Category Archives: Education

Education, Entertainment, Sport, Wrexham

Poetic pupils record rap tribute to Wrexham AFC and Hollywood owners

THAT’S A RAP! An inspiring song written by poetic pupils will live on forever thanks to Wrexham Sounds.

A talented group of more than 80 learners from St Peter’s Primary School in Rossett recorded the track – One Hotdog and a Massive Kit Kat – with representatives from the Rhosrobin music studio and Darren Hughes, director of Pivotal Sound and Lighting.

Written by and starring children from different years, the rap follows Wrexham AFC’s attempt to win the FA Trophy while paying homage to Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, star striker Paul Mullin, and referencing teachers, landmarks, and their favourite things about the city.

Wrexham Sounds General Manager Olivia Gallagher was impressed with the finished result and said: “They were so professional and only needed one take! The rap is amazing, and we were just glad to be able to visit them and record if for posterity.

“They are a credit to Wrexham and I’m sure they’ll all continue to write and produce songs that will have a positive impact on the club and their local community.”

Key Stage Two teacher Rebecca Roberts said the experience of writing and recording the rap – which went viral on social media – is one they will never forget.

“We will all remember this day forever and are so grateful to Wrexham Sounds for their support,” she added.

“The rap started with Year 6 before gaining the attention of other children, so we thought it would be nice for everyone to get involved.

“The noise levels throughout the school were very high at times as it was the first thing we had done together since the beginning of the pandemic; it was a release for the pupils in the end.

“The club is a huge part of the community and what’s happened since the arrival of Rob and Ryan has captured the imagination, which is brilliant and made it a fantastic project to be involved in.”

And finally, where did the unique name come from?

“As a family we go and watch Wrexham AFC and one of the pupils saw me there eating a massive Kit Kat!” said Rebecca.

“He said he really wanted a hot dog, and it went from there – that’s how the rap was born!”

She added: “Their energy, the lyrics, it’s all fantastic and we are so very proud of them, it’s shown them that if they put their minds to it, they can do anything.

“Because of Wrexham Sounds they’ll now be able to listen to the rap for years to come – thank you.”

Since opening its doors in February, not-for-profit Wrexham Sounds has made huge progress in forging new partnerships and securing the services of talented freelance musicians and tutors to deliver lessons and activities across multiple genres to disadvantaged young people.

As well as children and teenagers who are referred via a range of local agencies and educators there are sessions for pupils unable to access music lessons at school.

For more information or to join the team at Wrexham Sounds as a freelance tutor or volunteer, visit www.wrexhamsounds.org and follow them on social media at @wrexhamsounds.

Education, Education News, News

Walsall College addresses regional employment need in wake of BTEC cull

When the government announced that from 2024 160 Level 3 qualifications would be defunded due to apparent overlaps with T-levels, Walsall College recognised the gap this would leave in several curriculum areas and decided to act.  As a result, the college today announces the introduction of a suite of hybrid A-levels that will not only fill the void left by the defunct BTECS, but also meet local employment market needs.

With T-Levels presented as the government’s flagship technical qualifications, sitting alongside A-levels as their academic equivalent, funding will cease for those BTECs where it is considered that there’ll be duplication with the increasing number of T-Levels on offer.

However, as Richard Brennan Assistant Principal with responsibility for curriculum at the college explains, the reality is less clear-cut and risks cutting off a vital supply of suitably trained personnel to the local workforce:

“The three-way split of academic, technical, and hands-on vocational options that the government is creating with its focus on A-levels, T-levels and apprenticeships makes sense, on face value at least.  The devil, however, is in the detail and it quickly became apparent to us that several hugely popular BTECs would disappear without a clear alternative amongst what remains. 

“Our announcement today not only addresses that but does so in a way that will support young people to gain a valuable technical education that is directly supported by regional employers and FE providers.”

The first hybrid A-levels being launched by Walsall College will be focused on the legal and science sectors.  Learners who would have previously studied for a BTEC in Law, will now enrol to study A-level Law, A-level Psychology and a Diploma in Criminology.  The science pathway, meanwhile, will be comprised of two A-levels (chosen from Physics, Chemistry and Biology) and a BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Science.

