College students have been urged to support the Nepal Earthquake Appeal by an earthquake survivor who now teaches at City College Plymouth.

The earthquake struck the mountainous country on Saturday 25 April with devastating force. It is estimated that more than 7,000 people have died, with countless thousands being left injured and homeless. Upwards of 50 per cent of houses are now thought to have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in, and the rainy season is imminent. With the majority of Nepal’s people now living without food or shelter, they will soon be at the mercy of the elements.

The disaster in Nepal has attracted an international response to provide emergency aid and assistance, with local charities from Plymouth and Cornwall also involved in the relief effort.

Seeing the coverage of the crisis in the media brought back traumatic memories for local woman, Dawn Jones. Dawn was working as a teacher in Christchurch’s central business district when the devastating earthquake struck the New Zealand city in 2011.

Dawn, who is Head of Healthcare at City College Plymouth, said: “My experiences in Christchurch were harrowing; it took four days for external aid and help to come. Local people had to use every initiative and share basic resources to ensure they had food and shelter. I can only imagine how much worse it will be for people in Nepal, which is still largely a developing country, where there are few resources and what little help there is can’t get to those who need it because of the geography and scale of the destruction.

“The long term effects of something like this aren’t just physical. I’m still dealing with the trauma in terms of memories, occasional nightmares, and these are often triggered by images such as the ruined Central Church in Plymouth. I get very upset driving past it.”

In an effort to raise awareness of the crisis in Nepal, Dawn has taken the unusual decision to share her story with her students at City College Plymouth.

Dawn explained: “My immediate thought was that I have to help. I think it’s important for young people to understand that you can’t take anything in this life for granted. You never know when something will change your life forever.”

College students joined Dawn for an informal talk about her experiences and the problems now being faced by the people of Nepal.

Dawn concluded: “In the aftermath of the earthquake and aftershocks in New Zealand, I was really struck by the kindness and goodwill of ordinary people who helped each other. It’s core to who we are and I don’t think young people realise just how strong they can be. I hope we can all contribute something to help those in need.”

Staff and students at the College are currently raising funds through collection tins at the College and online through the Disaster Emergency Commission’s (DEC) Nepal Earthquake Appeal at www.dec.org.uk.

City College Plymouth has held a graduation event for young hair and beauty students who have recently finished a ten week Junior Hair and Beauty Academy programme.

The graduation event took place on Wednesday 6 May, where the young students showcased what they had learnt via a photoshoot presentation to friends and family in the College’s state-of-the art STEM Centre, as a celebration of their hard work during the ten weeks.

As a way of congratulating the students on their achievements, they were then invited to the College’s Hair and Day Spa, Stars, for canapés and drinks. Friends and family were then invited to enjoy free hair styling, make-up and nail treatments.

Tamsin Bryant, Team Leader of Stars at the College, said: “The Academy is designed to be both fun and enjoyable, and enables students to gain hands-on experience of creative hair styling, nail art and make-up. It also gives them the opportunity to get advice and guidance in pursuing a career in hair and beauty whilst studying at City College Plymouth.

“The Academy gives the students a fantastic starting point to a career in the hair and beauty industry. However, it is about more than the technical skills - I have seen them develop more self-confidence and self-belief by working in a new environment with different people. It is great to be part of this and to be able to reward the students in the form of a graduation ceremony.”

Phoebe Richardson, 15, who took part in the course and attended the graduation, said: “It was a whole new experience. Everyone was really friendly and we all really enjoyed it.

“We got to see what it’s like to work in the hair and beauty industry and it gave me a flavour of what to expect. I loved it!”

For those interested in hair and beauty courses, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 13 May, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students at the College. Come along and be part of it!

The Plymouth Raiders Academy at City College Plymouth has received a massive boost with the news that they have been granted approval as an AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship for Sporting Excellence) provider for basketball.

The Club and College applied last summer to be recognised as an AASE provider, but as the relationship between the Club and the College was a new one, the decision was deferred one year, allowing the Academy team to participate in the EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) - the highest level of Under 19 basketball available in the UK. The team finished a very creditable sixth position in the Southern league, but were notified that only those educational establishments within the AASE framework would be allowed to participate in the EABL this coming year.

The decision to award the Plymouth Raiders Academy at City College Plymouth with the AASE status was made this week and will allow both the Club and the College to enhance the offer to student athletes considerably.

