Bryn James of GH James Cyf., Trawsfynydd received the Level 2 Plant Maintenance Apprentice Regional Award and Geraint Williams of Jones Bros, Ruthin received the Level 3
Plant Maintenance Apprentice Regional Award.

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) hosted the Stars of the Future awards, a star studded ceremony full of young engineers.  It is an annual award scheme devised by the
CPA to recognise talented young people on plant mechanic apprentice schemes in colleges across the UK. All apprentices are automatically eligible and tutors provide them with information about what criteria and personal characteristics the judges will be looking for. Apprentices are assessed throughout the academic year on their work in college and in their work environment, as well as the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to learning.

The awards were sponsored by A-Plant, Hewden, JCB and Speedy; the highlight was a highly engaging talk by pioneer Richard Noble OBE – a land speed record holder. He talked to
the students about the Bloodhound SSC (Super Sonic Car) project and how he and his colleagues hope to break the land speed record once again reaching a speed of 1000mph in Africa in 2014. Students also enjoyed talks from CPA’s President Bob Collins and CPA’s Chairman Brian Jones.

Simon Parker, Lecturer in Land-based Engineering said: “I was very pleased for Bryn and Geraint to be recognised for their ability and efforts in the Stars of the Future awards ceremony, and to see Coleg Llysfasi being represented twice amongst the winners at such a prestigious national event was a very proud moment.”

There were a staggering 489 entries, Bryn and Geraint both received £500 in tool vouchers each as well as a Stars of the Future trophy and certificate signed by Richard Noble OBE.

Image (l-r) Level 2 winner Bryn James, Lecturer Simon Parker and Level 3 winner Geraint Williams.

The Conference is in its second year with the continued aim of bringing great networking opportunities to small businesses in the catering industry, providing them with the opportunity to share best practice.

The event consists of workshops and informative presentations from organisations such as Food North Wales, Environmental Health, NFU Mutual Insurance, All Wales Costal Path and Barsby Associates. Topics discussed will include funding, social networking, maintaining hygiene ratings, insurance and how to use resources in a more sustainable way.

The event will be opened by Work-based Learner Manager for Deeside College Carolyn Preece who will discuss funding, young recruits and apprenticeships. It is a brilliant opportunity for meeting suppliers and creating new supply chains as well as networking with new organisations and meeting future contacts.

Carolyn said: “We are delighted that with our industry Hospitality Academy members, we are able to offer the second North Wales Food and Hospitality Conference at Deeside College.  This conference has been developed to support and promote local producers, suppliers and businesses working together to reduce carbon footprint, food miles and promote local produce coupled with a unique visitor experience.”

The Conference commences at 9am, a buffet will be available at 1pm when the event opens its doors to the public for the afternoon. There will then be any opportunity to visit the trade stands available and taste some samples.

The free event is being supported through the European Social Fund project Skills for the Workforce, it will highlight the different grant and funding options available to small and medium sized Welsh businesses for training and development. To hold a stand at this event is free of charge, but places are limited therefore please contact Carolyn Preece on 01244 831531 ext. 4788 or Brian Warnock on 01244 831531 ext. 4429 to book your place.

Image: Last year’s food conference

Visitors took full advantage of the many different activities, challenges and demonstrations available at the college’s first Family Day.

The event saw both adults and youngsters trying their hand at different skills and crafts, all provided through the Deeside College Group of Colleges, Yale College and external stalls.

Amongst the most popular were mini-digger challenges, print making, creating floral arrangements, making herb boxes and watching the forestry team create garden mushroom sculptures.  Visitors also had the opportunity to visit the pet’s corner and the new dairy, as well as watch the sheep shearing competition and enter their pet into the fun dog show.

The event was organised to celebrate the learning opportunities available at the Deeside College Group of Colleges and to invite in the local community to see the facilities available at their college.  There was a dedicated area to celebrate Community Learning which offered visitors the opportunity to see student displays and to talk to tutors.

For the younger generation the Family Day also hosted a Children’s Zone with activities including crafts, nail painting, decorating biscuits and face painting. There were even inflatable games galore for the more energetic.

All proceeds from the event went to the college’s charity of the year, British Heart Foundation Cymru.

