further education – Page 8 – The NEN

No joke – 1 April is Edinburgh College Open Day!

Edinburgh College is holding two Open Days to advertise a wide range of courses starting this August.

Tuesday 1 April

Granton and Midlothian campuses, 3 – 8pm

Wednesday 2 April

Milton Road and Sighthill campuses, 3 – 8pm

The Open Days will feature live student performances and demonstrations, course and funding guidance and live August course applications through the Edinburgh College website.

So whether you want to get improve your employment or career prospects, continue your studies or learn new skills, why not call in to find out about the great opportunities available?

For further information go to www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk

or email info@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Edinburgh College Open Days to highlight New Year courses

Edinburgh College holding open days to showcase new January courses

Edinburgh College is hosting two open days this month to give potential new students first-hand insight into all courses due to start in the new year.

Anyone who would like to learn about more than 100 full-time, part-time, evening and distance courses beginning at the college in January is invited along on 20 and 21 November. The open days are designed to give school leavers, adult learners, people looking for career boosts or changes and anyone else interested in education opportunities the chance to see the college up close and get advice about their options. Among the programmes on offer are access courses that will equip people returning to education with entry-level qualifications allowing them to progress onto college courses beginning next August.

Students will be putting on live music and dance performances as well as demonstrations to showcase their courses, and prospective students will be able to discuss course opportunities, applications and funding with staff. There will also be the chance to enter a free prize draw to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2.

Each open day will cover all the college’s course areas across its four campuses, including:

Access courses
Business
Construction and building crafts
Creative industries
Engineering
English as a second language
Health, wellbeing and social sciences
Tourism and hospitality

The open days take place on:

Wednesday 20 November, 3-8pm – Edinburgh College Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, EH5 1QE
Thursday 21 November, 3-8pm – Edinburgh College Sighthill Campus, Bankhead Avenue, EH11 4DE

Edinburgh College principal Mandy Exley said: “It’s not always easy to know which course is the right one for you and the best way to choose is often to talk to students and lecturers and to get a feel for the environment. By throwing open our doors and inviting everyone in to the college, we’re providing a great way to get a proper sense of how our education opportunities can make a huge difference in people’s lives and give them a platform to achieve.”

For more information about the open days and which courses are available to start in January, go towww.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/opendays

SQA Star Awards for Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College has won two prestigious prizes at a national education awards ceremony, recognising its strong links with industry and outstanding achievements in innovation.

At the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Star Awards last night, the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy – a partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University and East Lothian Council – won a Highly Commended Award in the Partnership category. The college also won a Highly Commended Award in the Innovation category for a scheme providing industry mentors for students.

The annual SQA Star Awards honour inspirational achievements and commitment from colleges, schools and training organisations across the country.

The East Lothian Hospitality & Tourism Academy caught the judges’ attention because of its close links with industry partners and the benefits these relationships can bring to young people. The academy has benefited from vital support from large hotel groups such as Marriott, Jurys Inn, Novotel, Mercure and Macdonald hotels and resorts, as well as Edinburgh’s own luxury hotel Prestonfield and the Royal Mile’s Fraser Suites.

The initiative, which is now in its second year, exposes young people to the wealth of jobs in hospitality and tourism industries by giving 16-18 year olds the chance to train at college, university and in industry. The success of its first year attracted government funding of £4.6m, which has seen the initiative expand to many more schools across Edinburgh and East and Midlothian, and the Scottish Borders and include other areas such as health and social care and creative industries. Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College are partners in all the new academies.

Ray McCowan, vice principal at Edinburgh College, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised by the SQA Star Awards. The academy is a pioneering project and has been a great success.

“The academy represents partnership working at its very best. It brings together the vision of two educational organisations and a local council, as well as harnessing industry expertise. The college realises the vital importance of strong links with industry and it’s partnerships like these that give our students the vital experience and skills to succeed in a highly competitive industry.”

In its first year, 30 out of 34 students successfully completed the academy. Of the 30 successful students, 18 continued to study the HNC in sixth year, four moved to Edinburgh College to study the SVQ2 in Professional Cookery and eight took up employment in the industry. There are now 163 students across all of the academies in Edinburgh and the Lothians in the fields of creative industries, health and social care, cookery and food science and nutrition, with a new academy planned for engineering.

The college has a number of successful graduates within the field of hospitality and tourism, including James Thomson OBE, owner of Prestonfield House.

Celebrating Edinburgh College’s other honour, Visual Communication lecturer Helena Good said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Highly Commended Award at the SQA Star Awards. Our mentoring programme was established to develop a strong working relationship between our students and industry and it’s brilliant that it has been recognised in this way.

“Before the mentoring programme was introduced, the first contact that students had with industry wasn’t until their end-of-year exhibitions. Now we are introducing our students to the key players in leading design agencies from an early stage. This gives them an invaluable experience in working with professionals throughout their course and an insight into how the industry works.”