Raiders’ Chief Executive, Dave Briggs, said: “This takes the Academy programme to another level. Alongside everyone at City College Plymouth, we have been working throughout the past season to enhance the Academy. This approval will help us to offer players within the national development pathway the opportunity to play at the highest level and work alongside the Raiders’ BBL professional players and coaches. There is a lot more work for us to do administratively, but this is now just the start of us realising the potential of the partnership between ourselves and City College Plymouth in providing the Academy. We would like to have two teams within the Academy next year and, in future years, we would like to recruit more players locally and less from other parts of the UK and Europe.

“The decision to award us with approval to be an AASE provider, means that our efforts in providing a leading basketball academy in Plymouth have been recognised and rewarded, and both ourselves and City College Plymouth look forward to a bright future in the EABL.”

Charlie Legg, Head of Sports Academy & Performance at City College Plymouth, said: “City College Plymouth is delighted to be associated with the AASE scheme. This approval shows the high quality of sport provision that exists at the College and, in particular, the cutting edge sport science support for elite performance athletes. Plymouth Raiders and City College have a great working partnership that has seen the Raiders’ Basketball Academy go from strength to strength.”

Be part of it! Join City sporting stars with the Raiders Basketball Academy at City College Plymouth.

A film made by three media students from City College Plymouth is being used nationally to teach people about the issue of child sexual exploitation.

Made in 2012 by Millie Steel, Chloe Adams and Jessica Linden, the film focuses on the kidnapping of children for sex trafficking. It is currently being used across South East England by the Police and the Church to help raise awareness of this disturbing issue.

The students worked closely with their lecturers and the College’s safeguarding team to thoroughly research this distressing topic. They arranged a series of interviews with representatives of the NHS, Police and the Children and Adolescent Mental Health team, to represent a different perspective from those who are on the front line of tackling the problem of child sex trafficking.

Following the story of Anna, filming took place in a variety of places around Plymouth, including Derriford Hospital and the city centre, using College drama students as actors. The film’s message is simple: don’t look away; don’t ignore the signs; and do act.

Initially used as an educational tool in schools and hospitals throughout the South West, the film was taken up by Essex and Kent Police forces as part of their safeguarding programme, reaching over 10,000 people in the South East of England.

PC Colin Day from Essex Police said: “In 2010 the government stated that all public facing organisations must train their staff in safeguarding children. Since then, we have developed an e-learning resource that covers the topic’s learning outcomes. I came across the students’ film online and felt it would greatly enhance our e-learning package surrounding child sexual exploitation.

“The film is very affective and clear in its messaging. I am delighted to say that it will feature in our newest e-learning resources and will be taken directly into local schools across Essex by our schools liaison team to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation.”

The video has also been used by the Church, firstly in the Diocese of Chelmsford, for their ‘safeguarding children’ resources. It has subsequently been expanded to the Diocese of Europe, giving international access to the students’ film online through their website.

Rob Chadwick, Academy Manager - Media & Digital Industries at City College, said: “That the film has had such a wide reach is fantastic for our students and the College. This was one of the biggest projects we’ve ever arranged for our media students. It was an unbelievable opportunity and responsibility for them to take on. They delivered a great product, and we are delighted that the video is now being used as an educational tool elsewhere in the UK and in Europe.”

The film, which was initiated by an idea from Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, was funded by the Learning & Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and the Skills Funding Agency Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Partnership Project Fund.

The film, Anna - Safeguarding, can be viewed on City College’s YouTube channel.

The College is offering the opportunity for anyone interested in their media courses or Apprenticeships to come along to a free drop-in event on Wednesday 13 May, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, at their Kings Road Campus. 

City College Plymouth’s well-established business networking event, the Employer Endorsement Scheme Breakfast, welcomed special guest speaker Rhiain Lewis, Partner & Head of Employment at GA Solicitors, last week to speak about recent changes to employment law surrounding parental leave.

The breakfast event welcomed business professionals and members of the College’s Employer Endorsement Scheme, the formal partnership scheme between industry and the College, to gain topical updates on education and business, and network with other business professionals. The Employer Endorsement Scheme, created in 2009, establishes links between the College and businesses and has grown to over 50 members, including St Luke’s Hospice, Kier Construction, Plymouth Citybus and Plymouth Community Healthcare.

Emma Taylor, Marketing & Corporate Relations Officer at the College, said: “The business breakfast provides a relaxed and informal event for business professionals and members of our Employer Endorsement Scheme alike. Delegates are given an interesting topic of conversation and an opportunity to network.

“I was delighted to welcome Rhiain Lewis, who has over 23 years’ experience advising employers on HR and employment law issues and is highly ranked in national legal directories. Her top tips and insights into the recent changes in employment law were of great interest to our City’s business community.”

Rhiain shared with delegates information and guidance on the newly revised family friendly policies on shared parental leave, communicating details of conduct that will be regarded as gross misconduct and how to avoid claims under the new laws.

