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Students from the Health and Social Care Extended Diploma course are now official champions of the “Dementia Friends” programme, after a training session with the Alzheimer Society on Wednesday 13th March.
The students were presented with a badge and certificate, in return for their pledge to promote dementia awareness with new acquaintances in the workplace and amongst family and friends.
The launch of the Alzheimer Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest initiative of its kind to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It hopes to transform how the nation thinks, acts and talks about this debilitating condition.
In the UK alone, there are 850,000+ people living with dementia, with the figure expected to rise to more than 1 million by 2025.
Visit Alzheimer’s Society to find out more
College partners construction hub to bridge skills gapThe College will work in partnership with Liverpool Waters, which has plans for a £5 billion waterfront development scheme that includes the creation of 9,000 homes, extensive business space, both a cruise and ferry terminal and luxury hotel facilities.
The Hub was given the go ahead after receiving £500k from the Government’s Construction Skills Fund. It will provide training and qualifications to meet the demand for skilled construction workers, as well as a range of supporting roles in the region’s thriving construction industry. The Construction Hub will also provide contractors with direct access to a pool of trained apprentices, full and part time workers and work experience candidates trained in relevant skills to meet the shortfall in the sector.
Elaine Bowker, principal at The City of Liverpool College, said: “The City of Liverpool College is the college for business, so it’s only right that we are putting our learners at the very heart of one of Europe’s largest regeneration and development schemes.
“Having this construction hub on Collingwood Dock means that a City of Liverpool College facility will be sitting amongst some of the city region’s largest and most ambitious construction projects, all requiring a talented and eager workforce.”
The Government has set aside funding for 17,000 young people to become job and site-ready construction workers by March 2020. Twenty-six hubs have been created across the country which have access to the £22m Construction Skills Fund. The Hubs will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for individuals to gain industry recognised skills that will support them into a career in construction.
Students serve up top class meal in VEW skills showcase
Under Hrishikesh Desai’s supervision, students were hands-on every step of the way throughout the seven-course meal, including preparation, plating up to a precise specification and providing vital front-of-house customer service to the thirty-strong guests.
Speaking after the dinner, Hrishikesh said: “I’ve worked in the catering and hospitality industry for many years, and can see right now that we are facing a crisis, as fewer young people wish to take up a career in this industry. It is incredibly important for me to work with institutions such as the college to support their students, as we need talented young people to step into my shoes when it’s their turn to achieve their very own Michelin star. This is an invaluable learning opportunity for these students, as not every chef is lucky enough to work a 30-person service to Michelin star standards at such a young age.”
Elaine Bowker, principal of The City of Liverpool College, said: “On behalf of the staff and students, I’d like to thank Hrishikesh for devoting his time and energy to supporting our students. To be able to provide a learning opportunity like this is something we pride ourselves on, and we hope our students have gained a wealth of skills, as well as an appreciation of the array of opportunities available to them in the visitor economy.
“The City Region’s visitor economy generates £4.1 billion and plays a vital role in its economy, with massive potential and opportunity for the next generation. It is one of this country’s strongest performing sectors, but despite this, we know that careers in hospitality and tourism are traditionally not seen as desirable. At The City of Liverpool College, we understand first hand that there is a huge amount of talent in this city which, with the right support, has the potential to thrive in this sector. This is incredibly important for our economy, not just locally, but nationally. By working with the Liverpool LEP to host these inspiring events during Visitor Economy Week, we hope to raise the profile of the sector and, using our expertise, business connections and varied qualification offerings, enhance its perception as a progressive career choice.”
For more information and a full schedule of events taking place throughout the week, visit: https://www.liverpoollep.org/visitor-economy-week/visitor-economy-week-events/
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From Monday 4th February, a number of events will take place at the College’s own Academy Restaurant, including an exclusive dinner with Michelin starred head chef from The Gilpin Spice restaurant as well as a selection of masterclasses hosted by Liverpool-based venues such as the Titanic Hotel and The Pullman, providing classes on a range of skills such as butchery, molecular gastronomy, artisan bread-making and wine tasting.
