Mid Cheshire College News

Mid Cheshire is one of the top Colleges in the Country!

Callum — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Mid Cheshire College has just received notification that they have been identified as one of the top 11 colleges in the country in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) appointed leading accountancy and advisory firm, RSM Tenon to research and identify the top colleges in the country. The effectiveness rating is not just attributed to student success rates but it also takes into account the financial running and management of the college as a successful business.

“We’re very pleased that Mid Cheshire College has been nominated as one of the most efficient and effective further education colleges in the country. With the College recently being awarded “Finance Team of the Year” by the Times Educational Supplement at the FE Awards, it’s clear that the College is now gaining the national reputation its performance deserves” said Principal John Reilly.

“In terms of student success rates, Mid Cheshire College has one of the very best profiles in England and it was this excellence that earned the College its coveted “outstanding” rating at the last Ofsted inspection. However, whilst we are totally focused on helping our students to achieve, we have always been very aware that the College also needs to be run in a businesslike fashion.

Financial management at the College is very strong with strict control of costs and a constant search for value-for-money. This has led to a track record of generating good surpluses which have been re-invested back into new facilities like the new Winsford campus and the £7.5m investment in new Performing Arts and Sport facilities at the Hartford campus.

Carpentry & Joinery Students Forge Links with Local Industry

Callum — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Carpentry & Joinery students from Mid Cheshire College spent a day in the real world when they visited Howdens Joinery on Winsford Industrial Estate.

After touring the factory and warehouse, the students spent time with a kitchen designer. Level 2 student, Mark Littler, really enjoyed the day. "It was good being behind the scenes, seeing the materials ordering processes and timing schedules" said the 18 year old. Fellow student, Matt Fisher, added "I particularly enjoyed seeing the CAD equipment being put into real use."

Before the visit came to an end, Branch Manager of Howdens, Mark Smith, had 2 surprises for the students and tutors. A £2,000 kitchen was boxed up on a pallet for the students to take back to the Hartford Campus.

Mark Smith explains, "We have a charity budget to donate to good causes and thought what better way of helping these young students than let them have these materials, so they can practice their skills back in the College workshop."

Four branches of Howdens have donated materials that could be either end of line or, "They may be very slightly damaged, which means we can't sell them to the trade. It is also a great way of recycling" added Mark,

The 2nd surprise of the day was to offer all Level 3 students the option to register to receive £1,000 credit at Howdens. "These students are our future customers" said Mark "this will help them to start up their own business and purchase materials."

Local graphics student celebrates!

Callum — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Local graphics student, Jessica Lawrence is celebrating as her designs have been chosen to be used on a new ‘coffee to go’ cup.

Jess from Weaverham is studying the level 3 diploma in graphic design at Mid Cheshire College, “I am really enjoying all aspects of the course, it is very creative” she said. “I am also very grateful for the support I have received from the student support centre as I have dyslexia.”

Jess has also had the opportunity to work on live projects during the course, the most recent being the vending cup design for International Paper Foodservice Europe Ltd, who are global leaders in paper and packaging products. The UK division is locally based on the Winsford Industrial Estate.

Sales and Marketing Director, Mike Gardner explains, “We wanted some new fresh, contemporary ideas for this design. We thought it would be a great idea to contact the local college’s graphics department and tap into the young students’ creative talent.”

To help get the idea off the ground, Mike enlisted the help of Appleby Bowers Creative Associates.

Bernie Bowers, worked directly with college tutors to set the brief for the cup design and critique the students’ work, “We didn’t want the brief to be too complicated” explained Bernie.”

Eventually the designs were whittled down to the top four, which were then scrutinised by the team at International Paper.
Jess was selected as the overall winner, “She answered the brief really well” Bernie added.

Mike Gardner clarified, “It’s not just about the design, some ideas just don’t transmit onto a coffee cup and we have to take into account the printing processes.
“I really like Jess’ choice of typography, colour and also the use of mood words within the design.
“We will initially show the design to our customers in the UK and then market further afield” he concluded.

