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A new collaboration between Vital Energi and The City of Liverpool College is set to deliver bespoke renewable energy and heat network apprenticeship programmes.
The new apprenticeship programmes demonstrate Vital’s commitment to developing the key industry skills required to achieve net zero and create a sustainable workforce for the future.
Having pledged to recruit 20 apprentices across the UK, Vital are proud to be joining forces with The City of Liverpool College, which will deliver the curriculum from the £2m state-of-the-art Training Academy located at Vital’s Blackburn headquarters, for two pathways: Craft and Technical.
Both pathways will take apprentices on an energy journey where they will learn and work within the renewable energy and heat networks market. They will discover how energy is generated and distributed, and how to manage and reduce consumption for residential and commercial clients. Apprentices will also learn how carbon emissions are reduced through Vital’s renewable technologies and the innovative products they have developed.
The programmes will be delivered via a blended mix of virtual online teaching and a minimum of 25 days curriculum learning each year within the Training Academy. Apprentices will spend the majority of their time on-site working on exciting projects, where they will pick up a wealth of skills through hands-on experience and support from Vital’s experienced and knowledgeable team.
Vital Energi’s Manging Director for the North & Scotland, Mike Cooke, completed an apprenticeship at The City of Liverpool College and he believes this formed a great foundation for his successful career path.
“I loved the apprentice programme at The City of Liverpool College,” said Mike. “At 18 years old this was my first opportunity to experience independence and life in the city. My apprenticeship provided me with social, interpersonal, and technical skills which have been the platform of my career, and even though the pay was significantly less than Vital’s offer today, I’ve been able to progress through my career without being saddled with tuition fees and student loans. A real and genuine upside.
Liverpool City Region has an ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2040 and The City of Liverpool College is focussed on developing its curriculum around the needs of industry, creating a workforce for the future by developing the skills needed to enter the world of work in sustainable careers.
Sophie Park, Director of Workforce Skills at The City of Liverpool College, said:
“Our partnership with Vital Energi is built on the knowledge and skills of its engineers and our innovative curriculum leaders at The City of Liverpool College. Working with progressive, exciting organisations such as Vital Energi helps us to continue to innovate and provide our students with the skills they need to enter the workforce and forge successful, sustainable careers.
“This new state of the art training centre will play an essential role in developing the skills needed to deliver our low carbon future.”
“Vital are forward-thinking, agile and strategic in the deployment of our resources,” added Mike. “As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 creates an opportunity to support apprentice recruitment and shape the workforce of the future, enabling a journey to net zero for our customers and the UK as a whole.
“We’re really excited to be working with The City of Liverpool College to deliver our new renewable apprenticeships, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first cohort in September.”
During the three-year Craft programme, apprentices will study for a Level 3 Building Services Engineering Craftsperson qualification. They will learn a range of key skills from pipework fabrication and jointing techniques such as electro fusion jointing, to welding, the installation of plumbing and heating systems, and more.
At the end of the Technical programme, apprentices will achieve a Level 3 Building Services Design Technician qualification, after developing their understanding of building services design principles. As well as using project management systems to ensure timeframes and budgets are adhered to, apprentices will work alongside the commercial team to understand contractual agreements and review the financial performance of a project, produce technical reports, plus more.
Vital Energi are working on nationwide projects and are looking to recruit apprentices from all over the UK. The curriculum learning will take place in the North West, so depending on your location, this may require residential attendance which will be funded by the company.
For more information about Vital Energi’s apprenticeship programmes, visit: www.vitalenergi.co.uk/careers/apprenticeship-programmes/
Alan Horton: Gaming his way into the digital industryWe recently caught up with Alan Horton, who studied on our HND Games Design course, about his current role at leading Liverpool-based games developer Lucid Games. Alan talks to us about his experiences of the college and attending Game Jams, which helped him break into the industry…
When did you study at the college?
I studied at the college from September 2016 to June 2018, enlisting as a mature student on the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Games Design. The course had 16 modules in total, covering all areas of games design from animation, programming, character creation, modelling and much more.
How did the college prepare you for your role now?
When I first started the qualification, I was unsure about which area of games design I wanted to move into but having a lot of modules covering all the different areas of games design helped me narrow down and find an area I wanted to focus on for my career.
What was the support like at college?
The support I received at the college was great, I have dyslexia and that put me off for years about going back into education. My tutors and support staff helped me with writing essays and blogs, which in turn helped me to become more confident.
