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    Our latest news.

International Women’s Day

On 8 March, people all over the world come together to celebrate International Women’s Day. This day highlights the struggles of gender equality and brings people together to help combat this.

It’s a chance to take action, and raise awareness of the economic, political and social achievements of women across the world. 

What is the theme this year? 

Bias and discrimination have been holding women back for centuries. This year’s official theme is #BreakTheBias, which looks at how we can collectively break the bias and misconceptions in the interest of creating a gender-equal and inclusive world. 

You can get involved with the #BreakTheBias campaign by sending in photos of yourself with crossed arms as seen in the below image, or taking a selfie with one of the pledge cards, which you can download here to show your support.

Events

Luminate Education Group is celebrating International Women’s Day by introducing ‘Leaders of Luminate’; a series of talks and interviews with female or non-binary leaders across Luminate Education Group. This will start on International Women’s Day and continue weekly for six weeks. To attend, sign up here.

The group is also launching a Women’s Staff Forum, which is open to anyone who identifies as female or non-binary.

Throughout International Women’s Day, staff across Luminate Education Group are also invited to come along to Leeds Conservatoire’s Café Conversations. These will be hour-long sessions and the conversations will explore a range of topics from navigating a work-life balance, imposter syndrome and authenticity. 

Inspirational women

As part of the celebration, we asked women leaders across the group about who they admire.

Ann-Marie Spry, Group Vice Principal – Curriculum and Adults, said: “My biggest inspiration was my mum, Elieen, who was an amazing forward-thinking woman. She was strong, resilient and exposed me to culture, diversity and social responsibility from an early age. As I get older, I recognise her sacrifices and determination to ensure my brother and I had a well-rounded formal and informal education.

“When I was younger, I wanted to be the modern day Marie Curie; a woman in a male-dominated world in science and medicine. In my earlier career as a teacher in science and health, I had an amazing mentor called Barbara Tindale, who was one of the best teachers I’ve ever known. She had the ability to bring out the best in everyone around her, and was a true diplomat ahead of her time. My career would not have been the same without her patience, time and inspiration.

“I’m also inspired by everyday people who are strong, brave, compassionate and always willing to share their gifts to develop others. I see inspiration in the younger generation too, such as Malala Yousafzai who’s been vocal about education for girls and women, and Greta Thunberg’s unwavering commitment to our environment.”

Gemma Simmons-Blench, Deputy CEO – Curriculum and Quality, added: “My 19 year old step daughter, Molly, is my inspiration. I’ve known her since she was seven and for part of her early life she was extremely unwell, meaning she missed at least 50% of primary school. This meant she had to play catch up all through secondary school. Despite a series of operations and coping with an undiagnosed condition for a long time, Molly achieved amazing GCSE and A level results.

“Molly has now gone on to Northumbria University where she is studying a psychology degree. Even though Covid-19 caused further disruptions to her education, she has made an amazing start, making new friends and fully engaging with uni life. Molly has handled every situation with integrity, showing true strength in character. Myself and our family are so proud of her and in awe of her confident and positive spirit. 

“With a placement during her second year secured, we can’t wait to see what Molly takes on next. She is an inspiration to me and our family.”

How do you think we can break the bias in education?

Gemma: “As females in education, we all need to be very aware of what the issues are with gender biases, so we can always proactively acknowledge and challenge them. As a group of FE colleges, we strive to be inclusive in every aspect of our organisation and as a result have created a working environment that is truly balanced. As a result of this, we have a duty to instil this view amongst our students, staff as well as other sectors.

“One of the ways we can help break the bias is to have more liaison between education and employers. The FE sector is more advanced in terms of gender balance, but we must use this position to help encourage this thinking more broadly. Wherever possible we should use our networks, connections and influence across key sectors to showcase how gender equality can and should operate in the workplace. 

“As a collection of education institutions we take our position as role models for our students and the communities we serve very seriously. Another way we can continue to break down gender bias in education is by ensuring our curriculum and cohort of students remains diverse and inclusive. At Luminate Education Group we’re proud to embed balanced values around gender into our culture and education.”

Adult learning centre could be the real deal for Morley’s future Educating Leeds

Leeds City College is working in partnership with Leeds City Council to explore the possibility of developing a new adult learning campus in Morley. 

The plans form part of Morley’s £24.3 million government Town Deal to invest in the local area. The campus will enable people in Morley to access an aspirational, high specification centre in the heart of the town that inspires adults to become lifelong learners.

In order to shape the courses offered at the campus, the college is seeking feedback from residents and businesses in Morley to have their say on the proposals.

A focus on new technologies and key skills

The campus is set to include an ‘emerging technology centre’ to develop skills in coding, virtual reality, drone technology, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence, developing a wide range of valuable industry specific skills. 