Deeside College Principal David Jones said:

“This was the first time that we have hosted such an event at Coleg Llysfasi.  It was brilliant to see so many members of the local community enjoying the activities and looking around the different departments on show. With the forthcoming merger with Yale College Wrexham on 1^st August it was pleasing to see visitors trying out activities with the art and catering departments from Yale as well as with the visiting departments from Northop College.  With the success of the event I’m sure that it will become an annual event in the college’s events calendar.”

Image 1: Rhian Jones from Cyffylliog having her nails painted

Image 2: The Wynne and Lloyd-Williams families enjoying the day

Image 3: Elain Gerallt from Ruthin taking the digger challenge with Llysfasi tutor John Watkins

The team of twenty-nine students joined the professionals who prepared and served luxury meals to some of the most elite race fans in the Course’s Executive Chalets. They served Grilled English asparagus, smoked salmon and whipped goats cheese cannellioni, rib eye of Vale of Clwyd beef, pimms and champagne to their lucky customers.

The students excelled during the stressful and tiring three days.  The students ranged from Level 1 to Level 3 and worked within the food and beverage service and kitchens at the racecourse.  The Level 3 learners were employed as supervisors and worked with the Level 2 and Level 1 students to run the executive chalets.

Trip organiser and Deeside College Food and Beverage Lecturer Angharad Jarvis said:

“We have a great relationship with Chester Racecourse, which has been built up over years of successful placements.  This means that our students now get to show their skills and serve these special guests in a first class atmosphere.

“All of the students represented both the college and themselves very well.  This work placement has improved their customer service skills and has increased their confidence going forward into employment.”

Level 2 Catering and Hospitality student, Sian Ahl (18, Bagillt) said:

“This opportunity to work in such a high-pressure and VIP environment was slightly nerve racking but great at the same time.  I have learnt a lot from the three days at the racecourse and it was great to be serving some of the county’s elite.

Ends.

Image shows the catering and hospitality team at Chester Racecourse

The Spectrum design has been developed and chosen with support from students, staff, Governors and local businesses and signifies the diversity and inclusivity of the new college. Coleg Cambria will be one of the biggest further education colleges in the UK and will support over 7000 full time learners and over 20000 part time learners. It will offer one of the widest curriculum portfolios of any college in Wales and teach programmes from pre entry level to Level 7.

The spectrum represents the breadth and depth of education, courses and skills provided by Coleg Cambria to a diverse and varied range of students and learners. It also stands as a ‘beacon’, representing the college as a shining example of quality, excellence and success. The spectrum mark also forms an abstract letter ‘C’.

Principal Designate of Coleg Cambria David Jones said:

“Our new identity is an important milestone for further education in North East Wales. It reflects the successes we have achieved separately and the success we plan to achieve as one college. Support for all learners is our core strength and we wanted to express this inclusive approach in our choice of branding. I am delighted that we have been able to involve students, staff and governors of both Yale and Deeside along with some local employers in developing the concept.”

www.cambria.ac.uk

Daniel Keane, 20, from Deeside, was named Apprentice of the Year for everything he had achieved through his automotive maintenance apprenticeship. Helen Wynne, 41, from Wrexham, took home two awards – Small Business Learner of the Year and Outstanding Achiever of the Year- the biggest prize of the night. Helen was recognised for making a lasting impact on families in her community, after she set up Blythswood Childminding to specialise in caring for children with disabilities and additional needs.

City & Guilds, a global leader in skills education, held the glamorous Lion Awards ceremony at London’s iconic Roundhouse on Wednesday 5 June. The ceremony celebrates the most inspiring achievers who have accomplished extraordinary results through skills-based learning. The ceremony is the culmination of the coveted Medals for Excellence regional awards programme, which has run every year since 1879. This year an impressive 114 learners and tutors won medals.

The awards were presented by TV personality and renowned musician Myleene Klass.

Meanwhile, Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds said:

‘At City & Guilds, we’re all about helping people get into a job, progress on a job and move onto the next job. Winning a Lion Award is a sign of exceptional talent and dedication, and Helen and Daniel should be very proud of their remarkable accomplishments. They have already achieved so much and will continue to be an inspiration to others.’

