Keighley College is marking the countdown to Christmas with its annual reverse advent calendar for families in need this winter.

In its fourth year, the calendar reaches out to members of the community who may be struggling during the festive season. Staff and students contribute useful items such as tinned goods, gloves, scarfs and toiletries for vulnerable families, individuals and food banks in the area. 

Tracey Turner, Student Relations Officer at Keighley College, said: “This annual collection is a great opportunity to give back to the community. As many of us look forward to the Christmas period, we must think about those disadvantaged families who often find this time difficult.

“We have a key role to play in supporting those people who need it most, and it’s humbling to see how many students and staff are making contributions to the calendar. The initiative also gives students an insight into food poverty and showcases the importance of helping others.”

Each box on the display will be filled and at the end of term, the contents of the calendar are distributed.

Are you looking to develop a skill and learn something new? 

This year, we’re inviting adults aged 19 and over to come into college to discover our range of subjects, as part of the Festival of Learning.

Festival of Learning

The Festival of Learning is a national campaign which celebrates lifelong learning for adults. 

The festival’s mission is to demonstrate the benefits of adult learning and raise awareness across the country. Some of the key reasons to engage in adult learning include:

• Wellbeing: Wellbeing is at the heart of adult learning, enabling learners to meet new people and improve self-esteem.
• Flexibility: Adult education can be a flexible service that accommodates other commitments, such as families and jobs.
• Opportunities: There are adult learner providers across the district that can offer personalised and specialised learning experiences.
• Confidence: Lifelong learning enriches the lives of learners, providing them with better opportunities and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes.

Take part in our Have a Go Fortnight

If you’re interested in adult learning, but aren’t sure which course is for you, why not come down to college and get a taste of our diverse curriculum areas?

Our Have a Go Fortnight will be running from 1 to 12 November at Keighley College.

Over these two weeks, we’re inviting all adults across the region to learn something new, enhance employability and improve wellbeing through our bespoke adult taster sessions.

Book on these sessions using this link. Our available taster sessions include:

• 1 November: Media Makeup Taster from 11.30am to 12.30pm
• 2 November: Motor Vehicle – Check a Wheel and Change Tire Pressure from 10am to 11am
• 3 November: Health and Social Care – First Aid CPR from 11am to 12pm
• 5 November: Construction – Joinery from 10am to 11am
• 5 November: Plumbing – Removing a Radiator from 11am to 12pm
• 8 November: Hair – Hair Up with Ornamentation from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
• 9 November: Sports – Fitness Testing from 11am to 12pm
• 10 November: National Careers Service – Discover Your Personality Type from 10am to 11am

Ongoing events

As part of the Festival of Learning, we’re working with local partners across the district to deliver programmes and events that develop the skills and support the mental health and wellbeing of adults.

Discover our upcoming events here.

Community-centered learning is a pillar of adult education. This informal approach to learning offers adults a relaxed and inclusive environment, while giving them the opportunity to integrate with members of the community.

As part of the Festival of Learning; a national campaign which celebrates lifelong learning, we’re shining a spotlight on key community centres which inspire and empower individuals in the area.

Bangladeshi Community Association

This month, we’re taking a look at the Bangladeshi Community Association; a Keighley-based non-profit organisation which aims to better the lives of the Bangladeshi and local residents by providing services, activities and events.

Keen to make a lasting imprint on the community, the centre’s staff and volunteers work with members of the community and local organisations to improve and develop the area, as well as voicing the views of the Bangladeshi community.

Collaboration with Keighley College

As part of the collaborative work undertaken with Keighley College, each week two teachers from the college visit the centre to teach maths, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), reflexology and exercise for women.

Sam Stelling, Community-led Learning Development Tutor at Keighley College, commented on the work done with the centre: “We’re committed to building bridges between our college and the community centres by showcasing the many benefits of lifelong learning. So far, our classes have had some great engagement; it’s fantastic to see adults, especially women, of all ages engaging in fun learning activities. Some progress into college where they can access further courses and others benefit from dropping into the college based Skills Lab, which they use for one-to-one support in personal development and employability.