With a focus on meeting both individual and employer needs, the campus will additionally offer English and maths courses for adults without Level 2 qualifications, vocational skills training in key employment sectors and progression advice for higher level learning.

Ann Marie Spry, Vice Principal of Adults at Leeds City College, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the council to address the skills needs of Morley. It’s important that we truly reflect the requirements of the community which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible in the local area. 

“With the current challenges brought about by Covid-19, this inclusive campus will support people of all ages, whatever their learning needs, to improve their skills to take advantage of the new economic climate. Our goal is to build a strong foundation for local people to access sustainable employment or move onto higher level skills.”

Help shape a new hub for innovation

Executive member for Infrastructure and Climate at Leeds City Council, Councillor Helen Hayden, said: “The ambition to make Morley a hub of innovation needs to be matched with a high-quality, local education offering that will allow people to gain valuable experience and qualifications that will surpass the needs and expectations of future employers.

“I am therefore pleased that, as a part of the Morley Town Deal, we can partner with Leeds City College and look to create an inspirational education establishment in the heart of the community.

“I encourage everyone in Morley to get involved in creating this valuable asset by completing the short online survey and telling us what course you would like to see offered.”

Morley Town Deal Board Chairman, Gerald Jennings, added: “Giving people local access to high-quality, inspirational courses is a key pillar in building a successful future for Morley.

“As a town board, we want to ensure that both the facilities and courses offered are what the people of Morley want and need, so it is key that as many people as possible get involved in the survey.”

The public consultation is now live and can be accessed by visiting morleytowndeal.commonplace.is/

Minister’s visit champions 100 in 100 apprenticeship campaign and the need for more apprentices in the region

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) visited Leeds City College’s Printworks Campus during National Apprenticeship Week to promote apprenticeships in the region.

The minister met with Cheryl Smith, Principal of Printworks Campus, Lee Pryor, Director of Apprenticeships, Charlie Grayson, Head of Business & Commercial Development and several apprentices.

The minister, who is passionate about supporting young people and adults to gain the necessary skills and secure jobs now and in the future, helped launch the college’s 100 in 100 campaign, encouraging employers to consider taking on an apprentice.

She said: “At DWP we’re all about getting people ready to take local roles, and Leeds City College is doing a fantastic job working with employers across Yorkshire, to get them the people and skills they need.

“Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people, they can support people at any age or any career stage – and make sure we have the workforce we need, now, and for the future.”

“I’m absolutely behind the effort to get 100 more employers to step forward and take on some amazing apprentices, and future-proof their business by getting talent through the door.”

Minister Mims Davies speaking to apprentices

 The minister also spoke to hospitality, engineering, events management and digital marketing apprentices on how the benefits of an apprenticeship have helped them to progress on to high level apprenticeships or full-time employment.

Events and projects manager, Laura Prince, started out as a Level 3 Advanced Business Administration apprentice at the college before progressing on to a Level 4 Higher Project Management apprenticeship in 2018. Laura now oversees four apprentices and credits the college for helping her achieve her goal. 

She said: “Both my apprenticeships have supported my career progression, as I learnt relevant skills such as project management whilst also immersing myself in  ​responsibilities within the organisation I work for. 

The minister and Laura Prince

“One of the biggest benefits I felt after completing my apprenticeships was that I had three years of work experience in events and projects rather than feeling like I had to start from scratch.”​

Hospitality Team Member Apprentice, Taylor Butler, who has a visual and hearing impairment,has set his sights on becoming a pastry chef.

Taylor Butler

Taylor started on an Entry 3 in hospitality and catering in 2018 at college – an opportunity he says pushed him to pursue opportunities in the industry.

Taylor said: “Being at Leeds City College has been a great experience and encouraged learners like myself not to be worried because there is always someone to speak to and help you achieve your goals.

“Coming to college has made me more confident and doing what I am passionate about is a bonus.”

Charlie Grayson, Head of Commercial and Business Engagement at Leeds City College, said: “For employers, the decision to take on an apprentice is an important one. A number of vital industries across the country are experiencing acute skills shortages, this includes healthcare and engineering.

Charlie Grayson and Mims Davies

“Creating opportunities for learners wanting to study for an apprenticeship in industries that are struggling to recruit will open a new potential source of talent for these critical industries.

“It is key for us, as an education provider, to build relationships with employers and emphasise the benefits of apprenticeships. The 100 in 100 campaign is part of a plan that will ensure that apprentices are supported to complete their training and that employers are incentivised effectively to support them in their roles.”

The college  aims to ensure that its apprenticeship provision continues to support the region’s businesses to secure the right apprentices, creating accessible opportunities for those looking to change their career or  progress within their chosen industry.

