Meet the three new governors joining the Etc. board

The Education Training Collective (Etc.) has appointed three new members to its governing board.

Each bringing with them a wealth of unique skills and experience, all have a shared ambition to help the group, and most importantly its students, to achieve further success.

Director of Children’s Services with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Martin Gray, now joins the Etc. corporation board along with Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust’s School Games Organiser for Middlesbrough, Anne Vickers, and with extensive experience in school improvement, most recently as chief advisor at Stockton Borough Council, Vanessa Housley.

Martin, as Director of Children’s Services for Stockton, has worked with the colleges that make up the Education Training Collective for many years. He said: “My belief is that in my professional capacity, my responsibility is not simply to run and deliver services, but to ensure we play our full role in supporting and sustaining young people in achieving their own success – something I feel is echoed throughout Etc.”

He added: “I am excited by the opportunities for closer working professionally, but also personally.”

Anne has more than 40 years of experience working in education, mainly as a PE teacher, and she is a driving force when it comes to promoting physical activity. Since retiring as Assistant Head Teacher from Teesside High School, her current role with the Youth Sport Trust and Sport England sees her working with the Tees Valley School Games partnership, planning, organising and delivering a range of inclusive competitions, festivals and leadership courses. She is also a trustee of the Sir William Turner Foundation Trust.

She said: “Having taught for as long as I have, I feel I have gained a great deal of experience and knowledge and I would like to share that working alongside similar minded colleagues who have education at the heart of what they do. I want to continue to help to make a difference to young people.”

Vanessa, whose career has spanned primary, secondary, community and adult education, working in the UK, Australia and the Seychelles, said: “For me, becoming a governor is an opportunity to support young people to achieve their potential so that they can lead safe, happy, healthy, economically independent and fulfilled lives. Of particular interest is maximising the potential of our vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

She added: “I very much look forward to applying my knowledge, skills and experience to support Etc. to celebrate even more future success.”

Chairman of the Etc. governing board Mark White OBE DL said: “It takes a wide range of people, each with a unique skill set, to make up an effective governing board and we believe we have achieved that at the Education Training Collective.

“We are thrilled to now welcome Martin, Anne and Vanessa, to the team and the additional expertise and invaluable experience that each will bring.”

Colleges explore innovative new ways to teach our students

Face-to-face learning may have temporarily been put on hold at colleges across the UK but that doesn’t mean that teaching has stopped.

Across Etc. we have been exploring innovative new ways to reach our students. And for those more practical subjects that involves being a bit more unconventional with our thinking.

Hair and Media Makeup student Karen and her family

“It’s meant a lot of changes,” said Stockton Riverside College’s musical theatre lecturer and creative director, Sara Durkin. “But we are already finding that our students are rising to the challenge.”

This week would have seen casting auditions at the college for their big summer show, Legally Blonde. But instead of letting all that preparation go to waste, students have been creating “self tape” auditions and sending them in remotely.

Sara said: “This is increasingly what would happen in industry and so it makes sense for our students to develop these skills.”

What’s more, with theatres having closed their doors, students have been able to make the most of specialist masterclasses posted online by some of the West End’s top performers.

Capturing evidence of their work through videos and pictures is rapidly becoming the norm for students. At Redcar and Cleveland College, programme area lead for sport, public services and the service industries, Kelly Coupland, said the work they are seeing is outstanding.

She said: “Both students and staff are being forced to think outside of the box and they aren’t letting us down.”

For subjects like beauty and hairdressing the answers to remote learning aren’t always obvious, particularly taking into account social distancing, but Kelly said it seems immediate family are rapidly becoming the focus of these learners’ attention.

Dormanstown mum-of-three and hair and media makeup student Karen, 36, has been practising the likes of body art and tanning on her daughters, while husband Lee got to model some makeup techniques and contouring.

She said: “The tutors at the College have been amazing, encouraging us to do what we can. At the moment it is about keeping our techniques fresh. In our house my college work has become more of an activity for all the family. My daughters are asking, what do we need to do today? And they are enjoying being involved.”

For Redcar’s course leader for digital and IT, Sam Beel, it’s proven a time for her students to flex their technological know-how. Delivering and sharing presentations online, she said some learners are actually showing more confidence than ever.

She said: “Because they are at home in their own surroundings it’s like they are that bit more comfortable.”

As a teacher and staff governor, she said, it has been heartening to see the students so openly engage. She added: “It has really shown that they want to learn.”

That’s certainly the case for film production students at Stockton Riverside College who should have been out on location, shooting scenes for their final projects this week.

Student Conrad, 18, said: “It does feel quite surreal working from home but you have to keep in the mind-set that you are still in college and you’ve still got work to do.”