What were the opportunities like?
The gaming industry is very competitive and is hard to get into. I found entering competitions, going to networking events and joining projects was extremely beneficial to my development. It helps you to get noticed within the industry but also helps you to improve on your chosen specialism.
Could you tell us a bit about the ‘Game Jams’ and how they helped you to get noticed?
Game Jams are a great way to work on your skills within a limited time frame. They can last anywhere from 24 hours to a couple of months and usually involve a team of up to five people. Within your teams and the designated time period, you’re required to develop a game based on a theme provided. Everything is usually made from scratch and by the end of the jam you will have a small playable game. I’ve entered a number of these before getting into the industry properly and was lucky enough to win one of them.
What is your role now?
I’m currently employed as a technical designer at Lucid Games in Liverpool. Usually part of a production design team, a technical designer is a game or level designer by training and is known for their technical skills. It’s my job to create and implement complex technical and system design elements into the game.
What are your greatest achievements so far?
My greatest achievements so far have been getting a job in an industry that I absolutely love, winning the Game Jam and having the game shown on Channel 5’s The Gadget Show. I’m also very proud of a game I created with my friends that we showcased at EGC 2019.
What things do you enjoy about working in the digital/gaming industry?
I enjoy being part of the creative process and producing something that many people will see, play and enjoy.
Do you have any advice for students interested in digital careers?
If you’re interested in a subject, try it. Like most things you might find it difficult at first but keep practicing and learning about your subject and you will no doubt improve over time.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Alan for taking the time to speak to us, everyone at The City of Liverpool College wishes you all the best in your future career.
If you’re interested in seeing more of Alan’s work, click here, or to find out about our Digital and Games Design courses, click here.
College students help to raise funds for Leonard CheshireOur Pathways learners have produced a very special notebook as part of a Leonard Cheshire ‘Can Do’ programme for individuals aged 10-35 with a disability or long-term health condition.
The books are on sale at the college and are already proving very popular. Money raised from the sale of the books will provide much needed funds for Leonard Cheshire, a charity that supports disabled people in the UK and around the world.
The notebooks have been designed to help people feel more positive. They contain uplifting quotes and photographs of things that have helped the students get through lockdown. It includes a message from the students that reads:
The notebooks are currently available to purchase in the college’s Learning Resource Centres (LRCs). To find out more about Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do programme, click here, or to learn about our Pathways Employability Skills courses, click here.
From Trainee To TeacherOur Teacher Training courses, taught at the University Centre, are designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they will need for a successful career in the education sector.
The course allows our students to gain real, practical experience of teaching alongside other professionals, either through employment or volunteering, and helps them to gain confidence in planning, teaching and working with students and other professionals.
We believe this course provides a great starting point for those interested in teaching, so much so that we have a great track record of keeping trainees at the college, either to gain experience as part of their training, or in full-time employment once qualified.
We currently have a number of teachers working at the college who have themselves completed their teacher training with us, before being recruited as college staff. They bring with them valuable ideas, fresh approaches and enthusiasm to our college community.
Here’s what some of them had to say about their experience at the college:
Name: Fatou Jagne
Course(s) studied: Certificate in Education
Role now: Lecturer and HE Access and Participation Coordinator
“I really enjoyed my time as a student teacher at the college. I felt supported by lecturers and my subject specialist mentor. The support I received from fellow staff was also reassuring.
“As part of my course, I was given a teaching placement at the college, which allowed me to develop my teaching and learning skills. My mentor and lecturers often observed my classes and always provided me with constructive feedback.
“Working in further education everyday provides many opportunities – it certainly did for me! It can be challenging at times, but seeing students exceed their own expectations, grow in confidence and achieve their goals makes it all worthwhile!”
Name: Hannah Doyle
Course(s) studied: PGCE – Teacher Education, Lifelong Learning
Role now: Main Grade Lecturer – Art and Design
“I was lucky enough to work with staff in the school of Fashion, Art and Design. The team as it was back then taught me a lot. They were strong, dedicated and really encouraged me and pushed me to develop my understanding of education.
“I wouldn’t be half the lecturer I am today without the Art Foundation Team that trained me. I’m now solely responsible for the same course area and I’m so grateful that I’m able to keep their good practice going.”
Name: Damien Coulson
Course studied: HNC/HND Games Development and Certificate in Education
Current role: Main Grade Lecturer
“Both the Games Development course and the Cert Ed prepared me well for my transition from student to lecturer. The Games Development course equipped me with fundamental knowledge about all aspects of games design, which I can now pass on to new students, whereas the Cert Ed provided me with the knowledge needed to develop my skills as a lecturer.
