We’ve been giving Harrogate school students a guided look around our under-construction new £22m campus.

The visit was organised as part of the college’s ongoing partnership work with Rossett School, and led by the developers behind our redevelopment, Caddick Construction. 

Caddick Construction’s Project Manager, Matt Hargreaves, showed a group of Year 10 students around the building site at Hornbeam Park. Matt also explained the different stages of the construction process, and talked about the many, and varied, roles available within the industry.

Real-world lessons

Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, Steve Ford, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Year 10 students to our Harrogate College site.

“At Caddick, we’re committed to investing in the communities where we work, and providing students with real-world insight into the construction industry is a vital part of that. 

“It is always inspiring to see the next generation engaging with our sector. We hope this visit gave them a valuable perspective on the career opportunities available, and piqued their interest in choosing Harrogate College for their further education.”

Our replacement campus will provide new and upgraded training facilities including an advanced construction centre, a replica hospital ward, a digital suite, an electric vehicle workshop and a renewable energy technology centre.

Inspiring the next generation

Principal Danny Wild said: “It was wonderful to welcome the Rossett School students in and give them a firsthand look at a major local building project.

“Construction is so important to North Yorkshire and to our country, which urgently needs more homes.

“To hit the ambitious annual housebuilding targets that have been set will require a significant increase in the industry’s workforce – and that means encouraging more young people to pursue careers in this exciting industry.

“Our new campus and its facilities will enable us to take our training, including in advanced and sustainable construction techniques, to a new level.

“We hope this visit has given the students real insights into both the building process and the wide range of jobs that are available within the sector.”

Partnership in action

Rossett School, meanwhile, said it was grateful to the developers and the college for giving its students ‘genuine experience of what it is like to work on a live construction site’.

A spokesperson said: “Experiences such as these play an important role in helping our students explore future career options and make informed decisions about their next steps.

“We look forward to continuing our excellent partnership with Harrogate College and providing further opportunities for our students in the future.”

Our new campus is being funded by £20 million from the Department for Education plus £2 million from the college’s parent organisation, Luminate Education Group.

Harrogate College learners have been celebrating their final results and sharing their plans for the future.

Thanks to their commitment and perseverance, many learners have achieved excellent grades and are now progressing to university, apprenticeships and skilled employment, opening the door to exciting new opportunities.

Finding the right support

One of those students is Carmen Ronda Perez, 19, who achieved a Merit in Education and Childcare and is progressing to Bradford College to study Primary Education.

During the pandemic, Carmen faced challenges at school due to her autism, along with her responsibilities as a young carer, and felt that her individual needs were not being fully supported. However, after joining Harrogate College, Carmen found the support she needed and went on to flourish whilst studying her T Level.

Carmen said: “The support on my course has been amazing. I am really grateful to the staff here for everything they’ve done for me during my time at college.”

Overcoming challenges

Fellow T Level student Jasmine Barrett, 20, achieved a distinction in her T Level in Education and Childcare.

Despite her achievement, Jasmine’s path to success has not been straightforward. She left school at 14 after experiencing mental health challenges that made it difficult to continue in mainstream education. After exploring her options, Jasmine found that a T Level course gave her the opportunity to return to education and pursue her ambition of becoming an educator.

Jasmine said: “The best thing about studying at Harrogate College was being able to find a course that suited my interests. Not everywhere offers T Levels, and I think they’re a fantastic option for people who want to go into a specific vocation or continue studying in that area.”

This September, Jasmine will begin an Education Studies degree at Leeds Beckett University. She hopes to go on to complete a master’s degree specialising in conservation and sustainability education before pursuing a career as a conservation educator.

Looking to the future

Joe Quinaguano, 20, moved to the UK from Ecuador in 2022 without speaking English.

He began his studies at Harrogate College on an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course before completing his Level 1 and Level 2 Electrical Installation qualifications in consecutive years. Joe has now passed his Level 3 qualification and is looking forward to the future.

Joe said: “I’m really happy with what I’ve managed to achieve and can’t thank my teachers enough. I’m now looking for an apprenticeship or a full-time role to gain valuable industry experience while earning money. I considered university, but I feel this is the best route for where I want to take my career.”

