For apprentice teacher Hanna Isaievska college life has provided a real lifeline after fleeing from the war in Ukraine.

Hanna came to the UK with her daughter in 2022, and was quickly referred to our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The move provided more than just the opportunity to polish her language skills – it introduced her to a supportive community that made the transition to living in a new country so much smoother.

A welcoming and supportive community

She said: “For me, being an ESOL student at Keighley College was a lifeline, especially in terms of socialising. At college, I met people who felt just as lost as I did and who also struggled with English.

“We shared news and information, and supported each other. My teacher at the time, Tanya, later became my colleague. She gave us not only language support but also the practical knowledge we needed for everyday life in the UK.

“I always felt comfortable and supported at college, and it completely changed my life here.”

Hanna gained her Level 2 Functional Skills English and GCSE qualifications – the equivalent of grade 4 GCSEs – while receiving strong support from her teachers and fellow students.

She then went on to land a role as a Community Employability Coach with the college which, as she explains, led to a brand new opportunity.

From student to teacher

She said: “While working as an employability coach I was asked several times to cover classes for teachers who were on sick leave. And I really enjoyed it!

“After that, I was offered a position as an apprentice ESOL teacher which I’m now at the final stage of, and should hopefully complete in June or July.

“I enjoy studying and I’m happy with my tutor, and my mentors have been supportive and have always given me helpful advice.

“Sometimes I have found it difficult to cope with the amount of paperwork, but overall it has been a very positive experience.”

Building a new life

By going into teaching Hanna is also drawing on skills that she developed back in Ukraine, where her first degree was related to teaching the Ukrainian and English languages.

Looking ahead, she said: “I feel very lucky to be part of my team. At college, I was given the opportunity to continue my education, find a job and meet amazing people who are always ready to help. 

“Thanks to this experience, I feel safe, supported and comfortable here.

“I’m here on a humanitarian visa, so my future remains uncertain which is difficult for me. But as long as this country will have me I would like to stay and continue building my life here.”

Courtney (left) and Amy (right) progressed to study Adult Nursing after completing the Access to HE: Health Science Professions Diploma at Keighley College.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma at Keighley College has helped two former students begin nursing careers at the same GP practice.

Amy and Courtney both completed the ‘Access to HE: Health Science Professions‘ course before being acceptyed to study Adult Nursing at the University of Bradford.

Amy is now a qualified nurse at a GP practice in Keighley, where she is mentoring Courtney, who is in her second year at university and completing a placement as a student nurse.

Although they studied the diploma three years apart, they are now working together and supporting each other in the next stage of their careers.

We caught up with Amy and Courtney about their time on the Access to HE course at Keighley College, and heard how it gave them the confidence to train and provided their pathway to industry.

Returning to education

Both Amy and Courtney said they were nervous about returning to education as adult learners.

Amy said: “I was so anxious because I had been out of education for more than 15 years.”

Courtney said: “I was worried about failing and wasting my time.”

Support on the Access course: not in it alone

Amy said the support from staff made a huge difference to her learning journey and success on the course and beyond.

“The staff supported me from the moment I walked in and even after I qualified,” she said. “I felt comfortable as an adult learner.”

A ‘head-start’ for university life and work

Amy said the course gave her the confidence to apply to university.

“I never thought I would be accepted to university, let alone graduate and become a nurse,” she said.

Courtney said: It gave me a real head-start, especially with assignments, study techniques and referencing…it was challenging, but completely worth it. It gave me the skills I needed to succeed.”

Advice for future students considering Access to HE

Amy encourages anyone considering a return to education to attend an open day.

Courtney said: “Even if it feels scary, take the first step. It can change your future.”

The Access to HE: Health Science Professions Diploma is a 12-month course for 19+ learners who are looking to kickstart a career in the health sciences.

You can explore more about the entry requirements and modules on the website.

With assessment season approaching at Keighley College, it’s normal to feel a bit of pressure and nerves. Whether you’re preparing for English and maths GCSEs, A levels or end-of-programme assessments, having the right revision approach and attitude can help you with your exam performance. 

No matter what stage you’re at, it’s not too late to get to grips with course material. We’ve provided some tips to help you approach this season positively and get the most out of your studies.

Make your revision active

One of the biggest mistakes students make is relying on passive revision, like re-reading notes or highlighting textbooks.

Instead, try more active techniques:

• Test yourself without looking at your notes
• Use flashcards or quick quizzes
• Explain topics out loud as if you’re teaching someone else

These methods help strengthen memory and make it easier to recall information in an exam.

Practice with past papers

Past papers are one of the most effective ways to prepare for exams.

