Navigating an environment you’ve been out of for so long is no easy task. It’s therefore understandable why you might feel apprehensive about enrolling in an adult learning course.

But you’re not alone in wanting to take the plunge. According to one study by the Learning and Work Institute, as many as 44% of adults have taken part in learning in the last three years.

At Harrogate College, we’re on a mission to let adults in our region know that it’s never too late to hone a new skill or build on an existing one.

So to put our money where our mouth is, we invited two local legends, Nick Hancock and Pete Egerton from Your Harrogate radio, to test out our adult education provision in a head-to-head showdown to be crowned King of the Courses.

They battled it out over six weeks, with Pete clinching the title with a score of 4-2. We caught up with the pair to find out what they’ve discovered about adult learning.

“I was a bit sceptical”

Interest in adult education has enjoyed a rise in recent years, but its new-found popularity means that there are still misconceptions about what it means to be an adult learner.

When we asked Nick about his preconceptions he said, “I must admit, I thought adult education was mainly about people already in jobs attending conferences and training sessions to tell them how to do the job they were already doing!”

Many of these misconceptions arise from the assumption that learning as an adult is just like school, something that Pete found less than appealing.

He said, ”Admittedly, I was a little bit sceptical! School to me always seemed a bit limiting.

“I never felt truly free to pursue my passions and be independent. Stepping back into a classroom as an adult was a bizarre and somewhat unsettling concept.”

“A whole community under one roof”

But soon it was time for Nick and Pete to brush their nerves aside, set their alarms and arrive for their first day at the college. 

On their initial tour of the college, the pair were in awe of the facilities Harrogate College has to offer. Boasting over 40 courses, it’s important that our students have the best spaces available to learn specialist technical skills.

Pete said: “The thing that struck me the most was the variety.

I couldn’t believe that under one roof you could find a beauty therapy salon, a motor vehicle workshop and a science lab. Crazy! It was like having a whole community under one roof.”

Nick added:  “In my time at school, you’d have to go somewhere and get work experience if you wanted access to the proper equipment. But now, learners have it all at their fingertips!

“The tutors were incredible”

In the first two weeks, the pair rose to the challenge of beauty and bricklaying – two subjects that require a steady hand and an eye for detail. 

In the beginning, the pair found it tough. But the support of the tutors meant they were able to see it through. 

Nick said, “One thing I really appreciated was that even when I was a bit clueless (which was more often than I’d like to admit) the tutors still spoke to me with dignity and respect. 

“I was nervous that I’d feel a bit like a school kid, but that wasn’t the case.”

When we asked Pete how he found the beauty challenges, he chuckled, “I live in an all-female household so I’m surrounded by lots of nail and hair care, and let me tell you, it’s not as easy as they make it look! 

“I was rubbish at first, but the tutors were incredible. They teach all ability levels and their clear direction and patience really boosted my confidence to get stuck in.”

“I might be the next Van Gogh!”

Lots of people use adult learning as a way to upskill in a field they’re already familiar with, but there’s no reason why you can’t give something new a go. 

The average UK worker changes career every five years, so it’s never too late to find something you’re good at, which is exactly what happened to Nick.

Nick said: “I tried to keep an open mind going into the challenges, but naturally I thought I was going to be better at some than others. 

“What surprised me is that I actually did well in areas I’d never considered my strong suit. I was delighted to win the art challenge,who knew I might be the next Van Gogh!”

Pete added: “I completely agree. If you’re browsing the catalogue of courses and don’t see one that jumps out at you, I’d encourage you to try something new. 

You might unlock a talent you never knew you had. Although, if you do, try not to get as smug as Nick!”

“Take your skills to the next level”

As the curtain fell on King of the Courses, we asked the pair to reflect on their learning journey, and how it had changed their understanding of adult education. 

Pete (or His Majesty as he now prefers!) has learned that adult education is a far cry from traditional schooling. 

He said, “Speaking to tutors and current students made me realise that adults can learn in their own way, in their own time. 

“If you’re considering adult education, but you’re worried about what you can commit to and if you’ll be able to do it, just get in touch! 

With full, part-time  and online courses on offer at Harrogate College, there’s something to suit all abilities and schedules.

For Nick, the quality of the facilities and the expertise of the members of staff have transformed his perception of studying in later life. 

He said, “I had this vision of adult courses taking place in stuffy conference centres or over boring online calls, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!

“Harrogate College was buzzing with staff and students eager to learn, and it certainly had the facilities to take your skills to the next level. 

Want to find out how adult learning could open doors for you? Find out more at www.harrogate-college.ac.uk/adult-courses/

We are thrilled to announce that we have become the official sponsor of Harrogate Town AFC’s Player Development Centre.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment from the college and the club to help young people – in this case the district’s aspiring footballers – grow and succeed.

