Keighley College is working closely with elevator firm, Keighley Lifts, to offer a new lift engineering qualification.

Keighley is a nerve-centre for engineering with many pioneering and inspiring businesses. Following a Keighley-Made meeting, industry experts identified a recent skills gap. As a result, more young people are being encouraged to develop the relevant skills to prepare them for employment in this sector.

Keighley Lifts will be supporting the college in developing modules necessary to obtain a lift qualification. This will include onsite training with college assessors and the enrolment of their own apprentice at the college, who will have recently enrolled on a three year lift and escalator course.

Keighley College announces plans to launch an A level provision to boost its further education offering.

The Bradford Road campus provides full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships and degrees, and welcomes a range of students from 16 to 19 years old and over.

Launching in September, Keighley College will be offering a two year Business and Law pathway, two year Social Science pathway and a three year pathway option. As the college is recognised locally for its high-quality vocational provision, the pathways will combine traditional A levels with vocational components. These elements incorporate Northern Council for Further Education (NCFE) and Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) accreditations.

For students who haven’t met the minimum GCSE requirements to study A levels, the college offers Access to Further Education courses.

Steve Kelly, principal of Keighley College, said: “We’re excited to introduce brand new hybrid A levels. As we’re vocational experts, it’s fantastic to be able to combine practical and theory for the qualifications. We’ll be bringing in dedicated A level staff on board who are committed to creating an empowering and inclusive environment for our students.”

Keighley College, a member of Luminate Education Group, has also recently launched a higher education centre to meet increased demand for degree level courses in the area. The centre includes new learning and research facilities to complement the theoretical work of degree level apprenticeships and those studying for higher national qualifications.

We are taking temporary measures to address concerns about coronavirus. Our priority is our staff and students and we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close Keighley College from 3pm on Friday 20 March.

We will be facilitating the continuation of all learning electronically using Google Classroom and other digital platforms. Your tutor will have provided all the details you need to continue your learning remotely. If you are having any issues, please contact your tutor. Also, paper resources are available in college until Friday 20 March, including maths and English resources. It is important that you keep practising your skills and revise over this time.

Please keep checking your emails for updates and announcements.

Some of our provisions have already started working remotely, so if that includes your course, please continue your studies as instructed.

If you think you might have coronavirus or if you have been in close contact with someone who has, please follow the government and NHS advice. Further information can be found here.

We understand that this is an unsettling time for us all. Below are some useful links if you are struggling with your mental health:

https://www.mindmate.org.uk/
http://bmywellbeingcollege.nhs.uk/
https://mindwell-leeds.org.uk/
https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/
https://www.leedsmind.org.uk/

Our safeguarding team are also fully operational and can be contacted by emailing safeguarding@keighleycollege.ac.uk

There is also support available for anyone living with domestic abuse bradford.gov.uk/your-community/domestic-abuse/help-and-support/

While our campus is closed, we will still be available to offer advice and guidance to potential and existing students, parents and members of the public. You can contact us by emailing enquiries@keighleycollege.ac.uk

We look forward to seeing you back at college soon.

Yours sincerely

Steve Kelly
Principal – Keighley College

Keighley College was mentioned in parliament on Thursday 6 February, following a recent successful visit from newly elected MP, Robbie Moore.

He described the college as ‘passionate about ensuring young people have the very best start in life’ and said he was “inspired by their ‘can do’ attitude and willpower to raise aspiration.”

Robbie visited Keighley College on 31 January and spoke to staff and students about their studies, aspirations and the needs of young people in Keighley.

Steve Kelly, Principal of Keighley College, said: “I am both proud and humbled to work with such a dedicated staff team and pleased we are being recognised nationally in this way.”

You can watch the full video at the bottom of this article  https://silsdentoday.co.uk/2020/02/silsdens-new-mp-makes-debut-commons-speech/

Keighley College is referenced 3 mins 24 seconds in.

National Apprenticeship Week is fast approaching and Keighley College will be joining the celebrations again this year.