“From 20 September, we’ll be introducing new courses including teaching assistant, DIY for women and African drumming. As many of the members find the prospect of college intimidating, our role is to bring stimulating learning experiences to them where they feel most comfortable.

“The work I do with the Bangladeshi Community Association is extremely rewarding; the connections I’ve made and the lasting friendships I’ve seen blossom has been wonderful. We now want to spread the word about this centre, the value it adds to the community and encourage adults to find out more.”

Shining a light on the centre

The four-strong centre team is made up of the centre manager, administrator, citizens advice consultant and a facilities manager.

We caught up with Hajera Ansari, who is the centre administrator and receptionist at the centre.

“The centre acts as a focal point for the Bangladeshi community, offering support, guidance and helping people to become more independent. As well as offering various classes, such as basic skills, sewing and exercise, we run an advice centre which helps individuals with issues such as benefits, immigration, jobs, translation and form filling. 

“Community centres are vital for improving adults’ wellbeing; they have the opportunity to improve their skills which will benefit them in the future. These environments also help adults feel comfortable in a place which is familiar to them, allowing them to build relationships and become more confident and independent.

“A lot of the centre users see it as a second home, where they can make a real difference to their lives by learning different skills, engaging with a diverse range of people and enhancing their knowledge.”

Shelina Khanom, Keighley-resident who studied Foundation Studies at Keighley College, commented: “I used to go to the sewing classes at Bangladeshi Community Association, which allowed me to learn new skills. 

“I have now started to do the exercise and maths classes with Sam; it’s great fun and has really boosted my confidence.”

Find out more about the Bangladeshi Community Centre here.

Raaj Ray has lived and worked in Keighley for many years, and has always been keen to raise the aspirations of young people in the area.

Driven by the desire to boost opportunities for young people, he returned to college in his forties to equip him with the skills to set up his own security business, Raaj CCTV.

An informed decision

Raaj spent many years working within the fire, CCTV and intruder alarm industry. Keen to develop his skills for his professional development, he got in touch with Keighley College.

“I chose Keighley College because of its openness to show me the workshops and training areas before signing up. The college was really accommodating, allowing me to see where I would be learning and meet the tutors.

“At the age of 45, I wanted to be sure that I was making the right decision. The college appreciated this, and showed me the past results for the course, giving me the confidence to join the Electrical Installation Level 2 course.”

Motivated to progress

After two years at college, Raaj is continuing his academic journey by progressing onto the Electrical Installation City and Guilds Level 3 qualification.

“I chose to return to college for a third year due to my outstanding tutors; they’re extremely knowledgeable, polite and have provided me with fantastic pre-exam support and revision tips.

“Coming back to college as a mature student was enjoyable; I felt confident in my learning ability. Since returning, I’ve gained knowledge on electrical cables and installation techniques. 

“Although it was difficult attending college during evenings after a twelve hour day at work, I knew my tutors really cared about my success and this motivated me to continue learning.”

Being his own boss

Dedicated to creating an honest business which protects the community, Raaj set up his CCTV business in 2015.

“I have always aspired to be my own boss; giving me the freedom to create my own strategy and business plan. As managing director, I’m responsible for managing the business, providing customers with quotes and installing CCTV and alarms in homes and businesses across West Yorkshire.

“My future ambition is to grow Raaj CCTV into a national brand, supported by a large team of installers with their own vans working for regional offices.”

Opportunity for younger generation

Given the effect the pandemic has had on young people seeking employment, Raaj is motivated to create exciting new opportunities for young adults in the area.

“I believe in providing young people with the skills that will help them become better engineers. So far, I’ve worked with three Electrical Installation Level 2 students from Keighley College; their enthusiasm and commitment to developing new skills has been admirable.

“One of these students works with me as an apprentice which has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to employing more apprentices in the future.”

At Keighley College, we’re celebrating all adult learners by getting involved in the national Festival of Learning campaign. Take a look at the events on offer here.

As we reopen our doors for the new academic year, we’ve taken measures to make sure that the college campus is as safe as possible. 

Thanks to the success of the NHS vaccine programme rollout and ongoing safety measures, students can safely return to college to begin an exciting new year of learning. You can find our latest campus rules and safety measures below.