Helena added: “Since the mentoring programme began, we have won more than a dozen national and international awards including the Scottish Marketing Student of the Year for a second year in a row and four D&AD (Design and Art Direction) nominations, the creative industry’s flagship awards. One of our student’s work was also commissioned by the music brand Goji and is now being sold on high streets across the UK.

“As the initiative gains success, it has attracted more interest from industry. Our work placement programme has become much easier to manage because so many of our recent graduates have secured good agency positions and are a testament to the employability of the students we produce.”

SQA chief executive, Dr Janet Brown, said: “Once again I have been overwhelmed by the quality our finalists’ achievements. Some have overcome challenging personal circumstances and defied expectations while others have shown incredible initiative and commitment to succeed in their chosen disciplines.

“More than ever, qualifications are an essential component of an individual’s successful progress from education and training into further study and employment. Our Star Awards ceremony is an opportunity to congratulate learners on their achievements but also acknowledge the fantastic work of our centres – schools, colleges, training providers and employers who deliver our qualifications – and the people who give learners the guidance and encouragement they need to realise their potential.”

Increase in University acceptances

Two per cent more Scots have a place confirmed on exam results day.

22,770 Scots were accepted to Scottish universities on exam results day this year, an increase of two per cent. Figures released by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) show 550 more Scots have a place at a Scottish university for 2013-14 than at the same time last year.

Welcoming the increase, Minister for Youth Employment Angela Constance said: “We’ve already delivered access to university based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay backed up with increased university places. It is great news that some 22,770 Scots are already accepted to a Scottish University to study for a degree on exam results day.

“These students will also be among the first to benefit from the best package of support in the UK when they take up their places. While the additional places we have provided to widen access will ensure more young people from deprived areas are taking their place on our universities campuses next year.

“Of course, some young people will be disappointed today but help is at hand. We guarantee every 16-19 year old the offer of a place in education or training and I’d encourage anyone who is still considering their next steps to call the SDS helpline on 0808 100 8000 for advice.”

Record number of Scots apply for university places

A record percentage of Scottish 18-year-olds have applied to study at university according to figures published today by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS).

The number of Scots applying to study in Scotland has increased by 1.2 per cent. Overall, there has been a 6.1 per cent rise in the numbers applying to study in Scotland to 111,296.
These increases follow figures published last month by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) that show graduates from Scottish universities are entering professional jobs more quickly and earning higher starting salaries than graduates in the rest of the UK.

Commenting on today’s figures, Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “Scotland’s universities have a reputation for excellence and today’s figures show their appeal is as strong as ever. Of course, Scottish students are safe in the knowledge that access is based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay and these students will benefit from the best package of support in the UK.

“As the HESA figures demonstrated, the benefits of a Scottish degree are clear. Graduates from Scottish universities are more likely to go on to further study or employment, to have a higher starting salary and to be in a professional occupation than graduates from other parts of the UK.

“The students behind these figures, who are beginning their university journey in Scotland and across the UK, can rest assured that as a Government, we will continue to do all we can to deliver a system of post-16 education that meets their needs, adapts to the challenges of the future and provides the graduates needed to boost our economy.”

Scottish universities ‘leading the way’

Education Secretary Michael Russell has welcomed figures which show graduates of Scottish universities are entering professional jobs more quickly and earning higher starting salaries than graduates in the rest of the UK.

Today’s publication by the Higher Education Statistics Agency outlines 90 per cent of Scottish university graduates go into either employment, further study or a combination of the two after leaving, putting Scotland ahead of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The figures also show:

The average salary for first degree graduates in full time employment in Scotland was £21,000, compared to £20,000 from English universities, £19,000 for qualifiers from Welsh universities and £20,000 for qualifiers from Northern Irish universities.
16 per cent of Scottish university leavers went into further study, compared to 13 per cent in English universities, 15 per cent for Welsh universities and 10 per cent for Northern Irish universities.
Six per cent of Scottish university leavers were unemployed six months after graduating, compared to seven per cent from England universities, seven per cent from Welsh universities and eight per cent from Northern Irish universities.

Mr Russell said:

“Today’s figures demonstrate the advantages of a Scottish degree. As these figures show, our universities are leading the way, with graduates more likely to go on to further study or employment, to have a higher starting salary and to be in a professional occupation than graduates from other parts of the UK.

“While I strongly welcome these figures, we recognise the continuing challenges of securing employment and avoiding underemployment. That’s why we are continually engaging with the higher education sector and employers to improve employment opportunities. For example, we fully support Universities Scotland working closely with small and medium sized businesses to open up more paid work opportunities for graduates. As a Government, our strong message to employers is to make young people your business.

“We have provided over £1 million over the last three years to support high quality, paid graduate placement and recruitment programmes. We fully intend to support the coherent provision of graduate opportunities again this year and will announce our plans in due course.”

Napier University graduates celebrate their awards

£61m boost for Scottish colleges

Student support, including funding for childcare, will be increased through additional financial support for the college sector from the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council have set out how the £61 million of additional funding added to college budgets for 2013-15 will be spent.

