For Mollie Blakey, college wasn’t just the next step from school, it was the vehicle that ignited a spark in her that she never knew existed.

At school, she didn’t fit in and struggled with her work and mental health, not realising she had undiagnosed learning difficulties. 

“A couple of days after starting my course in food preparation at college, my tutor pulled me to one side and asked me a few questions and to read them a section from a menu. The next day I was booked in for an assessment that revealed I had dyslexia.

“It came as a shock at first but I was relieved to find out what was causing my struggles with reading and writing. I was given additional support straight away which made me feel at ease and ready to get started.”

Mollie’s interest in hospitality started from a young age; growing up watching Masterchef and helping her dad in the kitchen. 

“The whole process of cooking and baking fascinates me, from the colours, flavours and textures, to the science of where it comes from and how it’s then presented to you on a plate. My favourite subject at school was food technology, so it made sense for me to pursue it further. The practical elements of the course at Harrogate College appealed to me and I wasn’t disappointed.

“I wasn’t just learning about food, I started to understand and apply other skills such as maths, English and science, which are just as equally important when interpreting instructions and weighing out ingredients for example.”

With continued support and care from Harrogate College staff, Mollie progressed to Level 2 and even got involved in Student Life activities to champion other students who may have been struggling with mental health issues or low confidence.

“I’m a huge advocate of looking after your mental wellbeing and speaking out when you need help, so it was a privilege to be able to work with the college to come up with new ideas to raise awareness. I created a mindmap of potential initiatives and took part in a challenge to walk 27 miles in 27 days, managing to raise over £300 for mental health charity, Mind.

“All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the nurturing environment of Harrogate College and its amazing staff, who formed part of the best two years of my life.”

Last year, Mollie was diagnosed with autism, but rather than dispiriting her, she was empowered to speak out and support others, following her successful mental health campaign work. 

“I got involved in Autism Awareness Week at college as I wanted to get the message out that it shouldn’t stop you from achieving your dreams.”

In her second year at college, Mollie got a part-time job working at Love Brownies cafe, and credits her tutors for helping her with her CV and interview skills, alongside her practical experience in the college bistro. She has now secured a catering assistant role at Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms where she’s excited to put her skills into practice.

“Applying the skills I’ve learnt at college to a real working environment has really increased my confidence and I can’t wait to experience a new challenge and hopefully work my way up. As part of my course, I also gained knowledge about working in hospitality with the added complexities of Covid, which will stand me in good stead for this role.”

Inspired by Horticap Harrogate, Mollie would eventually like to open her own cafe, run by people with learning difficulties and autism, to show that these conditions don’t define who you are. 

In recent years, there’s been an increasing need for qualified teachers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

For many professionals, teaching in further or higher education is often a second career following a specialist role in industry. Educators in STEM have long been considered a huge influence on a student’s choice of subject matter or their decision to pursue a STEM career due to their knowledge and expertise. 

Former General Technician Electrical, Production Controller, Les Potter, now deputy head of Cultural, Contemporary and Heritage Studies at Harrogate College, first identified his passion for engineering after a day out in Goole when he considered joining the Royal Air Force (RAF).

15 years down the line, as an Electrical Engineering Supervisor, Les discovered that he wanted to empower and help young apprentices to gain electrical knowledge. This resulted in him moving to  No 4 School of Technical Training at RAF St Athan, South Glamorgan (4SofTT) to train RAF Apprentices. As his role expanded, he supported apprentices through  training courses in electrical, mechanical and motor vehicle.

We spoke to Les to find out more about his role and his teaching journey.

What is your specific area of STEM?

My specific area of STEM is electrical/electronic engineering.

What made you pursue a career in STEM?

I went to the Careers Information Office (CIO) in Goole to join the RAF as an electrician. After an aptitude test, they showed me several types of electricians and I chose to become a General Mechanic Electrical – specialising in electrical repair and maintenance.

While training apprentices at 4SofTT, I gained my Certificate in Education (CertEd) along with certificates for maintaining and training staff on specialist equipment . I also continued to assess apprentices in the workplace until I left in 2008.

I joined Doncaster College immediately after leaving the service to assess and teach apprentices on Level 2 and 3 courses in electrical and electronic trades along with electrical installation. This experience helped me  develop my knowledge and skills, keeping up-to-date with wiring regulations, my trade skills and gaining my internal verifier award. I also attended an underground close supervision course with the mines rescue service to allow me to assess apprentices working underground in the coal industry. 

What responsibilities does your current job entail?

I currently manage the curriculum and the departmental staff, ensuring learners are on the right programmes and that they have staff to teach them, resources to use and technicians to support. This is a demanding job, making sure all aspects are available and includes maintaining the current curriculum as well as developing the curriculum for the following year.