Former students of the college – who went on to create Cuban street food concept, FINCA, and star in BBC2’s My Million Pound Menu – will also be hosting masterclasses during the week, demonstrating their skills and sharing tips on how the College has supported them to thrive in an ever growing, highly competitive industry.
Elaine Bowker, principal of The City of Liverpool College, said: Here at the College, we understand first hand that there is a huge amount of talent in this city which, with the right support, has the potential to thrive in a sector that is so important for our economy, not just locally, but nationally.
“By working with the Liverpool LEP to host these inspiring events during Visitor Economy Week, we hope to raise the profile of the sector and, using our expertise, business connections and varied qualification offerings, enhance its perception as a progressive career choice.”
Visitor Economy Week is now in its fourth year with more than 50 events planned throughout the city, all designed to encourage students to consider the visitor economy as a career choice and provide a taste of what life can be like working in hospitality, retail, tourism or travel.
The City Region’s visitor economy generates £4.1 billion, with predicted growth of 2.9% over the next decade, which is higher than the national outlook of 2.5%.
For more information and a schedule of all events taking place throughout the week, visit: https://www.liverpoollep.org/visitor-economy-week/visitor-economy-week-events/
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College addresses gender imbalance in digital sectorYoung women invited to the event at the College’s Digital Academy (Myrtle Street campus), will meet women leaders from businesses in the region who will highlight the opportunities open to them in the digital sector. The leaders, who include Chelsea Slater, founder of InnovateHer and Zoe Wallace, director of Agent Marketing, will also outline how the College can support young women to pursue a career in this fast growing industry.
College Principal, Elaine Bowker, said: “As the first college in the country to create a dedicated digital academy – which offers young people coding, software development and a range of digital skills – we want to make sure that anyone with an interest in the digital sector has the opportunity to pursue it as a career.
“There is a common misconception that digitally-focused courses and qualifications are targeted at male students, but our courses are carefully designed to ensure that whatever aspect of the digital sector you are interested in, there is something to suit your skills.”
Chelsea Slater is the co-founder of InnovateHer, which is creating a UK-wide network of schools-based Academies to tackle inequality and improve young people’s life chances, which aims to help the UK compete on the digital world stage. Chelsea said: “Digital skills are needed in every business, whatever the sector. Whether it’s building websites, graphic design, or computer games design, there are a huge range of careers available and so many opportunities that gaining a digital qualification can bring.
“It’s fantastic that The City of Liverpool College is leading the way in our City Region to encourage young women to pursue a career in the digital field.”
Current figures shows that women account for 20 percent of computer science entries at GCSE, and only 10 percent at A-level; with 30,000 fewer females taking computing qualification at GCSE or above compared with 2014.
The visitors were treated to a three-course Christmas dinner, free haircuts and donated food and clothing, and they were also offered free advice and guidance from external partners in the city.
The event was organised by the College’s Student Engagement Team, in partnership with homeless charity, The Whitechapel Centre, and Merseycare and supported by staff, student volunteers, and the City of Liverpool College Students’ Union.
Students from across the college were involved, from trainee Air Cabin crew serving meals, to professional cookery students leading on the catering. Hair and beauty students were also on hand to offer treatments and barbering students free haircuts. The guests could take hot showers, and were given fresh underwear and toiletries; and they were also provided with donations from students, staff and volunteers. Each visitor received a hat, gloves and thermals to keep them warm during the searing winter months.
Elaine Bowker, Principal of The City of Liverpool College, said: “Christmas isn’t a happy time of year for everyone and for some, it can be an incredibly difficult and lonely time. We hope that our ‘Open House’ event goes some way to giving these vulnerable people joy during the festive season.
“We know how powerful acts of kindness can be, which is why we always encourage our students to volunteer and take part in activities such as this to support those who are less fortunate, particularly during the festive season. We’re so grateful to all of the students and volunteers who gave up their time to give back to the local community and give the city’s homeless a much-needed boost.”
Principal Elaine Bowker and the team that delivers VTCT’s technical qualifications and apprenticeships to learners met with the MP and Chief Exec. to discuss the importance of technical education to the UK’s economy and the crucial role it can play in tackling poverty and deprivation. The guests also met with a number of learners who are studying VTCT qualifications and apprenticeships in Level 2 Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Barbering, and had the opportunity to watch the trainees in action using skills they have gained.
