For the third year in a row, Gateshead College has been named among Britain’s 100 Best Not for Profit Organisations to Work For, after its commitment to its employees has achieved national recognition.

It is the only college in the North East to make The Sunday Times Best Not for Profit Organisations to Work For 2012 survey and is one of 10 North East regional organisations to feature.

Principal Richard Thorold said: “We want Gateshead College to be the employer of choice, so it’s vital to gauge how employees feel about working here.

He added: “Having an engaged workforce is key to business success, when times are hard it is even more important to take care of your people, they are our most important asset and it is this which will give us our advantage.
“The survey reaffirms that we are doing the right things and doing them well.

“However, we won’t be resting on our laurels as we will continue to look at areas which can be improved.”

World boxing champion Amir Khan was the guest of honour at the opening of Salford City College’s Worsley College Boxing Gym.

Khan has a strong affiliation with Salford City College after working in partnership together for two-and-a-half years.

The college has utilised the facilities at Khan’s Bolton-based boxing gym, Gloves Community Centre, to teach college students sports lessons and enrichment.

This partnership led to Khan and Gloves generously donating an entire selection of top of the range boxing equipment to Worsley College.

Khan said: “I’m extremely proud to have helped to develop the boxing gym at Salford City College, and to be able to provide opportunities for students and members of the wider community to get involved in the sport.
“It’s a brilliant gym, with great facilities, I’m really happy we could be involved in this project.”

Phil Arbelo-Dolan, sports development manager at the college, said: “Without the help and support Salford City College has received from Amir and the team down at Gloves, us having our own boxing gym would be merely a pipe dream.

“We are extremely grateful for their generous donation and hope to continue our partnership going forwards.”

Demonic forces swept through MidKent College as talented students performed one of Christopher Marlowe’s most controversial plays.

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus – which appalled some 17th century audiences due to its Satanic references – tells the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for power and knowledge.

But perhaps last week’s four productions proved to be too realistic, as the summoning of the devil during one performance eerily coincided with a power cut that plunged the Medway Campus theatre into darkness for more than 30 minutes.

Carole Bowles, programme area leader for performing arts, said: “It was very strange when the lights went out at that exact moment.

“But the audience were enjoying the show so much that they were more than happy to wait until the power came back on.

“The students and staff discussed how to make the play relevant to a contemporary audience and I think they did a fantastic job.”

Stratford-upon-Avon College recycled more than 1,700 cans in an inventive and unique way last week.

Students were encouraged to crush their empty drink cans and add them to a hollow statue of Greek mythological figure Icarus.

The 10ft, winged statue, provided by recycling charity Every Can Counts was situated in the college’s Cultural Café.

The aim was to fill it with in a week – an aim which was successfully accomplished.

Amy Daly, from Every Can Counts, said: “It’s the first time we have used Icarus in an environment other than music festivals. I’m very impressed the students have managed to fill it within a week.’

The incentive has proven to be a great success as the statue received a lot of attention and even got the seal of approval from visitiors.

Ben Fry, student liaison co-ordinator, said: “The event proved a great success and we were delighted to have filled Icarus by the end of the week.”

Football stars of the future can hone their skills at South Cheshire College’s first-ever new Sports Academy.

The new Sports, Leadership and Coaching Academy targets students from all college courses and will give them the chance to take part in regular training sessions and matches from September.

Other sports which the Academy will deliver include volleyball, basketball and netball and students will be able to compete in the British Colleges Sports League.

Second year students and new college starters who leave school this summer will be invited to take part in trials for the Academy from April onwards.

Graham Coffey, head of sport at the college, said: “The launch of the Academy gives all our students the opportunity to participate in a range of sports or take the opportunity to learn the ropes of a sports coach or leader.

“Previously students across the college have only had the chance to take part in sports matches and activities on Wednesday afternoons.

“However, this new Academy will become a structured part of the College week and will hopefully raise the profile of sport across the College and throughout the area.”

A South Birmingham College student performed live on stage with a supergroup of pop legends at a packed-out gig.

Alex Gibbs (20), from Sutton, sang Video Killed the Radio Star alongside Trevor Horn – the man who made the song a classic back in 1979 with The Buggles, and his new band.

Trevor’s new band, Producers, also stars Ash Soan, drummer to artists such as Adele and CeeLo Green.

The Producers stopped at South Birmingham College to talk to music students about music and how they can make a success in the business – of which they know plenty about having more than 200 hit songs between them.

The band performed a free gig at the college’s venue, the Crossing in Digbeth.

As well as playing their world famous hits such as the 10CC classic Not in Love and Tatu’s All the Things She Said produced by Trevor Horn, they played a selection of new material

Alex, who is studying HND in Popular Music Practice at the college, said: “I can’t believe I have had this opportunity. To be up on stage with people like this was an amazing experience and I loved every minute.”

The minister for FE John Hayes visited Hopwood Hall College’s new Middleton campus to officially open its state-of-the art new Technology Centre.

Hopwood Hall College got the green light for a new £7 million Technology Centre at their Middleton campus in 2010, funded partly by the YPLA and partly by bank loan.

Mr Hayes cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled a plaque on the new building.

During his visit, he was given a tour of the Centre by Principal Derek O’Toole and student Karen Harris from the College’s Student Leadership Team.

Mr Hayes said: “I am delighted to have been invited to open the new state-of-the-art Technology Centre at Hopwood Hall College which will inspire students to aim as high as they can.