What are some of the lessons or elements of your job that have inspired you and contributed to your success so far?

I enjoy the challenge of problem solving. This in itself allows you to be creative and I think from a critical point of view, it allows you  to come up with solutions that work for both you and the team.

What keeps you motivated?

Supportive managers and willing staff and learners. Knowing that the learner comes to us with little or no knowledge in a subject and has the opportunity to progress through our qualifications on to university, an apprenticeship or full-time work.

What are your overall career ambitions?

I would like to stay in education until I retire and progress as far as I possibly can in that time.

What message would you give to those wanting to pursue a career in STEM and why would you recommend Harrogate College as a place to work?​

All industries that involve STEM are challenging and keep the mind healthy. They provide numerous opportunities for work, learning and travel. They can also be lucrative for those using their initiative and STEM skills to push themselves forward. To ensure you gain those baseline and upwards qualifications, Harrogate College has a wide range of STEM qualifications, enabling learners of all levels and skills to drive themselves forward into STEM. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, giving anyone wanting to progress the best opportunity to succeed.

Saving the planet can be fun!

That’s the message organisers want visitors to the launch of the first Harrogate District Climate Action Festival (CAFé) to take home after enjoying a great day out.

The three-week event will be launched at Harrogate College on Saturday 2 October when dozens of exhibitors will be talking about, and showing, how they are adapting to secure a more sustainable future.

What Does the Future Look Like? is free to attend, runs from 10am to 4pm and aims to inspire visitors while shining a light on all kinds of green innovations.

Live music, educational sheep and some digital orienteering

The day’s entertainment highlights are set to include:

• A special lunchtime musical performance, based on the theme of climate, by students from Leeds Conservatoire
• A visit by Dave and Ozzy, two sheep from Corn Close Care Farm, tied in to a sustainable wool talk
• An interactive orienteering quiz run by Techbuyer and Ortial Technologies
• Bicycle-powered smoothies, courtesy of North Yorkshire Rotters

The college’s hospitality students will also be selling food they’ve prepared especially for the occasion. And, at 2pm, festival organisers Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition (HDCCC) will announce the winner of its ‘climate friendly ideas’ schools competition.

Inspiring ideas – and a great day out

Harrogate College’s Partnerships and Development Lead, Holly Hansen-Maughan, said: “Supporting district-wide efforts to secure a greener and fairer future, and providing the green skills that will be needed as we move to a stronger, circular economy is a key part of the college’s work and values.

“This launch day for the district’s first ever Climate Action Festival will be packed with activities that have been designed to entertain, as well as educate, to ensure visitors experience the best of both worlds.

“We would urge everyone to come along and find out more about sustainability and the things we can all do to make a difference – while also enjoying a great day out with some really fun attractions and activities.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors and get the whole festival off to a flying start!”

The launch, sponsored by Techbuyer, will also include keynote speeches from Andy Shepherd, Professor of Earth Observation at the University of Leeds, and Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones.

The full itinerary for the day includes:

From 10am – 4pm: Over 30 outdoor exhibits including: a model passive house, built on site; electric cars; a map of the world to walk on and follow technology journeys; models of different energy supplies; demonstrations of building and heating systems; information on how homes and businesses can change for the better; digital orienteering activity; furry friends to play with whilst you learn about sustainable wool.

11am-12 noon: Welcome and Keynote speeches from: Neil Coles, Chair of HDCCC; Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College; Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate & Knaresborough; Professor Andy Shepherd, from the School of Earth & Environment, University of Leeds; Clive Wilson, author of Designing the Purposeful World; Trevor Chapman, Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate.

12 noon: A bespoke musical performance by Leeds Conservatoire.

2pm: Festival organisers HDCCC will announce the winner of its ‘climate friendly ideas’ schools competition.

The CAFé as a whole, which runs until 21 October, has been organised to provide a green focal point for the district just before the government hosts the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on October 31.

The festival will also include a Net Zero business conference at Harrogate Convention Centre on Friday 15 October and a variety of fringe events, including a Sustainability Conference for Children on Thursday 14 October.

For more details visit hdccc.info/whats-on

A free webinar series that was started to keep businesses and students in touch during the pandemic is about to resume.

Harrogate College teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions to launch in October, 2020. 

The scheme involves the college hosting webinars, featuring local businesses, that are streamed to students and jobseekers to help boost their employability skills and keep them informed of potential opportunities.

An electrifying new start

The online venture proved a hit over its first, ten-session run. Now the college is preparing to launch the second season on Tuesday 5 October with a session featuring eDub – a business that specialises in electric car conversions.

The webinar starts at 1pm and will be an opportunity to find out more about the company and ask questions. Individuals from eDub will also talk about their own career journeys and share insights into how to break into their line of work.