Ends

Image 1: Daniel Keane

Image 2: Helen Wynne

CASE STUDIES

Helen Wynne – Small Business Learner of the Year and Outstanding Achiever of the Year

Helen was recognised for making a lasting impact on families in her community. Helen’s son Dyfan was born with a disability so rare, he is the only child in the country affected. After having problems trying to find appropriate childcare provision for him, Helen took matters into her own hands and set up a childminding business – Blythswood Childminding – specialising in caring for children with disabilities and additional needs.

She wanted her business to be adaptable and flexible to meet the needs of the children and families in her care. As a result, she has undertaken extensive additional training to meet the needs of each child she looks after. In addition, she offers additional services in other areas, such as Zumba classes for parents as a form of relaxation and exercise. Her business has certainly filled a gap in the market, and through her qualifications she has gained the knowledge and confidence she needs to make it a huge success.

She doesn’t just care for the children – she wants to help them achieve their potential, whatever their needs. No stranger to awards, Helen won the ‘Achieving Mum of the Year’ award from Tesco in 2012 and has received widespread recognition for her amazing work in her local area.

Speaking about her win, Helen said:

‘I’m in shock and gobsmacked to win these awards. It’s such a nice surprise and I wasn’t expecting it at all. I haven’t stopped shaking!’

Additionally, her former tutor Catherine Rowell, said:

‘Helen is outstanding and deserves this award. She is incredible and a true inspiration. We are all so proud of her.’

Daniel Keane, Apprentice of the Year

Daniel left school unable to read and write, but through an automotive maintenance apprenticeship at MB Motors in Chester, he has gone on to shine. During his apprenticeship, he showed an excellent demonstration of practical skills, and his tutors even said the level of work he was operating at was akin to a master technician. Aside from his exceptional skills, he was also recognised for his positive attitude. His co-workers say he always has a smile on his face and is willing to help everyone.

Thanks to receiving one-to-one support, Daniel was able to read and write clearly within weeks of being in college. Daniel’s employer says he is ‘one of the best he had ever seen’, and his enthusiasm, confidence and willingness to help his team has been an inspiration to those around him. Now, because of his hard work and determination, he has earned his ‘dream job’ as a technician in a Mercedes-Benz garage.

Speaking about his win, Daniel said:

‘It’s really overwhelming to win a Lion Award. It makes me want to try even harder in my job, and my confidence has really grown.’

Daniel’s former tutor, Karl Andrews, said:

‘I nominated Daniel because he really stood out amongst his peers, and I’m so thrilled for him. It’s great to see him win an award from City & Guilds, which is such a recognised name in the industry.’

Competition team member, Sade Benjamin who is 18 and from Rhyl, took first place in the North West final of the Johnstonnes Young Painter of the Year competition which was held in Liverpool.

Sade’s most recent success comes less than two weeks after she took first place in the SkillBuild regional final held at Deeside College which also saw her team mates Rebecca Cooper and Dale Thomspon take second and third.

Sade battled against 15 other competitors from college’s and training providers across the North West.  The competition required her to showcase her practical skills by following an intricate and complex paint design.  Sade will now go onto the compete in the National Painting and Decorating Show in the Ricoh Arena, Coventry in November in front of an audience of more than 10,000 spectators.

Sade, who attends college part-time whilst completing her CITB apprenticeship with Propaint in Rhyl said:

“It has been a fantastic couple of weeks. I have definitely got the competition bug now and cannot wait to compete in other competitions and hopefully have even more success.”

Deeside College Painting and Decorating Lecturer, Craig Whitehead said:

“This is an excellent result, both for Sade as an individual and for the whole competition team.

“This is the second year that we have had a dedicated competition team and we have built on the successes of last year.  All five members of the team play a big role in supporting each other and helping each other train for these important regional and national events that allow each member to showcase their skills to future employers.”

Ends.

Image shows Sade Benjamin and the Painting and Decorating Team at Deeside College.

For more information please contact Nicola Moore or Vicky Barwis on 01244 834531.

Twenty two delegates received certificates for work-based learning courses in Team Leading Level 2 and Management Level 3. The certificates were handed out during the
celebratory presentation by Steve Jackson, Vice Principal, Corporate Services at Deeside College, after being welcomed by Stella Gregory, Learning and
Development Coordinator for Norbert Dentressangle.

Stella said: “It is very rewarding to recognise our staff who have achieved their learning goals.  We are looking forward to developing our relationship with Deeside College further in the future, as we encourage more of our workforce to participate in courses and develop their skills.”