Significantly, the new courses are being approached as a cohesive suite of qualifications taught by a clearly defined group of staff.  They’ve each been designed with the local economy in mind and have secured support from several regional employers who have committed to providing work placements for the students.   Nadine Bila, Director at Bila Legal Services, works with Walsall College to provide students with work placements and comments:

“Supporting students with the opportunity to spend time in a work environment as part of their studies is an invaluable component of their overall learning experience.  They gain insights, knowledge and experience that provides them with the confidence to excel and become work ready.  This in turn strengthens their chances when entering the workplace following their studies, as well as their retention within it thereafter. 

“As an employer, taking on students who have tangible experience gained in the workplace can be a huge benefit.  They enter employment ready to focus on the job in hand and with an awareness of what’s expected of them.  I salute Walsall College for introducing the hybrid A-level in Law as it will support not only my business, but the wider legal services sector across the West Midlands.”

The new courses also provide learners with the option to go on to study at university should they wish to.  Progression agreements are currently being finalised with Newman University, Birmingham City University, The University of Wolverhampton, and University College Birmingham.  Concluding, Richard Brennan says:

“We are initially focusing on progression agreements with HE providers in the West Midlands as a means of addressing the economic challenges that many young people face when they need to move away to continue their studies.  These relationships will allow students who progress through our hybrid pathways to go on to further study without needing to leave the region.  We will continue to extend the reach of those HE providers as further hybrid pathways come on stream.

“The enthusiasm with which regional HE providers are welcoming our new course suites vindicates our decision to make this bold move and we’re confident that they’ll quickly gain further support.”

From September 2023, Walsall College plans to additionally offer pathways focused on the creative arts sector, business and marketing, and engineering.

Construction, Construction News, Education, Education News, News, North of England

Construction Principal & CEO Derek Whitehead Retires After 37 Years in Education 

Derek Whitehead, Principal and CEO of Leeds College of Building, is to retire this week after 37 years working in Further Education and vocational skills training.

From teenage Keighley carpentry and joinery apprentice to leader of the UK’s only General Further Education College that specialises in construction, Derek has spent decades training and leading the next generation of builders, engineers, and construction-craft professionals.

Derek began his education at Ingrow School, Bronte School, and Oakbank Grammar school in Keighley. From a young age, he excelled at craft skills and thrived in woodwork and metalwork. Derek cites a local teacher who changed the course of his life after recognising Derek’s potential. Derek said:

“I always preferred hands-on learning, and it was a teacher at Oakbank – David Carter – who told me I had a knack for passing on my knowledge and passion for the subject, even at age 16. I was always in the workshop after school and would help other students where I could, especially if the woodwork teacher wasn’t available.

“David stretched me, pushing me to try more complex techniques. I made various furniture items, learnt to French polish, and even turned rosewood handles for a bedside oak cabinet that my parents still have to this day! He sowed the seed that I should teach others too, even though I tended towards being more practical than academic.”

Derek left school at 16 and joined the construction industry as Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner at Norman Hollins Ltd and then JSD Hamilton (Construction) Ltd. He gained a fantastic grounding in bespoke joinery products, new build housing, renovations, and shopfitting projects. It was a great platform to learn broader construction skills too. Yet, despite becoming a qualified construction worker, Derek’s experience at grammar school reinforced his desire to teach.

Derek’s first teaching job was in 1985 at Keighley College’s Carpentry & Joinery Department, where another lecturer (Peter Hakes) mentored him. It wasn’t long before Derek enrolled at HollyBank to study professional Teacher Training qualifications, followed by Bradford College to attain a teaching degree. Derek was then promoted to Section Leader for Timber Trades before leaving Keighley for a role at Bolton College as a Senior Lecturer. After that, Derek became Head of Construction and led self-assessment quality assurance across Bolton College.

By the time Derek left Bolton, he was responsible for the Construction & Engineering faculty. He returned to Keighley College, this time as Head of Construction & Engineering. Then in 2004, Derek interviewed for Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality at Leeds College of Building and was selected for the role. Derek said:

“Getting the post at LCB was such a fantastic accolade, especially with it being the only General Further Education College nationally that specialised in construction and the built environment education & training. I felt like I was back to my roots – where industry training moulds individuals into construction specialists. I am a massive advocate for vocational skills training and the vast opportunities this can unlock.

“I loved working at the College so much that I continued in this role before becoming Principal & CEO.  I have fully enjoyed all 18 years that I have spent at Leeds College of Building. I’m delighted to be leaving the College in such good shape. Inspections now show quality at ‘good or better’, our HE meets all UK standards, we achieved ‘good’ in our most recent Ofsted inspection, the ESFA gave us a ‘good’ rating too for our healthy financial position.