Feedback from the businesses that took part in the first round of Meet an Employer was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on what a great opportunity it was to showcase their services while giving something back.

Some of the webinars led to follow-up, one-to-one conversations and even job offers.

Keeping up the momentum

Harrogate College’s Partnerships and Development Lead, Holly Hansen-Maughan, said: “We had such a positive response from the first round of Meet an Employer. The webinars can be viewed by students from across Luminate Education Group – which includes Harrogate College, Leeds City College and Keighley College – and interested jobseekers.

“The scheme was started to help boost job opportunities and mobility, initially during lockdown, while allowing the college to serve its community which is always our number one goal.

“It was very successful and with a new programme of webinars now about to start we are aiming to keep the momentum going.

“We’re hoping lots of students and jobseekers will sign up to take part and I would urge other local businesses who haven’t done so yet to get in touch to see how they can get involved.”

To book a place on the next webinar click here. Details of further Meet an Employer sessions will be added to harrogate-college.ac.uk/contact/events as the year progresses. Any businesses interested in getting involved should e-mail Holly.Hansen-Maughan@harrogate.ac.uk for more details.

The countdown to the first ever Harrogate District Climate Action Festival has begun.

There is less than a month to go now until the festival’s launch, What Does the Future Look Like? , at Harrogate College.

Featuring exhibitors from across the county and beyond who will be showcasing innovations in sustainability, the event runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 2 October and is being sponsored by Techbuyer – an IT business with sustainability at its core.

The launch will be followed by three weeks of activities, including a Net Zero Business conference and a Sustainability Conference for Children, put together by festival organisers the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition.

A good fit

Techbuyer may now be a global success story but its roots and headquarters remain in Harrogate. Here, Techbuyer UK’s MD, Mick Payne explains why the business is excited about playing a key role in the Climate Action Festival by supporting its launch.

Q: Why is Techbuyer backing the first Harrogate District Climate Action Festival?

Techbuyer was invited to join the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition board meetings in late 2019, and has been part of the organisation ever since. It is wonderful to see the coalition’s work take wings with an event like this one, which should raise awareness of the issue locally. It is also nice to support a community event with a positive message.

Q: Do you think the company’s business model, which has refurbishing previously used, refurbished equipment at its core, aligns well with the goals of a green economy?

Yes. There has been a lot of talk about ‘Building Back Better’ after the pandemic, and green jobs are a big part of that. Most people think of these as in renewables, but refurbishment is a big potential growth area too. Following the Right to Repair laws introduced this summer, the Green Alliance estimates that 450,000 jobs could be created in repair and reuse of manufactured goods over the next 15 years to replace manufacturing new equipment.

You also have to look at what goes into initially producing the hardware. The enterprise equipment we deal in requires a lot of carbon to produce. Mining, manufacture, transport to assembly and first use, mean that the average server uses just under a metric ton of carbon in the pre-use phase. Refurbishment and reuse helps reduce the need for that by extending useable product lifespan. It helps with materials shortages too.

What many people don’t realise is that some of the rare materials that go into ICT are predicted to run out in just a few decades’ time. These same materials are also needed to build renewable infrastructure like wind turbines and solar panels. So by making best use of resources in IT, you are helping the green economy develop in energy production too.

A bike to remember

Q: What can you tell us about the amazing looking bicycle you’ll be bringing along to the festival’s launch day at Harrogate College?

One of our marketing gurus commissioned the bike from local artist Steve Blaylock to help publicise the UCI Championships in 2019, as well as raising awareness of the rising global tide in e-waste (now approximately 53m tonnes a year and growing fast).

There was a similar idea around Mount Recyclemore this year for the G7 meeting but ours was earlier and an actual bike! She – I think we named her Victoria Pedalton – is made out of almost 1,000 redundant IT parts and weighs 60kg. She has heatsinks as the pedals and seat, 20 server rails moulded to construct the frame, hundreds of server memory modules and a server fan which gives the bike a set of eyes. She will be available for photos at the community event but not to sit on. It’s a bit too delicate for that!

We can do something about it

Q: How do you think the district and its businesses / organisations are placed to meet the environmental challenges that lie ahead as we try to minimise the damage of global heating?

I think the key to this is attitude and belief. When you look at the numbers, they are a challenge but the good news is that we are in a position to do something about it. That is part of what the festival is about – showing people alternatives for the future and encouraging them to take positive steps.

Q: What can visitors look forward to during the festival, and what would you say to anyone who is interested in coming along / getting involved?

The community launch event is going to be great. There are loads of activities that have been set up by the organisations exhibiting. We’ll be bringing down laptops so people can get to know what’s inside ICT and how it can be upgraded. There will even be pieces for people to work on themselves.