Face coverings

Students are expected to wear face coverings in communal areas such as corridors, but not in classroom or workshop areas (unless students or staff want to).

Other safety measures on campus

Studying in college is important for the quality of our students’ learning and wellbeing. We will continue to take safety measures seriously to keep our students and staff safe. 

This includes:

• Ensuring good hygiene for everyone by using hand sanitiser stations.
• Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes, such as wiping down workspaces after use.
• Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated.
• Following public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of Covid-19. Staff or students awaiting a PCR test should self-isolate until a negative test is confirmed.

The safety measures we’ve had in place have proved a real success at controlling the spread of Covid-19. We want to reassure you that we are teaching in a Covid-19 safe environment and we will continue to implement measures to ensure student and staff safety. 

Testing

To keep everyone even safer on campus, it is expected that all students should take and have evidence of two negative lateral flow tests during induction or soon afterwards. You can either take these tests on site or at home. You can ask for Covid-19 tests at your local pharmacy or you can order these via the Gov.uk website.

During induction, all students will be provided with testing kits and reminded how to undertake these tests. Positive lateral flow tests will be reported to Track and Trace.

For any students who are self-isolating, remote education will continue. If you are a student and have any questions, please speak with your teacher.

Bubbles and close contacts

We will no longer use bubbles to ensure students and staff who may have been in contact with an infected person isolate.

For those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive – if you are double vaccinated or under the age of 18, you do not need to isolate unless you display symptoms.

Students over the age of 18 who are unvaccinated will be notified via the NHS Track and Trace app; therefore it is essential that we continue to support the use of this while on campus.

If you are notified by Track and Trace that you are a close contact of a positive case, please access a PCR test and self-isolate until you have confirmation of a negative result.

How to take a test

Taking a test is quick and easy. Watch this video from Public Health England to see how it’s done. You can also read the guides below.

Vaccine information

If you’re offered the vaccine, please take this opportunity as it is proving effective against Covid-19. You can find more information about the vaccine her

An open day focused on adult learners will be held at Keighley College this September.

The event takes place at the Bradford Road campus on Thursday 2 September and offers visitors a chance to look around and find out about the variety of courses on offer.

The day will consist of two slots, at 10am and then at 2pm, and also include some ‘taster sessions’ with the Skills Support Hub.

Expert help and taster sessions

The hub is made up of an expert team at the college who work with partners including Bradford Council, SkillsHouse, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local employers to see how they can best meet the needs of each individual.

During the Keighley College adult learner open day,  visitors will find out how to improve their job searches and CVs to boost their career prospects.

Guidance will also be available on the range of adult courses that are on offer and how they can help to enhance current skills or kickstart a new, or change in, career.

And representatives from the local DWP’s Youth Hub, which works with partner organisations to help 18 to 24 year olds gain employment, will be there to help too.

Places on the open day can be booked here.

Celebrating adult learning

The event is part of Keighley College’s support for the Festival of Learning, a national campaign to promote and celebrate the value of adult learning.

For more details on how the campaign is being backed locally, visit Festival of Learning – Leeds City College .

Ben Broadbent returned to education at the age of 30 to pursue his ambitions of working in the public services industry. 

Before joining the college, Ben described himself as a ‘maths-phobe’, with very little belief in his arithmetic abilities. 

Through hard work, perseverance and support from his tutors during lockdown, his confidence grew, which was Ben’s first step in achieving his goals.

“Most employers look at your maths and English GCSE grades, especially higher paying roles, which require a minimum of grade 4 in both maths and English. 

“I had a hard time in and out of school with both my life and mental health so I never achieved what I wanted when I was younger. 

“As I grew older, I decided I wanted to get a job in security or with the police. I believed I was terrible at maths so it was a huge boost for my self-esteem and confidence when I discovered that I could do it.

In  2019, Ben achieved the Functional Skills grades he required; a grade 4 in maths and a grade 6 in English. This prompted him to go further and progress to GCSEs.

“The GCSE Maths and English courses were free because I got a grade below C in my initial GCSE results which I had undertaken when I was 16. This made me eligible to take the courses completely free of charge. 