Leeds College of Building now trains around 5,500 students from across the UK, covering 16-18 full-time study programmes, adult provision, HE courses, and bespoke programmes for employers. Over half of these students (around 2,800) are enrolled on apprenticeship training across all areas of the College’s provision, from Level 2 up to degree apprentices.

Derek continued:

“I’m extremely glad my teacher showed me how vocational training – such as apprenticeships – can lead to various careers and job roles. Schools play a critical role in showcasing vocational training as a viable, alternative route to reach the same endpoint as academic qualifications. These skills can lead to jobs at all levels and involve travel and an extensive variety of work, with lasting legacy projects.

“It’s so gratifying to see former students running successful companies themselves, as well as attracting a more diverse cohort of students to the sector today. We have come such a long way. So, this seems the right time for me to step down.

“I have lots of plans with my wife Heather (who retired from her role as Principal at Keighley College a few years ago). We hope to travel and see friends. We’re very active so enjoy walking and spending time with family. I have lots on my bucket list! I met my wife at Keighley College, and like me, she came from a vocational background as an apprentice too (Hair & Beauty in her case). Our families were thrilled when we became lecturers, so both progressing to the top of FE institutions was a very proud moment.  

“I have never lost a love of construction after all these years. Although Further Education is a challenging sector, to help students develop skills that can make a transformative difference to their future and society is an absolute privilege. It is the accomplishment of which I’m most proud. 

“I would like to give a special thank you to all employers and stakeholders who have supported the College, students, and me personally, over the 18 years I’ve been here. I trust the commitment and dedication will continue with my successor, Nikki Davis. Leeds College of Building is a fantastic organisation to lead, and I know it will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish the College, our stakeholders, my amazing colleagues and friends, and Nikki all the very best.”

Nikki Davis, current Leeds College of Building Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality, will take up the role of Principal & CEO in August and becomes the first woman to hold the post in the 60-year history of the institution.

Education, News, Sport, Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton University student lounge ready to welcome Welsh Commonwealth team

A student lounge is opening up over the summer for the first time when members of Team Wales move in to Wolverhampton University’s Walsall campus ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

The Students’ Union Lounge at the campus is normally only open during term time for students and those on campus to use.

Naomi Horne, SU Lounge supervisor with Verlaine Nsingi, sports school rep

Supervisor Naomi Horne said this was the first time it would be open during the summer.

“It’s very exciting to be hosting the Welsh team and to be opening up for the first time this summer,” she said. “Student staff are coming in to work and it will be great to show our support.

“We will be decorating the lounge with some Welsh flags and adding a few touches to make the team feel at home.

“We will be offering the team food and drinks and a place to socialise and relax. It’s the first time we will be open during the summer.”

Around 60 members of Team Wales will be arriving at the campus this weekend (July 23) and staying during the Games, which run from July 28 to August 8.

 

Education, News, Sport

Christ College Brecon Kick Off in Italy

Christ College Brecon’s U18 rugby squad has returned from its Italian tour, playing four games and participating in three pro-coaching sessions across the week.

Based near Parma and Venice, Director of Sport, John Patterson, Head of Rugby Daniel Parry and a squad of 38 players faced the Italian National Under 18’s team, in addition to Dogi Rugby, Rugby Del Chiese and Unione Monferrato.

The squad was split into the Christ College 1st XV and 2nd XV touring sides with both displaying strong performances in each of their games. Due to injuries, the 2nd XV merged with players from local Italian side Lyons Pianceza in their game against Unione Monferrato. The ‘Barbarians style’ team narrowly missed out on a win, with the score 21-20 at the final whistle. The 1st XV team secured a substantial win against Dogi Rugby winning 42-12.

Alongside the games, the touring sides took part in three coaching sessions across the week first with coaches from Rugby Viadana and the Unione Monferrato U20 team and finally with former All Black and World Cup winner Craig Green.

Daniel Parry, Head of Rugby at Christ College Brecon, said: “The tour was an incredible experience for the teams to play some exceptional sides and learn a lot from world-class coaches.

“Despite a loss to a very strong Italy National under 18’s squad, our first team triumphed over a still strong Dogi Rugby, and our second team really enjoyed the ‘Barbarians style’ team experience with Lyons Pianceza.