“I really enjoyed studying at the College and was impressed by the facilities and the quality of teaching here. I felt supported, was welcomed into the College community, and enjoyed learning about games development and education. I am delighted to be part of the team now and I am looking forward to many more years here.”
Name: Steven Ierston
Course(s) studied: Electrical Installation and PGCE
Role now: Deputy Head of School – Sustainable Construction & Building Services
“I’ve been interested in electrical installation ever since I undertook work experience at the age of sixteen. However, after completing a-levels at secondary school I realised I really also enjoyed the sciences and went onto graduate from LJMU with a degree in Applied Microbiology. After several years working at the university’s school of Biomolecular Sciences and school of Pharmacy & Chemistry, I decided to reignite my interest in electrical installation once again. I enrolled onto an evening course at the college and the rest is history.
“After completing the initial course, I got my hands dirty for a few years in the trade and then decided I’d really like to teach the subject. I emailed a contact I still had within the department and I was soon invited in for a chat. Literally a few days after the informal chat, I started working at the college as a part time lecturer. A little while later a full-time position became available and I applied and was successful with the added benefit of a funded teacher training course, studying part-time over two years alongside my job.
“I really enjoyed the teacher training at the college, it opened my mind to the different teaching theories and strategies and has allowed me to adapt and develop my own teaching styles. Teaching is not easy; you have to put the time in if you want the students to be successful. Every day is different, every student is unique, and this is what makes it rewarding and a career that has endless possibilities enabling us to have a positive impact shaping the minds of the next generation.”
Name: Jennifer Rose Marie Schears
Course(s) studied at the College: Post Graduate Diploma in Lifelong Learning
Role now: MGL in History and Education, Access Department of the City of Liverpool College
“I enjoyed my studies and found it a very challenging, inciteful and rewarding experience. The teaching and learning were at an excellent standard and my tutors worked exhaustively to support my learning. My second year of my studies was a very distressing time for me in my personal life and the college provided me with excellent pastoral support to help get me through the course, and I will be forever grateful for that. Additionally, the lessons were engaging and informative and I really enjoyed the diversity in their approaches in the classroom which was always very student focused.
“The course prepared me well for becoming a teacher, as before the course I did not know how to plan and structure a lesson using appropriate aims and objectives. It also enabled me to understand different theories of learning. This has been paramount to me as I now teach education to Level 3 students, so I’m applying my learning every day.
“I feel blessed to be a part of such a great team in Access and privileged to be working with our students. The environment that we have created in Access has a real community ethos and it’s a pleasure to be able to work with students from all different backgrounds who bring a wealth of experiences to the classroom and to this community.”
Name: Marc Sumner
Course(s) studied: HNC/HND Photography, BS (Hons) Art & Design (Photography), Certificate in Education
Role now: Lecturer/Student
“My experience of the college as a student has been brilliant. My current and previous tutors have offered great support, motivated me and have expanded my knowledge allowing me to progress further. I’ve been lucky to observe how other tutors teach and take points from them along with some techniques. Their hard work has really influenced me.
“To be a part time teacher is great, understanding how the college works from the other side is an amazing insight that will stay with me throughout my future teaching career.”
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Fatou, Hannah, Damien, Steven, Jennifer and Marc for sharing their experiences and for their continued hard work in supporting the next generation of college students.
If you’re interested in teacher training and would like to find out more about our courses, click here.
Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme Increased & ExtendedChancellor Rishi Sunak delivered the spring budget on the 3rd March 2021 which included valuable additions to the Plan for Jobs introduced in July last year.
From April 1st 2021, employers recruiting new apprentices will be eligible for an increased incentive payment of £3000, regardless of the apprentice’s age. This is on top of the £1,000 payment already provided for new apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, meaning that some employers could receive £4,000 in total. This new scheme is set to run until September 30th 2021.
“Apprenticeships and training of the very highest calibre play a vital role, not just for businesses, but also for the economy to help people and businesses thrive, and I would encourage our region’s businesses to consider how they could benefit. This latest announcement from the Government will enable even more businesses to develop the next generation of talent.”
