Next course starts on Monday 13 March
Tag: skills
Edinburgh College apprentices win medals at UK Skills Show
Gold and bronze for Dan and Jordan
Two Edinburgh College apprentices lifted trophies at a national skills competition this week, toppling UK rivals as they painted, decorated and crafted their way to success. Continue reading Edinburgh College apprentices win medals at UK Skills Show
New year, new career?
Edinburgh College January courses open for application
Edinburgh College is inviting anyone who wants to fast track their futures towards great careers and further studies to start a new course in January. Applications are now open for a range of full-time, part-time, evening and open learning courses starting in the new year at the college. Continue reading New year, new career?
Edinburgh College Open Days this week
Open Day at Granton Campus on Wednesday
Anyone wanting to boost their qualifications, improve their job prospects, get on the career ladder or learn new skills should come along to Edinburgh College’s Course Open Days this week.
The Open Days on Wednesday (17 June) at Granton Campus and Thursday 18 June at Milton Road Campus – from 2-6pm on each day – are an opportunity to take the first steps into further education or learn new career-advancing skills. Expert staff will be on hand to discuss course information, progression routes and funding options.
The Open Days are a chance to learn more about and apply for the college’s new range of part-time, evening and leisure courses, including professional development programmes. These are open for applications now and include Accounting and Finance, Art and Design, Business and Enterprise, Construction, Health and Social Care, Hair and Beauty, Engineering, I.T., Performing Arts, and Sport and Travel.
The Open Days are also an opportunity to find out about full-time courses beginning in August with remaining places, which will open again on the college website this week.
At the Open Days, the college’s advisors will have all the information prospective students need, including funding options. Students on part-time courses may have several funding options available depending on their circumstances, including Individual Learning Accounts. Advisors can help students with funding applications.
Edinburgh College principal Annette Bruton said: “We have top-quality courses across our whole curriculum to suit a range of study needs, and we’d love anyone interested in finding out more to come down to our open days. Whether you want to develop your education or career, or you want to become skilled in a different field, there’s part-time, full-time and evening options to fit into your lifestyle.
“You’ll be taught by dedicated lecturers with real industry experience so you’ll be well prepared for the next steps of your career. Even if you’re not sure what the best option for you is, our advisors will be able to help and guide you to make the best decision possible.”
For more information about available courses, to make an application and to register your interest in a course, go to www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Working It Out with Tomorrow’s People
Tomorrow’s People are taking referrals for their next Working It Out course that starts this month. The Working It Out course supports unemployed young people – 16-24 yrs – to gain experience and build skills to enter into further training or employment.
Every course is made up of 14 young people, with the majority of the programme spent working on community challenges. These challenges help build a young person’s employability skills, experience, team-work skills and self-esteem.
The challenges benefit the local community and give an opportunity for young people to be seen doing something positive in their local community.
Recent challenges have included:
- Painting the offices of the MS Therapy Centre, Leith
- Building and maintaining Pilton Community Garden,
- Applying anti-climb paint to roofs of Pilton Equalities Project,
- Conservation work at Hopetoun House and South Queensferry
- Painting the sports area at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
- Assisting in the building and maintaining of Cyclone Gipsy Brae Trails Mountain Bike Track
- Landscaping and planting trees as part of the North Edinburgh Grows project
- Painting the visitors centre at Glenkinchie Whiskey Distillery, East Lothian.
The programme runs for 16 weeks – places are limited but young people living in North Edinburgh are prioritised.
For further information telephone 0798 066 9019 or email wio.edinburgh@tomorrows-people.co.uk
‘Outstanding’ new Principal for Edinburgh College
Former teacher Annette Bruton is unanimous choice
Edinburgh College is delighted to announce Annette Bruton as its new principal, to lead it into a thriving future and ensure more people can change their lives through education. She will lead the ambitious long-term growth of the college as it develops new opportunities for students, staff and businesses to excel, supporting a prosperous economy.
East Lothian-born Annette, currently chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, has extensive experience and expertise in education, originally training and working as a geography teacher, and later moving into learning support and special educational needs.