In light of recent revelations by Ofsted that Level 2 service industry courses, including beauty and hair, were identified by colleges as giving learners the ‘greatest chance’ of progressing into employment, the visitors had the chance to hear first-hand why so many young people are choosing to start their careers in the sector, which is a thriving space for young aspirational professionals seeking a long-term career in the industry.
Ms Ellman, who is MP for Liverpool, Riverside, said: “It was great to look around the College’s hair and beauty training facilities and find out more about how VTCT’s technical qualifications and apprenticeships are upskilling learners in my constituency and beyond.
“Providing young people with high quality education and technical training is crucial, to ensure they have the skills needed to take up new jobs in our economy, boost social mobility in areas that have been left behind and to tackle the UK’s marked skills gap.
“The City of Liverpool College is a vital provider of technical education in our city, and I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to speak to learners about their skills and future career aspirations. We must drive a culture shift to promote technical qualifications and apprenticeships as valuable routes into rewarding careers.”
Alan Woods OBE, Chief Executive of VTCT, said: “VTCT is leading the way in providing high-quality technical awards and assessments and it was fantastic to demonstrate our hugely valuable work to Dame Louise.
“The Government must lead from the top by promoting the value of technical and vocational education, and by making sure that colleges like The City of Liverpool College, and the employers they works with, are able to fund and accommodate the three-month work placement requirement of the new T Levels.
“This will be crucial in ensuring that the Government’s post-16 Skills Plan achieves its intention of delivering lasting change within our technical education and apprenticeships system.”
Mohammed Khalil, studying Access to Engineering, together with best mate Adam Mitchell, have created fashion brand, Fallen Angels, to bring a touch of style to urban street wear aimed at the 16-35s male market.
The nineteen-year-olds decided to develop their interest in street art and start an online business after Mohammed was made redundant. They spent time researching the market, sourcing fabrics and various manufacturing processes, before creating their colourful designs with a distinct street style focus.
The business has grown steadily since start of trading back in May 2018, where sales have more than tripled of their branded t-shirts, track suits and fleeces, sought after by a growing number of customers from around the UK.
Mohammed said: “We both look on the business as a long term plan but also knew it was important to choose the kind of business that would allow me to continue with my studies.
“Not only does starting up with a partner reduce the fear-factor, it also gives you someone to bounce your ideas off, as well as someone to share the ups and downs with.
“We are both very committed to making the business work and try to keep the workload equal so neither one bears the brunt of responsibility. If we continue to look out for each other, both our partnership and the business will flourish.”
The partners are already looking to expand the business locally, and are in talks with a number of clothing shops looking to stock their range of edgy clothing, including a leading fashion outlets in Liverpool’s Cavern Walks emporium.
Mohammed hopes to complete his qualification at the College and move on to a degree programme in Avionic Systems at Liverpool University.
For more information about Fallen Angels, visit: Instagram: @fallen_angel.s or www.fallenangel-s.co.uk
Finlay Panter, who studied A-level and Level 3 Music at The City of Liverpool College, is a finalist in the Jazz Composition for Large Ensemble category with his dazzling arrangement entitled ‘Time’.
Finlay, a gifted violinist, also developed a talent as a drummer and percussionist during his time at the College, taking part in a variety of student-led performances throughout his course of study. He won a coveted place on a degree programme at the highly sought after Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) where he graduated with honours.
Through his love of jazz, Finlay joined the professional Beats and Pieces Big Band ensemble will fellow graduates of RNCM, which has a growing following, and enjoys success throughout the UK, Europe and the United States.
His jazz composition ‘Time’ was premiered in Manchester in 2017 and was submitted for the British Composer Awards earlier this year.
College music tutor, Tom Sykes, said: “Fin showed huge potential as an artist very early on and I was delighted when he secured a place at what is one of the top music colleges in the country. Fin won this through hard work, determination and an exceptional talent and I wish him the very best of luck at the upcoming British Composer awards.”
Winners in all categories will be announced at the ABSCA ceremony held at the British Museum on 4 December, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 9 December.