The College’s next corporate event, the Business Supper Club, focuses on Plymouth’s youth and takes place on Tuesday 19 May, 5.45pm - 8.30pm in the College’s PL1 Restaurant, Kings Road and costs just £15 per person for non-members (including a two course meal with coffee). To book your place please call 01752 305026, e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/events.

Students and staff from City College Plymouth have taken Devon cream teas international with the creation of a pop-up British tea shop in rural China.

Funded by the British Council, the project saw City College partner with Gansu Province Secondary Vocational School of Technology (GPSVST) in Wuwei, Gansu Province. A relatively remote part of the country, there is currently very little Western influence in Wuwei, particularly in food and drink culture. The idea of a British themed pop-up tea shop was created from joint discussions between the two colleges’ students to respond to this gap in the market and to help develop their entrepreneurship skills for their respective courses.

The College’s international team, who originated the partnership between the colleges, has good links with the Chinese education sector, enabling a large number of Chinese students to study in Plymouth. The team were able to lend their extensive experience of Chinese culture and project management to the students as they developed their tea shop ideas.

Ciaran Geritie-Poat, Alysia Jones and Kristina Kurilaite, who are all studying for their Extended Diploma in Business at the College, led in the development of the concept, menu and decorations for the tea shop with their student counterparts in China. The bunting, buns and bakewells went down a treat, with the tea shop serving over 300 customers during its two-day opening run.

Alysia Jones, 19, said: “I really enjoyed going to China for the pop-up tea shop. It was really successful - we were trying to close on the last day and we couldn't because it was still so full of people! I have learnt a lot about the Chinese culture. They were really fascinated by British people being in Wuwei, so they wanted lots of photos.” 

The students had to overcome the barriers of language and different cultures to create the successful enterprise, but enjoyed meeting the Chinese students and experiencing a very different way of life.

Ciaran Geritie-Poat, 18, said: “I really enjoyed my time spent in Wuwei, it was a vastly different culture to what we're usually exposed to in Plymouth and that was amazing to experience. Even the way that people live their lives is so different on a day-to-day basis and to be able to get an insight into that was a fantastic experience for everyone involved with the project.”

Alison Chapman, Lecturer in Business Studies & Enterprise at City College, who accompanied the students to Wuwei, said: “It was a unique and quite moving experience to work alongside the students and staff in WuWei on this new and innovative project for the College. Sharing our enterprising culture with our partners in China and working together to demonstrate how enterprise learning can be so beneficial for students was wonderful. I hope we can repeat the experience.

“We were so welcomed and felt quite at ease with everyone. Our two colleges, both from rather rural locations in their respective countries, worked well together to bridge the gaps and learn from one another’s practices. Our students were wonderful ambassadors for the College and for the UK.”

The project was such a success that the tea room has remained open to students and the public, and is now being run as a popular, self-sustaining, student-led commercial enterprise at Gansu College.

Mr Wang, Project Coordinator at GPSVST, said: "By setting up the British tea shop, students and staff at Gansu College have learnt a lot in the areas of operation, decoration, communication with team work, food differences between China and UK, and culture differences. All this knowledge will help the College to improve in the future, especially for students and staff in the hospitality department.  Moreover, this project brought new ideas to the College in terms of enterprise, team work and communication efficiency."

With the British tea shop continuing, the colleges are now exploring new ways to create enterprising partnerships between students in Plymouth and China.

For those interested in the business and enterprise courses available at City College, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 13 May, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students. Come along and be part of it! 

Students and staff at City College Plymouth are being offered training in how to spot and deal with domestic abuse.

The training, delivered by Sanctuary Supported Living’s (SSL) Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (PDAS), will give students and staff on health and social care courses the opportunity to learn more about domestic abuse and its impact, recognise the signs when someone is at risk and give them the tools to feel more prepared to deal with the situations they encounter.

Rachel McManus, Lecturer in Health, Public Services & Care (Early Years) at City College, said: “We felt it was important for our staff to be able to recognise the signs of someone who may be suffering domestic abuse. The training was very thorough and sympathetic to this difficult and traumatic problem. We must break the taboo around talking about abuse, as only then can those who are suffering get the help they need.

“After my colleagues and I had gone through the training, we decided to offer it to our students, as many of them are planning on careers in the health and social care sector where they may encounter this kind of abuse. At City College, we want our students to leave us fully prepared to face any situation in their new jobs.”

Domestic abuse is the physical, financial, emotional or sexual abuse of one person by another person, usually within an intimate relationship. With no boundaries, it occurs irrespective of class, age, race, cultural or religious background, ability or sexuality.