It will have a stand at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair (LARF) taking place at Leeds Direct Arena on Monday 3 February.

LARF is the largest apprenticeship exhibition in the north and the college will be among approximately 100 companies recruiting apprentices.

Keighley College offers a wide range of apprenticeships at every level, from entry to degree. Successful candidates split their time between work and college, combining learning, earning and gaining experience needed to develop throughout their career.

The college will also be running an apprenticeship roadshow at its campus on 4 February.

The Apprenticeship team will be available to talk to potential apprentices about the steps involved, as well as information for employers looking to take on an apprentice.

Lee Pryor, Director of Apprenticeships at Keighley College said: “We’re are excited to be getting involved in the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair that brings together leading companies to offer potential apprentices opportunities to kick-start their careers.

“Employers are also at the heart of what we do and will gain insight and information on how we can work together to bridge the skills gap in a number of sectors. This includes engineering, health and social care, digital & IT and more.”

Pryor added: We are committed to bringing employers and young people together to provide real opportunities for them to find out what career path they want to take and to help employers find the right candidates for their organisations.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2020 is running until 9 February this year. For the first time, the week has been extended to include the weekend, giving the entire apprenticeship community more opportunity to get involved with activities.

See bus schedule below:

Tuesday 4 February

Keighley College

9am – 2pm

A group of Keighley College students are excelling in their supported internships at Acorn Stairlifts.

In a pioneering partnership, Acorn is providing weekly work placements in its Steeton factory for four students with special needs.

With help from Acorn employees, learners Tom Waddington, Kassam Khan, Ahdnan Younis and Max Soundy have been building their confidence and self-esteem by carrying out tasks and learning new skills with the team.

Keighley College Job Coach, Shameem Koser, said: “Watching their faces on their first day was a picture and you could see their sense of achievement, as they’ve never travelled out of Keighley on their own before.

“It’s been fantastic working with Acorn. Staff have made the students feel part of the workforce and ensured adjustments were in place to meet their needs. The college is proud to be working with local companies to offer students real industry experience to hone their skills and prepare for the working world.”

The interns have been carrying out sub-assembly work which is then fed to production lines. They have also been making up joint boxes which are used to connect stair lift rails.

Acorn’s Manufacturing Manager, Andrew Longthorne, said: “The interns have been great. They’ve had a positive effect on the production team, surpassing daily targets and looking to get involved in more complex work. Having them here has been well received within the factory.”

Supported placements are for college students aged 18 to 24 who might otherwise struggle to cope in a workplace setting. Working with Keighley College, Acorn is paving the way for the industrial sector in this area.

Keighley College held a mock election for students in the run up to the general election. Among the students who took part, over 70% voted for Labour.

This result among the college’s 16-18 year olds, is in contrast to Keighley & Ilkley constituency’s Conservative majority.

The aim of the mock election was to promote democracy, British values and educate young people on the importance of having a collective voice in the community.

Health & Social Care student, Safoora-Amaani Uddin, had the opportunity to be part of Keighley & Ilkley’s election count on Thursday night, following an interview with ITV Calendar.

The 18 year old said: “I was involved in college debates with regional broadcast media about the issues that are important to young people. I was then invited by ITN to be part of the counting process at Keighley Leisure Centre.

“It was a great opportunity to be part of such a significant event, along with 100 other counters. Seeing the live feed throughout the night ramped up the tense atmosphere. Before this experience, I had a good knowledge of politics but my interest wasn’t that big. This has changed my view and I feel far more engaged in the democratic process.”

Safoora is hoping to go to university in Rottherdam, with the aim of working in the social care sector. Following the announcement of the election results, she is now concerned about her future.

“The results of the election will inevitably affect my plans of studying abroad and the industry that I’m hoping to find a career in. It’s now a waiting game to see what happens next.”

Keighley College’s Foundation Studies provision will host a fashion show as part of a wider community initiative that seeks to promote sustainable fashion and entrepreneurial skills.