They help you:

• Get familiar with question styles
• Understand how marks are awarded
• Build confidence under timed conditions

Don’t worry if you don’t get everything right straight away or don’t feel ready to sit an exam. The key is trying again and learning from mistakes.

Create a routine that works for you

Consistency is more effective than last-minute cramming.

Short, focused revision sessions with regular breaks can improve concentration and prevent burnout. Try to:

• Rotate between subjects
• Spend more time on topics you find challenging
• Build revision into your daily routine

Make your environment work for you

Your surroundings can have a big impact on how well you focus.

• Keep your workspace clear and organised
• Use music or background noise if it helps you concentrate
• Choose a space where you can work without distractions

Pairing revision with something positive, like a favourite drink, snack or a comfortable setup, can also help you stay motivated.

Use the support available

At Keighley College, there’s a range of support to help you succeed.

Booster sessions, revision workshops and tutor support can:

• Help you understand difficult topics
• Improve your exam technique
• Build your confidence

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: it’s one of the best ways to improve.

Look after your wellbeing

Taking care of yourself is just as important as revising.

Make sure you:

• Get enough sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Take regular breaks

Exam season can feel challenging, but with the right approach and support from Keighley College, you can go into your assessments feeling prepared and confident.

Good luck to everyone who is preparing for exam season- you’ve got this. 

When Gracie Walton began her apprenticeship in September 2023, she described herself as nervous and unsure of her voice. Just over a year later, she is an award-winning apprentice, a trusted representative for her peers, and a confident role model within her organisation.

Recently crowned winner of the Hard Working Award at the Luminate Apprenticeship Awards during National Apprenticeship Week, Gracie’s journey is a powerful example of how apprenticeships don’t just build technical expertise – they build confidence, leadership and character.

Based at Don Whitley Scientific Ltd, Gracie is completing the Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard alongside a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. She was nominated by her assessor, Phil Davidson, in recognition of her exceptional contribution both within the workplace and beyond her core role.

A trusted voice and positive role model

Since starting her apprenticeship, Gracie has developed into a confident and respected member of the team, building and testing specialist Anaerobic Workstations while continuing her studies at college one day a week.

Her assessor praised her for consistently putting herself forward to support colleagues and for acting as a trusted voice for fellow apprentices.

“Gracie consistently puts herself forward to help and support her colleagues, often acting as a trusted voice for team members when she feels they need representation,” he said. “She shares her opinions professionally and through the appropriate channels, including monthly apprentice catch-ups with the Engineering Director and HR.”

Gracie’s empathetic approach has made a real difference to those around her. When a fellow apprentice was off sick, she proactively volunteered to take notes during classes to ensure they didn’t fall behind. She has also embraced mentoring responsibilities, playing a key role in building the confidence of other apprentices within the company.

Alongside her technical role, Gracie is an active member of the company’s charity group. Working closely with colleagues, she independently organised two bake sales, demonstrating initiative, teamwork and a strong commitment to making a positive impact.

Choosing a different route

For Gracie, choosing an apprenticeship was a deliberate decision.

“I thought it’d be a different route to take,” she explained. “I was never really attracted to the idea of university. I wanted to gain experience from people who are actually doing the job, while earning money at the same time.”

Her typical week includes one day at Keighley College learning new theory and completing assignments, followed by hands-on work building and testing workstations – a process that can take several weeks from start to finish. She also undertakes additional training on new products, continually expanding her technical knowledge.

Growing in confidence

Beyond technical skills, Gracie says the apprenticeship has transformed her confidence.

“When I first started, I was quite nervous,” she said. “Over time I’ve become much more confident, and that’s helped me to have a voice within the company.”

One of her proudest moments was receiving a Team Working Award – something she once would not have imagined.

“Past me found working in a team quite hard as I’m naturally quite quiet and nervous. Winning an award for helping others in a team and giving them a voice is something I’m really proud of.”

Gracie credits the support of colleagues Clare and Fergus for helping her succeed.

“They’re a great support system and always want the best for us. Just knowing someone is in your corner and won’t settle for low standards makes a big difference.”

Looking ahead

After completing her apprenticeship, Gracie hopes to progress onto an Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Electrical Engineering. Longer term, she is keen to explore opportunities across different areas of the business, including sales, service or research and development, to broaden her understanding and experience.

Having now been crowned Hard Working Award winner, Gracie is a powerful advocate for apprenticeships.

“Yes, I’d definitely recommend an apprenticeship. You gain real experience, earn money while you learn, and meet experienced people with amazing knowledge. It opens up opportunities you might not get through other routes.”

Gracie’s story is a testament to the transformative power of apprenticeships and the impact one determined individual can have on a workplace community.