She joined HM Inspectorate of Education in 2001 and became its chief executive in 2005. In 2009, she took up the role of director of Education, Culture and Sport at Aberdeen City Council, where she worked until joining the Care Inspectorate in 2012. As chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, Annette oversaw the successful merger of three organisations into a single body.
The college Board appointed Annette as principal at its meeting yesterday (Tuesday 10 February), following a rigorous recruitment process. She will take over from interim principal Dr Elaine McMahon and will be in post before the start of the next academic year.
Ian McKay, chair of the Board of Edinburgh College, said: “Annette was the unanimous choice of the Board to become the new principal and we’re delighted she accepted the role.
“She has had a highly distinguished career in public service as well as extensive expertise and experience in education. Throughout the selection process she proved her strategic understanding, her sound judgement and her commitment to promoting lifelong learning.
“As a former teacher she has great empathy for the needs of students and staff, and the importance of ensuring they are all supported to succeed throughout their education and professional lives.
“I’m certain that she will provide excellent leadership to steer the college throughout the next crucial period of its development, and I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”
Annette said: “I am honoured to take up this post and look forward to meeting new colleagues, both staff and students.
“Edinburgh College plays a pivotal role in the life of the capital and well beyond. Its links with schools, universities and employers give real meaning to lifelong learning and empower thousands of students with new skills each year.
“Having dedicated most of my career to education at all levels, I look forward to making a further contribution to providing high-quality learning and the opportunities that gives to the whole community and the economy of our region.”
Edinburgh College interim principal Elaine McMahon added: “Since the merger, Edinburgh College has taken significant steps forward and I am delighted that Annette will take the college on this exciting new journey; she is an outstanding choice.
“In my time here it’s been an absolute privilege to fulfil the role of interim principal, and Annette will find that she’s working with extremely talented people who are committed to giving our students an amazing education.”
Edinburgh College formed in October 2012 following the merger of three Edinburgh further education colleges. It is now more than two years into a five-year change programme, with ambitious plans to grow by 20 per cent by 2017 and create more opportunities for people to engage in further and higher education. It aims for every student to achieve a positive destination, and to develop a college culture that creates educators for the future.
Excel-lent computer course at Craigroyston!
Confident Computing Course at Craigroyston
Whether you are an absolute beginner or you just want to brush up on your computing skills, this course will give you the skills you need to progress to the next level! There will be a focus on Excel and how to improve the way you use Excel as a database or for keeping records or creating reports.
Where: Craigroyston Community High School
When: Wednesday mornings, 10.30am – 12.30pm, starting now.
More info: www.joininedinburgh.org/activity/6501/ or call 0131 477 7801
Interested in finding other Adult Education classes? Take a look at www.joininedinburgh.org/craigroyston
Love learning: Edinburgh College Open Days this week
Edinburgh College is getting ready to open its doors for two course information days where potential students can find out more about courses starting in August.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about studying at the college is welcome to attend the course information days, which will be held on Tuesday 27 January from 2-6.30pm at Sighthill Campus and on Thursday 29 January from 2-6.30pm at Milton Road Campus (above).
Resident subject specialists will be on hand with information about all curriculum areas, advice on studying at all four Edinburgh College campuses and guidance on funding options.
The college is offering over 900 courses in August at levels to suit all needs – from HNC and HND level and associate degree programmes that lead on to university study, to Access courses to get people back into education, community-based courses and industry-approved qualifications.
Edinburgh College offers a range of nationally and internationally recognised courses across a wide variety of subjects.
The college has courses in:
- Business and management
- Computing
- Community and outreach
- Construction and building crafts
- Creative industries
- Childhood practice, health and care
- Engineering
- English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
- Food, hospitality and tourism
- Sport and fitness
- Veterinary care
Applications for courses starting in August will open on 2 February. The deadline is 15 May.
Edinburgh College interim principal Elaine McMahon said: “The course information days are great opportunities to find out how the college can help you find the right direction to achieve your goals. Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to do or if you’re looking for help in figuring it out, we’ll be able to support you to make the best decisions.
“Edinburgh College’s courses are designed to give you the skills and practical experience to be prepared for further studies or the workplace, and to succeed when you get there. Our programmes are hands-on and developed with the needs of industry in mind, so you’ll be equipped to hit the ground running.”