“A big thank you to goes out to all of the teams we played and their staff for really making the experience worthwhile, and a special thanks to the coaches who put their time aside to help our squads continue to develop their skills.”

For further information about Christ College Brecon, visit www.christcollegebrecon.com.

Education, Midlands News, News

Young engineers hit the headlines with Design & Make triumph

Three schools from the Black Country and Warwickshire have been crowned as the main winners at one of the biggest independent manufacturing-education events in the UK.

Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Great Wyrley Academy and WMG Academy for Young Engineers Coventry beat off competition from five other rivals to take the Manufacturing, Innovation and Efficiency titles respectively at the Design & Make Challenge 2022.

The trio were joined on the podium by Alcester Grammar School, who claimed the first ever ‘Communications’ prize for its use of social media in promoting the day.

Organised by the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), more than 35 students swapped their daily lessons for the chance to test out their design, engineering, prototyping and communication skills at the all-day event held at WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Solihull.

Teams of four Year 11 and Year 12 pupils were set the challenge of using basic materials and tools to make a vehicle that could be propelled by a falling weight. They tested their devices, modified them and then raced them on a purpose-built 7.5m long track to see which one would complete the distance in the fastest possible time – a race that WMG Academy Coventry won in just 3.64 seconds.

“Now, more than ever, we need young people to choose engineering and manufacturing as a career and we’re not going to change perceptions by sitting on our hands, doing nothing,” explained Austin Owens, founder of Grove Design (Pembridge) Ltd and Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Assembly Network.

“This was a comeback for the Design & Make Challenge after a Covid-19 enforced break and we were delighted to see the appetite to take part was still there. I have to say the task was the hardest yet and the young people really embraced it.”

He went on to add: “The atmosphere in the room was amazing and I’m convinced we’ve seen some of the engineers of the future here, engineers that will go on and improve the way we live for the better.”

Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Great Wyrley Academy and WMG Academy Coventry all received a 3D printer for their efforts.

This latest technology was kindly donated by 3DPRINTUK, who are specialists in low volume production using state-of-the-art powder bed fusion 3D printing systems with polymer materials.

Nick Allen, Managing Director of 3DPRINTUK, commented: “We are both proud and delighted to sponsor the Design & Make Challenge 2022.

“The competition is a great fit for us. By donating 3D printers to the winners, it allows the next generation of engineers and manufacturers to learn in a hands-on way about the advantages – and disadvantages – of 3D printing for any given application. It’s something we are passionate about both now and for the future.”

Joining Alcester Grammar School, Ernesford Grange Community Academy, Great Wyrley Academy and WMG Academy Coventry at the Design & Make day were Gospel Oak School, Lawrence Sheriff School, Southam College and WMG Academy Solihull.

Peter Davies, Chief Executive of James Lister & Sons and Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Assembly Network, added his support: “The day is all about bringing sound design and engineering principles to the fore to solve a topical industrial issue, with young people encouraged to work together to develop innovative designs and then build a product they can test against their peers.

“Apprentices from MAN companies and graduates from WMG at the University of Warwick, were working with the groups and talking about their own experiences following a career in manufacturing and some of the skills they may need to realise their ambition.

“All the feedback we received was positive, which excites us about doing it again next year. We now urge other manufacturers to look at how they can play a role in helping promote our sector to young people.”

Dr Mark Swift, Head of SME Programmes at WMG at the University of Warwick, concluded: “Design & Make is a wonderful example of how to inspire future engineers – making it real and helping to bridge the skills gap, particularly in small manufacturing and engineering businesses.

“SMEs are the lifeblood of manufacturing in the UK, and they offer a wonderful, rich, challenging and rewarding destination for the next generation of engineers. They get access to all parts of the business, from working with customers and suppliers to the management team and gaining experience on the shop floor – all of this will accelerate their future career.”

About the Manufacturing Assembly Network

Formed in 2006, The Manufacturing Assembly Network is made up of Alucast, Barkley Plastics, Brandauer, Grove Design, James Lister & Sons, KimberMills International, Muller Holdings, Nemco and PP Control & Automation.

The eight sub-contract manufacturers and specialist engineering design agency form a unique global collective that works together to share best practice and secure contracts for UK industry.

It is the third year that the group has held the Design & Make Challenge and earlier competitions have resulted in 352 hours of hands-on manufacturing experience for young people, seven MAN company visits completed by schools and over £25,000 of press coverage to raise the profile of the sector.