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved through their hard work, determination and commitment. These results are a testament not only to their dedication, but also to the unwavering support of our staff and the transformative power of technical education.

“They demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to learners across the region and highlight the positive impact that these pathways can have on individuals, local communities and employers alike.”

Harrogate College prides itself on working hand in hand with local businesses and organisations to provide the skills and training they need to ensure that our economy grows and thrives. Our newsletter is a handy way of keeping our partners informed of developments at the college.
To receive future Harrogate College Business Newsletters directly to your inbox click here

Dear partners, As we head towards the conclusion of another busy and rewarding academic year we have one eye firmly on the next – and the fantastic opportunities it should provide. Work on our new campus, as you can read about in this issue, is progressing well and on schedule for us to start wecloming students and begin teaching there in January 2027. That is great news both for our students and the business and wider community our college serves, as the new facilities will allow us to really take our training and courses to the next level. Meanwhile, the great work we are doing now, from our current campus, continues apace and continues to provide valuable opportunities for our students and the businesses and organisations they collaborate with through site visits, guest workshops, placements and more. You can read about some standout recent examples of this work in this edition. I hope you enjoy the read. Danny Wild Principal Harrogate College ________________________________________________________ Campus Milestone moment for our new college building We have marked a significant milestone in the development of our new £22m campus by holding a steel beam signing ceremony. The event, which celebrated the completion of the building’s skeletal frame, was organised in partnership with the developers, Caddick Construction, and brought together staff, students, governors and the construction team. The attendees used the occasion to sign a steel beam that will sit at the heart of our new college building, which will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a digital technology suite, replica hospital ward, electric vehicle workshop and renewable energy technology centre.Principal Danny Wild said: “Seeing the new campus take shape is a proud moment for everyone at college. Our rebuilt campus will create outstanding opportunities for our students, strengthening our ability to meet current and future skills.” ________________________________________________________ Uniformed Protective Services / Applied Science Putting CSI techniques into practice Teeside University has been helping students learn more about Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) techniques. Our Uniformed Services and Applied Science learners visited the university for an Introduction to CSI that included a seminar focused on the methodology behind note-taking and evidence gathering, including the process of lifting and storing fingerprints. They were also given a chance to put those skills to the test by collecting fibres and blood and came away with a deeper understanding of what the field of CSI, and the careers within it, involve. ________________________________________________________ Partnerships Harrogate College Employer Board – an invitation As one of our valued local business partners, we would like to invite you to join our Employer Board. Members will be able to help shape the future workforce, by advising directly on the skills they need and assisting us to ensure our courses reflect industry requirements and emerging trends.  They can also work with us to strengthen industry links, including through placements, projects and live briefs, and champion the college and its work with key stakeholders. If you are ready to help shape the next generation of talent and contribute to developing a skilled, confident and employable local workforce, please do get in touch. To find out more, contact: lynn-yang.liu@harrogate.ac.uk. ________________________________________________________   Hospitality Supporting – and learning from – leading chefs Our connections with the regional hospitality industry help us deliver top quality training – and we in turn are proud to support the sector. Part of that support involves opening up our professional-standard training kitchens for the Chef of the Year competition. The event, part of the 2026 Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards, saw shortlisted chefs going head-to-head in a Masterchef-style contest to demonstrate their culinary finesse. Our students, meanwhile, provided support as commis chefs, gaining valuable experience of working under pressure. We look forward to continuing, and elevating our support for the industry from our new campus building. ________________________________________________________ Progression Focusing on the next steps Local businesses and universities visited college recently to talk to students about their potential next steps. Our internal Careers and Apprenticeship teams also played a key role in the Student Progression Network Event, which shone a light on the different paths that are available in a range of roles across multiple industries. Our learners also took part in a Bingo-style activity to encourage them to speak with the guests and build their confidence in a networking environment. ________________________________________________________ Sport / Uniformed Protective Services A spotlight on chiropractic care and physiotherapy Two leading lights of physiotherapy and chiropractic care have been sharing insights into the different routes into the industry. Local Doctor of Chiropractic Ben Grant and physiotherapist Jamie Noble, from Family Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Centre, also gave our UPS and Sport students a live demonstration during their visit to college. The learners also got to put questions directly to the guests in Q&A session that shed further light on careers within the sector. ________________________________________________________ Hair and Beauty Salon professional leads skills session Our students were given insights into what it takes to succeed in a busy salon courtesy of guest speaker Becky Rojan. Becky, from Phoenix Lounge Hair & Beauty in Harrogate, also treated our Hair and Beauty learners to a Level 3 colour masterclass during her visit, helping them to develop their technical skills. She spoke, too, about how to keep such skills up to date in an ever-involving industry. Visits from professionals like Becky are invaluable for our students, both in terms of raising their technical levels and gaining a better idea about the realities of their chosen industries. ________________________________________________________ Electrical The benefits of a modular approach Our Electrical students have been given an insight into the techniques behind a Hull-based specialist bathroom pod manufacturer. The visit to Walker Modular gave the group a real insight into how building operations can be carried out in factories – and how this modular approach can be more cost-effective while delivering more consistent quality. Our learners were also given a detailed explanation, backed up with a demonstration, of how the pods are wired and manufactured in a way that means they can be simply plugged in when they are put in place. We are grateful to the contractors building our new campus, Caddick Construction – who are a client of Walker Modular – for arranging the visit. ________________________________________________________ A shout-out to our alumni So many of our students go on to do great and interesting things, in so many different sectors, and we’re proud of their successes. Hearing their stories – some of which are featured on our website’s alumni page, here – helps inspire future generations and shows them the incredible career opportunities that lie ahead. Many of them gain what they need with us to go on to further studies – like Reece Longden, who started his college journey with us in 2017, initially studying IT before moving over to Creative Practice (Art and Design) two years later. After completing his studies with us in 2022, Reece went to our sister organisation, University Centre Leeds, where he gained a Bachelors degree in Film and Screen Media. He is now pursuing a Masters in Creative Practice with University Centre Leeds – and using the work to create our new campus in Harrogate as the inspiration for a film project. He said: “I never thought I would have created a film project related to Harrogate College though, which is something I am proud of! “A major part of my Harrogate College journey has been my tutors. They have all been absolutely brilliant, and I certainly wouldn’t have got to where I am now without their support and enthusiasm. “I’m excited and looking forward to seeing the new buildings taking shape at the college, but also I will miss the current building which has been the core of my educational journey ever since starting in 2017.” Reece aims to pursue film and photography related work once he completes his studies. If you’re a former student, whether you graduated last year or many years ago, we’d love to hear from you! Joining our alumni network is a great way to reconnect, share your journey, and inspire current students. To get involved and share your story, simply scan the QR code below. We can’t wait to hear from you! ________________________________________________________ Courses for businesses We run a number of courses, at different points throughout the year, that could benefit your business. Upcoming sessions include Social Media Marketing for Business, a Social Media Analytics programme, and a Leadership and Management course.  Follow this link to find out more and book your place. ________________________________________________________ We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of our newsletter – we’ll be back with more next time!