Chris Dolby, Norbert Dentressangle’s Learning & Development Manager added: “It’s great to hear about the superb work that has been undertaken at the Wrexham site. For Norbert Dentressangle, our employees – the ‘People in Red’ – are at the heart of our strategic difference.  “A key driver of Norbert Dentressangle’s success has been a focused drive to create a culture of entrepreneurialism and enthusiasm – empowering our colleagues in all parts and at all levels of the business to perform to the very best of their potential. These are key
components of the programme being delivered by Deeside College.”

Head of Programmes for Employer Engagement at Deeside College, Lesley Rasmussen said: “We have developed a very strong partnership with the organisation over the last few years. Staff have been trained across a number of areas of their business including management, warehousing and business administration through Work Based Learning funding. The Work Based Learning team from Deeside College are delighted to join the celebration of success. This is an excellent example of partnership working and we look forward to further developing our partnership and supporting Norbert Dentressangle with their continued success through the development of their staff.”

Vice Principal, Corporate Services Steve Jackson said: “At Deeside College we pride ourselves on sector leading partnership working across all sectors within North East Wales. Training staff for the future is fundamental for economic
development within Wales. It gives us great pleasure to support Norbert Dentressangle. We look forward to further supporting the organisation.”

Image: The staff at Norbert Dentressangle celebrating their success

Running parallel to the VQ Day events in South Wales, Vocational Qualifications Day is once again being celebrated in North Wales.

Deeside College along with other local colleges including Yale College Wrexham, Grwp Llandrillo Menai and local training providers will today play host to schools from across North Wales for the fifth annual VQ Day.

The Government is investing in vocational routes acknowledging their value in delivering trained and talented employees to businesses that are desperate for young people that have the skills needed to succeed in education and work. VQ Day celebrates how high quality vocational qualifications can enhance life and work chances; they have never been more important to the economy.

VQ Day 2012 was a great success with over 400 schools, colleges and work-based providers getting involved across the country. This year sees the launch of the VQ Employer of the Year award with Flintshire County Council at Northop College being a shortlisted finalist. Deeside College student Helen Wynne is on the shortlist for the VQ Learner of the Year 2013 award. Winners for the VQ Learner of the Year and VQ Employer of the Year awards will be announced by Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology Jeff Cuthbert AM today at a ceremony to be held at Coleg Morgannwg, Nantgarw.

Following on from last year’s North Wales event which was held at Coleg Llandrillo, this year’s event will enable young people from the Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire area to try their hand at a vocational skill. It will highlight the many different vocational routes and career paths that youngsters can take into the workforce after taking GCSEs. Through interactive sessions, staff and current students from the colleges will be able to get the Year 9 and 10 local students thinking about future jobs and training.

There will be activities available from many different vocational areas including Catering and Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Hair and Beauty, Engineering, Construction, Equine, Admin, Floristry, Machinery, Science and Sports. Airbus will also be in attendance with a flight simulator for school students to try out, among many others.

It is now recognised that individuals who choose the vocational route, through an apprenticeship or studying for a National Diploma for example, will have the practical and transferable skills required by an organisation through the mix of hands-on practical, work-based and theoretical learning offered within such qualifications.

Wales’ Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert said: “Vocational qualifications can help individuals of all ages ‘get the edge’, whether that’s within their current or future careers or as a platform for further education.

“We want to recognise the value of vocational qualifications and celebrate the value of vocational achievement both for the individual and the nation. Only with appropriately skilled and trained people can we drive the Welsh economy forward.

“VQ Day on June 5 aims to raise the status of technical, practical and vocational learning and celebrate vocational achievement.”

David Jones, Principal at Deeside College said: “We are extremely proud to be hosting such an important event in North Wales.  The event showcases the breadth of vocational qualifications available and the pathways available on completion of GCSEs.  There are many motivating success stories from vocational students in North Wales which I hope will inspire the students attending today.”

VQ day and the VQ Awards are coordinated in Wales by ColegauCymru and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) with the support of the Welsh Government and part funded by the European Social Fund.

