Rising motor racing star Alice Powell opened new automotive training workshops at Macclesfield College by cutting a ribbon held between two engines.

In a converted light industry unit, the new facilities include four ramps, new engines, classrooms and industry standard tools and equipment.

Alice Powell said: “This is fantastic — if I had had facilities like this when I was younger, I would’ve been over the moon.”

She said that motorsport in future would look to students and apprentices trained “in workshops like this”.

“It is so important to have the support of good engineers and mechanics. Everything you see in the industry, it all started here in workshops,” she said.

Featured image caption: Alice Powell cuts the ribbon with students Callum Benson, 18, principal Simon Andrews and Adam Swindells-Wright, 18

An apprentice plumber proved his ambition to be ‘Plumber of the Year’ was no pipe dream when he won the South West regional heat.

Dean Stratford, 21, who is studying a level two apprenticeship at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College while working for DW Dunn Ltd, beat 11 other hopefuls to compete in the national finals next month.

Dean, who is from South Cerney, said: “I found the skills I have learnt both on the job and at college meant the task in the competition was second nature to me. I can’t wait for the next round.”

He hopes to go on to complete a level three apprenticeship.

Tutor Tony Rainford said: “Dean has a natural ability for all things mechanical,…and he approached the competition with such a good attitude. Excellent work Dean.”

Featured image caption: Dean Stratford, 21, who could be on his way to becoming plumber of the year

Learners in south east Wales produced out of this world designs inspired by space and films for a spectacular live hair and make-up show.

Hairdressing students at Coleg Gwent let their imagination run wild with styles inspired by the silver screen, while theatrical make-up students took their designs from outer space.

Level three hairdressing student Sophie Gill, 18, won first place with zebra themed hair and make-up inspired by the film Madagascar, with Claire Hulett, 31, coming second with her Willy Wonka look, complete with pic‘n’mix laden hair.

First place in the theatrical make-up category was won by 19–year–old Jody Amner’s intergalactic angel with silver body paint that took seven hours to apply.

Coleg Gwent’s head of school for services to people, Helen Lawless, said: “This was a fantastic creative effort from a whole range of students.

“Everyone can be really proud of what they’ve achieved; it was a great event that enabled students to demonstrate their skill and talent.”

Comedian Matt Parker recently popped into Weston College to show around 90 A-level students that maths doesn’t always have to be serious.

The number-crunching  funnyman demonstrated how numbers were used in a typical episode of The Simpsons, and explained how maths was used in data encryption on websites such as Facebook.

Australian-born Matt, who has made a name for himself through YouTube videos and radio appearances, is a qualified teacher working in London.

Weston maths lecturer Ryan Aves, who organised the event, said: “Matt is very popular on the comedy circuit so it was great to have him along to show off his skills.

“His material is funny and thought-provoking, and he was a big hit with the students.”

Featured image caption: Matt Parker entertaining students at Weston College

An 18-year-old Cheshire student is hoping to represent the UK in the world water polo championships later this year.

Courtney Dean, an A2 PE student at Priestley College, is working with national coaches towards her goal of making the under-20s squad in the international competition in August.

She started playing as an eight-year-old after her brother asked her to fill in for his team.

“I enjoyed swimming, but I am more of a team player so it really suited me,” she said.

She has already competed in championships across Europe, including Russia where she had a taste of the celebrity life.

“It is one of their main sports — everybody was asking for our autographs,” she said.

Nigel Howells, Priestley’s head of sport, said: “It is great to hear about Courtney’s success, which is well deserved given her dedication to the sport.”

Caption for featured image: Courtney Dean, 18, hopes to represent the UK in the water polo world championships

London hairstylist Vas Karpetas has worked with celebrities such as Kiera Knightley, Jude Law — and The Sheffield College students.

He used the students as models when he was invited in to demonstrate the latest on-trend styles.

Vas said: “There are so many different career options within hairdressing, including editorial work, fashion, film and television and the theatre as well as working in salons.

“I explained that the most important thing is to have a go at new ideas, and that it’s OK to make mistakes because you learn from them.”

The event was held as part of the college’s Industry Week, which offered specialists the chance to showcase their skills in barbering, hairdressing, bamboo massage, eyebrow threading, hair extensions, make-up and Afro-Caribbean hairdressing.

Principal Julie Byrne said the college was “delighted” by Vas’s “inspirational” visit.

Featured image caption: Celebrity hairstylist Vas Karpetas with Sheffield College A–level student Alicia Irvine, 17, and aviation student Elize Miezane, 16, who were models for his demonstration 

MidKent College students got involved with wing clipping, hoof trimming and ear tagging when they went behind the scenes at a farm park.

Animal management students also learned how to herd and vaccinate sheep, and muck out cattle at Farming World near Faversham, which is closed to the public during its off-season.

Jessica Randall, 18, from Northfleet, said: “I got to do things I wouldn’t have been able to if I went as a member of the public.

“My favourite farm animals are pigs so I really enjoyed feeding them and rubbing louse powder on to them. I also had a good time visiting the birds of prey.”

Lecturer Gemma Claxton, who organised the trip, said: “This was a real hands-on experience for the students. It was great to see them build their confidence while applying their theory lessons to the real world.”

Featured image caption: Lauren Thornhill, 20, meets a peacock

West Country farm mechanisation students dug deep when they completed a 24-hour ploughing marathon in challenging weather conditions.

The 14 first-year students from Wiltshire College worked in shifts throughout the day and night to plough 184 acres and raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Cancer Research UK. Agricultural engineering trainer Fred Gwinnett, who helped to organise the event, praised their teamwork.

“This is the first real challenge that the students have undertaken and I was very pleased with how they performed,” he said.

“The conditions slightly hampered them – they weren’t able to work some of the fields as the ploughs just wouldn’t have gone through them.”

This year’s challenge — the 16th — is expected to raise £500.

Featured image caption: Lewis Humphrey, 17, takes his turn in the ploughing relay