Harrogate College marks a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus, with a steel signing ceremony .

Delivered in partnership with Caddick Construction, the event held last week highlighted the progress being made at the Hornbeam Park site, celebrating the upcoming opening of Harrogate College’s new campus.  

The celebration brought staff, students, governors, and the construction team together for a tour, where future students, staff and governors signed a steel beam that will be positioned at the heart of the campus.

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, said: “Seeing the new campus take shape is a proud moment for everyone at college. Our rebuilt campus will create outstanding opportunities for our students, strengthening our ability to meet current and future skills. Ultimately, it will go some way to supporting our commitment to delivering the high-quality learning opportunities our community deserves.”

Noah Siddal, one of the Harrogate College students who took part, said: “Touring the new build gave us a real insight into what our future learning experience will look like. Signing the beam felt incredibly special – like we’re leaving our mark on the college’s future and becoming part of its history.” 

This rebuild represents a major investment in Harrogate College’s future. The new facilities will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and workshops that will equip students with the skills needed by employers across the local area and wider region. Once complete, the campus will include a digital technology suite, a replica  hospital ward, an electric vehicle workshop, and a standalone renewable energy technology centre.

Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director at Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, added: “It is always incredibly rewarding to reach a major milestone in a project and see a new structure taking shape. What has been achieved so far is a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of the entire team, as well as our strong partnership with Harrogate College and Luminate Education Group.”

The new building is set to open its doors to students later this year. 

Harrogate College recently hosted the Chef of the Year competition as part of the 2026 Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards (HHTA), now celebrating its eighteenth year of recognising the very best in Harrogate’s hospitality and tourism industry.

The annual awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving excellence across Harrogate’s thriving visitor economy, with the highly anticipated Chef of the Year category continuing to showcase culinary talent across the region.

Held in the college’s professional-standard training kitchens, the competition saw four shortlisted chefs from across the local area go head-to-head in a MasterChef-style cook-off. Competing against the clock, finalists were challenged to create dishes using a mystery box of ingredients revealed on the day.

Danny Wild, Principal at Harrogate College, said: “We were delighted to host the Chef of the Year competition and support the Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards once again. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience the industry at the highest level, working alongside talented local chefs and seeing first-hand the standards and creativity that make Harrogate’s hospitality sector so special.”

The challenge tested each chef, while encouraging the use of local produce. A panel of expert judges blind tasted and assessed each dish before selecting the overall winner, who will be announced at the official awards ceremony in June.

Harrogate College students played a key role throughout the competition, with each finalist paired with a student commis chef. The experience provided learners with insight into the realities of a high-pressure professional kitchen.

Aina Naveed, one of the students involved in the competition said: “It was an amazing experience to work alongside professional chefs in such a fast-paced environment. I learned so much about teamwork, organisation, and staying calm under pressure, and it’s definitely inspired me for my future career in hospitality.”

Simon Cotton, organiser of the HTTA awards, said: “I’m incredibly grateful again to Harrogate College for providing the facilities and support to host the Chef of the Year competition. The competition places finalists under real time pressure and creates a completely level playing field that truly tests their skill, creativity and professionalism.

“Events like this not only showcase the serious craft and dedication required to succeed as a chef, but also help to inspire the next generation of culinary talent studying at the college.”

The competition formed part of the wider HHTA celebrations, showcasing the outstanding talent, innovation, and dedication that continue to shape Harrogate’s hospitality and tourism industry.

Additional Notes: Event photography and filming support was provided by Harrogate College Level 3 Year 2 Creative Media Practice learners Elliot Foster, Sariah Washington, and Lauren Gray-Ward.

With assessment season approaching at Harrogate College, it’s normal to feel a bit of pressure and nerves. Whether you’re preparing for English and maths GCSEs, vocational assessments or end-of-programme exams, 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 Harrogate 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 Harrogate College, you can go into your assessments feeling prepared and confident.

Good luck to everyone preparing for exam season – you’ve got this.

Harrogate College prides itself on working hand in hand with local businesses and organisations to provide the skills and training they need to ensure that our economy grows and thrives. Our newsletter is a handy way of keeping our partners informed of developments at the college.
To receive future Harrogate College Business Newsletters directly to your inbox click here