Find out more about VQ Day at www.vqday.org.uk

Inspiration Case Studies

Daniel drives off with dream job

Twenty year old Daniel Keane has been employed by MB Motors of Chester Ltd for over 3 years and has recently completed his Mechanic Apprenticeship including Level 3 in Automotive Maintenance at Deeside College.

However, Daniel didn’t take to school as a child. He was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and he left education as soon as he could despite not being able to read and write very well. For Daniel, the thought of starting college one day a week as part of his apprenticeship was daunting, he had hated school and felt nervous.

Deeside College immediately recognised that he needed help with his reading and writing. Daniel was given a college laptop and full basic skills support to improve his literacy skills. This helped Daniel’s confidence to grow and he is now able to effectively complete job cards for the cars he works on, and meet new customers and communicate well with them. Daniel no longer has problems with reading or writing and he found it much easier to learn during his apprenticeship compared with school as he had been given the correct support and he cared about the subject he studied.

Due to his determination, hard work and outstanding capabilities Daniel has recently won a City and Guilds Medal for Excellence, and a Cutlers Award which will be awarded to him at Buckingham Palace. He has also been nominated for a City and Guilds Lion Award.  Daniel is continuing to study to gain specialist qualifications within the industry and he hopes to one day run his own garage.

Inspirational Helen through to VQ award final

Forty two year old Helen Wynne from Wrexham, North Wales runs Blythswood Child Minding Services, an organisation which provides daytime, evening, weekend and respite care for young disabled children. When Helen’s son Dyfan was born with complex needs including physical and learning disabilities, hearing and visual impairments, she discovered there weren’t any specific services aimed at looking after young disabled children and babies in her area. This prompted Helen to set up Blythswood Child Minding Services.

Using her experience of caring for her own son, Helen’s service offers a valued lifeline to other parents of disabled children; Blythswood Child Minding provides personalised and professional care to children and parents using the service. Helen also supports students on placements and ensures they receive a variety of experiences, guidance and encouragement to complete their qualifications. She has even put additional policies in place to ensure that the students gain as much as possible from their placements whilst ensuring the continuing high quality care of children.

Helen has completed her NVQ 5 Children’s Care Learning and Development using the online portfolio Learning Assistant provided by Deeside College. She completed this qualification within an exceptional timescale through hard work and determination, dedicating every Sunday to her studies after working all week and despite her son Dyfan only sleeping for four hours a night!

Alongside this, Helen works as an Early Support Trainer. This is an initiative supported by the Welsh Government, Helen runs a series of workshops giving parents knowledge, empowerment and information and volunteers as a Parent Advocate.

This truly inspiring lady has recently won a Tallow Chandler City and Guilds Award. During the ceremony, Helen was also chosen as the overall outstanding top prize winner due to her true dedication to the Health and Social Care industry. Helen has won a NIACE Inspire Award, City and Guilds Medal for Excellence and has also been nominated for a City and Guilds Lion Award and shortlisted for the VQ Learner of the Year Award. It is fair to say Helen is a real Super Mum!

Former student Emma becomes Café Manager

Thirty eight year old Emma Stevens has recently completed an impressive learning journey at Yale College to gain VRQ Levels 1 and 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery. Following this, Emma has successfully been appointed as Manager at Caffi Wylfa.

Keen to improve her job opportunities and fond of cookery, dedicated single Mum Emma decided to return to college to study and develop her culinary skills at Yale College. Starting on a Skill Build programme in the College’s Café Iâl, Emma wanted to learn more. Signing up for a VRQ Level 1 Diploma in Professional Cookery, Emma impressed tutors with her hard work and dedication in the College’s Rendezvous restaurant. Whilst at college, Emma was nominated as Outstanding Student of the Year 2012.

Emma will manage a team of four in the café at the newly opened Glyn Wylfa Visitor Centre in Chirk and will work closely with others managers at the centre. She will have the chance to utilise her customer service skills learnt on her course to find the right combinations for her customers and meet their needs.

Jamie has been recognised as Contract Flooring Association Apprentice for 2013.

Considered outstanding by his tutor, Jamie Daniel was nominated for the first Apprentice of the Year Award from the Contract Flooring Association (CFA) and Contract Flooring Journal (CFJ) and has now become recognised by industry specialists for his excellent progress as an apprentice.