Keighley College has received a new piece of artwork courtesy of street artist Dave Bonzai, as part of BD:Walls, a Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme.

Onsite painting was carried out over just a few days, but the overall project – including design development, planning and technical preparation – took several weeks to complete.

The Keighley mural is among a collection of permanent artworks commissioned across the district through BD:Walls, with new pieces also appearing in Bradford city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods. Bonzai’s approach was deliberately chosen to resonate with students and signal Keighley’s ongoing regeneration, rather than focusing on a purely heritage-based design.

The mural now serves as a live learning resource for students – particularly those studying creative arts, construction and design – and is already contributing to wider conversations about identity and regeneration in the town.

Keighley College principal Kevin O’Hare said:

“The mural has transformed our college facade into something far bigger than decoration. It has become a landmark – one that speaks directly to Keighley’s past, present and future.

“Keighley is a town with a rich industrial and cultural heritage. We rightly take pride in that history, but pride should never tip into nostalgia alone. Towns that thrive are those that remember where they came from while being brave enough to signal where they’re going. This mural does exactly that.

“Research into public art consistently shows that artworks which invite interpretation, rather than dictate meaning, create stronger emotional connections and a greater sense of ownership among communities. This mural asks you to pause, look again, and decide what it means to you.

“The lettering appears to sit proud of the wall, like liquid mercury poured and frozen mid-flow. Mercury is an apt metaphor for Keighley itself – reflective, adaptive, sometimes volatile, always in motion.

“We’re delighted to have been able to offer our wall for this project. Not because it makes our building more eye-catching, but because it aligns with our wider mission – to open doors, reflect the communities we serve, and help shape a confident, creative future for the town.”

Keighley College staff, partners and apprentices celebrated the official opening of the new Technical Engineering Centre (TEC), a purpose-built hub designed to train the next generation of engineers and manufacturers.

Located within the £12 million Providence Park industrial development and supported by over £3 million of government funding through the Keighley Towns Fund, the centre represents a major investment in Keighley’s infrastructure and people.

Designed in close consultation with local employers, the centre will enable up to 120 learners to develop the high-level technical skills needed across Yorkshire’s growing engineering and manufacturing sectors.

The centre officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Michael Parkinson OBE. After this, local employers, including one of the building’s sponsors, Tecconex, were invited to tour the new facility and meet with engineering apprentices, who demonstrated the cutting-edge equipment now available to Keighley college learners. The visit showcased how the centre is already connecting industry and education to address regional skills needs.

Kelly McAllister, Director of Apprenticeships at Luminate Education Group, said: “We know from recent government announcements that there will be more focus on driving technical excellence; areas like this are vital in giving us the capacity to develop the workforce of the future.”

When Roger Page was last at the college The Beatles were just a fledgling band trying to make a name for themselves.

A lot has changed since his 15 year old self began a Junior Engineers course here in 1960, and Roger has gone on to have a long and distinguished career in the aviation industry.

He has provided the engineering and technical expertise to support the establishment of three major airlines, restructured five others and held senior positions with many more.

Now 80, he decided to visit us recently to share his remarkable story with our current crop of engineering apprentices and students.

Revisiting great college memories

He was welcomed by Principal Kevin O’Hare, engineering course leaders and apprenticeship assessors, who showed him around our facilities.

Roger said: “I contacted Kevin to see if I could visit the college, at the good age of 80, to rekindle memories of what I consider a great period of my life.

“I have been lucky and have had what I would consider an interesting life, more in reality a vocation. And  I wanted to introduce myself as a person who was not an exceptional student by any means.

“The facilities at the college today are very much in accord with the expectations of what is now needed to promote the skills of young people.

“In my day, when it was Keighley Technical College and School of Art, it was also good for its time. We also used the Mechanics’ Institute for additional lessons such as photography and vehicle technology, as well as metal work.”

Inspiring the next generation

Roger, who secured an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce Aero Engine Division Barnoldswick after his year in Keighley, enjoyed speaking to some of our engineering apprentices who are working with local firms.

Principal Kevin said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Roger, who has gone on to have such an illustrious career since studying at the college all those years ago, and show him around our engineering facilities.

“It was truly inspirational for our engineering apprentices and students to meet him and hear about his success, which shows just what is possible.

“Roger has done some amazing things in engineering, particularly in connection with SpiceJet India, so to hear from someone who has ‘walked the walk’ was really something special.

“Such visits play a key role in motivating our learners and we would be delighted to welcome him back any time.”