Representatives from Herriot Watt, Queen Margaret and Napier Universities will also be on hand to talk about associate student degree programmes. Associate student degrees allow students to study the first two years of their degree course at the college with a guaranteed place at a partner university to complete the final two years.
More information about college courses is available at www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk. For more information on a specific course, contact the college’s course information line on 0131 660 1010 or email courseinfo@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.
Edinburgh College is also currently recruiting for courses starting in January, with applications closing on 30 January. The full list of courses with places left can be found at www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/january/
Course Information Days
Tuesday 27 January. 2-6.30pm. Edinburgh College Sighthill Campus, Bankhead Avenue, Edinburgh, EH11 4DE.
Thursday 29 January. 2-6:30pm. Edinburgh College Milton Road Campus, 24 Milton Road East, Edinburgh, EH15 2PP.
Give it a try? Game On with Edinburgh Rugby
Edinburgh Rugby’s Game On project has now been running for two years and the project is now beginning to expand and seeks new partners to work alongside.
Game On aims to help young people aged 16 to 19 who are not currently in employment, education or training to find their way in life, to get into a training programme, find a job or apprenticeship or return to education.
The participants will learn new skills both on and off the field; on the field participants will take part in introductory rugby sessions at BT Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Edinburgh Rugby and the Scotland team. Throughout the rugby sessions the core values of Scottish Rugby will form the backbone of the content, aiming to instil the values of Respect, Leadership, Achievement, Engagement & Enjoyment.
Our expertise are the values of the sport, both on and off the field. Encouraging teamwork, confidence, increased activity and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle (both physically and mentally).
Some of the topics cover throughout our sessions are:
- Goal Setting
- Drugs and Alcohol awareness,
- Nutrition and Hydration,
- Interview Practise(s)
- Rugby’s core values
- Learning to coach and the different principles of fitness along with the basics of how to train them.
Meeting the professional players who play for the team is also a very inspiring experience for the young people.
If you feel that working with Edinburgh Rugby would benefit your programme, in any way from one off sessions to weekly sessions please get in touch, we can come to you or use our magnificent home at BT Murrayfield stadium.
Mark Coull (Edinburgh Rugby – Game On Project Development Officer)
Telephone 0131 346 5076 | Mob: 079 682 505 30 | Mark.Coull@edinburghrugby.org |
www.edinburghrugby.org
New Year resolutions – and how to keep them
It’s a tradition on New Year’s Eve that you make a resolution for the year ahead. Some people pledge to lose weight, others decide to stop smoking and lots more say they are going to get fit and more active – but all too often you break that resolution just a few weeks into the New Year.
If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution – and you’re really, really determined to stick to it this time! – here’s some help and advice to assist you on your journey.
Maybe this time …
1. LOSE WEIGHT and/or GET FIT
One of the most common New Year resolutions is to eat better, exercise more and lose weight. After all of the rich and indulgent feasts you’ve had this holiday season, it might seem easy to stick to a diet of leafy greens at first. But when those cravings set in, it can be hard to stay on track with your diet. Plus, cold weather makes it harder for some people to get motivated and hit the gym.
If you’re looking to eat more healthily, ignore faddy diets – portion control will play a big part in your success. One good way to be more aware of what you’re eating is to use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients or weigh out portion sizes. A solid kitchen scale shouldn’t cost the earth and it’s an investment worth making.
Check out the library for books on good food and healthy eating, and Pilton Community Health Project’s website is a mine of useful information too www.pchp.org.uk
Many people sign up for a gym membership at this time of year but for a considerable number that’s as far as it goes – it can be hard to get motivated to leave the house on cold January days and evenings; it’s so much easier to put it off to another day! Gym memberships can also be very expensive – again, Pilton Community Health should be your first port of call for local exercise and healthy activities.
With Ainslie Park Leisure Centre on your doorstep (551 2400) it’s worth checking out Edinburgh Leisure to see what’s on offer both locally and across the city: telephone 458 2100 or visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk
If you need a little reminder to be active, a fitness tracker like the Fitbit Flex can be a big help, but starting at around £50 they are quite an expensive reminder! I find trying to tie my shoelaces is enough of a reminder for me …
2. QUIT SMOKING
You know smoking is a bad habit that hits both your health and your wallet, but stopping is tough – it can take some people years and many, many failed attempts before they kick the habit. If you want 2015 to be the year you finally quit smoking, there are all kinds of products that can help wean you off the fags: there’s gum, patches and nasal spray inhalers – all of which help give you a boost of nicotine without having to inhale all that nasty smoke.