Jess will see her designs turn into reality when she visits the factory at Winsford later this year to see the finished cups coming off the production line.

Jess received a cheque from International Paper for her hard work, “I intend carrying on with my studies at Mid Cheshire for another two years and complete the foundation degree and then go on to university – so the money will be very useful” said the 17-year-old.

If you are interested in studying graphic design call the college on 01606 74444.

Photography Students work with Community at The Old Fire Station

Callum — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Photography students from Mid Cheshire College have had their work displayed in the new Community Café at The Old Fire Station on Chester Way.

The exhibition, entitled ‘Not New York, Northwich’, is a collection of photographs that show different places in Northwich and the surrounding area in an artistic fashion, captured from perspectives that people may not have noticed before.

There are also profile shots that students took at the College’s London Road Studio, which will be closing its doors this summer when the Photography course relocates to the brand new Centre for Creative Arts and Sports at the College’s Hartford Campus ready for September.

The Old Fire Station is set to open its Community Café to the public some time in February, where people will be able to come in for a drink and look at the artwork in a friendly environment.

“We contacted the College to try and get some artwork to brighten up the walls as they were just plain white,” explained Kirsty Harrop, Service Supervisor at The Old Fire Station. ”We’re really happy with the results and hope to work with the College again in the future.”

“I think it’s a fantastic project and it’s great to see our photography being used outside the College,” said Level 3 student Holly Webb, who came along to see the photographs in place with classmates Mike Sutton and Zaneta Lodziewska.

Tutor Mark Reeves continued “it’s great to get the students integrated within the local community and build up contacts. Hopefully this may lead to more projects in the future.”

Work Experience Opportunities Available!

Callum — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Mid Cheshire College is looking to give young people a head start in the jobs market by offering them the chance to gain valuable work experience at the College.

Principal John Reilly explains why the scheme is being introduced: “The jobs market for young people is very tough at the moment. Without some prior experience it is very difficult for them to be shortlisted for the jobs that are being advertised.

“These three-month placements will give young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience of working in a real working environment in areas as diverse as Human Resources, Finance, Management Information and Marketing. Each candidate will be supported and mentored by a member of the College’s senior management team with a view to helping them secure their next or, indeed, their first job. We will also be able to offer each candidate free training at the College to help them develop their skills.

“We expect to have interest from a wide range of people, from those who have recently left school or college to older people who have, perhaps, just left University and are still looking for employment”

There are six places available on the work experience scheme and anyone who is interested in finding out more should contact Stacy in the College’s Human Resources department on 01606 720665.

It's never too late to learn

Callum — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

79-Year-Old Jim Yarwood of Rudheath returned to the classroom at Mid Cheshire College last year and completed the Level 2 Diploma in Photography.

Jim, a former joiner, has had an interest in photography for over 30 years and regularly attends the Mid Cheshire Camera Club. “I decided to enrol on the course to gain more technical ability” Jim explained, “I have also enjoyed working in the studios, using the lighting equipment and learning the creative elements of Photoshop.”

The course gives students the opportunity to use film as well as digital cameras. “The digital camera is not as wasteful but I have enjoyed using film and working in the darkroom” said Jim.

Jim returned to study for his own pleasure and to learn new techniques to get the best from his new Digital SLR camera but he now has the study bug and has recently progressed to the level 3 extended diploma course. “Completing the level 2 gave me the confidence to progress. I am now working on my own initiative on special projects.” Jim wants to carry on studying as long as possible, “I want to stretch my mind” and “I hope to pass on my knowledge to friends at the groups I attend.”

Fellow student, Elaine Over has also completed level 2 and is continuing study on the level 3 course, “I bought a new digital SLR camera and thought what better way of finding out how to use it than enrolling on a course” said the 46 year-old of Gorstage.

“The level 2 diploma was extremely informative and the tutors shared a wealth of experience, as they also work in the photographic industry as well as teaching.” “I found the course very flexible, having children meant I could leave in time to pick them up from school.”

There is a new level 2 diploma in photography starting at the London Road Studios on Monday 20th February. Call 01606 74444 for further details.