The Player Development Centre offers a platform for junior players to refine their skills, nurture their passion, and achieve their full potential.

Happy to team up with a brilliant club

Principal Danny Wild has visited the club to see the players receiving their new, Harrogate College branded, kit. He said: “Harrogate Town AFC, just like our college, is committed to giving great opportunities to the district’s young people to help them flourish and grow.

“Collaborating with brilliant local organisations is in our DNA, and we know that sport brings all kinds of benefits – physical, mental and social – to those involved. So we are proud to be supporting the club, our local community and its aspiring young footballers in this way.”

Valuable support will make a difference

Harrogate Town AFC Commercial Director, Jo Towler, added: “We are delighted that Harrogate College has become the official sponsor of our Player Development Centre.

“The partnership reflects our shared dedication to supporting young people and fostering their development both on and off the field. We are excited to work closely with the college to create a positive impact on the local community.”

More than 100 businesses have signed up to Harrogate College Employers’ Network.

The group has just welcomed its 103rd member – representing a four-fold increase since its first meeting in 2021.

The network was set up to create a direct link between the district’s businesses and the college so that training and work opportunities could be tailored accordingly.

That has resulted in closer collaboration which has brought a range of benefits to both parties.

Building something special

Principal Danny Wild said: “It’s fantastic to see the network growing so fast. To have gained more than 100 members in under two years is a real achievement – and a sign that we’re building something special here.

“The feedback we gain from businesses is invaluable and helps us identify and address any gaps in our courses, so we can keep ahead of the curve in terms of meeting emerging training needs.

“Our students also benefit from meeting employers when they come along to support our events, like recruitment fairs, or give guest talks – and this in turn helps them secure work placements or apprenticeships.

“Our business partners, meanwhile, get the opportunity to directly influence our curriculum to ensure it’s delivering the training, and future workforce, they need. They also get some great networking and free advertising opportunities, so it’s a win-win.”

A network that sets the college apart

One of the network’s many businesses is Boroughbridge-based ATM Ltd – contractors in vegetation management, fencing, landscaping and ecology. HR administrator, Kelly Thomas, said: “We appreciate and support the working relationship we have with the college and its employers’ network.

“We have worked out that the best way to grow our workforce is by identifying someone who has an interest in our industry, investing in their development, and nurturing their progression.

“We aim to do this through apprenticeships and encouraging those leaving college to consider a career at ATM – and that’s where the network comes into its own, and sets Harrogate College apart from others we work with.”

Other local employers can find out more when the network holds its next meeting – which includes lunch – on Thursday 6 July. Places can be reserved at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/harrogate-college-employer-network-event-tickets-640473572697 .

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 monthly newsletter is a handy way of keeping our partners informed of developments at the college.
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Business Newsletter – May 2023 Dear partners, We were proud to be nominated for three Harrogate Advertiser Business Excellence Awards this year – and are absolutely delighted to now be able to say that we have been crowned winners in one of them! Read on to find out more. May has been a busy time in college (despite all the Bank Holidays), and started off in fine style when we welcomed the local Chef of the Year finalists in to compete for the trophy. We were also pleased to share some great news about two of our supported interns who are working at Harrogate Hospital – another success story for our partnership work with local employers. Your Harrogate’s King of the Courses competition, meanwhile, is continuing to spark interest in our courses while providing some light-hearted fun for the station and its listeners/readers. We include an update on presenters Nick and Pete’s latest challenge in this edition of the newsletter. I hope you enjoy the read! Danny Wild Principal Harrogate College ____ Harrogate Business Excellence Awards As this great photograph (taken by Gerard Binks Photography) shows – we were one of the winners at the Harrogate Advertiser Business Excellence Awards 2023! We scooped the Sustainability Award on the night, in recognition of our work to deliver vital green skills training while reducing our own carbon footprint. Principal Danny Wild said: “As a college that is fully committed to playing its part in tackling the climate emergency and supporting our businesses as they embrace green technology, we are delighted to see our sustainability work being recognised like this.” The college was also a finalist in the Business in the Community and Employee Health and Wellbeing Award categories. ____ Awards for hospital interns We’re proud to share the news that two of our supported interns have received a national award. Lewis Grayston and Charlize Barik, who are both based at Harrogate Hospital, were recognised for their progress and achievements by Hft, a charity that supports over 2,500 adults with learning disabilities. The pair were two of only 20 interns and graduates, from across England and Wales, to receive the award. Find out more. ____    A ‘hair-raising’ challenge for presenters Nick and Pete Nick Hancock and Pete Egerton, from Your Harrogate, have been coming to the college regularly since April to try their hand at all kinds of skills. Their latest King of the Courses challenge saw the duo receive some quick, expert training on the art of hair styling, before putting what they learnt to the test on two ‘training heads’. To find out how they fared, and more about the competition and the pair’s previous results, click here. ____ College welcomes top chefs for ‘cook-off’ We were glad to welcome some of the Harrogate district’s top chefs on Tuesday 2 May. As has become an annual tradition, the finalists of the Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards‘ Chef of the Year contest used the college’s catering facilities for their ‘cook off’. The contestants were each challenged to create a delicious main course from a mystery box of ingredients. The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony on 12 June.