Katy Bradshaw, Local Service Manager at Plymouth Refuge and Children & Young People's Service, said: “Our sessions are important in raising awareness about domestic abuse, challenging people’s perceptions and empowering people to help others, even if it is just having the confidence to report that they think someone may be at risk.

“A big part of this is our SHARE initiative - Safe, Healthy, Appropriate, Relationship Education - aimed specifically at children and young people, which examines what a healthy relationship is, pinpointing the danger signs and what is and isn’t acceptable.”

The SHARE project is funded by Children in Need and forms part of the PDAS Children’s Service. 

Anyone concerned about domestic abuse can contact PDAS on 01752 252 033 or pdas@sanctuary-housing.co.uk.

To find out more about the support offered for students and the assisted study programmes available at City College Plymouth come along to a free drop-in event on Wednesday 3 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, at Kings Road. 

Two Plymouth locals had a royal treat when they attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this month.

The lecturers, both from City College Plymouth, joined Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth; the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip; the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles and Camilla; and other members of the Royal Family for the garden party which celebrated those who work in education and the public sector.

Alison Chapman, who teaches business studies and enterprise, was invited in recognition of her significant contribution to City College and its students over the years. When nominating her to attend the event, the College said that she has been instrumental in pushing forward their commitment to developing students’ enterprise, employability and entrepreneurial skills.

Alison said: “It was quite a thrill to hop in a London cab and say to the driver ‘to the palace, please!’ and to have tourists snapping our pictures as we entered the palace.

“The atmosphere was really positive and it was a real opportunity for people in the public sector to feel special. I think it was a once in a lifetime experience and it’s really great to know the College appreciates the work I do.”

Also attending the Queen’s garden party was fabrication and welding lecturer Dr Clive Easter, who was nominated for his involvement with the Church Monuments Society - a nationwide organisation for the appreciation, study and conservation of church monuments both in the UK and abroad.

Clive said: “It was a real privilege. I stood less than five feet from the Queen, shook hands with Camilla and was the first person spoken to by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the patron of the Church Monuments Society. He wanted to personally thank us for the work we do and he was delighted to hear I was from Plymouth as he had fond memories of the City.”

Phil Davies, Principal & Chief Executive of City College, said: “We’re delighted that the College was so well represented at this prestigious event. Our staff are highly valued and extremely talented, and I only wish we could have nominated all of them to attend.”

Every summer, the Queen hosts at least three garden parties at Buckingham Palace, as well as one at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Attended by people from all walks of life, garden parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860s, when Queen Victoria instituted afternoon events known as 'breakfasts'. They took the place of presentation parties attended by debutantes, but have evolved into a way of rewarding and recognising public service.

For those interested in the courses available at City College Plymouth, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 3 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, at Kings Road. Come along and be part of it!

City College Plymouth’s premier business event, the Business Supper Club, welcomed Youth Parliament MP for Plymouth, Sarah Staples, and Hazel Bowyer from the Prince’s Trust to last night’s debating event.

The theme of the evening was ‘Teenage Kicks? Young People Today’ and the discussions were started by Youth Parliament MP Sarah Staples, a sixth form student who is currently sitting her A Level exams in history, sociology and politics. She is an active campaigner on issues directly effecting young people and has spoken in both the local and national press on issues such as engaging young people in democracy, mental health and work experience. 

Sarah began by dispelling some of the myths surrounding young people today and relating what their aspirations are for both themselves and the City. The floor was then handed to Hazel Bowyer, programme executive at the Prince’s Trust, the organisation that works with hard to reach young people, who discussed the problems young people face and what can be done to support them.

Delegates then joined the discussion, debating what the City and businesses have to offer young people and what needs to change to support them further. There was lively conversation around the point raised by Sarah Staples that one of the biggest barriers to young people finding employment is the expectation of experience before they have had the chance to gain any.

Emma Taylor, the College’s Marketing & Corporate Relations Officer, who runs the Business Supper Club, said: “With youth unemployment still a major issue for Plymouth and the South West, it is crucial that we as individuals, businesses and the local community do everything we can to support young people.

“With many exciting developments to come for the City, including the Mayflower 2020 celebrations, it has never been so important for young people to have the necessary support and opportunities to succeed and carry forth these City developments.”

The Business Supper Club, run by City College Plymouth in partnership with The Herald, was created in 2013 as an event with a twist - controversial debate and honest opinions are the name of the game. The only event of its kind in Plymouth, it enables business professionals, or anyone passionate about the City, to debate key topics that matter to them, their business, the City and the South West. 