Many are turning to e-smoking as an aid to kicking the tobacco habit. If you’re looking to try out e-cigs as a way to cut back on actual cigarettes, you can now get a starter kit, charger, and carrying case set at increasingly competitive prices.
People who are trying to quit smoking the traditional way also appreciate having additional support options, and Allen Carr’s Easy Way to Stop Smoking book is still the most popular on the market.
NHS Lothian offers a range of stopping cessation sessions and Smokeline Scotland is also a great place to go for support, advice and tips.
http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/HealthInformation/HealthAwareness/Smoking/Pages/default.aspx
Smokeline 0800 848484 www.canstopsmoking.com
3. SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE DEBT
Whether you want to get out of debt or just start saving for a big ticket item, there are lots of people who will be trying to spend their money more wisely in 2015. Setting up a personal budget can help you monitor your spending.
One tactic you can try to help you stay on budget is doing all your shopping in cash when you can, rather than using a debit card, cheque or credit card to pay for items – it’s estimated that people who pay for things with a card can spend almost 20% more on a transaction than those who are paying with cash.
If you’ve racked up a lot of debt on a credit card and you’re paying a hefty rate of interest, you should look around to see what deals are on offer and transfer that debt over to a 0% balance transfer credit card. By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid paying interest on that debt for a set period – some up to 35 months – and this will give you plenty of time to start tackling your debt without worrying about the interest accumulating.
The Money Advice Service has a good website for money saving advice, but if you are already in debt – get help, don’t let your problems escalate. Pilton CAB and Granton Information Centre are two local agencies that can help.
Don’t be tempted by payday loans or worse – the interest is astronomical. Check out Credit Unions which are a much cheaper and ethical way of helping you to manage your money.
Remember, if you spent too much over Christmas those bills will be arriving soon, so ACT NOW.
www.moneyadviceservice.org
www.moneysavingexpert.com
www.capitalcreditunion.com
North Edinburgh Credit Union, Wardieburn Drive 466 5006
Granton Information Centre, West Granton Road www.gic.org.uk 551 2459
Pilton CAB, Drylaw Shopping Centre on Ferry Road 202 1153 www.citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk/
The Scottish Government has also just launched a new website to help guide you to the support and advice you need. Visit:
http://www.lightentheloadscotland.gov.uk/
4. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE or SKILL
It’s never too late to learn something new and the New Year is the perfect time to try something different, whether for leisure or to open up new employment opportunities.
Locally, check out Edinburgh College – new courses start this month – and Craigroyston Community High School is running a wide variety of adult day and evening classes.
www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20070/adult_and_community_learning
5. GO GREEN
Thinking about going green this year? There are lots of small changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce your energy bill, recycle materials in innovative ways and help do your part to make the planet healthier. www.greenerscotland.org is a good place to start for ideas.
6. VOLUNTEER and/or GIVE TO CHARITY
Many people plan to be more generous with both their time and any disposable income they may have in 2015 (some chance, I hear you say!)
Looking to donate time, not money, then? There are lots of ways you can donate your time – local and national charities and voluntary organisations are crying out for willing volunteers in all sorts of roles. There’s bound to be something to suit you – a good place to start is Volunteer Centre Edinburgh – go to www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk to see what you can do.
Time Banks are another great way to donate your time, energy and skills and get the same back in return – visit www.edinburghtimebank.org.uk for more information.
So, you’ve decided on your resolution? Here are some tips to help you stay on track when times get tough:
- Set yourself realistic goals, not impossible targets. Don’t think about losing two stone in a month, or running a marathon after a fortnight’s exercise!
- Don’t be all-or-nothing – you’re likely to have the odd slip along the way but don’t allow that to make you give up
- Remove temptation – no point in making things even more difficult for yourself
- Reward yourself along the way
- Thing positively and keep your eye on the prize – there may be tough times but the end result will be worth it!
GOOD LUCK!