Work with us! We are a college that prides itself on collaborating wth the district’s businesses and community groups. To find out more contact Business Engagement Advisor Susan Roberts, email: Susan.Roberts@harrogate.ac.uk .

We hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of our Business Newsletter.

As someone whose life has been threatened for playing football, Sabreyah Nowrozi knows all about the dangers that cause refugees to flee from their homelands.

Sabreyah was captain of the Afghanistan women’s development team when the Taliban – which bans women from competing in sport – seized power on 15 August 2021.

Instead of preparing for their next tournament, she, her teammates and their families all ended up scrambling just to escape the country alive.

Sabreyah has gone on to forge a new life in the UK, where she is continuing her football career with Harrogate Town AFC Women, studying with us, and working as a teaching assistant.

Shining a light on a country’s culture

On Tuesday 13 June (in the lead-up to Refugee Week), the 25 year old will help us hold our very first Afghanistan Day to shine a light on her homeland’s rich culture.

She said: “I think most people just know about the war and troubles we’ve had in Afghanistan, but this day will be a chance to show the other side and share information about our culture and the country’s positive qualities.

“We’ll be showing films about its history, from the old days to present times, which I think are amazing!

“We’ll also be sharing some artwork, poems, songs and readings, and traditional dress. There will be a selection of Afghan dishes – which I’m making at home, with friends – to sample too, for a small cost, with the money raised going toward women’s healthcare and education.”

Fleeing to safety and a new life

Sabreyah is studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). We have seen a recent upsurge in ESOL student numbers, which jumped from 60 in 2021-22 to over 140 this academic year. Many are refugees who have endured all kinds of risks to escape from places, like Ukraine and Afghanistan, ravaged by conflict.

Sabreyah’s own journey to safety – first to Pakistan and then, through a flight that was paid for by Kim Kardashian, to the UK – was fraught with danger, and saw her and her teammates interrogated at numerous Taliban checkpoints.

She said: “I had a very good time playing football in Afghanistan but when the Taliban came everything finished and, as a football player, I felt I couldn’t continue in the country.

“They were so angry with me and told me never to come back, or they would kill me. I thought: ‘we need to move, now’ – it was a dangerous time for me and my family,”

With the situation in Afghanistan still very unstable and the Taliban in power, Sabreyah is now focused on her and her family’s future in the UK – and has her sights set on a psychology course at the University of York. 

Afghanistan Day will be held in the Adult Learning Zone from 11am to 1pm.

Our students hosted a successful South East Asian street food evening, as part of the college’s continuing support for the hospitality industry. 

From cooking delectable dishes to serving over 40 guests, the students embraced the fast paced, customer-centric environment, and were rewarded with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

This event marked a significant milestone for our learners, especially for Dylan Bibby, who was keen to explore Asian cuisine as a chef for the very first time. 

Not only did Dylan acquire new culinary skills through this experience, but he also received outstanding support from the college staff. 

He said: ‘’This event was so fun; it was my first time trying Asian cuisine as a chef, so I also picked up some new skills.

“The staff here at Harrogate College are always kind, patient and willing to help. They explain everything very well and go into detail when we need more information.’’

Looking ahead, Dylan wants to continue his journey with us by enrolling in the Professional Cooking course. While he may consider apprenticeships opportunities, his primary choice is to remain at the college.

Passionate Hospitality team

The hospitality team’s next venture, the Tour of Italy, promises to be an exquisite experience. Led by Salvatore Pinna, the our new chef lecturer from Sardinia, this event will showcase the team’s commitment to culinary excellence.

Recognising the importance of practical learning and essential life skills, we actively collaborate with local employers in the hospitality sector to foster valuable partnerships.

Our MA Creative Practice students are preparing to share some impressive new work with the public.

Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, printmaking, textiles and more will go on show when we welcome visitors to our North Yorkshire Open Studios (NYOS) exhibition in June.

Running over two weekends, the event will be a chance for people to view and purchase pieces by a diverse collection of artists. Our current MA Creative Practice students are a diverse group of learners who have enjoyed careers in everything from the armed forces to psychotherapy and teaching.

For some, such as landscape artist Andrew Stratford – who suffered a debilitating stroke in 2021, as he describes at stratfordart.co.uk  – taking on the Master’s degree has been a form of rehabilitation.

