners.

Inspired by a long standing trade union tradition, the decision was made to source a banner for East Riding College Trade Union Studies department.

A banner is used to indicate an area of trade unionism which they represent, in this case Trade Union Studies

The official unfurling ceremony took place in front of about 80 attendees, with Liz Rees, head of the Trades Union Congress National Education and Training Programme, cutting the ribbon

Speeches were also given by Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson, UNISON full time officer Ray Gray and three of the centre’s former learners.

Head of curriculum area Dave Parr said: “Our thanks go to the many people who helped support the procurement of the banner and the event itself. It was wonderful that so many former and current learners and union activists attending.”

WELL ATTENDED: Alan Johnson MP, leftand Liz Rees TUC National Education and Training Programme, below, gave speeches at the event

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Business development assistant Luke Portlock and his partner Danielle are now proud parents to Ollie William Portlock. He was born weighing eight pounds on October 17 at Scarborough Hospital.

Mr Portlock junior

Learning support assistants Win Westerman and Jenny Langton, both based at St Mary’s Walk, have retired after six years working for the College. Jenny is retiring to Lincolnshire and Win will tend to her cottage garden. Their send-off was an evening with colleagues at Rags Restaurant in Bridlington.

Beauty tutor Jane Bayram married Neil Kettlewell at The Levant restaurant in the village of Karmi, North Cyprus, on August 7. Nine close friends and family made the trip too.

Jane ties the knot

Win and Jenny say goodbye

Wear it pink day

IN THE PINK: Staff at Beverley showing their support

Staff made the most of the Wear it Pink Day for the Breast Cancer campaign charity.

eastridingcollege20

Got a story?If you have a story for inclusion in erc news, please let us know. We are keen to hear about your personal achievements and accomplishments in your job, as well as appropriate lighter stories.

Send your pictures and stories, and any comments or suggestions, to matthew.croshaw@eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call (01482) 306612.

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