To get into the spirit of Colleges week, education reporter, Nick Summers went to Lewisham College to have a go at welding

Welding and journalism are two professions that couldn’t possibly be more different. While one involves typing frantically on a laptop and wearing a shirt and tie, the other involves using industrial machinery, grubby overalls and working halfway up the side of steel bridges.

So it should come as no surprise that I was incredibly nervous about trying welding for the first time. Steve Granville, a welding instructor at Lewisham College, was kind enough to put me through the basics and explain how all of the protective gear would save me from instant death. Fireproof overalls, reinforced leather gloves, skull cap and goggles; you name it, I was wearing it.

Steve then showed me a piece of metal that was sharp enough to cut skin with a single stroke. It was my job to smoothen the edges using the machinery, a task that would be simple were it not for the hundreds of sparks flying towards my face. Nevertheless I had a go and I must admit, it was hugely enjoyable to work with the equipment and produce a few fireworks (not literally) in the classroom.

My efforts earned me a lesson on metal arc welding. This is when the afternoon got really dangerous. After being given yet more protective head gear (this time with a high-tech electric visor) I was allowed to use a high-powered blow torch to weld two pieces of metal together. The light emitted would damage the human eye and meant that I was unable to see most of my welding. The bottom of the page shows what I produced – no doubt I could do with some more practice!

Colleges Week is a great chance for students to try some of the courses that FE colleges offer. Lewisham College gave me a valuable insight into welding and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity. Think I’ll stick to the journalism though…

At this time of year the news is awash with political headlines from party leaders promising what they are going to do for Britain. Conference season is one of the busiest times of the year for any political party. It is an opportunity to showcase a party’s credentials and talents, in the hope of gains in the polls.  This week saw the Labour party hold their annual conference in Liverpool; the first time since 1925.

FE Week’s Shane Mann was invited by the Labour party to take part in the Prosperity and Work session of conference on Monday afternoon. Shane used the opportunity to explore Labour conference and find out who has been keeping up to date with FE news from FE Week.

I first attended the Labour party conference in 2008, which was held in Manchester. At the time Labour were the party of Government and I recall the excitement of walking around the venue whilst casually bumping in to the odd Secretary of State or witnessing journalists running after their next potential story. For those that have had the opportunity to attend a party conference, it is a bewildering experience. But one that captivates you into the realm of politics and policy development.

This year I was asked by the party to take part in the Prosperity and Work debate on Monday afternoon. I was tasked with representing further education and to inform conference about the campaigns I led and worked on in Norfolk, to save the transport subsidy for 16-18 year olds.

I was one of four others to take part in the debate. Joining me were; Gordon D’Silva, CEO, Training for Life,  Sophie Jenkinson, chairwoman, Shropshire Young Labour and  Michael Taylor, operations director at Fosters Bakery and regional ambassador of the National Apprenticeship Service.

The debate followed key note speeches from John Denham MP, shadow business secretary, Liam Byrne MP, shadow work and pensions secretary and Maria Eagle MP, shadow transport secretary. She also joined us for the debate to provide a perspective from the Shadow Cabinet.

The debate focussed on our experiences in recent years and what we believed was needed to increase jobs, growth and improve public services.

Before it was time to enter the conference hall we were all invited back stage for lunch and a quick rehearsal. All of us were nervous; it was hard not to be, especially when an ex-cabinet minister, when asked how they find delivering a conference speech replied, “Its one of the worst experiences known to man.” At that point there was a sudden realisation from the four of us that, if they are nervous what hope is there of us calming down.

Following Eagle’s speech the Q&A commenced. A wide range of issues were bought up from the panellists, from support for smaller companies to enable training to its employees to graduate unemployment. I discussed the issues around the cost of transport for young people in FE and the impact of the withdrawal of EMA. I even “shamelessly” used the platform to plug FE Week, when referring to the survey we published last week from Lsect regarding student numbers this academic year.

For me personally, Maria Eagle’s policy announcement before the Q&A, was music to my ears. Since studying in FE I have believed that transport should be free for young people in colleges and sixth forms. There was wide support from the panel and conference when I concluded that it is simply not good enough to provide a concessionary scheme. The government need to reinstate the EMA to ensure that no young person’s education is hindered due to affordability.

Whilst at conference I also went along to several fringe events which focussed on young people. There was lots of debate around the quality of information, advice and guidance that young people will receive, now that services such as Aim Higher have now been removed.  Liam Burns, National President of the NUS, explained his concern that young people will not be equipped with the information required when it comes to deciding on whether to move on to university.