While shooting has been put on hold, he said there are new assignments and, of course, a whole new set of challenges to overcome.

Lecturer Kelly Fairhurst said: “All former plans have had to be set aside but that doesn’t mean that learning stops.”

In fact, lessons for students, and teachers alike, now automatically incorporate key skills such as adapting to change, overcoming challenges and finding a new approach.

Thankfully Kelly said: “We are all in it together and that makes the difference.”

Offering students a fresh spark of inspiration

With his sights set on a career as a welder, Aaron knows where he is headed.

Determined to develop the core skills he needs, including English and maths, he said: “You have to realise when you need to shape up.”

He is one of 14 pupils currently accessing Northfield School & Sports College’s inclusion base. Part of his motivation has come from a new alternate training programme being delivered in partnership with the Education Training Collective (Etc.).

The scheme offers the students who, for a whole host of reasons, no longer follow the school’s mainstream curriculum, the chance to try their hand at different vocational skills in a college or training environment.

For Aaron and his classmates that has included the choice of having a go, one day a week, at some basic engineering skills at Stockton’s NETA Training or hair and beauty sessions at The Skills Academy.

It was during the NETA workshops that the 15-year-old first tried welding. He said: “It seemed okay and not too stressful.” And as it turns out, he was pretty good at it too.

“This is why we created the programme,” said Etc.’s 14 to 16 Manager, Tracey Laycock. “It’s about offering our skills, expertise and facilities to help motivate and re-engage these young people.”

The bespoke programme at Northfield, builds on the school’s existing provision which in itself is helping to reduce the need for permanent exclusions.

Deputy Head Teacher, Gary Ankers, said: “We have had an inclusion base here for many years which is pretty rare in a secondary school. While it is not all about those with challenging behaviour, there are students accessing the provision who would have otherwise been at risk of permanent exclusion.”

He explained by removing the pressure of working to a full mainstream curriculum, the students can focus on developing core skills such as English, maths, IT and science. The addition of the bespoke Etc. programme has opened up further vocational sessions in subjects they wouldn’t typically be able to access.

The college group also provides a year-long personal development programme through The Prince’s Trust, delivered one day a week at The Skills Academy.

Northfield student Jay, 15, recognises the difference it could make to his future. With ambitions to one day become an architect, he said: “Things like NETA and The Prince’s Trust are stepping stones for us. At NETA we get to learn practical skills and then the Prince’s Trust is about working in a team, communicating and helping you develop as a person.”

Future pipefitter Bailey, 15, said: “It gives you a starting point, trying something different.” While 14-year-old Chay added: “It’s getting us ready for a working environment.”

Aiming to equip all of their students with the best skill set to maximise their future life chances, Northfield’s Deputy Head Teacher Gary said: “While GCSE grades are very important, they will never be the be all and the end all for all students and this programme is designed to reflect that. There are other skills our students need to develop, including ‘softer’ skills such as resilience and teamwork, and that is what we are doing here.”

For more details about Etc.’s bespoke alternative 14 to 16 provision which can be delivered in schools email: Tracey.Laycock@stockton.ac.uk

NHS workers shine a spotlight on apprenticeship success

Celebrations got underway at Stockton Riverside College where the spotlight has fallen on apprentices from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

The team picked up accolades to mark the culmination of their studies; honing their skills in everything from medical administration to business management.

And, if you thought apprenticeships were just for school leavers, then you might want to think again.

Shining the spotlight on their staff’s achievements, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s Deputy Chief People Officer, Gary Wright, explained they recognise the value apprenticeships can offer, not just for new starters but also existing employees looking to upskill.

NHS workers shine a spotlight on apprenticeship success

With a massive 160 apprentices currently at the Trust, he said: “Ultimately we want to develop our workforce of the future and help maximise people’s potential.

“By offering the opportunity for continuous professional development it enables us to make sure we have got the right people, with the right skills in the right roles. It also puts them in a good position for future development. This is an investment in them and their future.”

Working with a number of delivery partners, including Stockton Riverside College, the Trust have staff who can develop in every area from health and social care to electricians and joiners. And for some, Gary said, this might even be their first chance to pick up qualifications since leaving school.

For those who have worked there for many years, it can also be an opportunity to brush up on those all-important maths and English qualifications.

That was the case for award winner Debbie. The Stockton mum has worked in the Trust for 19 years, spending the last five as a ward clerk in the emergency assessment unit.

Given the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship in medical administration, she said: “I am always up for learning more so I put my name forward.”

She admits that balancing study around work, which includes lots of night shifts, was a bit of a juggling act, but it was well worth it.

“It was hard,” she said. “I left school 30 years ago and you don’t realise how hard things are. I also studied English, maths and IT. I was never very good at maths at school but it gets your brain working.”

Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the glittering ceremony at the college, she said: “I never in a million years expected to get anything like this. It’s nice that people appreciate your hard work.”

Jill was also among those recognised with a North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust’s Learner of the Year Award. Working in the breast screening unit at the University Hospital of North Tees, she said she was a little hesitant to embark on a Level 2 Medical Administration Apprenticeship but she gave it a go and never looked back.

“It has been amazing,” said the Stockton mum-of-two. “I have loved every minute of it and didn’t realise how much I would enjoy the learning experience.”

Like Debbie, she said: “It was a bit of a juggling act, but you put your mind to it and you do it.” Jill is now moving on to her level 3 qualification.

For Stockton Riverside College assessor Jamie Gilbey, seeing the apprentices achieve was a proud moment.

A former apprentice himself, he understands exactly how the learners are feeling. In fact, it is that experience that helps him in his role.

A keen advocate of apprenticeships; his is a great example of just what can be achieved.

“Apprenticeships can be a foot in the door,” he said. “But people often underestimate just what it can lead to.” He’s happy to share his experience to help inspire others.

Starting at the college as an apprentice administrator, Jamie admitted at 21 he had no idea where it would lead. But having previously found that university wasn’t for him, and having worked a series of part-time jobs, he was ready for a new start.

He said: “Apprenticeships seemed on the rise and this position came up at the college so I thought I would give it a go.”

He never imagined he would still be with the college 10 years later, having progressed through the ranks to become an officer in the admissions team and then an admissions advisor.

Jamie’s enthusiasm, commitment and ability to inspire others, had clearly caught someone’s eye as it was suggested he study his assessors’ qualifications alongside the day job.

Now qualified and working with apprentices across the Tees Valley, as an assessor he helps other apprentices navigate their own path to success.

Working with the likes of the apprentices from the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, he gets to see the value every day. He said, there’s no better feeling than sharing their success.

At the award ceremony he too was recognised with an Outstanding Contribution to the Student Experience Award.

Want to know more about the apprenticeship opportunities with Stockton Riverside College?

Visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/apprenticeships/ or call 01642 865566

An employer’s quick fire guide to apprenticeships

Thinking of taking on an apprentice but not sure where to start? The Education Training Collective’s (Etc.) Gary Potts is here to offer a helping hand.

As Group Director of Business Engagement at the Etc. he is no stranger to helping employers, of big and small businesses, get their heads around the jargon.

The good news is, he said: “It can sound complicated when you are just getting started but there are teams, like ours, who are here to help. We can talk you through your options, helping you to review your organisation, identify where there are potential training needs and look at ways you can utilise apprenticeships to grow skills in your workforce, with funding you may already be paying!”

An employer’s quick fire guide to apprenticeships

Here Gary offers a quick fire guide…

When taking on an apprentice, what are my responsibilities as an employer?

“This doesn’t differ too much from taking on any new employee, they have to have a contract, a safe working environment and access to the relevant policies and procedures and also be paid the correct wage. With regards to the apprenticeship, you have to make sure they are in a role that allows them to gather the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours. You need to assign a mentor to your apprentice and allow time in their contracted hours to complete 20% off the job training, which we will help you plan from the start.”

Is there an upper age limit for apprenticeships?

“Apprenticeships are now funded by the government irrespective of age, therefore the apprenticeship route can be used to retrain, upskill and develop your existing workforce, as well as to recruit new staff on apprenticeships.”

What is the Apprenticeship Levy?

“All employers with an annual wage bill of more than £3m pay the levy. It is 0.5% of the total wage bill. This money is allocated to an account that can then be used to fund apprenticeship training. If you don’t choose to use this fund for apprenticeship training, this money cannot be recouped or used to pay for anything else. Therefore it makes business sense to explore apprenticeship opportunities for new and existing staff.”

And what about small to medium sized businesses?

“Apprenticeship training for non-levy paying employers is 95% funded by the government with a 5% co-investment required from the company, unless the apprentice is aged 16 to 18 where it is fully funded.

“The government is now phasing in a new web-based system for SMEs to use in the future, so if you are thinking about taking on an apprentice, speak to us about how this is all going to work.”

What do I need to pay an apprentice?

“There is a minimum apprenticeship wage set by the government, but you can choose to set the wage higher than this, in line with your business operating model.”

Is there funding or other incentives available?

There may be other, local, incentives and grants available for taking on an apprentice and that is part of conversation we can have. Potentially, the co-investment you make could be covered by available local grants, depending on meeting certain criteria, such as the sector you are working in and the age of the apprentice. We would help to review your case and advise what is available, if anything, to take on an apprentice.

I have heard of apprenticeship Frameworks and Standards, what are these and what is the difference?