Dear partners, As we move into Spring we can reflect on some great examples of growth both in our students’ development and our working relationships with local partners. When it comes to getting a taste of what a future career might actually be like, nothing beats letting students visit a busy workplace to see its employees in action. We have been very fortunate in that regard recently, with prime examples being our Health T Level students spending a day at Spire Healthcare Harrogate and our construction and electrical learners being welcomed to Chaddick Construction’s Burnholme site, in York. Of equal value are visits to the college by expert guest speakers and we have been delighted to welcome some really big industry names, including James Morrison from Riso Gallo UK and Sarah Dickson, from Greggs, to college over the past few months. You can read about these and plenty of other inspiring events and site visits, including to several universities, in this edition of the newsletter. I hope you enjoy the read. Danny Wild Principal Harrogate College ___________________________________________________________ Healthcare A fact-finding visit to a local clinic Our Health T Level students have gained some valuable insights into the world of private healthcare. The learners recently visited Spire Healthcare Harrogate Clinic, on Hornbeam Business Park, where they were given a guided tour by General Manager Tim Cook. The group learned about the wide range of roles and services provided by Spire, and were also given a presentation about the clinic’s typical daily operations and tasks. They also enjoyed exploring some of the clinic’s facilities, including an MRI suite and day surgery unit – and learning about the importance of air purity and contamination control. Clinical Services Manager Penny Jackson meanwhile, along with members of the nursing team, also shared their professional experiences and discussed the differences between working in public and private healthcare. The visit was an inspiring and informative experience that really helped our students gain a deeper understanding of the realities of working in healthcare, and the career opportunities ahead of them.  ___________________________________________________________ Hospitality A risotto masterclass from an industry expert Our Hospitality students were given a real treat before the Easter break – in the form of a cooking demonstration by the Managing Director of Riso Gallo UK. Jason Morrison, from the renowned Italian rice company, shared lots of practical tips with the learners as he made a signature risotto dish while stressing the importance of sustainable menu planning, food provenance, and professional cookery skills. Jason also used his visit to talk about Riso Gallo’s core values and environmental commitments, and gave a talk on sustainability within the risotto industry in terms of sustainable sourcing, responsible production and waste reduction. These insights, from a leading industry expert, really inspired the students who could link back what they learnt to their curriculum. Our association with Riso Gallo, meanwhile, is set to continue in May when two or our hospitality students will be competing in the national Young Risotto Chef competition in Leeds, which is organised by the company. ___________________________________________________________ . Hair and Beauty Technical tips at Manchester What better way for aspiring hair stylists to pick up top tips than by visiting a professional hair care company’s studio? That is exactly what our Hairdressing Diploma students did recently when they headed to Wella Studios Manchester. During their visit the learners focused on refining their technical skills while exploring the latest trends in colour theory. It was an inspirational experience, and our students left the studio buzzing with fresh ideas, sharpened techniques and a renewed sense of creativity. ___________________________________________________________ Construction and Electrical Site visit shines light on sustainable techniques Our Construction and Electrical students recently visited Caddick Construction’s Burnholme site, in York. The visit, to a site where the developers are creating the City of York Council’s first zero-carbon homes, gave our learners some valuable insights into sustainable construction techniques. Seeing the site in operation also helped bring their classroom learning to life, and showcased the wide range of roles that are available within the industry. We are grateful to Project Director Jason Sims and Social Value Manager Debbie Watson, along with the wider Caddick team, for their continued support and for providing such a valuable experience for our students. ___________________________________________________________ Sponsorship opportunity Become a part of our exciting new campus We are delighted to announce that Techbuyer has become the first commercial sponsor of our £22m new campus. The sustainable IT solutions firm, which is one of our neighbours at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate, already works closely with the college on everything from student visits and joint projects to guest talks and work placements. Through the sponsorship agreement one of our new building’s state-of-the-art digital rooms will receive Techbuyer branding, while the company is committing to holding two visits a year to talk to students. CEO of Techbuyer Europe, Steve Sexton, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be the first business sponsor of the college’s new building; this reflects our long-term commitment to education and skills development in the area.” Please get in touch if you would like to discuss becoming a sponsor of our under-construction new campus, which will use purpose-built facilities and cutting edge technology to deliver top quality, industry-standard experience for our students.  Three different sponsorship packages are available, and we are also open to discussing more flexible options to suit your business, whatever the size. The benefits include having your company’s name and colours featured in rooms, walls or furniture, plus a host of PR and social media opportunities. To find out more e-mail our Performance & Projects Coordinator at: Lynn-Yang.Liu@harrogate.ac.uk. ___________________________________________________________ Sustainability Fashion and food Partners from across North Yorkshire supported this year’s Sustainability Showcase at the college. Our annual celebration of all things ‘green’ was held just before the Easter half-term break, and featured interactive sessions, workshops and stalls from a variety of groups, including the Time Together Clothes Upcycling Project and Leeds City College’s RE: Workshop. Others lending their support included North Yorkshire Council’s Sustainability Team and local organisations Techbuyer, Harrogate Spring Water and Zero Carbon Harrogate. As always, our students were at the heart of the showcase with our Hospitality learners creating and serving an impressive array of sustainability-themed canapé dishes on the day. Our Hair and