Lee Stafford visits Winsford Campus Tranquility Salon

Callum — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A celebrity hairdresser travelled from London to inspire up and coming hairdressing students in Winsford. Lee Stafford spent the day at the college’s Tranquility Salons at the Winsford Campus.

Lee Stafford has been involved in the hairdressing industry for over twenty years and has salons in London and Essex as well as the North of England. He also introduced a range of haircare products to the high street and is the proud recipient of the title, Men's British Hairdresser of the Year.

Lee spends a lot of time away from his salons touring the UK giving public demonstrations and promoting competition work, he explains, “Taking part in competitions is where my success began. I really enjoy sharing my experience, skills and techniques, particularly with enthusiastic students. The students and staff at Mid Cheshire College are lovely and made me very welcome. I would like to continue working with the college in the future.”

Students across both the Hartford and Winsford campuses volunteered to be models, such as art and design students, Steph Lawson and Alex Davies from Northwich, “We were very lucky to be selected. It’s been a fantastic experience to have our hair re-styled by someone like Lee.” “I now have a fringe for the first time!” commented Alex.

Lee and his assistant spent all day working on the models, colouring and cutting, preparing them for the final show.

Students, their families and local salon owners attended the grand catwalk finale, which was held at the Winsford Campus on Monday evening.

Emma Massey, Hairdressing Tutor and organiser of the event was thrilled with the success of the event. “The evening went very well and was an excellent way to network with other salons, and salon owners. The students felt it was an inspiring day; the hair styles Lee demonstrated were creative and the students are keen to have a go themselves.”

Young Star of Fashion is passing on his knowledge

Sandra — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A designer to the stars returned home from London to inspire up and coming fashion students in Northwich.

Former Mid Cheshire College student, William Tempest, whose dresses have been worn by many A-List celebrities, such as Victoria Beckham, Emma Watson, Alexa Chung and Leona Lewis, spent the day at the college’s London Road Studios in Northwich.

The 25-year-old grew up in Middlewich and studied the National Diploma in Fashion and Clothing at Mid Cheshire College back in 2002. William had from an early age set his heart on becoming a fashion designer and from the on-set of joining the course he excelled, showing outstanding creative flair throughout the two-year programme, culminating in an outstanding final major design project at the college’s end of year fashion show.

His tutors speak very highly of him and say, “William was a very hard working and enthusiastic student also a perfectionist and devoted all his time to producing outstanding designs as well as intricate portfolios and coursework, which earned him distinctions in every aspect of his work. His designs were very marketable but also had an extra unique twist.”

It was inevitable that his achievements on the National Diploma plus his remarkable talent would lead him to one of the best fashion institutions in the world. He went on to gain a place at the prestigious London College of Fashion to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear, which was an incredible achievement considering he was one of 4000 applicants for the 21 coveted places.

William says the encouragement he received at college certainly contributed to him gaining the place at the London College of Fashion, he explains, “The tutors always gave me great direction in terms of developing my work, aesthetic and technical skills, and were also extremely supportive at a time when I was going through a difficult family situation. Studying the National Diploma gave me the skills and the confidence to forge a career for myself in a very competitive industry, which has ultimately led to me setting up my business in London and working all around the world.”

William went on to achieve a First Class Honours degree and joins the famous alumni of the London College of Fashion. Whilst studying at university William also gained additional practical experience by working as a designer and pattern maker at both Giles Deacon and Diesel in London, and after graduating, at Jean Charles de Castelbajac in Paris. In 2008, aged just 21, William caught the eye of Donatella Versace who selected William to produce his first collection under the UK initiative for young designers ‘Fashion Fringe’

William’s label was launched, a contemporary and luxury British brand with a look of innovative cutting and experimental shape making, focusing heavily on construction and quality. In 2008 William won a Global Fashion Award in the US for ‘Best Emerging Talent’, where the judges, key individuals from the fashion industry, praised both his creativity and commercial outlook.