– Sophie Park, Director of Workforce Skills
The £1000 employer incentive for providing work experience for trainees has also been extended into the 2021/2022 academic year. Employers can continue to claim a £1000 incentive for offering at least 70 hours of work experience to a 16-24 year who is on a Traineeship programme. We are already working with businesses to develop meaningful Traineeship programme. A traineeship is a skills development programme that includes a work placement. The full programme can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months.
If you would like to find out more about how your business could benefit from apprenticeships and the new increased incentive payments, contact: workforceskills@liv-coll.ac.uk
Eve Jenkins: a make-up masterclassEve Jenkins, former student and star of BBC Three’s hit series ‘Glow Up’, treated students to an online masterclass recently, talking to them about her experiences in the industry so far and sharing some of her top tips.
Invitations to the masterclass were extended exclusively to all of the college’s existing hair, beauty and make-up students, as well as graduates and new applicants. The session was a great example of the opportunities we offer to students when it comes to learning about their chosen industry, providing them with high quality opportunities, despite the restrictions bought about by the pandemic.
Following the session, we caught up with Eve about her time at the college, spoke about her experience of Glow Up and asked what advice she’d give to any students starting out in their career.
What did you enjoy most about your time at the college?
I studied hair and make-up at the college and enjoyed barbering the most.
How did you get started in the industry?
I never wanted to be anything other than a makeup artist. I started learning special effects makeup on YouTube and then my dad booked me on a 2-day course with a company called So Coco Rouge. They took me under their wing, took me on jobs and I have been doing makeup ever since.
What does your job entail?
I do many different types of work within makeup. Sometimes it’s doing makeup in the salon for nights out, sometimes weddings, teaching or going on photoshoots. The most important part of my job is pleasing the client, whoever they may be.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I like being in a creative environment, I like being in job where I don’t have to look or act a certain way, I can just be me.
Who in the industry inspires you?
Too many people to count!!
What was it like being on Glow Up?
Glow Up was such a massive learning experience for me, I feel like it really helped me find who I am as a makeup artist. If I am not looking at the bigger picture, I would describe my experience as, fun, stressful, tiring, overwhelming and unique.
What did you learn?
I learnt not to care what other people think of me. I was so worried about being judged by the judges for being a ‘Glam Artist’ like it was something to be embarrassed about. Now I am proud to be the artist I am.
How did it feel doing a masterclass for our students – the next generation of pros?
I love teaching and sharing my knowledge, I believe you never stop learning as a MUA, so I always love interacting with other creatives and picking up tips myself! I think it’s important to look after each other, it can be a very tough industry.
What advice do you have for students?
My biggest advice is to always attempt looks that are beyond your skill level, challenge yourself and push yourself all the time.
We’d like to thank Eve for taking the time to speak to our students and would like to wish her all the best with the rest of her career. We hope there will be more of these sessions in the future.
If, like Eve, you’re interested in hair, beauty and make-up then take a look at our courses, here.
The role of the Skills Coach: National Apprenticeship WeekFor National Apprenticeship Week we’re celebrating everything that apprenticeships have to offer. This year’s theme is ‘Build The Future’ and puts focus on how apprenticeships can help both individuals to build the skills and knowledge they’ll need for a successful career but also how employers can benefit from utilising newly skilled talent for their workforce.
We’re proud to be Liverpool’s leading provider of apprenticeships and have helped thousands of people start their careers across a range of industries, from Construction Crafts and Motor Vehicle, to Health Care, Digital and Cyber Security.
Our apprenticeships are available from level 2 all the way up to degree level and are a great opportunity for trainees to earn whilst they learn, blending sessions taught at the college’s industry standard facilities alongside working in a real-life, paid job.
All of our apprentices are supported throughout their programme by college tutors and industry experienced Skills Coaches – many of whom started their careers as Apprentices.
To find out more about the role of our Skills Coaches, we spoke to Emma Langshaw, who started out in the industry as a Hairdressing apprentice herself and has since returned to college to support the next generation of professionals, drawing on her expert knowledge and using her connections as Technical Director for Toni & Guy Hairdressing.
What was your apprenticeship like?
I found the Apprenticeship scheme to be hard work, but enjoyable and rewarding at the same time.
Over the course of the 3 years, I learnt lots of new skills such as how to deal with clients and customer service along with various hairdressing cuts and skills. All of which I have been able to put into practice through my career in the various roles I have held.
How did your apprenticeship prepare you for becoming a ‘Skills Coach’?
As I have come through the scheme from an apprentice level, progressing to the role that I am currently undertaking as an assessor, I can fully appreciate the challenges and requirements of the apprentices themselves, as I have experienced their position first-hand.