“The college did far more than that though, the kindness and patience of the teachers really helped me boost my confidence and reassured me whenever I had doubts in myself.

“The goals they set for me were realistic too and they were always happy to go over topics with students if they ever fell behind. It taught me how important patience is in a teacher.”

Describing his experience at Keighley College, Ben said he would ‘recommend it to anyone’ and that it’s ‘never too late to learn or improve your life’.

“I never felt alienated because I was an adult learner,  I felt supported throughout. The teachers made me realise that I just lacked confidence and needed to learn the fundamentals before getting to GCSE level. Paula Proud’s classes with her assistant teacher Tony, really helped bring out the best in my learning and allowed me to achieve my goals.

Ben is getting closer to becoming a PCSO with West Yorkshire Police, with ambitions of eventually being a police constable. 

Keighley College partners with National Timber Group to deliver first national apprenticeship qualification

Keighley College, a member of Luminate Education Group, has partnered with National Timber Group (NTG), which includes all branches of Arnold Laver, to deliver a Level 3 Team Leader / Supervisor apprenticeship standard – the first national delivery of an apprenticeship qualification delivered by the college.

The 15-month apprenticeship is a key part of the timber distribution company’s plan to develop a standardised approach to quality across the group and is a key part of its succession plan. NTG is currently training internal staff in conjunction with Keighley College, incorporating a blended learning approach that will include the cohort working together as a group and as individuals in their respective branches, where they will be supported by their mentors. There will also be distance learning supported by a dedicated teacher and assessor.

As the world recovers from the economic impact of COVID-19, demand in the £10 billion sector has risen as construction starts to ramp up again. The industry provides thousands of jobs across the country in forestry, sawmills, and high-tech manufacturers in merchants and housebuilding

Clare Fitzgerald, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Growth at Keighley College, said: “In the last 18 months, apprentice reforms have opened up the doors for private companies to get involved in delivering apprenticeships.

“The creation of new apprenticeship standards, coupled with the government’s incentives have highlighted the benefits of apprenticeships across the country. Working closely with National Timber Group, we want to create opportunities to help learners progress within the industry and help them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that meet industry demand.”

There are plans to further develop the programme to support production managers within the company with upskilling or reskilling. The college is currently working closely with the NTG to create further sales and management training that will enable staff to clearly identify their career pathway and progression opportunities.

Marc Bertrand, HR director at National Timber Group, said: “Our partnership with Keighley College is a key part of our strategy to support National Timber Group as we go from strength to strength. They are helping us to develop the management teams of tomorrow who will be vital to continuing this success.”

The Arnold Laver business has grown nationally from its inception in Heeley, Sheffield, and supplied over 50% of the timber and timber-based products required during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

An exciting new academic year at Keighley College is almost upon us and preparations are underway to ensure we can all enjoy it together.

A vital part of that will depend, as efforts continue to contain the pandemic, on as many students and staff as possible being vaccinated against Covid-19. 

The government is now offering walk-in vaccinations to 16 and 17 year olds and we would strongly encourage students to have a vaccination before starting their studies with us in September.

We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Modality to provide a pop-up Covid-19 vaccination centre at the college. This will be taking place on Wednesday 1 September from 10am until 2pm. Anyone can come for their first or second vaccine and we are encouraging all students to take up this opportunity.

Keeping safe and having fun

Doing so, and following our Covid safety measures – which include continuing, for now, to wear face coverings in corridors and open spaces, or where distancing can’t be maintained – will help us all stay safe.

It will also mean students can feel confident as they try out the many rewarding and fun events we will have going on during induction week and beyond.

If you’re 18 years old or over, you can book a vaccination here. We are also looking into hosting ‘pop-up’ vaccination clinics at our main campuses in the coming weeks.

When term starts students will need to take two Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests each week (like they did before the summer break) and to record their results via the Gov.uk website.

For more details about Covid-19 vaccinations visit the Gov.uk website here. This guide here also includes information on what to expect after having a Covid-19 vaccination.

Find out more information about vaccinations for under 18 year olds here.