Yale College NVQ Level 2 Floor Covering student, Jamie was invited to receive his award on HMS Belfast in London from Alan Gayle, President of the CFA and John Carter (specialist account co-ordinator) from CITB.  As part of the award Jamie visited the Contract Flooring Association’s training centre in Loughborough where he was presented with an extensive selection of industry tools and work wear as well as a flooring industry training association (fitter) course of his choice.

Demonstrating his attention to detail, Jamie presented a case study highlighting his floor fitting skills to the assessors for the CFA award.  In addition to his flooring knowledge, Jamie showed his teamwork and leadership skills; working closely with his tutors and peers to complete tasks to a high standard for both college projects and “real-life” clients.

Elliot gains position at New Multimillion Pound School Development

Eighteen year old Elliot Craven from Penmaenmawr is a Construction student at Coleg Llandrillo. He is studying Level 3 Construction and Level 3 Site Management at the College’s Rhos-on-Sea campus. Elliot has recently been hand-picked by contractors Willmott Dixon to work on the new £38m school project at Ysgol Y Gogarth in Craig-y-Don, Llandudno.

Elliot has been chosen by the national construction company to become a technical apprentice on their new project. He will split his time between working for Willmott Dixon and continuing his studies at the College.

Elliot started his course aged 16, when he enrolled on the entry level Building Craft Foundation (BCF) course. He then successfully completed his Level 2 Construction course, before progressing on to the Level 3 courses.

Elliot’s fresh challenge in his new appointment brings him great opportunities to learn from some of the best professionals in the industry. He can gain vast experience and shadow quantity surveyors and build managers as well as taking on a wide range of responsibilities. Elliot’s college course prepared him for the real world of work.

Ceri overcomes adversity to release pop single

Twenty six year old Ceri Pritchard from Prestatyn is a Level 2 Beauty Therapy student at Rhyl College, Coleg Llandrillo. Her career as a dancer was abruptly ended by a road accident and now Ceri is balancing her studies with a career as a singer/songwriter alongside producers in London.

Ceri was a passenger on a motorbike when she was hit by a car as she travelled from a performance whilst working in Cyprus three years ago. She suffered burns on her leg meaning she will never be able to dance again, however, she has now released her debut single, ‘Wild Child’, which has received airplay on Radio 1.

Ceri also spends her time raising money and awareness for ‘The Katie Piper Foundation’, a charity which supports people who have suffered from burns. She has organised charity evenings at Mostyn Clock Tower and the Rhyl Pavilion. Ceri has currently raised around £3,000 to help fund a UK burns and scar treatment centre.

Ceri studied a range of beauty courses at school and so after her accident and several meetings with fellow burns victims she decided to enrol at Rhyl College to gain experience and qualifications in beauty therapy. She hopes to specialise in camouflage techniques in the future to help people with disfigurements such as burns-related injuries and skin cancer.

ENDS

Image 1: Daniel Keane

Image 2: Helen Wynne

Image 3: Emma Stevens

Image 4: Jamie Daniel

Image 5: Elliot Craven

Image 6: Ceri Pritchard

James, an apprentice at Yale College Wrexham, went up against nine other competitors in a task to install conduit and trunking with three electrical circuits.  Their work had to be completed within the time limit, safely and to recognised industry standards, with a very small tolerance for errors.

After his win James said: “I’m a bit speechless, but very happy and proud!  It was a great atmosphere with us all competing together, so congratulations to the others as well.  I’m also pleased that my family, college and employer know I’ve won and worked my hardest.”

Ian Hogg, Assistant Director of Curriculum & Standards for Automotive & Electrical at Yale College said: “I am extremely proud of James winning the SkillELECTRIC Welsh final. He is an extremely capable apprentice and a credit to both his company, Celtic Developments based in Newtown and his tutors here at Yale College. James is following on from other Yale College apprentices who have been successful in this prestigious competition, both at regional and national level. James is more than likely to be selected to compete at the national final, due to take place in November and we would like to take this opportunity to wish him every success for the future.

Neil Collishaw, head of competition at SummitSkills, said: “All competitors conducted themselves really well – we were very impressed with their dedication and professionalism.  Our thanks go to Deeside College for being an excellent host.  This is the first time we’ve worked in collaboration with SkillBuild in Wales, making this the largest built environment skills competition ever held in Wales – our biggest and best event so far!”