What exactly does your role entail?
My current role allows me to provide support and coaching to new apprentices, to assist them in building new skills and knowledge that will help them in their future careers within the industry. As part of this, I also take on the role of mentor, in an attempt to help build their confidence and technical understanding.
How does it feel to be supporting the next generation of apprentices?
I feel very proud and honoured to be helping develop the hairdressers of the future and hope that what I instil into them now helps mould them into the best that they can be and in turn ensure that the industry and skills within hairdressing are maintained at the highest possible level.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
I would totally recommend an apprenticeship scheme as it provides both practical and academic learning and allows people not just to read about it in a book or watch it on a training video, but to have the opportunity to put what they have learnt into practice in real-life scenarios.
What advice would you give to employers about apprenticeships?
Employers can really benefit from apprenticeships, they allow companies to assist, encourage and mould new talent according to their values and business requirements, they’re proving to be a direct investment in the next generation of hairdressers.
To find out more about apprenticeships and to register your interest, visit: www.liv-coll.ac.uk/apprenticeships or if you’re a business and would like to speak to our team, please email: workforceskills@liv-coll.ac.uk
Why Apprenticeships Are Good For Business: National Apprenticeship Week 2021By Sophie Park, Director of Workforce Skills at The City of Liverpool College
The latest lockdown is already having an impact on the future career prospects of so many people. In particular, young people who are starting out in their careers are at risk of suffering setbacks that can have an impact for many years – we all know getting started in a career can be personally challenging at the best of times.
We also know that young people tend to work in the worst-affected sectors — restaurants, hotels, shops, travel. All of this means we must do what we can to help our economy and those who are starting out in their careers or who have lost their jobs, to build back better. At The City of Liverpool College, by working with our business partners, we’re committed to doing just that.
With this month’s National Apprenticeship Week, now is the time for businesses to be more proactive in taking on apprentices. Apprenticeships are not only beneficial, they are also essential for any organisation looking to have a vibrant learning culture and a workforce linked to its future business strategy. Apprenticeships unlock the potential of people at all stages of their careers, and that’s a game-changer for any business.
Now, we’re seeing the Government recognise this by doing more than ever to encourage businesses to take on apprentices, with the introduction of apprenticeship standards, the apprenticeship levy and new T level qualifications offering businesses an opportunity to bring more people into their sectors. The Government’s Apprentice Scheme is also offering employers a cash incentive of £1,500 per apprentice taken on.
Businesses too are getting wise to the benefits that apprentices bring, with big players such as Amazon recently announcing that it is recruiting more than 1,000 apprentices in the UK, across 25 different employment areas ranging from IT, safety technicians and software engineering to creative digital design and robotics.
At The City of Liverpool College, we work with our business partners to find the apprentices that are the right fit for them, to help them grow their business and bridge the skills gap. By working with us to build a skilled workforce, businesses can guarantee a greater foothold in an increasingly competitive workforce marketplace and attract talent that demonstrates the highest potential for success.
We want the businesses that we collaborate with to get the most out of the partnership, and we work closely with them to ensure that they attract and retain the individuals with the skills and expertise that are most relevant to their organisation.
By investing in their people and their qualifications and skills, businesses are equipping themselves to build high-performing teams to drive their business forward and boost long-term employee retention.
“Our bespoke apprenticeship programme enables us to develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. This helps with workforce planning and allows us to mold and shape our leaders for the future.”
– Chloe Ellison, The Sovini Group.
Apprenticeships and training of the very highest calibre play a vital role, not just for businesses, but also for the economy to help people and businesses thrive, and I would encourage our region’s businesses to consider how they could benefit. Our talented people, with their desire and determination to learn, hold the key to boosting businesses in the region.
The most effective firms are the ones who have a motivated, highly skilled and trained workforce and we are committed to investing in, and nurturing, the talent in our city. We work with employers from across the country to build trusted connections with the workforce of the future.
If you would like to find out more about how your business could benefit from apprenticeships, contact workforceskills@liv-coll.ac.uk
Students to work on £33 million Bootle regenerationStudents at The City of Liverpool College are set to work with social enterprise SAFE Regeneration, on its plans for a £33 million neighbourhood in Bootle.