In less than three years William Tempest has soared to great heights, his designs can be found across Europe, the US and the Middle East in exclusive establishments such as Harrods in London, Grey Flannel in Capri, Italy and Boutique 1 in Dubai. His collections have been presented at both New York and London Fashion Weeks, and have also been seen in many prestigious publications such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Womens Wear Daily, The Wall Street Journal and i:D magazines. William was also featured in ‘The Sunday Times’ Power List 2011 as one of the most influential 25 people under the age of 25.

William is obviously very much in demand but it was fantastic that he still found the time to return to his roots at Mid Cheshire College. He spent all day with the current fashion students, talking of his experiences and giving tutorials, guidance and design tips to the upcoming designers.

AoC Student of the Year

Sandra — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Mid Cheshire College student has been crowned the Association of College’s Student of the Year at an awards ceremony in Birmingham. 55 year-old Keith Southern left school aged 15 without any formal qualifications. He spent his formative years in children’s homes and attended no less than thirteen different schools. He spent four years in the merchant navy, before gaining employment with ICI. Thirty years later, having been made redundant, he made a brave decision to return to education aged 52 and, having been a performing musician throughout his life, he enrolled on the National Diploma in Music Technology at Mid Cheshire College. “The work that he produces is exemplary, whether it is a recording project or an essay on music history. Despite Keith being profoundly dyslexic, each piece of work he has submitted has achieved a Distinction grade; he did in fact achieve an overall DDD grade for the qualification” said his tutor, Joel Nally. Keith has progressed on to a Foundation Degree in Commercial Music Technology and been accepted on to a Teacher Training qualification. His plans are to combine these two courses with his ongoing career in music performance and progress into a permanent teaching job. Keith is already a peripatetic guitar teacher at a local primary school, a job that he relishes, spending many hours preparing lessons and creating resources. Richard Hollywood Vice Principal said, “The music department at the College see him as a potential future College Lecturer and hope that one day he can join the team that helped re-ignite his passion for music. Keith’s story is one that clearly demonstrates the power of education and lifelong learning and how it can change lives. He continues to be an inspiration to both staff and students at the College.” This is the second award in 6 months for Keith, as he was also crowned BTEC Outstanding Adult Learner of the Year. As well as a beautiful glass trophy, Keith was presented with a cheque for £700, “I intend to spend this on either a mixer for my home studio or put in towards another guitar.” “It’s been a whirlwind recently but I feel that if I can do it, anyone can. Don’t let anything put you off.”

NOW That’s What I Call a Dance & Sing Game

Callum — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A Newly launched Nintendo Wii Game sees two local dance tutors as stars of the production.

Michelle Denny and Sara Cole, who teach Dance at Mid Cheshire College were approached by games developer Tubby Games to feature in ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music! Dance & Sing’, dancing in-game to songs such as Rhianna’s ‘Only Girl in the World’, Example’s ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’, Taio Cruz’s ‘Dynamite’ and Willow Smith’s ‘Whip My Hair’.

Music giant EMI teamed up with Tubby Games to create the dance and sing game based on the hugely successful ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music!’ format. ‘NOW That’s What I Call Music! Dance & Sing’ is the first game to feature 16 UK number one hits, that also includes the official music videos for each track and is the first of its type to offer full dance and sing game modes in one exciting package.

Michelle, who took the role of Dance Co-ordinator, Dancer and Choreographer for the game explains, “It was an amazing experience, it was fantastic working with the game team doing something that I love. Hopefully we will be working together again in the future.”

Sara, also a Dancer and Choreographer for the game added, “It was great working in a professional environment and we can now pass that information and experience on to our current students, which is brilliant.”

Ex Mid Cheshire College Dance students Sian Edis and Jessica Lord also feature in the game. They are now both studying Dance at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks in Blackpool.

Michelle and Sara run Zumba classes in the local community. If you would like to get involved, Michelle teaches at Hartford High School, Tuesday Evenings 5:30 – 6:15pm while Sara teaches at Barnton Memorial Hall on Wednesday Evenings 5:30 – 6:15pm and Norley Village Hall 7 – 8pm.