Frameworks are a system that has been in place for a number of years, generally including a technical certificate and an NVQ, with a set duration for the apprenticeship to be completed in. You won’t be able to enrol on a Framework after July 2020.

There has been a change in how apprenticeships are designed. Now employer led, Standards are designed by a group of at least 10 sector employers coming together to identify the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for someone to be competent in a specific role. These standards must then be validated by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Standards don’t necessarily contain qualifications but do include an independent end point assessment. This assessment will set tasks for the apprentice to prove they have the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (competencies) to undertake the role.

What is meant by 20% off-the-job training?

“This is training that is carried out in the apprentice’s normal working hours to help achieve the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are applicable to their programme.

Want to find out more about your apprenticeship options? Call the Etc. Business Development Team on 01642 865581 or email: business@the-etc.ac.uk

Incorporating Stockton Riverside College, Redcar and Cleveland College, Bede Sixth Form, NETA Training and The Skills Academy, Etc. can provide employers with advice and guidance about their options and also delivers an extensive range of apprenticeship training either direct to your workplace or from its campuses across the Tees Valley.

College principal named among DfE’s National Leaders of Further Education

Chief Executive and Group Principal of the Education Training Collective, Phil Cook, has been named a National Leader of Further Education.

Named among the Department of Further Education’s latest cohort of college leaders, Phil will be tasked with providing strategic mentoring and support to colleges in need of improvement.

With a previous track record in college change management, Phil joined Stockton Riverside College in 2013 and, working with colleagues, quickly transformed the college from an Ofsted “requires improvement” to a “Good” grading.

Under Phil’s leadership, in 2015, the college merged with NETA Training, helping to secure engineering and construction training in the Tees Valley.

A further merger with Redcar and Cleveland College, in August 2018, helped to secure a dedicated further education college in Redcar, with Ofsted reporting rapid and significant progress in just a few months.

The overarching college group, which also incorporates Bede Sixth Form College and The Skills Academy, was renamed the Education Training Collective (Etc.), to more accurately reflect the diversity of its campuses in October, last year.

With 20 years of experience delivering further education improvement, Phil is quick to point out that success is inevitably the result of a collaborative approach.

He said: “Raising standards, in any field, is rarely the result of a singular effort. Throughout my career, I have worked with some amazing people. I love working in the FE sector and learning from those around me, and I continue to do so.”

The DfE announced plans to appoint additional college leaders to its national teams of further education and governor specialists in October last year, enabling more colleges to be supported.

Chairman of the Etc. Board of Governors Mark White said: “We are extremely proud to see our Group Principal, Phil Cook, selected as a National Leader of Further Education. At Etc. he has established a talented team who, through a culture of responsibility and accountability, are together able to achieve great things for the communities we serve.”

Driving future careers

Two Tees Valley organisations have joined forces to drive demand for future careers in logistics.

The High Tide Foundation and Tees Valley Logistics Academy are working in collaboration to create a new programme aimed at inspiring the next generation of the region’s workforce.

Left to right: Tees Valley Logistics Academy’s Michael Duffey, and High Tide’s Mark Easby and Kirsten Donkin

Both organisations work in partnership with businesses across Middlesbrough, Darlington, Stockton, Redcar, Hartlepool and beyond to raise awareness of career and training opportunities for young people here in the North-east, reducing the risk of lost talent.

The Foundation and Academy will work to develop and deliver programmes to sit alongside High Tide’s other activities, including a Port to Port visit, showing young people the links between Teesport and Rotterdam, and cadetships in shipping and automotive.

The activities, to be launched in September 2020, will involve visits to employers around the area to get a full understanding of the industries and roles available.

Speaking of the partnership, High Tide Foundation Chairman Mark Easby said: “We’re excited to start working on our programmes with the Tees Valley Logistics Academy, and work together to support our shared goal of raising the aspirations of the Tees Valley’s young people whilst positively promoting the diverse range of careers available across all skills sets and capabilities.

“Through the programmes, we aim to share knowledge, best practice and resources to ensure that not only do businesses in the area succeed in the future, but thrive due to a passionate, home-grown pool of talent.”

Michael Duffey, Head of Construction and Professional Services at Stockton Riverside College, and leader of the Tees Valley Logistics Academy, said: “The Academy recognises that logistics is the very lifeblood of the Tees Valley’s industrial landscape, which is why it’s so important for us to work alongside employers and industry experts to offer a service that responds to real demands.

“Collaborating with the High Tide Foundation enables us both to reach more young people through more avenues than ever before, helping them to understand, map out and begin their career journeys.”

For more information on the partnership and how you can get involved with the programmes on offer, visit www.hightidefoundation.co.uk