Education, Education News, Events, News

Welsh Competitors Celebrate Success As 130 Are Set To Compete At The Worldskills UK National Finals

An impressive 130 Welsh competitors have been announced as finalists for the WorldSkills UK National Finals taking place this November.

The announcement follows a series of regional competitions that took place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, hosting a string of talented young people.

Wales has maintained its top spot of having the highest number of competitors of all UK regions since 2015. This year, over 1 in 4 of the finalists are Welsh and with two categories still yet to be announced, it’s incredibly likely this number will increase.

WorldSkills UK supports young people to take part in competition-led training, assessment, and benchmarking, with competitors from all four nations competing against one another to achieve national acclaim in their chosen category.

 

Over five thousand young people registered to take part in this year’s WorldSkills UK competitions and have been competing since April, with 130 Welsh competitors successfully demonstrating their skills to an incredibly high standard throughout the National Qualifiers.

The competitions challenge competitors in four different sectors to be named the best in their skill including Construction & Infrastructure, Engineering & Technology, Health, Hospitality and Lifestyle, and Digital, Business & Creative.

 

The WorldSkills UK National Finals will be held across six venues in the UK, including Wales’ own Cardiff and Vale College. The college is hosting a total of 14 finals – the highest number of any venue across the UK – in competition categories such as Health and Social Care, Digital Media Production, Automotive Technology and Heavy Vehicle Engineering.

Foundation Skills Competitions are also being held at the college in categories including Hairdressing, Restaurant Services, and IT Software Solutions for Business.

Foundation Skills Competitions are designed for students who have a statement of Special Education Needs (SEN) and/or disabilities and allow students to showcase their skills, knowledge and behaviours that highlight their independence and employability skills.

 

Minister of Economy, Vaughan Gething stated: “The Welsh Government is committed to investing in our future generations. By providing our young people with opportunities to develop new skills, we’re providing them with the tools they need to build successful future careers. This will support them to be at the forefront of helping our Welsh businesses to innovate and grow.

“The WorldSkills competitions bring together some of the most creative, skilled, and driven young people in Wales, and helps raise awareness of the power of skills to transform lives, economies, and society. So, I’m delighted 130 Welsh competitors have made it to the finals. I wish all the competitors the best of luck, both in this important competition and for their future.”

 

WorldSkills UK, Deputy CEO Ben Blackledge, said: Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK said: “I want to offer my congratulations to everyone who registered for our competitions this year, especially those who are now going on to compete in November’s finals.

“We are really excited to be taking the show on the road again this year with finals hosted by colleges across the UK. We hope seeing the finals in person or catching up with our online content will inspire more young people to develop their skills and have a go at one of our competitions next year.

“Our competitions and competition-based development programmes equip apprentices and students with the lifelong, world-class skills that will help increase UK productivity and competitiveness.”

 

Partly funded by the Welsh Government and run by a dedicated network of colleges, work-based learning providers and employer-led organisations, WorldSkills UK aims to inspire and upskill future generations by developing young people’s vocational skills while celebrating their achievements.

Competitions begin at a regional level with Skills Competition Wales led by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project, and progress through to national and international competitions.

 

For more information on WorldSkills UK and how to start your journey as a competitor, tutor or employer in Wales, visit https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/

Education, News, North of England

Durham University Business School achieves five-year EQUIS re-accreditation

Durham University Business School has been awarded a five-year extension to its accreditation from EQUIS – the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration.

The re-accreditation places Durham University Business School on a high-calibre shortlist of UK institutions to secure such recognition. There are fewer than 21 UK schools which have received EQUIS’ “Gold Standard” of five years’ accreditation status, and less than 55 institutions in the rest of Europe.

Professor Kieran Fernandes, Interim Executive Dean of Durham University Business School, said;

“The re-accreditation is testimony to our position as a leading international business school, with excellence across our key strategic areas of research, education and student experience.”

The extension of the Business School’s accreditation, which was last awarded in 2017, was confirmed following a comprehensive assessment by EQUIS, which took place in March 2022. The accreditation focuses on evaluating the balance between academic quality and professional relevance, with particular importance placed on the development of students’ managerial and entrepreneurial skills, and the School’s ability to provide opportunities and connections to the business world.