Luminate Education Group aims to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days to support region’s economy

Member colleges of leading education provider Luminate Education Group, have launched their second 100 in 100 campaign, which aims to get 100 apprentices placed in 100 days.

Leeds City, Keighley and Harrogate colleges’ campaign is part of a wider plan to support the region’s businesses to develop skills for the future and increase the number of apprentices as part of the levelling up agenda.

Last year, the colleges surpassed the 100 target, placing 150 apprentices in sectors including business, hospitality, engineering and health and social care. Overall the combined colleges have more than 3,000 apprentices on a wide range of programmes.

Luminate Education Group is the largest provider of apprenticeships in the region and works closely with more than 1,500 employers, including Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust(LTHT), Leeds City Council and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

Lee Pryor, Director of Apprenticeships at Luminate Education Group, said: “We want to be the provider that helps people take their careers to the next level. The campaign comes at a time where it will not only target over 500,000 students who are leaving education, but create critical roles desperately needed in a variety of industries.

“We are delighted to be running this fantastic initiative again.Whether you’re just starting your first job or looking to make a career change, we want to support you. We also want to address the staff shortages and supply chain disruption faced by many businesses across the Yorkshire region.

“Delivering the future workforce in health and social care, engineering, construction, hospitality, travel and more, is one of our key priorities.We would like to engage with as many businesses as possible to create the type of opportunities that will be beneficial, both to the apprentice and employer.”

A month of green action at Harrogate College

Students at Harrogate College are set to turn March ‘green’ as they lead a month of environmentally -focused local events.

The college has set up all kinds of activities, ranging from wildflower planting and an art exhibition to a climate café and educational webinars, for its first ever Green Month.

Keen to push ahead with its commitment to environmental action (as outlined in its Sustainability Pledge), the college is also urging the local community to get involved.

The green activities will kick off with a presentation on sustainable technology, plus a litter pick, on Tuesday 8 March.

Harrogate College’s Partnerships and Development Manager, Holly Hansen-Maughan, said: “We were delighted to host the launch event for Harrogate’s first Climate Action Festival last year.

“The festival proved to be a real catalyst for environmental action both for ourselves and the wider community, and our Green Month is the latest example of that.

“We have worked hard to put together a schedule that includes something for everyone and a number of events that are open to residents as well as our students and staff.

“We hope to see lot of people taking part, both to make a difference and to find out more about how we can all work together to secure a more sustainable future.”

As part of its collaborative and employer-focused approach, the college has teamed up with several local businesses and organisations for Green Month.

They include Techbuyer and Ortial, who will be holding a discussion on Sustainable Technology and How It Affects You.

Social impact company Too Good To Go, meanwhile, will explain how they connect businesses with people in need so they can put their surplus food to good use, instead of going to waste.

The Harrogate District’s schools, colleges and sixth forms will also be involved as pupils and students are being invited to design a poster, or piece of art, that will inspire positive environmental action.

For dates, times and more details on all of Harrogate College’s Green Month activities visit harrogate-college.ac.uk/partners/green-agenda/.

Leeds City College teacher one of 11 in the country to receive funding for research

A Leeds City College teacher has been named one of 11 scholars in the UK who will undertake funded research into areas of further education by the Association of Colleges (AoC) and Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE).

Laura Kayes, an advanced practitioner, who teaches performing arts, is undertaking research that will look at the impact that poverty can have on 16-19 year old learner outcomes in further education and how education institutions can support students from areas of deprivation.

Laura said: “In recent years, there has been some study into how experiencing poverty has the potential to impact learning, but currently there is little research around the impact and the overall considerations for teaching professionals.

“One of the principles of poverty informed practice is a commitment to reducing barriers for students, so they may use their education to change their economic reality, but that also allows educators to support students who face the impacts of poverty daily.”

“It’s a topic close to my heart and ties into my own experience of compulsory education and one that I recognise in the student demographic within further education.”

“In my previous research experience, I have been struck by lack of representation of the 16 – 19-year-old age group, and of further education itself.

“I hope that this research project will result in an improved learning experience for our students, which I then hope will translate to improved outcomes of both educational attainment and personal wellbeing for this group.”

Research further – a joint scholarship programme from the AoC and NCFE – has been set up to tackle a ‘historic’ lack of research in the sector and will support practitioners to carry out Masters’ or doctorate level study.

The scholars’ work will be tracked through a webinar series hosted by AoC and NCFE, who have promised that new knowledge on education and policy will be shared with the sector through thought-pieces, reports, articles, and blogs.

Laura will conduct her research through a Doctorate in Education with the University of Sheffield.

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