As an Airline Facilitator in technical support and engineering, Roger racked up a long list of impressive achievements over his career and travelled to 85 countries. Reflecting on his role, he said: “It was all about creating teams, setting up processes, and procedures, acquiring staff and aircraft.”

It’s been quite a year for Business Administration apprentice Sam Holder.

Sam joined Silsden-based EthOss Regeneration as an office administrator in 2024, at the age of 16.

He has flourished in the role over the past 12 months – and earlier this year won one apprenticeship award while being shortlisted for another.

Deserved recognition

Sam said: “It was a great feeling to win the National Apprenticeship Week Luminate* Awards Team Work category, and to then hear that I had also been nominated for a West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Award was incredibly rewarding.

“It felt like I was being recognised for the hard work I had put into my education and my role in the workplace.”

That hard work was also recognised by EthOss, which specialises in dental implants and bone grafting, in its message of congratulations to Sam. It said: “Sam works hard every day to complete orders and is learning the essential skills needed to run effective warehouse operations.

“Not only that, but he has also expressed a desire to learn more about the business including the finance and marketing functions, whilst also reigniting the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) team. He brings a daily dose of enthusiasm to the office – and we couldn’t be prouder.”

A breadth of learning across the business

Sam, now 17, will have his final apprenticeship assessment on 1 July. Reflecting on the variety of work he has experienced at EthOss, he said: “I love my role. Every day is varied and I have the opportunity to learn across multiple departments and specialties.

“One day I am taking care of warehouse tasks, the next I could be looking into month end sale trackers or  supporting the marketing team with website analytics.

“It’s nice to not be placed into one department – I have the freedom to explore areas that could influence my future career.”

Unlocking doors for the future

Sam is now weighing up his next steps but is certain that his decision to go down the apprenticeship route has paid off.

He said: “I would love to progress my education further and I am actually considering higher education, specialising in one of the areas that I have been introduced to in the workplace.

“I am currently still in a position of exploring my options and where I would like my career to go – but the great thing about this apprenticeship is that so many doors are open to me now.

“I would definitely recommend the apprenticeship route to others, it gives you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in various areas of a business and allows you to build up a network of people to help you along the way.”

*Keighley College is one of the members of Luminate Education Group.

Local businesses and dignitaries have turned out in force to help us toast our 200th anniversary.

The college, which began as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute on February 14, 1825 is holding events throughout the year to mark the occasion.

In February we hosted our big celebratory meal for current and former members of staff, students, business partners and civic dignitaries.

The guests included the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Beverley Mullaney, Keighley Town Mayor Councillor Gulfraz Hussain, and Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe.

They were entertained by student Leonardo Balaz who played piano throughout the evening, while attendees shared memories and left messages of congratulations.

A distinguished past, an exciting future

Cllr Hussain summed up the mood on the night. He said: “I would like to say ‘happy birthday’ to Keighley College! It’s a great honour for me to be here to celebrate.”

Reflecting on a memorable evening, Principal Kevin O’Hare said: “We’ve come such a long way since starting, as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute back on Valentine’s Day, 1825 – so it was fantastic to mark the college’s anniversary in style with friends past and present.

“I really enjoyed welcoming, and chatting to, so many of our industry partners along with former members of staff and alumni. The fact they made time to come along and help us celebrate this historic milestone 

“Our commitment to helping the community and its businesses prosper is as strong as ever going forward, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the first students into our new Engineering hub, as well as holding more anniversary activities, later this year.”

Warm words for a proud training legacy

Representatives from some of the district’s key manufacturers, including Acorn Stairlifts, Fives Landis, Spooners, Byworth Boilers, Airedale Springs and Expressed Steel Panels, attended the anniversary meal.

Many have had strong links with us that stretch back years. In the case of Fives Landis, that relationship has included many of its senior leadership team being trained there.

Speaking before the meal, HSE & Training manager John Harrison said: “Keighley College was integral to training future engineers for what was then Landis Lund Ltd.

“While apprentices once had to travel elsewhere for training, we’ve now returned to our roots, with Keighley College as our main apprenticeship provider.”

Shaping careers and inspiring change

Mechanical Engineering Administrator Amanda Dowden credits the college with giving her the confidence to succeed in a male-dominated field.

Amanda, who started as an apprentice at Fives Landis in 1978, said: “Studying at Keighley College has shaped my career, and it helped give me the confidence to do something I enjoyed in an area that was not seen as something a woman would do in those days.

“The college has been an integral part of training future engineers. I hope it continues for another 200 years, inspiring generations to come.”

Guests from the wider community who attended included Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, headteachers from many local schools, Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, Tim Rogers and Gemma Hobbs, Bradford 2025’s Community Connector for Keighley and Ilkley.