The College’s next corporate event, the Annual Business Dinner and Celebration Evening, with guest speaker internationally acclaimed broadcaster and investigative journalist, Donal MacIntyre. The event takes place on Thursday 18 June, 7.00pm to late in the College’s PL1 Restaurant, Kings Road and costs just £45 per person (including a five course fine dining experience). To book your place please call 01752 305026, e-mail employers@cityplym.ac.uk or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/events.

Last week, 60 pupils from two primary schools in Stonehouse attended a Construction Careers Day at City College Plymouth to get them thinking about the different opportunities available in this key growth sector for the City.

Millfields Inspired co-ordinated the event in partnership with City College Plymouth as part of their Widening Horizons programme. Widening Horizons is an initiative that was launched by the Millfields Trust over seven years ago. It takes year five children from Stonehouse schools, out of the classroom and into a workplace environment. The aim is that these experiences will get the children to think about the different opportunities that await them in the world of work.

Josanne Stewart, Development Manager for Millfields Inspired, has been leading the project. She said: “The Widening Horizons programme is a fantastic way to raise the aspirations of young people by linking the school curriculum with the world of work. The children had a fantastic time at the College as they were able to get really hands-on with the construction activities.”

Jo Williams, Events Officer at City College Plymouth, said: “The year five groups took part in various interactive workshops during the day, including bricklaying, wood trades, plumbing for a bathroom, plastering and painting and decorating. They then took part in more career focused sessions where they toured the construction site and workshops, carried out activities based around health and safety, found out about the qualifications and courses available, and what careers were available in these areas.”  

The construction industry is a key growth sector for Plymouth and events which encourage young people to consider a career in this area are part of a City-wide programme. Building Plymouth is a Plymouth City Council led partnership, which aims to link people with career opportunities in the construction sector. With an ageing workforce and a predicted growth in demand for skilled construction workers, events like the construction careers taster day are vital to the economic success of the City’s construction industry. Key to this success is the message that construction as a career is a first choice, not a last choice.

For those interested in a career in construction, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 3 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students at the College about the courses available. Come along and be part of it! 

In what could be a national first for the gaming sector, a local man has gained an Apprenticeship with one of the top games design companies in the UK, Total Monkery.     

Alex Terry, 21, from Chillaton, studied games development at City College Plymouth before applying for the Apprenticeship with the Plymouth-based games company. The Apprenticeship, which allows Alex to earn a wage whilst learning on-the-job, will also see him return to his College to develop his qualifications in creative digital media.

Total Monkery is a games company who are based at Plymouth University and have been listed as one of Creative England’s 50 most innovative companies. The games they have developed have been well received by the national gaming industry, earning several award nominations from the industry’s awarding body, TIGA.

Alex shone through the application process for the much sought after position, which involved performing creative art tasks as well as a formal interview. The competition was tough; however, Alex had the best technical skills and presented a good portfolio. The Total Monkery team recognised that he had a real passion to work as a digital artist.

Andrea Chandler, Managing Director of Total Monkery, said: "As a company, we are committed to nurturing fresh talent and, therefore, the Apprenticeship scheme is perfect for us. For a relatively new and growing business, this scheme enables us to get the right people and train them whilst managing costs. This is a particular concern for a new, small games studio where up-front costs are high and the development time for a single product can be anything between six months to a year.

“We are sure that combining the support of the College with an opportunity to gain real industry experience will result in benefits for all. The standard of the applicants was high and we are looking forward to welcoming Alex to the team."

Alex will start his Apprenticeship in August, when he will be employed as a digital artist by Total Monkery. His role will be to support the art team with everything from animations and rigging to 3D modelling. He will also have the opportunity to work with other members of the team to learn about every aspect of art creation for games.

Rob Chadwick, Academy Manager for Media & Digital Industries at City College, said: “Not only is it the first Apprenticeship we’ve run in the games sector, but we believe it could be the first in the country for this growing industry and could open doors for many more opportunities for young people through City College. Alex will be studying creative digital media over 18 months here at the College and will gain a great qualification and the experience of working in a vibrant, up-and-coming, games company.”

For those interested in a career in games development like Alex, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 3 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students at the College about the courses available.

For more information on how City College can help support your business with Apprenticeships and more, please contact the corporate relations team on 01752 305026 or employers@cityplym.ac.uk.

Students from City College Plymouth recently had the opportunity to take part in three music concerts at Devonport Guildhall on Friday 15 May.

Since December 2014, eight students, aged between 17 and 20, have been working with Plymouth Music Zone, an award winning music charity that believes passionately in the power of music to reach out and help transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable children, young people and adults across Plymouth and beyond.