Focusing on improving attainment, the additional investment over the next academic year (2013-14) includes:

£1.9 million for additional student support through bursaries and childcare
£2.1 million targeted for some college regions to meet increased demand
£6.6 million for an additional learner places, including for women returning to study and part time places
£4 million to aid the successful integration of newly merging colleges.

Education Secretary Michael Russell (pictured above) said: “Earlier this year the Scottish Government showed its commitment to Scotland’s colleges by adding £61 million to the sector’s budget compared to what was originally announced for the spending review period. Since then, we have been discussing with college representatives and NUS Scotland how to allocate this funding to improve attainment so that more students gain and complete their qualifications, while moving towards a system of large, efficient regional colleges that offers courses responsive to local economic need.

“I am very pleased to be able to map out how we can further support the sector and its students. Increased student bursaries will mean more money in the pockets of our hard pressed students in times of economic difficulty. While full time courses for younger people remain a priority, there will be more learning opportunities for older and part time students, including women returning to study.

“Further funding will also help colleges with increasing demand and help institutions work closely together on a regional basis. This is a substantial investment in a sector with enormous economic importance to Scotland, and I am looking forward to working with the entire sector to ensure colleges continue to deliver for learners.”

New Edinburgh College seeks talent for Board

Influential and inspirational individuals are being invited to help the new Edinburgh College play a key role in defining the future of further education in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Edinburgh College, the product of a merger of Edinburgh’s Telford College, Jewel & Esk College and Stevenson College Edinburgh, is looking to attract the best talent possible to join its Board of Management.

The College,a £60m business and the biggest FE college in Scotland, will accommodate more than 35,000 students – the biggest student body in Edinburgh – when it opens on October 1.

Ian McKay, Chair (Elect) of Edinburgh College, said Board members will contribute to the leadership and control of the new College, driving forward improved learning opportunities that will benefit Edinburgh and Lothians specifically, and Scotland, in general.

He said: “The new Edinburgh College is set on a course to change the face of further education in Edinburgh and the Lothians. We want to deliver better opportunities and outcomes for learners, which will support economic growth both locally and nationally by providing industry with the right people for real jobs. We know Edinburgh and the Lothians boasts some of Scotland’s most skilled and talented people – captains of industry, innovators, community champions and such like. How great it would be, therefore, to have some of this incredible talent pool join us as we start this exciting journey with Edinburgh College.”

The new College welcomes applicants from all walks of life and is particularly keen to hear from candidates with skills and expertise in: community and educational leadership, industry and commerce, finance, marketing, international education and IT.

Edinburgh College will consist of four main campuses employing more than 1,500 staff; Granton (formerly Edinburgh’s Telford College), Sighthill (formerly Stevenson College Edinburgh) and Milton Road and Midlothian (both formerly Jewel & Esk College).

The selection process for Board members is being launched this week with a view to appointments being made within the next 6-8 weeks.

Requests for further information and applications should be made to amanda.hood@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

Colleges come together to showcase Best of the Fest

Over 4,000 people attended a series of events, designed to showcase student talent and success, as part of Edinburgh’s biggest student led festival. The Edinburgh Colleges Festival brought together the collective student talent present at Edinburgh’s Telford College, Jewel & Esk College and Stevenson College Edinburgh ahead of the proposed merger set to take place later this year.

Proving they can work together to offer the very best in student focused further education across a variety of sectors, the event featured the work and performances of over 1,000 students from all three colleges.

Showcasing sporting, arts and design, music, performing arts and hospitality achievements as well as many others, the festival programme featured an impressive 43 events over six weeks.

Brian Lister, Interim Principal for Edinburgh College, said: “This year’s festival has been a huge success, not only in terms of its size and scale, but the fact that it demonstrates the potential of the Edinburgh College, for offering one of the biggest and best further education facilities. The merger of the three colleges has the interest of the students at its heart and so it made sense that we brought together the collective talent of the combined student body for the Festival.”

He continued: “I attended several of the events myself and it was a great pleasure to see the hard work and talent of all the students involved. There are definitely a few future stars out there and we wish every single student the very best of luck in their future careers. We look forward to building upon the success of this year’s vent in years to come and not only make next year’s event even bigger and better, but ensure that the positive and collective hard work of all three colleges is taken forward under the Edinburgh College brand.”

Feedback about the festival from an online survey was extremely positive and revealed that 100% of people would like to see an Edinburgh Colleges Festival in 2013 – 34% of these being members of the local communities surrounding the colleges.

Highlights of the festival included a Celebration of Achievement event at Jewel & Esk College, which recognised and celebrated the talent of its FE students, as well as the ‘Exposed’ photography exhibition, featuring work from Stevenson’s final year photography students which was attended by over 300 people.

A final highlight was the Gala Launch dinner hosted by hospitality and catering students at Edinburgh’s Telford College, with music and performances by students from across the three colleges. The event was also attended by Mike Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.

The new Edinburgh College will be formed later this year when Telford, Jewel & Esk and Stevenson Colleges merge. The merger will bring together around 35,000 students across four main campuses.