The Peer Review Team recognised that Durham University Business School has upheld the high standards that were acknowledged by EQUIS in 2017, and identified a number of areas where the School’s performance has exceeded the required standards.  These include:

  • The embedding of Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability across its programme portfolio – an objective which sits close to the heart of the School’s ethos,
  • The provision of student support and counselling services,
  • The quality and internationalisation of faculty members,
  • The impact of research, with international research leadership also clearly evident

The Peer Review Team also commended the School’s staff and students for their engagement with the wider community through a wide variety of outreach activities and public service initiatives.

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden at Durham University, said;

“This is a wonderful achievement and a credit to all our colleagues in the Business School. The re-accreditation from EQUIS comes at an exciting time for Durham, where we are looking to enhance our strengths as a leading University renowned for the excellence and impact of its research, the quality of its education and student support, and the richness of its student experience.”

Durham University Business School has a substantial track record in providing internationally recognised degree programmes and MBAs. It has been ranked within the European Top 50 Schools by the Financial Times in 2021, as well as its Online MBA programme being placed 7th in the world by the Financial Times earlier this year. In addition, the School is also ranked 2nd in the UK and 37th in the world in The Economist Which MBA Ranking 2022.

Within the three departments of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Management and Marketing, the School’s research spans a broad range of timely and important topics, such as accountability, economic and sustainable development, cyber security, energy and environmental economics, international business, entrepreneurship, consumer research and supply chains, among others.

It’s commitment to supporting outstanding research was most recently demonstrated in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), a UK-wide assessment of university research.

 

About Durham University Business School

Durham University Business School is part of Durham University, one of the oldest established universities in the UK and is one of an elite group of business schools in the UK to hold triple accreditation. Triple accreditation, or the “Triple Crown”, is only achieved by a select few of the best business schools in Europe. Durham University Business School has the privilege of being accredited by the three most important accreditation organisations AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs) and EFMD/EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System).

The School offers a range of acclaimed programmes and attracts considerable levels of external research funding, enjoying extensive links within both the business and academic worlds. The School is also an internationally renowned research-led institution with a network of over 36,000 alumni from more than 140 countries.

The School is a top 50 European Business School, as confirmed once again by the most recent Financial Times ranking in December 2021. Last month, The Economist Which MBA also ranked Durham 67th globally and 2nd in the UK for the most recent ranking of the flagship Full Time MBA programme. Within this ranking, for the key domain of ‘Personal development and Educational experience’ Durham placed 10th globally and 1st in the UK. For ‘Student quality’ Durham ranked 4th globally and were also 1st in the UK.

For more information on Durham University Business School visit: www.dur.ac.uk/business

 

About EQUIS

EQUIS is the leading international system of quality assessment, improvement and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration.

EQUIS is run by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and its fundamental objective, linked to the mission of the EFMD, is to raise the standard of management education worldwide.

Education, Hospitality, News

Worldwide alumni events mark 60th anniversary of Glion Institute of Higher Education

Alumni from Glion Institute of Higher Education, which specialises in hospitality and luxury management, have reunited in a succession of events around the world to celebrate the institution’s 60th anniversary.

Around 400 people attended events in Bangkok, Thailand, and Montreux, Switzerland in June, following on from an event at Harvey Nichols in London in March, to commemorate six decades of the institution offering Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in hospitality, luxury and finance to an international student body across three campuses in Switzerland and London.

Starting with 15 students from five countries, Glion’s campus in Switzerland opened its doors in 1962. In 60 years, the institution has built a unique network with highly influential figures of the hospitality industry and beyond acting as a career success factor for its members.

The support of the community begins during studies as Bachelor and Master’s students receive personalised guidance from the institution’s career and internship service. With 3,480 industry partners and 655 companies recruiting last year from the highly-recognised Swiss institution, Glion affirms a 98% employability rate.

After graduation, alumni stay connected to the influential global network of industry professionals and entrepreneurs spread over 144 countries. Glion today unites a community of seven Board members, 66 regional Vice-Presidents and Ambassadors with over 15,000 alumni from all over the world. Through a state-of-the art online platform, alumni enjoy privileged access to new positions and career opportunities from other members of the community, who choose Glion first when recruiting fresh talent and forging new partnerships.

Overall, Glion is ranked in the top three worldwide for employer reputation since its entry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2018. 86% of Glion alumni become managers in less than five years, and 48% work in other sectors than hospitality, including FMCG, luxury goods and services, marketing, events, banking and finance. 52% join the traditional hospitality, tourism and food and beverage sectors.

