City of Bath College has teamed up with Premier League football club Southampton to further the careers of talented young players.

The Southampton Football Academy was launched this month giving 14 students the chance to combine their football development with academic studies on a two-year programme.

The talented youngsters, aged 16 to 19, were chosen for their football ability, with many having previously played for youth teams such at Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town and Swindon Town.

Course leader and personal tutor Paul Blenkinsopp said: “It’s great opportunity for the students to experience what it’s like to train and study like actual youth team players at any professional club.

“We are hoping to help nurture the football stars of the future.”

The first cohort of talented football players selected for the new Southampton Football Club Academy

North Lindsey College staff raised a whopping £2196.58 in the last academic year for a hospice with a series of activities.

The staff members did everything from facepainting and cake stands to half marathons and bingo, as well as a staff versus students football match to raise cash for Lindsey Lodge Hospice.

Sue Lloyd, quality and improvement lecturer, said: “We chose Lindsey Lodge Hospice as our charity because we wanted to support somewhere locally and everyone is aware of the great work Lindsey Lodge does.

“Lots of local businesses and individuals helped us throughout the year by donating prizes, helping at and supporting events. We would like to thank everyone.”

From left: Gemma Catley, Patrick Wyatt, Anne Millet from the Hospice, Sue Lloyd, Ian Hamilton and Paul Twidale

Macclesfield College business students tried not to get fired when they took on a challenge in the style of BBC TV show The Apprentice.

The extended diploma students were asked to bid for an event-hosting contract by representatives from NatWest as part of an enterprise day.

The students were asked to play the role of catering companies, planning and budgeting menus and decorations for a themed event.

The winning team impressed the panel with their pitch for a Mexican-themed evening, while the runners up pitched an American-themed night.

Course leader Charlotte Thompson said: “This activity provided invaluable experience for the students, further strengthening their team work, communication and problem solving skills.”

From left: front, Catherine Anders, Poppy Grieves, and Leah George, all 17. Back, Mark Laing, 16, Scott Ryan, from NatWest, tutor Charlotte Thompson, Yogesh Patel, from NatWest, Lewis Hindle, 16, Jacob Fellows, 17, and tutor Carole Uske

New learners at Doncaster College were treated to a music festival, headlined by dance act Urban Jokers as part of their induction week.

Urban Jokers’ Pierre Lafayette and Sia Lord have established themselves as one of the UK’s top dance acts, having appeared on a variety of TV talent shows, including ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

They performed their fusion of street dance and physical theatre in front of students, as well as staging a singing session.

Rosie Browning, aged 21, a level three creative media apprentice, said: “They were full of life and very funny, and their wacky routines, incredible coordination
and crazy personalities showed through in their performance. I thought they were epic.”

From left: Pierre Lafayette, student Kirstie-Jay Thwaites,17, and Sia Lord.

A dance tutor in Cheshire is hoping she can help learners make all the right moves with a new belly dance evening class.

Professional dancer and teacher Olivia White is launching the class at South Cheshire College.

Olivia has performed under the professional name Majenta Dance all over the world, including for the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and at the opening of the London Indian Film Festival.

She said: “Although I’ve worked in a number of different countries, I’m based locally so it’s great to be working with local people to improve their dance skills and give them something new to try, while promoting understanding and respect for different cultures.”

Belly dance tutor Olivia White

An international baccalaureate student could soon be saying ‘Yes Minister’ after landing a civil service apprenticeship in the Cabinet Office.

City and Islington College student Khadejah Al Harbi, aged 18, achieved top grades in each of her subjects and is now set to begin the two-year, level four apprenticeship for the government digital service, based in Holborn.

Khadejah, who is half English and half Saudi Arabian, came to the UK from Saudi Arabia in 2011.

She said: “I hope that I can learn more about how the government works, about government services and just what it’s like to be in that kind of working environment.”

She added that her ambition was to work for the UN with a focus on law and human rights.

Khadejah Al Harbi, who has been accepted onto a civil service apprenticeship in the cabinet office

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock dropped in on Telford College of Arts and Technology to find out what students and apprentices were up to.

Mr Hancock met current and past students and employers and looked at how learners’ progression into employment was being tracked.

Principal Janet Ellis said: “It was a privilege and a great day for the college, particularly for the students and employers to showcase the students’ talents and the vital role that our employers play in making our curriculum fit for purpose.”

Mr Hancock also officially opened the college’s new suite of creative studios and a Learning to Work Zone.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock with REED NCFE director Tom Millar, principa, Janet Ellis along with Luke Ward, REED NCFE Employment Team Leader

A photography student from Greater Manchester snapped up the chance of a full-time job following six months’ work experience at a vintage-themed photography company.

Pendleton Sixth Form Centre’s Emma Wilson, aged 18 and from Middleton, was given part-time work after six months’ work experience at photographic studios HMS Vintage.

Business owner Ian Brooke offered to expand the role to a full-time job if Emma got her predicted grades at A-level, which she did, receiving an A* in photography and a B in art and design.

Emma said: “As soon as I started working with Ian and the rest of the team, I realised that this was the career path I wanted to pursue.

“The work we do is really interesting and completely my style as it is quirky and unusual.”

Emma Wilson and her new employer Ian Brooke

Design students in Kent are getting creative with their futures through a design agency set up and run through their college.

MidKent College students work on live briefs for local businesses through MAD Creative, an in-house company designed to give students real life experience while at college.

Account manager Steve Cole said: “Not only do our local business partners receive a fantastic service at extraordinary value for money, but they also provide of students with invaluable experience that will increase their future employability.”

MAD’s team of professionals, including two graphic designers and former MidKent student and web developer Tony Medhurst, aged 23, will refine and polish students’ ideas to help them create a high quality finished product.

MAD Creative graphic designers Isaac Fihosy (background) and Josh Bloy