Students with learning difficulties and disabilities who are studying at the College were introduced to members of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, a British period instrument orchestra who secured funding to enable the students to work with both them and Plymouth Music Zone on the concerts.

Michelle Petrie, Lecturer in Skills Development at the College, said: “The students were brilliant. They were all so enthusiastic and this was a great opportunity for them to be guided by professional musicians, whilst incorporating their own musical ideas.”

Music Leader, Anna Batson, from Plymouth Music Zone, has been liaising between the College and the Orchestra, sharing her innovative ideas and working with the students at the College and Plymouth Music Zone.  Anna said: “It was a pleasure to see the students get so enthused about the sessions and enjoy the final rehearsals at Plymouth Music Zone and the live productions at Devonport Guildhall.”

Jason Wood, 20, is a City College student who has been attending the sessions and took part in the performances, he said: “It has been really great working with the musicians and being involved with the performances. I loved it!”

Exams may be over, but young people across the City now face the big decision of what to do next. Whatever their exam results, City College Plymouth can help them to plan for their future and take the next steps towards employment or further study.

The College will be offering a free course information drop-in event to help young people find the path which is right for them. The event will run from 4.00pm to 6.00pm, on Wednesday 3 June at Kings Road and is open to those are looking to plan their next steps. So whether that’s taking a full or part-time course or starting your career with an Apprenticeship, then this information event will tell you all you need to know.

Ola Piewcewicz, who is studying for a university-level Foundation Degree in Hospitality and Tourism, said: “College has been amazing. We have small classes in which to learn, so the tutors get to spend more individual time with you.”

The drop-in event offers a small and informal setting to chat to College staff about the range of courses and Apprenticeships on offer and how to apply, and their award-winning team will be on-hand to give FREE impartial careers advice and guidance to help you make the right choices.

If you find a university-level or vocational route that is right for you, College advisors will be available to help you apply for the course at the drop-in event, so you can start your future without any delays!

Be part of it! Visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/eventsfor more information or call 01752 305300. 

TripAdvisor has awarded City College Plymouth’s PL1 Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie the 2015 Certificate of Excellence as a direct result of the consistently great reviews from their customers.

Founded in 2010, the Certificate of Excellence award honours hospitality businesses that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor. Certificates are awarded to businesses based on their review ratings, overall rating and the quantity and recency of reviews left by visitors.

The restaurant’s popularity ranking on TripAdvisor was also a contributing factor for the Certificate of Excellence. PL1 Restaurant has previously hit the number one spot of places to eat in Plymouth and is regularly found on the City’s top ten rankings on the popular website.

The College’s PL1 Restaurant is run entirely by students under the expert guidance of City College lecturers. Helping to prepare students for employment in the hospitality industry, the restaurant is supported by state-of-the-art industrial kitchens where students are trained to prepare fresh food using only the best local ingredients.

Front of House Enterprise Co-ordinator, Nicky Putman, said: “We’re delighted to receive this prestigious award from TripAdvisor. They are the most influential review site, so it is really wonderful to have the hard work and talents of our students and staff recognised by them. It means when our students leave us, they can say they’ve worked in one of the top restaurants in Plymouth.

“I want to congratulate our students and to say a big thank you to our fantastic customers, as it is their glowing reviews which have won us this Certificate of Excellence.”

TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel website, reaching 340 million unique monthly visitors, and more than 225 million reviews and opinions covering more than 4.9 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions in 45 different countries. 

To experience PL1 dining for yourself, call 01752 305777, e-mail PL1@cityplym.ac.uk or book online.

For those interested in hospitality and catering courses at the College which give students the opportunity to train in the PL1 Restaurant, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road. Come along and be part of it! 

City College Plymouth will host two Native American chefs for a special cookery event and exclusive meal in its PL1 Restaurant on Wednesday 10 June.

Chefs Dr Lois Ellen Frank, Ph.D. (Kiowa) and Walter Whitewater (Diné/Navajo) cook contemporary American Indian foods using ancient techniques with ancestral ingredients, all with a contemporary flair that creates delicious food art at its finest. They are visiting Plymouth in their capacity as culinary ambassadors with the Embassy of the United States. In their role as culinary diplomats, they help educate others on the ancestral Native American cuisine foods and promote the foods of the Americas.

The chefs will work with students in the College’s training kitchens to share their native cooking heritage skills and history. A talk and storytelling will then be followed by an incredible and uniquely prepared meal for local businesses and City VIPs in the College’s PL1 Restaurant.

The meal will feature seasonally and locally purchased foods, many of which are supplied by Native American tribal nations who use ancient, sustainable food practices. This practice supports community agricultural practices, food production of these sustainable foods, as well as guarantees the future of Native foods for generations to come.