Organised by 16 students, in partnership with local underwear designer Sam Tretton, the catwalk show, titled Eco-Glam, will take place on 22 November 2019 and will feature collections of some of the college’s upcoming designers.

Carly Newsholme, Foundation Learning Course Leader said: “Students are learning about enterprise and running a business. They have led the project from initial ideas, to press, advertising, sales, modelling and food & drink.

“Students have also learnt about sustainable fashion and looking after the environment, as well as what it’s like to work as a designer in the fashion industry. On top of this, they’ve developed team-building and communication skills.”

Meanwhile, the event will also include a number of stalls, and boutique owner Sam Tretton will be showcasing beautiful handmade vintage clothes and accessories that guests can purchase on the night.

Sam will also host a workshop on the importance of eco-fashion. Late last month, the Keighley-born designer visited the college to talk to students about her career with Tommy Hilfiger as an underwear designer and the reasons she moved on to set up her own business. Sam helped students understand why eco fashion is important (and on trend) across the globe.

With consumers’ increasing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, it has amplified a fast-growing market for sustainable fashion around the world. This year alone, a number of top brands have created sustainable collections. While there has only been a 2% growth in the industry, there are ongoing talks at various levels about creating more sustainable clothing by 2025.

Tickets are on sale for £5 and are being sold exclusively on Eventbrite. This will include an arrival drink and canapés. There will also be various performances from students, including singing, dancing and beatboxing.

The event will run from 6pm in the Keighley College atrium.

As part of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, Keighley College hosted the district’s first Bradford Apprentices Live event.
The event ran as part of an initiative which works with students across the district to promote potential future careers within manufacturing. 

Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education has described the initiative as an “excellent” scheme.

Manufacturing Weeks and Apprentices Live

According to the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Bradford Manufacturing Weeks is a West and North Yorkshire Chamber initiative, delivered by Bradford Chamber of Commerce. 

Spanning two weeks this year, the fortnight-long campaign involved more than 60 manufacturers who linked up with schools and colleges. The initiative also included work placements, school talks and site tours for young people aged 14 to 18. Proving the success of the campaign, around 6,000 work experiences were created.

Occuring during Manufacturing Weeks, the Manufacturing Live event took place at Keighley College on 15 October. The anticipated event invited students to ask a panels of apprentices, employees and manufacturers questions to gain an insight into what a manufacturing career entails.

Keighley College makes way for the next generation of manufacturers

Keighley College offers an enterprising and collaborative environment, delivering high quality vocational education as a pathway to employment.
It is also home to the Industrial Centre of Excellence (ICE) for advanced manufacturing and engineering and its Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (iMechE), providing students with access to a range of industry support.

The Industrial Centre of Excellence provides education and training opportunities to prepare young people to progress into the growing engineering and manufacturing economy.
The fully equipped on-site workshop was launched in January 2015 and includes high-quality and industry standard Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machinery, lathes, milling machines, 3D printers and other state-of-the-art engineering equipment to develop students’ skills.

The centre has a board of local employers who oversee the development of the centre and the courses it delivers. These employers also contribute by providing work experience opportunities and live projects to help prepare students for the world of work. In addition, employers also have the opportunity to shape the future of young learners by providing master classes, offering mentoring opportunities and providing site visits.

Keighley College provides more support to manufacturers
Keighley College will continue to support the growth of the manufacturing centre by hosting another event this year.

As part of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks 2019, the college is hosting the free Support and Funding for Manufacturers event which will offer networking opportunities and information on funding and support for manufacturers.

Covering business finance, import and export, overseas trade missions and exhibitions, manufacturing growth programme, supply chain improvements, skills, training, information on local enterprise partnership (LEP) and more. The event will also include breakfast.

Keighley College presents portfolio of professional programmes

Keighley College provides a variety of blue-collar courses across a variety of sectors including construction, engineering and manufacturing. Students can train in professional facilities and leverage local industry links to gain practical experience and industry insight.

For more information on our vocational courses and apprenticeships, click here to visit our courses page.