SAFE Regeneration, a community social enterprise and arts organisation, plans to transform a six-acre area in Bootle next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
As part of the partnership, students from across College departments will contribute to the development over the next few years. From construction and leisure tourism, to hospitality, business planning, arts and creativity, digital and graphic design, students will have the opportunity to work on a real life, local project, contributing to Bootle’s regeneration, while gaining valuable work experience, whether through placements with contractors or in local bars and restaurants.
SAFE will benefit from having access to a pool of local talent, who all have a desire and determination to learn and develop their skills and make a real, lasting difference to their communities.
The proposed development – for which plans have recently been submitted to the local council – is a long-term investment vision for Bootle and includes 107 affordable family homes, an 80-bed extra care facility for residents aged 55 and over, leisure facilities, a microbrewery and an arts hub and business centre.
One such project that students on the College’s Digital courses are already working on, is a community app, to keep members of the Bootle community updated on events in the area, and the progress of the regeneration project. The second phase of the project will see students create a digital health solution, which will link to local GP practices and enable remote health monitoring. This particular project is even more relevant given the strain that has been put on the NHS this year, with many practices being forced to conduct appointments remotely.
Brian Dawe, CEO at SAFE Regeneration said:
“We are delighted to be working with such a progressive college for the benefit of our community. Students will gain valuable experience of delivering ground breaking projects, whilst learning about the social value of our work – this is true partnership working.
“We believe passionately that the good people of Bootle deserve quality and choice and are committed to working with our community partners to continue to bring significant social, economic and environmental benefits to our neighbourhood. We’re incredibly excited to have the future generation of talented workers so involved in this ambitious project.”
Elaine Bowker, principal and chief executive at The City of Liverpool College, said:
“The partnerships that we have across The City of Liverpool College are designed to provide our students with unique opportunities real world experience. We are passionate about ensuring that we are providing our students with the skills they need to enter the world of work and having the chance to work on such a significant local project for students across the College is an opportunity like no other.
“We are looking forward to seeing the results of this partnership come to fruition and seeing our students made a real, lasting change in their communities.”
Students and staff spread festive cheerStudents and staff at the college have been finding ways of giving back to their local communities during the festive season.
Ordinarily, the College would host its annual event for the city’s homeless community, for which it opens its doors to those in need, treating them to a three-course Christmas dinner, free haircuts and donated clothing. Unfortunately, this year’s restrictions and social distancing guidelines have meant that this event could not take place.
This year, our staff, student volunteers, and Students’ Union have worked with a number of charities and organisations to do all they can for those who need support at this time of year, despite restrictions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the initiatives they have been working on is creating care packages and hampers for the city’s homeless community. Students and staff from across the College have been donating essential items such as toiletries and food, which are being delivered to the YMCA Liverpool, Adelaide House and the Whitechapel Centre.
The College’s catering students have also been getting involved by making 100 Christmas food parcels for the homeless. The packages, which include festive treats such as Christmas dinner, mince pies and Christmas crackers, will be shared with fantastic charities such as the Salvation Army and Nugent, helping to support those in need over the festive period.
In addition to this, and to keeping the Christmas spirit alive at what even under normal circumstances is an incredibly difficult time for so many people, staff and students from across the College have been sharing personalised Christmas cards with messages of kindness for residents of local care homes. The College has seen an overwhelming response to this initiative, receiving over 300 cards for those who are not able to see their loved ones this Christmas.
Jane Austen, Learning & Development Officer at YMCA Liverpool & Sefton, said:
“In recent years we have been lucky to have worked in partnership with the students from The City of Liverpool College’s, barbering, beauty and hairdressing courses.
“The students have visited the service to provide haircuts and pamper sessions, as well as providing care packages and donations for our residents, many of whom are in poor physical and mental health and some lead chaotic lifestyles. This is invaluable to our residents, so it’s fantastic that this year, the College has found alternative ways of supporting those who need it most.
“I would like to thank staff and students at The City of Liverpool College who have been so kind and generous.”
Elaine Bowker, Principal at The City of Liverpool College, said:
“This year has brought with it many challenges and where ordinarily Christmas would be an incredibly exciting time for us all, this year things are different and we have had to find alternative ways of giving back and connecting with local charities.
“I’m so incredibly proud of all of the staff and students at the College who have come together to get creative and show their generosity for those who need it most in our communities. We know how powerful acts of kindness can be, which is why we always encourage our students and staff to volunteer and take part in activities such as this to support those who are less fortunate.
“Christmas is a time for giving, so we’re grateful to all of the staff, students, volunteers and organisations who have taken the time to give back as part of our local community and give everyone a much-needed boost.”