Among the prizes awarded to Glion alumni in Montreux were Stephen Alden, Glion alumnus (1981) and CEO of Raffles and Orient Express and a Member of the Executive Committee at Accor, for Outstanding Professional Accomplishment; and Susanne Kaufmann, Glion alumnus (1993) and founder of the eponymous cosmetic brand, who received the special Entrepreneurial Leadership Achievement Award.

The Alumni Association Glion (AAG) strives to foster the continuation of the Glion Spirit throughout the life of its members by creating an active worldwide community of alumni which supports each individual’s personal development and growth, careers, networking and entrepreneurship, thus enhancing the value of the membership and the prestige of both the Association and Glion Institute of Higher Education.

AAG Board members are Christopher Jones, President (CEO, Sushi Shop); Ronald Homsy, Vice President (COO and Co-Founder, Pinktada); Mayumi Matthaus, Secretary General (Founder, Süskind); Beatrice Leon, Member (Front of House, Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como); Caroline Ellul, Member (Founder, French Luxury Consulting); Tibor Fejes, Member (Director, Global Revenue Performance, Policy and Planning at Marriott International) and Frederic Frere, Member (CEO and Co-Founder, Travelstore.pt).

They are at the forefront of Glion’s community engagement initiatives including the Ambassador programme, innovation and entrepreneurship commission, fostering industry relations and a alumni events.

Business News, Education

First Afro Hair training apprenticeship launches in Wales

ISA Training and Afro Hair Academy Wales have teamed up to offer training in type 4 multi textured hair. It is the first hairdressing apprenticeship to offer the specialist route in Wales.

 

Salons throughout Wales have previously had to travel to England for training. The announcement is a huge breakthrough for the industry and long overdue.

 

ISA Training, the longest running hair and beauty training provider in Wales have provided hair, beauty and barbering apprenticeships for almost 25 years. The announcement means its current hairdressing apprenticeships can now be studied with a focus on type 4 hair.

 

The partnership was officially announced at an event in Cardiff, attended by industry, salon owners and the current reigning Miss Wales, Darcey Corria. Darcey is the first Miss Wales of colour to win the event in almost 25 years and will use her reign to raise awareness around diversity as part of her campaign #Darceyfordiversity.

 

Simone Hawken, qualifications manager at ISA Training said, “We have been offering hair, beauty and barbering apprenticeships across Wales for almost 25 years. Recognising the skills shortage for type 4 hair, we are proud to be the first provider to offer this specialism, making our hairdressing apprenticeships more diverse and inclusive. It has been a struggle for salons needing training in the past. Now they can access everything they need on their doorstep.”

 

The training will take a place at Afro Hair Academy Wales based in Cardiff. The owner, Joy Djadi, will teach the Level two and Level three hairdressing qualifications through ISA Training.

 

Joy said, “There are many people within the industry passionate about making a difference, but there has never been a focus on type 4 afro hair. I never gave up my quest that something needed to change. I wanted to shine a spotlight on multi-textured hair as hairdressing has always been predominantly white and Caucasian. Partnered with ISA Training we can make a difference and bring greater diversity to the hair industry.”

 

Joy decided to study hairdressing when she was 25. She built up a career and started teaching hairdressing before setting up her own business. After 15 years running the business in Cardiff, Joy moved to London. She returned to Wales determined to make a difference, and now that has been made possible with the ISA Training partnership.

 

The hairdressing apprenticeships are fully funded, meaning no cost to learners or employers. Learners train on the job in a salon and earn a wage. They can be a new staff member or currently work in a salon. The courses are available to everyone over age 16.

 

Joy continues, “I teach and understand growth, texture and the different types of hair, how to handle it and what tools to use. The most important thing is not to be afraid of it. There is a huge demand for this skill in the hair sector. We hope to educate younger generations of hairdressers. It’s important they know some aspects of the different hair types – even if it is just how to wash and blow dry type 4 hair.”

 

Darcey Corria, current reigning Miss Wales said, “When I was younger I always struggled to find a salon specializing in multi textured hair so the partnership with ISA Training and Afro Hair Academy is exciting news. No young girl should have to worry that she can’t go to a salon, just like her friends, and have her hair done. Through my campaign #Darceyfordiversity I want to help make a difference and show my support for the changes being made to bridge the diversity gap in Wales.”

 

To find out more about the fully funded hairdressing apprenticeships, visit www.isatraining.co.uk