Beauty students, meanwhile, brought the event to a fittingly colourful conclusion by displaying the results of a competition that demonstrated both their creative flair and commitment to the environment. We would like to thank the British Trout Association and Delifresh for supporting the Hospitality team by kindly donating the ingredients for their dishes. ___________________________________________________________ Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) / Sport Conflict management and self-defence class Our UPS and Sport students have been picking up some key practical self-defence and conflict management techniques. Former police officer Geoff Crocker, and his colleague Andy Moodie, led a class that focused on how to stay safe and confident while handling challenges both on and off the sports field. Our learners got the opportunity to practice a variety of techniques in a supportive environment, while linking their studies with real-world safety and personal development skills. It also gave them a unique chance to learn from experience professionals with a background in law enforcement and security. ___________________________________________________________ ESOL Using language skills to serve the community Many of our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students work hard to improve both their own prospects and the communities they are part of. A great recent example of this comes in the form of Level 2 Community Interpreting student, Elina Kyrychok. Elina supported North Yorkshire Police by providing Ukrainian interpreting services at a local community group talk, where she helped officers communicate with Ukrainian residents. Her support ensured important messages about safety, support and reporting concerns were fully understood by everyone in the room. Hate Crime Sergeant for North Yorkshire Police, Nigel Collins, said: “It is so important to have a trusted community member in Elina, who can be a pivotal link to the local Ukrainian community with her interpreting skills.” You can read more about Elina’s story here. ___________________________________________________________ Hospitality Top level advice on allergens We were delighted to welcome a senior leader from bakery chain Greggs to the college recently. Sarah Dickson, who is General Counsel and Company Secretary of the company, came in to deliver an inspiring guest speaker session for our hospitality learners. During her talk, Sarah stressed the critical importance of allergen awareness within the food and hospitality industry in terms of keeping customers safe. She also shared valuable insight into how Greggs manages allergens and prevents cross-contamination, giving our students a real-world understanding of best practice within a large national company. The session was both informative and thought-provoking, and helped our learners appreciate the legal and practical aspects of food safety. We are grateful to Sarah for taking the time to support and inspire our students. ___________________________________________________________ A shout-out to our alumni So many of our students go on to do great and interesting things, in so many different sectors, and we’re proud of their successes. Hearing their stories – some of which are featured on our website’s alumni page, here – helps inspire future generations and shows them the incredible career opportunities that lie ahead. Many of them have really useful, and uplifting, words of advice for today’s students – take Mandy Barker, for example. Mandy studied Photography & Digital Imaging with us and has gone on to become an international award-winning photographic artist, whose work helps to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. She has these words of advice for anyone who is preparing to take the first step towards their dream career: “Anything is possible. It takes hard work, but if you are determined and want to make an idea happen, there is nothing to stop you.” If you’re a former student, whether you graduated last year or many years ago, we’d love to hear from you! Joining our alumni network is a great way to reconnect, share your journey, and inspire current students. To get involved and share your story, simply scan the QR code above. We can’t wait to hear from you!Courses for businessesWe run a number of courses, at different points throughout the year, that could benefit your business. Upcoming sessions include Social Media Marketing for Business, a Social Media Analytics programme, and a Leadership and Management course.  Follow this link to find out more and book your place. ___________________________________________________________ Creative Practice Picking up tips and inspiration on university visits Our collaborative work with universities gives our Art and Creative students really valuable experiences of higher education environments. In February, a group of learners enjoyed taking part in a 3D practical workshop at Leeds Beckett University, where they gained hands-on experience to support the 3D element of their course. They were also given a campus tour to see the facilities and gain an insight into university life. More recently, our students visited Leeds Arts University to take part in a selection of practical workshops including in filmmaking, animation, and illustration. They were inspired by the facilities and specialist creative spaces they saw in what is the only dedicated arts university in the north of England. Our students also visited Teesside University, where they spent the day participating in a series of specialist sessions within the university’s state-of-the-art media facilities. Working with industry-standard equipment and guided by expert lecturers and technical staff, the students took part in workshops designed to develop their skills, encourage creative thinking, and provide hands-on experience of a professional media environment. ___________________________________________________________ Partnership MP visits to support Colleges Week We work with many local and regional politicians who recognise the vital role that further education plays. So we were delighted to welcome Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon into college during Colleges Week in March, when we and sister colleges across the country were celebrating the theme of ‘skills for all’. Tom visited our catering and community interpreter classes, to see at first-hand how students are developing the skills to succeed in their careers.  He said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Harrogate College. They provide a fantastic opportunity for learners to develop industry-ready skills, making jobs more accessible and opening up new opportunities.” Our Principal, Danny Wild, said: “Tom’s visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the breadth of learning taking place here. Colleges play a crucial role in promoting opportunity and integration across society.” ___________________________________________________________ We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of our newsletter – we’ll be back with more next time!