Both Ed Miliband and Andy Burnham made reference to apprenticeships during their speeches.  On Tuesday Miliband said, “Supporting the producers, that is what it means to be pro-business today. That is why I say all major government contracts will go to firms who commit to training the next generation with decent apprenticeships.”

On Wednesday afternoon Burnham went further to announce Labour’s new vision for apprenticeships. Burnham said “I want young people who aspire to do apprenticeships to have the same clarity, ambition and sense of purpose. I want them to be able to find out and apply for them in exactly the same way as people apply for university.

“So let’s look at a national UCAS-style system for apprenticeships, raising sights, rewarding those who work hardest, giving all children hope and a goal in life.”

Clearly these are only ideas at this stage and the policy of a party in opposition. However the idea of introducing a “UCAS style” application process is something that the sector needs to respond to.

Next week we have the party of government’s annual conference, we await the Conservative party’s next vision for FE.

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education enjoying his copy of FE Week

FE Week takes a look at what’s on offer at colleges across the country during Colleges Week 2011

Warwickshire College challenged a radio presenter to try some of their vocational courses as part of Colleges Week 2011.  Ollie Gallant, who presents the breakfast show at Touch FM, took part in five taster sessions which were then broadcast over five consecutive mornings on the station. One of the challenges included scaling a tree 60 foot in the air with only a rope and harness. The deadly ascent was designed to show Mr Gallant the physical side of the tree surgery and arboriculture course held at the college. Tutor Andrew Panter said: “People don’t realise how much physical strength you need to become a tree surgeon. “Giving people a taster of this subject certainly helps potential students get a better idea of what is expected before they come on a course.” Mr Gallant’s other tasks included grooming a horse, making clothes out of a plastic bag and constructing a working carpentry joint. Mr Gallant said: “I never knew there were so many options available ‘outside the classroom.’ “If I was still at school and looking at what to do next, I would have absolutely loved to come to a college like this and do one of these hands-on sessions.” Warwickshire College set up the sessions to show students the land-based courses that they offer and what life as a college student is like.

Hartlepool College of Further Education has been teaching young people how to make their own sweets, create light graffiti and beat a robot at table tennis as part of Colleges Week 2011. The innovative sessions were put on by the college to show learners the creative side of some of their courses. Visitors could try their hand at a number of vocational trades such as aerospace engineering, plumbing and beauty therapy throughout the week. Other activities included piloting a flight simulator, dry stone walling and pyramid building.

Havering College has been offering young people the chance to try hairdressing and CPR at a local retail complex (see picture). Potential students visiting The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford were taught how to bandage properly and use various lifesaving skills such as Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).The college was also offering visitors the chance to try a range of hairdressing skills such as hair braiding, basket weaving and hair-up techniques. The event, called ‘Have a Go in Colleges Week’, was designed to spark ambition and show young people the variety of career possibilities being taught at the college.

Southport College had a local reporter come in and try aromatic massage, photography and motor vehicle maintenance as part of Colleges Week 2011. The Southport Visitor sent one of their journalists to show potential students the variety of practical courses being taught at the college.

Carshalton College has been holding grand tours for visitors as part of Colleges Week 2011. Potential students had the chance to look around the Renaissance hair and beauty salon, the Nightingales in-house training restaurant and student common room on September 28. The tours also stopped at the motor vehicle and construction work spaces. The Pulse Health & fitness Centre team were available to provide young people with tours of the college gym, swimming pool, dance studios and sports hall.

East Berkshire College treated young people to ‘bite-size’ career tasters at a special event held by East Berkshire College. Vocational activities on offer included bricklaying, hairdressing and manicures, motor vehicle maintenance and t-shirt printing. Visitors could also participate in more energetic activities including an army-style assault coure.

Blackpool and The Fylde College has been offering students the chance to take part in a crime scene investigation as part of Colleges Week 2011. The Open Day offered visitors a number of activities including ‘You’re Hired’, ‘Place Your Bets’ and ‘Under the Sea’. Carina Gribbon, 14-19 Learning Partnership Manager said of Colleges Week: “It’s a great way of igniting a passion to learn, as well as helping us connect with our local community.”

South Devon College treated members of their music department to a disk-jockey master class from BBC Radio 1 DJ Ras Kwame as part of Colleges Week. The college also held the Torbay Police Bravery Awards with student volunteers from the college’s uniformed public services department. The student union (SDC: SU) held a number of events with a healthy theme to celebrate the announcement that South Devon College has been recognised as a ‘Healthy FE College’ by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS).