Stratford-upon-Avon College has hosted its annual prom and crowned this years’ prom King, Queen, Prince and Princess.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Stratford-upon Avon were among the guests at the ballroom at Stratford Town Hall. The evening was a celebration of the hard work and achievements of the students during the past year.

A student vote gave Dean Wilcox and Jasmine Smith the title of prom King and Queen. College staff voted Alex Francis to be the Prince and Nicola Gair the Princess. The music for the event was provided by three bands formed by College students who have been studying Music.

Marc Thorne, programme area manager for pre-entry and entry courses, said: “It was fantastic to see the students all dressed up and so excited about the event and it was wonderful to see the Mayor and Mayoress, as this really means a lot to the students.”

Former City of Bath College student Peter France, the chief executive of Bath-based Rotork Plc, has received the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Gold Award at the House of Commons.

Staff and students from City of Bath College were present at the awards ceremony, which is held each year to recognise further education alumni as well as acknowledge the vital role that colleges play in the careers of the winners and of their continuing achievements.

Peter France was nominated by the college where he studied an apprenticeship in electrical and electronic engineering between 1984 and 1989.

On receiving his award, Peter said: “The combination of practical work experience and academic study provided a fantastic foundation for my working life. It is an educational model that works and one that this country should be very proud of. I will always be grateful for the time I spent at City of Bath College.”

HTP Training is celebrating achieving a 95 per cent success rate for its apprentices – the best in Southern England.

HTP which achieved ‘Outstanding, Grade 1’ status from Ofsted in 2008 is now one of the 12 best training providers in the UK. The announcement was made by Rachael Fidler, HTP’s managing director, during a special event laid on to commend the company’s efforts.

Rachael Fidler says: “Apprenticeships offer an effective route to a rewarding career and from the feedback we receive from our learners, it is a far more cost effective option than going to university and saddling up student debts.

“Today’s youth face an incredibly challenging job market and it’s rewarding to help so many youngsters secure employment. The fact is that there are jobs out there but employers struggle to find people with the right skills. We bridge this gap and help ambitious youngsters to secure jobs with some of Southern England’s top employers.”

Rookie cooks served up a treat at the final of MidKent College’s annual Battle of the Chefs competition.

Students on level 1 hospitality and catering courses squared off against one another in an attempt to impress the judges at the Medway Campus’ Pavilion Restaurant. Dishes served up at the final included pork and braised scallion terrine for starter, pan-roasted haddock for main, and crème brûlée for dessert.

Johannes Keevey, a lecturer, said: “Everyone who took part in this year’s event has done exceptionally well. Many of the students put in long hours to ensure everything went according to plan, and the teamwork and passion they displayed was a joy to witness.”

The Pavilion Restaurant is run almost entirely by students at the Medway Campus, under the watchful eyes of members of staff who have a wealth of experience in the hospitality and catering industries.

A collection of Seventies inspired clothes have gone on display as fashion students from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London held the first of two end of year fashion shows.

Family and friends applauded students’ work as models glided down the catwalk at the College’s Tottenham Centre to Seventies beats, showcasing a variety of designs from mini dresses and hot pants to evening gowns and two pieces. Student Doreen Antwi, who designed five pieces, said: “When we were given the assignment I thought about strong characters throughout the Seventies and Grace Jones came to mind.

“She has such a dominant style that demands attention and that’s what I wanted with my designs, which are sharp and tailored.”

Doreen, who is going to Middlesex University to study a BA in fashion and textiles in September, said: “I love fashion so I enjoy every minute of it. I’m already designing clothes for myself and my friends so I’m hoping to open a boutique when I finish.”

Four learners from the Herefordshire College of Technology studying Blacksmithing have created a beacon that has been positioned on the well-known county landmark, Garway Hill.

Thomas Tribe, Ed Glennie, Peter Averson and Ben Crosthwaite accepted the commission from Garway Hill Commoners’ Association to build the beacon and were managed under the watchful eye of HCT course tutor, Pete Smith.

Ben Crosthwaite was thrilled to see the beacon fly the flag for the traditional craft. “We hope that people will be able to see the beacon across the county and that it measures up to everyone’s expectations. It is good that people will get to see a traditionally-made piece of metalwork; maybe it’ll rekindle a bit of flame for the blacksmithing craft!”

Lesley Whistance, chairperson of the Garway Hill Commoners’ Association, commended everyone involved in the project at the lighting celebration: “We’re very grateful to have this wonderful construction. It has been a great deal of work for everyone involved and it really has been worth it.”

Weston College art faculty celebrated its 25th annual summer art show with a huge exhibition.

More than 4,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, fashion and graphic art were in the Wild Weston show at the College’s university campus.

The event is regarded as a showcase for spotting future artistic talent and attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom buy an original art piece.

The show is run by the Faculty of Creative Arts and features higher education, and further education students on courses including art and design, photography, media production, fashion and graphics
Weston College’s head of creative art, Sarah Clark, said: “The youngest exhibitor is 16 and the oldest is in their 60s.

“We are delighted with the growth of the Faculty and the expansion of the summer show. The standard of student work is excellent and the imagery diverse and highly creative in celebration of our student body and we hope everyone attending will be as impressed as we are. A lot of visitors to the show buy pieces of original art and it’s great for the students to enjoy a financial benefit for their hard work.”

A carpentry apprentice at Canterbury College has won a prestigious scholarship to improve a stately home recently saved by Prince Charles.

Raymond Alvsvag, 23, is one of only 10 people in the UK to be awarded a scholarship on the Building Skill in Craft apprenticeship scheme, which is run by The Prince’s Foundation. After he completes a Level 3 NVQ in wood occupations at the college later this month, Raymond will join a summer school at the foundation at Dumfries House in Scotland.

The school will see students design and construct a garden feature on the Dumfries Estate with input from the local community.

The judges were impressed by Raymond’s application, which included samples of his College work. He said: “I was amazed to get it. Working there is going to be a big honour.”

A spokesman from the Prince’s Foundation said: “We are always incredibly proud of the achievements of our craft apprentices. Craft Skills are dying out in the UK and it is vital that we help to preserve them.”