Techbuyer has become the first sponsor of our under-construction £22m new campus.

The sustainable IT solutions firm, which has its headquarters at Hornbeam Park, already works closely with the college on everything from student visits and joint projects to guest talks and work placements.

It has also joined our Employer Board, which was set up to let local businesses collaborate with us to ensure the curriculum is delivering the courses and skills the region needs.

Techbuyer has now become the first commercial sponsor of the new campus which is set to open, furnished with state-of-the-art equipment to meet North Yorkshire’s priority skills needs, in early 2027.

Supporting education, skills development and innovation

The sponsorship will lead to one of the new main building’s digital rooms receiving Techbuyer branding, and to the company committing to two visits per year to talk to students.

CEO of Techbuyer Europe, Steve Sexton, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be the first business sponsor of the college’s new building; this reflects our long-term commitment to education and skills development in the area.

“Access to high-quality learning environments and current technology will help ensure students gain hands-on experience that mirrors the workplace.

“We believe the new building will become a hub for innovation and industry engagement, and help create clear pathways from education into skilled employment.”

Building on strong foundations

Techbuyer Europe’s Head of Marketing, Katie Fraser‑Smith, said: “We see this sponsorship as part of an ongoing partnership.

“From the outset, we’ve been impressed by the college’s commitment to equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills. 

“We’ve been pleased to offer a range of opportunities to students, including work experience placements, careers talks, and insight sessions into our industry. These give them valuable exposure to real working environments and help bridge the gap between education and employment.

“We’re especially proud that two students who completed work experience with us have since gone on to secure permanent roles within our company. That’s a fantastic outcome for them and for us, and demonstrates the value of early engagement.”

An exciting new chapter ahead

Our new main building will be fitted with high-end kit, including a Virtual Reality studio and eight digital suites, to ensure it can keep pace with advances in technology.

Other new facilities will include a full replica hospital ward, an advanced construction centre and a renewable energy technology base.

Principal Danny Wild said: “It is great to welcome one of our key partners and neighbours, Techbuyer, as the first sponsor of our new college building.

“The company provides so many fantastic opportunities for our students and we have already achieved some great things together. We look forward to further developing this very rewarding working relationship as we move forward into an exciting new chapter for both the college and the region.”

Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor of the new campus, which brings with it a range of promotional opportunities and benefits, should e-mail: Lynn-Yang.Liu@harrogate.ac.uk.

We were pleased to welcome Tom Gordon to Harrogate College to celebrate Colleges Week and highlight the important role further education plays in developing skills across our community.

Marking this year’s theme, “Skills for All,” Tom Gordon MP visited a range of classes focused on practical, career-focused training, including catering and community interpretation. 

During the visit, he joined a session on the college’s community interpreter course, which supports learners who speak other languages to develop the professional skills needed to help people access services and integrate into life in the UK. Tom had recently visited Ukraine and was able to speak about his experiences with learners.

Tom was also able see some of our catering students preparing for a lunchtime service. Given many of our students go on to work within Harrogate’s hospitality industry, it was great to show Tom how we are preparing them for a future in one of the town’s key sectors.

Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said:

“Tom’s visit during Colleges Week was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the breadth of learning taking place at Harrogate College. From our catering students developing the professional skills they’ll take into industry settings, to adult ESOL learners who are building new lives and careers in the UK, colleges play an important role in promoting opportunity and integration across society.”

Tom Gordon MP said:

“It is always a pleasure to visit Harrogate College. They provide a fantastic opportunity for learners across our local area to develop industry ready skills, making jobs more accessible and opening up new opportunities for people. I enjoyed speaking to students about the opportunities they are able to access through the college.”