David Jones, Principal at Deeside College and Principal Designate of Coleg Cambria which will be formed on 1^st August when Deeside College and Yale College merge said: “This has been a fantastic competition and we were extremely proud to have been chosen to host SkillELECTRIC and SkillPLUMB alongside SkillBuild at Deeside College.  With James’ win from Yale College along with eight medals achieved by Deeside College construction students in the SkillBuild competitions I believe that the future of Coleg Cambria is looking very positive.  I would like to add my congratulations to all the competitors that took part and successfully showcased their vocational skills.”

Ends

Notes to Editor:

Image 1: James Akehurst receiving his award from Neil Collishaw and David Jones

Image 2: Deeside College Director of Engineering / Built Environment, Nick Tyson, Head of Programmes Construction & the Built Environment, David Roberts and Deeside College Principal David Jones collecting their award for hosting the Wales National final.

The event was attended by Northop College, Coleg Llandrillo, Tir Morfa, West Cheshire College and Ysgol Maes Hyfryd. The event took place in the fantastic Sports Facilities at
Deeside College. Six activities took place in the Deeside College Stadium with a further six in the sports hall and North Wales Indoor Athletics Centre.

These involved a variety of athletics related stations so that the students could have a taster of 12 disciplines. The Sports students have previously been involved in a
potted sports event which took place at Northop College and decided to further their involvement within the disabled community by organising an event on a
bigger scale to give more disabled people the opportunity to participate in physical activity.

The nature of the activities was varied so it challenged the learners in a number of ways and allowed them to learn and incorporate several fundamental motor skills of
movement to help in everyday life. The day was a success with plenty of interaction between participants and students.Deeside College student
Daniel Williams said “We knew it was going to be hard to improve on the success of our last event. However, everyone fulfilled their designated roles prior to the festival and on the day to create a memorable occasion for both
participants and coaches”.

The event was co-ordinated by Deeside College Lecturer Steve Pearson who mentored and supervised the students, he commented: “This event was a great opportunity to see level two and level three students working together to
coach twelve events. We were pleased to see such a good turn out and the positive interactions between the participants and sports students. The participants were as enthusiastic as ever and each received a certificate to
reflect their efforts. An award for each school/college was made by Paralympic bronze medalist Bev Jones – an inspiration for the potential athletes who attended.”

Image shows Deeside College Sports Lecturer Steve Pearson with students that organised and delivered the multi-sports event.

Open between the hours of 10am and 3pm, the date coincides with the annual shearing competition and sheep dog trials that are held at the college and will offer the chance for the local community to find out what goes on at their local college.

In addition to a range of stalls, catering outlets and fun activities for all ages you will be able to tour the farm and see the competitors in action.  Coleg Llysfasi will play host to a children’s zone with face painting provided by Wrexham Training, bouncy castles and coconut shy.  Digger challenges, wooding turning demonstrations, dog agility, pets’ corner and a cycle track are just some of the other attractions available for the rest of the family.

Coleg Llysfasi will also be welcoming the Urdd and Menter Iaith on site with a range of additional children’s sports and craft activities.  With the forthcoming merger with Yale College on 1^stAugust to create Coleg Cambria, Yale’s art department will be attending with their spinning and weaving demonstrations and their catering department will also be attending with a traditional pizza oven to show their culinary delights.

Free parking is available at the event and all activities on the day will be raising money for the college’s charity of the year, British Heart Foundation Cymru.

For more information please contact Deeside College on 01244 834531 or email marketing@deeside.ac.uk

Sade Benjamin,18 from Rhyl, beat contestants from across Wales and Shropshire to come first in the painting and decorating competition, while fellow student Rebecca Jones from Flint took second place and Dale Thompson from Mold came third.

The three students competed in the regional SkillBuild 2013 competition hosted by Deeside College, a day-long contest which tested the competitors’ skills in wallpapering, stencilling and painting.  Each of the events is supported by the biggest names of the painting and decorating and construction industries which allow the students to showcase their talents to potential future employers.

The regional heat which was hosted by Deeside College on 14^th May, is one of 15 regional heats taking place around the UK.  The highest scoring competitors will be given the opportunity to compete at the three day SkillBuild UK final, which will take place later in the year.