Phil Davies, Principal & Chief Executive at City College, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chefs Lois and Walter to the College. We frequently have local and celebrity chefs visiting to work alongside our students and staff. However, I think this will be a rather unique experience for us, giving our students, staff and guests an opportunity to explore, and learn more about, Native American cuisine from two of America’s most pre-eminent chefs.”

Santa Fe, New Mexico based chef, author, Native foods historian and photographer, Lois Ellen Frank, is from the Kiowa Nation on her mother's side and Sephardic on her father's side.

Chef Frank has spent over 25 years documenting foods of Native American tribes from the Southwest. She has also worked with world-renowned chefs, scientists and academics to research the medicinal and spiritual properties of food and plants. She is involved in projects focusing on the importance of traditional foods amongst Indigenous Peoples throughout the Americas, as sustenance and their uses ritually. 

Chef Walter Whitewater was born in Pinon, Arizona and is from the Diné (Navajo) Nation. He grew up in a traditional family and began cooking as a young boy after seeing people cooking at some of the traditional ceremonies his family attended. 

Whitewater teaches cooking classes, at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, on Native American Foods of the Southwest with Chef Frank. During Chef Whitewater's professional cooking experiences, he has remained active in many of his traditional ways at his home in Pinon, Arizona, returning for ceremonial obligations and to help his father with their flock of sheep.

Chefs Frank and Whitewater started a Native American Catering and Food Company named Red Mesa Cuisine. Their mission is to bring Native American Cuisine into the contemporary kitchen and to help sustain traditional Native American foods, traditional Native agricultural food practices, as well as keeping alive ancestral culinary techniques from Native Communities all over the Americas. Chef Frank and Chef Whitewater have also travelled as guest chefs, educators and lecturers to locations all over the United States and internationally to Guam, Ukraine, Italy and the United Kingdom.

For those interested in hospitality and catering courses at the College, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students at the College. Come along and be part of it!

If English is not your first language, then simple things like finding a job, talking to your neighbours or even just doing the weekly shop can be more difficult.

City College Plymouth is holding an open day event for 16 to 19 year olds who are looking to study ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) on Wednesday 10 June, 1.00pm to 3.00pm, at Kings Road.

The College offers a specialist full-time programme of study which prepares students for progression to courses in further or higher education and employment, covering English, mathematics, personal and social development, employability and enrichment.

Eduardo Furtado, 19, came to Plymouth from Portugal. He said: “The ESOL course helped me to improve my English skills. I learned so much, made new friends and met different people from different cultures.”

At the College, students will be able to develop their English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills; gain an understanding of the vocabulary around mathematics and problem-solving; and study towards nationally recognised qualifications.

The College’s friendly, supportive and professional team of highly qualified teachers welcome all students for whom English is not their first language, and they are dedicated to maximising the potential of all students. The College offers one-to-one tutorials as well as personal tutors to support the individual needs of each student.

Sarah Pink, Academy Manager for ESOL, said: “At City College, we aim to provide a challenging and enjoyable learning environment in which all our students feel welcome and respected. We get to know our students and have seen many of them reach their full potential and go on to further courses at the College or into the world of work.”

For those interested in the ESOL full-time 16 to 19 courses available at the College, there is a free ESOL open day event on Wednesday 10 June, 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Kings Road. For more information, call 01752 305300 or e-mail info@cityplym.ac.uk. 

City College Plymouth students have been taking part in a two week community project supporting the William Sutton Memorial Hall in St Budeaux.

Named after the founder of the Sutton Trust, William Sutton, the Memorial Hall is a charity funded centre for local residents in St Budeaux and is utilised by people of all ages. Previously a derelict shell, the Hall has undertaken a transformation over recent years thanks to groups of volunteers. City College students have now added to this transformation, tackling a run-down area of the Hall often used by local youth football teams.

The team of 14 students are currently taking part in the Prince’s Trust course with the College, a free programme of training that allows 16 to 25 year olds to develop key skills such as communication, leadership and teamwork skills as well as receiving nationally recognised qualifications. The course enables young people to return to full-time education or find employment.

Donovan Henn, Centre Manager at the William Sutton Memorial Hall, said: “The team were made up of a diverse group of young people, were considerate to my place of work and took into account the other people working and using the centre. They were mature in their approach and expressed a genuine interest in what they set out to achieve."

Cheryl Powell, Lead Training Officer at City College Plymouth said: “The students have thoroughly enjoyed their time supporting the William Sutton Memorial Hall and the community there.

“Undertaking projects like this really benefits the students, helping them to engage with the local community and work as a team to reap positive results.”