We are also looking at a fossil hunt of obsolete technology with our sister company, Ortial. I believe they are also putting together an interactive trail with QR codes for your phone. There will be electric bikes on show too, and a passive house, so it will be a good event to come to, spend some time, see something interesting and maybe learn something along the way.

I would say come along and get involved! There are also community events happening later in the month for the festival so, if you have an idea, contact the organisers.

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 the canteen and 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 here.

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

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.

That will mean students will have the best possible chance of excelling in their courses and taking the vital next step towards the career or academic path of their choice.

It will also mean that everyone 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. 

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.

Students and staff at Harrogate College have been praised for achieving exceptional GCSE and A level results despite a ‘challenging ‘year.

The college has been celebrating a successful results week that saw many of its students achieve or exceed their target grades.

Grades rose across the country again this year as Teacher Assessed Grades were once more used in lieu of exams.

Principal Danny Wild said the achievements of Harrogate College’s students were all the more praiseworthy given the many challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A testament to our teachers and students

He said: “We are extremely proud of our students and their achievements during what has been a challenging year for all.

“Fifteen of our courses saw 100% of students passing, and our overall achievement for all students is good.

“And 90% of our English and maths students passed with our high grades, 5-9, which is outstanding.

“It truly is a testament to our teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure learners have been supported throughout the year, academically and pastorally.

“Our results have been exceptional and we’re looking forward to seeing our students progress further.

“The ongoing development of our degree offer means that students can stay with us if they choose to, giving them a local higher education experience.

“We are here to support young people with their next steps and would encourage them to give us a call on 01423 879466, email contact@harrogate-college.ac.uk, or visit harrogatecollege.ac.uk.” 

Referring specifically to the college’s GCSE students, he added: “They have worked hard to provide the evidence for their grades, completing tasks such as mock assessments and mini tests.

“This is demonstrated in the achievement of high grades for Maths GCSE students, at 10.2% above the national rate, and GCSE English students, 1.2%. above the national rate.

“Well done to all and good luck for the future.”

New beginnings for adult learners

A number of adult learners were among the GCSE success stories at Harrogate this year.

Nicola Jeffreys is looking forward to moving onto an Access course after passing English and maths. She said: “This means everything! It’s a new beginning for me.

“I’ve always lived my life for my kids – now I can live for me.”

Jacob Ibbetson was also celebrating getting his maths and English GCSEs after narrowly missing out last year. He said: “I am so happy I passed. It is partly down to my English and maths tutors for encouraging me and sticking with me through lockdown.

“I can now go on to do an animal management course and get on with my career.”

Holly Rushworth, who didn’t get her GCSEs at school, was also celebrating passing English and maths.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve done it.

“I want to do radiography and passing my GCSEs gives me everything I need.”

Businesses are being offered a chance to help create the workforce they need – by joining the Harrogate College Employers’ Network.

The network will be launched on Thursday 21 October when some of the biggest names from the district’s business community, including Techbuyer, will be among the attendees.

Keen to support the local economy, the college wants to hear from local employers about the exact skills they need so that it can tailor its courses accordingly.

Principal of Harrogate College Danny Wild, who will be taking part on the day, said the aim of the new network was to deliver a truly employer-led curriculum.

Tailoring courses to match the needs of our community

He said: “We value the input of local employers and believe they should help shape our curriculum so they can access the skills and training they need now and in the future.

“That is why we are launching the Harrogate College Employers’ Network.

“This is an opportunity for employers to influence the content of our courses so that they get the skilled employees they need coming through.

“We are launching this network to serve and match the needs of our community and hope lots of local businesses will join up, contribute and reap the benefits.”

A multitude of benefits

Performance and Projects Coordinator at Harrogate College, Holly Hansen-Maughan, added: “The network will be an opportunity for employers to influence the content of the college’s courses so that they are provided with what they need.

“Joining involves participating in discussion groups quarterly and brings with it a multitude of benefits, including free advertising and promotion across the college’s media platforms and events.”

Network members will also get:

• Discounts on courses for their business
• The chance to explain the skills they need, and to provide feedback on training
• Invitations to stakeholder networking events
• The opportunity to recruit students directly into their business from the courses they helped to design

The initiative coincides with the Government’s drive to ‘level up’ skills across the country, as outlined in the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill.

A key part of the Bill, as outlined by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan, is to ensure that the education and training that is on offer ‘meets the needs of employers and local communities’.

TheHarrogate College Employers’ Network launch event will run from 10am to 1pm on Thursday 21 October and include a networking buffet lunch at noon.

For more details visit Events  or email: Holly.Hansen-Maughan@harrogate.ac.uk.