Speaking after the event Sade said:

“I have been entering competitions for a couple of years now and it was a great feeling to have secured first place at this highly regarded skills competition.  I still get slightly nervous especially since I’m usually competing against people who are older and have more experience but our tutors have really helped us to prepare for this competition and that has paid off with us winning 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd.  It is even more special since we have achieved it at our own college in front of all our tutors.”

Craig Whitehead, the students Painting and Decorating tutor at Deeside College said he was delighted at their success, particularly at the high standards achieved by Sade, a CITB Apprentice with Propaint in Rhyl.

Craig added: “All three are Level 2 students and performed extremely well, particularly as the level of competition was very high this year.  It was a fabulous day and the three of them gained so much from the competition.  It was also good to see the new entrants doing well with Yasmin Carey taking 3^rd place in her category. We are extremely proud of everyone that competed.”

Other results on the day saw Deeside College student Aurimas Bernatavicius take 1^st in the Level 2 Joinery competition with his fellow student Thomas Stanners taking third place.  Both students had to make a complex door and frame; Aurimas was commended for his high craftsmanship.  The Construction team were also celebrating with two students collecting awards in the brickwork Level 2 competition with Jack Whitehouse collecting 2^nd place and Nathan Beatty picking up 3^rd.

David Roberts, Head of Programmes Construction at Deeside College said: We are very proud to have been selected to host such an important skills event at Deeside College.  SkillBuild is a fantastic way to drive up industry standards as they enhance the students understanding of our strong competitive market and both stretch and challenge the students, who then carry that drive to excel in the workplace.  We have welcomed the best students from across Wales showing to the world the level of craftsmanship that can be achieved in our FE colleges and I would like to congratulate every entrant for the skills that they have displayed.”

SkillBuild is the largest multi-trade competition in the country for construction trainees and Apprentices.  It covers 10 crafts, including bricklaying, cabinet making and carpentry.  The competition is run by Construction Skills with the endorsement of UKSkills, competition managers of the biennial WorldSkills competitions.

The Green Deal is the initiative from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, through which property owners will be able to pay for energy efficiency work through their gas and electricity bills. It is thought to have the potential to support 65,000 installation and construction jobs across the UK.

In an effort to support the needs of employers in North Wales, Deeside College are offering 50 FREE places to local industries and individuals interested in getting started with Green Deal.

The training will take approximately 8 weeks of part-time day release to become qualified as a Green Deal Assessor, however depending on the individuals previous experience this could be reduced.  The course will explain the process in assessing properties and advising home owners in the best solutions available through Green Deal.

David Roberts, Head of Construction at Deeside College explains: “Green Deal is currently big on everyone’s agenda and it is important as the local training provider that we support employers.  The decision to offer this Green Deal course is a direct result from feedback received in our last construction employer focus group.

“A lot of interest is being generated over Green Deal and it is important that front line staff in your organisations are prepared to answer queries so that customers do not go outside of our community and support our local industries.

“This free training is ideally suited to any organisation that may receive enquiries about Green Deal including plasterers, window installers, local councils, housing associations and insulation companies to name but a few or to estate agents or building surveyors wanting to diversify into this new area.”

The Green Deal Assessor course is due to start at the beginning of June and both companies and individuals are invited to register their interest in the course and to gain their FREE place by contacting Deeside College’s Construction Department on 01244 834537.

The students, along with lecturer Angela Young-Cannon met with Rob Mackey, Chairman of Northop 2000 which coordinates community activities in Northop village. Rob organised the students into small groups and explained which areas they should each cover for the litter pick.

Rob said “The volunteers of Northop 2000 work very hard to keep Northop looking good and we are always looking for extra help. It is particularly pleasing that help comes from young people and it was a real pleasure to work with the students. The six bags of rubbish were only part of it; the significant improvement to the state of the village was more important.  As chairman of Northop 2000 I would like to thank Angela, Judith (Keep Wales Tidy) and the students for their help. I hope it can be the start of a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Northop College and the community of Northop.”

Judith Wright who is a Keep Wales Tidy Officer provided the students with litter pickers, high-visibility jackets, gloves and bin bags.

The weather was beautiful and sunny; the students enjoyed walking around in the fresh air. They managed to fill six bin bags full of rubbish, including a car registration plate, a trainer and a bottle of bleach!

Image shows
Animal Management students after their successful litter pick.