The team will return to the Memorial Hall on 17 June at 5.00pm to host a presentation to local residents detailing the work they have completed for their course.

Want to be part of a Prince’s Trust team? Come to City College Plymouth’s free drop-in event on Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm, at Kings Road or call 01752 856827 to apply or for more information.

City College Plymouth staff were recognised for their outstanding achievements throughout the year at the College’s annual staff awards ceremony on Friday 5 June.

City College staff were treated to a two-course lunch in the College’s PL1 restaurant, followed by the presentation of the awards by College Principal, Phil Davies, and Vice Chair of Governors, William Woyka.

Phil Davies, Principal & Chief Executive, said: “The staff awards celebration is a way to recognise and celebrate all of the good work that goes on here at the College. It's the official way to say 'thank you' to those who demonstrate, above and beyond, their commitment to delivering excellent services for students, customers and other stakeholders.”

Winners announced were:

• Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award - Sarah Waters (Lecturer ESOL)
• Outstanding Customer Focus Award - Juli Austin (Signer)
• Best Team Award - Learning Support Team
• Best Individual Achievement/Professional Development Award - Emma Hughes (HR Administrator)
• Leadership Award - Sue Reed (Head of Apprenticeships)
• Enterprise & Improvement Award - Skills Development Team
• The Principal’s Award - Chris Brown (English and maths).

Also recognised were those who have given 20 years’ service to the College: Ann Bowden (Finance); Jacqueline Bowden (Hair, Beauty and Hospitality); Martin Clephane (Information Technology); John Clarke (Work-based Learning); Dionne Davey (Work-based Learning); Keith Ebdon (Science & Maths); Rachel Feaviour (Access); Gill Godfrey (Higher Education); Dave Lewis (Estates); Mike Osgathorpe (Exams); Elaine O’Sullivan (Admissions); Sarah Sinclair (Marketing, Corporate Relations & Enterprise); Phil Smale (Human Resources); Colin Spence (Wood and Brick); and Gary Stent (Employer Provision).

For those interested in the courses taught at the College, there is a free drop-in event on Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students at the College. Come along and be part of it! 

Budding young scientists from all over the City had a fun-filled day of science and exploration at City College Plymouth’s first ever ‘Big Bang Near Me’ event this week.

With activities covering everything from bubbles to submarines and optics to hydraulic arms, young scientists were able to interact with a whole host of engineers, mathematicians and wild animals.

The Big Bang @ City College saw over 280 pupils from local primary and secondary schools engage with activities based around science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Through workshops and hands-on activities, young people were immersed in the fascinating world of STEM.

The event featured 24 interactive stands and activities delivered by a range of local STEM organisations, businesses and employers, including local zoos, marine engineers, and science specialists. They also took part in a half hour workshop within the College’s new Gazelle STEM Centre, which is equipped with the latest digital technology to help explore the human body, experiment with physics and solve crimes.

Andy Robinson, STEM Centre Co-ordinator, said: “The Big Bang @ City College Plymouth offered young people from across Plymouth the chance to discover the excitement, opportunities and wide range of careers available through STEM subjects.

“The range of organisations and activities on the day showcased just some of the fantastic work taking place across the City, whether in marine science, manufacturing or innovative technologies. STEM subjects form a huge part of the City’s economy, and the energy and enthusiasm from the event will hopefully inspire the next generation of STEM workers.”

If you are interested in visiting the Gazelle STEM Centre or booking an activity, please call 01752 305300 or e-mail STEM@cityplym.ac.uk.

The Early Years Service is now fully funding the Early Years Foundation Degree at City College Plymouth.

Careers in childcare and health and social care are some of the most rewarding, particularly when you are involved in those crucial early years of a child’s development. The College’s Early Years Foundation Degree is for reflective practitioners working in or towards a supervisory role within an early years setting.

The Early Years Foundation Degree course - which is equivalent to the first two years of an honours degree and can be topped up with progression directly to the final year at university - is now fully funded by Plymouth City Council’s Early Years Service. The funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so those interested are advised to apply for the course and funding as soon as possible.

Dawn Jones, Head of Healthcare at City College Plymouth, said: “We are delighted that Plymouth City Council is supporting training in this important and highly rewarding area of early years care. We hope this will open the door for more students, or those wanting to advance in an early years career, who would otherwise be unable to dedicate themselves to a Foundation Degree here at the College.”

Plymouth City Council’s Early Years Service funding is to support Early Years Graduate (EYG) leadership in full settings in the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector.

For more information on the early years courses on offer at the College, and the funding options available, come along to the free drop-in event on Wednesday 17 June, 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Kings Road, where you can have an informal chat with staff and students at City College.