‘Never too late to embrace creativity’

For others like art psychotherapist Anthea Hendry, who is in her late seventies, it has been a way to really explore her artistic side in later life.

She said: “I was uncertain when I finally made space in my life to apply to do a Creative Practice MA in 2022. Had I left it too late?

“Now, having completed the first few terms, I have no doubts that I made the right decision. It’s never too late to follow a path to a lifelong belief in the power of creativity, to explore what it means to be human.”

Fellow student Melanie Benn, meanwhile, is a ceramicist whose recent creations – inspired by the course – have included paper clay versions of Prototaxites: tree trunk-like, ancient fungi.

The NYOS exhibition’s first weekend takes place on Saturday June 3 and Sunday 4, while the second is on Saturday June 10 and Sunday June 11. Viewing will be available from 10am to 5pm on all days.

A chance to see some outstanding work

Programme manager in MA Creative Practice, Dr Annabel Smith, said: “Our MA students come from all walks of life and are often retiring or looking at switching direction and wanting to build on previous artist practice.

“This degree offers them a great way to change pathways and perhaps launch a new career, or just focus totally on their creative practice.

“The overriding motivation seems to be to grasp the chance of a new start by setting off in a really creative direction.

“The students consistently impress us by the quality of the art they produce, across so many mediums – and we can’t wait for the public to come and see some of their outstanding work at this exhibition.”

We have set a new milestone in promoting sustainability among our students and community by holding our second Green Month. 

Students, staff and visitors participated in all kinds of environmentally-themed activities during March, including a sustainable fashion show and a lend-a-hand party at our Garden of Sanctuary.

The fashion show, a first for the college, featured eye-catching displays by our art and hair and beauty students. They used biodegradable clothes, hair and makeup to tell visual stories about the climate emergency, and particularly ocean waste.

Green Month also included a chance to use a smoothie-making bicycle while a selection of sustainable meals, using local ingredients, were served in the bistro.

The month featured a free talk on retrofitting, too, by Zero Carbon Harrogate, which gave over 50 residents insights into how to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Principal Danny Wild got personally involved by producing a smoothie using a modified bike provided by the North Yorkshire Rotters, a waste reduction group. He said: “’Our second Green Month was a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the many things our college, community and organisations across the district are doing to advance the cause of sustainability.”

Our annual Green Month is part of a wider commitment to reduce our carbon footprint – we’re aiming to become net zero by 2035 – and raise awareness of sustainability issues.

Construction businesses can find out how to make super energy-efficient buildings through a free course we are delivering.

Passive House for Construction Professionals and Management, a four week, one-day-a-week training programme that has been fully funded by the government, will start on Tuesday 7 March.

Passive houses are built to rigorous energy efficient design standards to help them maintain an almost constant temperature – thereby slashing their energy bills and carbon footprint.

The course will be run by Leeds-based passive house specialists Pure Haus, who will also be installing a mini passive house in our grounds on Thursday 2 March.

Welcome to the future of the construction industry

Director Kevin Pratt said: “Building energy efficient homes and retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient is the future.

“I’m so pleased that Harrogate College has embraced the future of the construction industry and this course is a really exciting project for us to be involved in.

“We’re looking forward to installing a ‘mini pure haus’ at the college, too; it will be a real eye-opener for students and help educate them about how we need to build homes to play our part in tackling climate change.”

As an environmentally conscious college which is working to achieve carbon zero status by 2035, we are always looking for ways to raise awareness of the sustainability and green skills agenda. In March, we will be holding a variety of environmentally-focused activities for our Green Month.

One of those events will see Zero Carbon Harrogate, at 6.30pm on 16 March, present a free introductory talk on Retrofitting Your Home. Guests will hear from several expert speakers about the art of eco-renovation and how to go about improving the energy efficiency of their properties.

This will be the latest in a string of retrofit courses or information events that we have helped to deliver over the past two years.

Playing our part in the fight against climate change

Principal Danny Wild said: “Creating more energy efficient buildings, and improving the efficiency of the ones we already have, is an important part of the fight against climate change.

“We are delighted to be partnering with local businesses and community groups to raise awareness of, and offer training in, skills like passive house building and retrofitting.

“It is such practices that we all need to adopt, as organisations and individuals, if we are to make real change, reduce our collective carbon footprint and, of course, save money.”

Other Green Month events will include a visit by North Yorkshire Rotters and their smoothie-making bicycle on 3 March and a fashion show on 29 March. A variety of sustainably produced dishes, meanwhile, will be served in the canteen throughout the month.

Click here to book a place on Passive House for Construction Professionals and Management. The retrofit talk, meanwhile, can be booked here.