For the latest news and course information log on to www.walsallcollege.ac.uk

Two Walsall College staff membershave been named as official London2012 Olympic Torchbearers and willbe flying the flag for the BlackCountry, when the torch relay travelsthrough the region on 30th June2012.

Walsall College NVQ Assessor, Ravendar KumarBangar was selected for being an inspiration toothers through his work in the educationsector and will carry the flame throughWillenhall. Ravendar has been at WalsallCollege for 10 years, during which time he hassuccessfully supported many students andemployers through Apprenticeships and workbased training courses, helping them to realisetheir potential and gain recognisedqualifications.

Kim Clark, Walsall College’s Further EducationSports Coordinator, is one of 55 exceptionalcommunity sports leaders chosen as atorchbearer through Coca-Cola’s Future Flames

TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012 1

College Staff to CarryOlympic Torch

campaign. Kim’s role at the College involvesleading initiatives that encourage all studentsto keep fit through physical activity andenrichment programmes.

Kim, who will carry the flame throughNewtown, is also a volunteer with sportscharity, StreetGames, and runs a number ofschemes helping disadvantaged young peoplein Walsall to get involved in physical activities.

Kim said: “Over the last couple of years I’vebeen promoting the games as a greatopportunity for people to get active, so to beinvolved in the relay is a great honour.”

Ravendar said: “I’ve been a huge fan of theOlympics from a young age and I’m reallyexcited that I’ve been chosen to play a smallrole in such a historic event.”

Ravendar and Kim join 8,000 otherinspirational torchbearers who have beenselected across the county, as the nationcounts down to the start of the games.

College to

WelcomeOlympic Torc

h

in 3DWalsall College is getting set towelcome the Olympic torch whenthe relay passes through Walsallon Saturday 30th June, with avariety of family themed activitiestaking place throughout the day.

Visitors will have the unique opportunity tohave their photos taken standing on anOlympic winners’ podium! PGCEplacement student, Lee Bourke, andWalsall College Art students will create a24 foot, 3D chalk drawing in the courtyardof the College’s Wisemore Campus.

During the Olympic relay, Hospitality andCatering students will be serving up a feastwith a range of classic British breakfastbaps on the menu. Visitors are welcome tothe College’s Jerome’ s Restaurant for a biteto eat while they wait for the torch totravel down Littleton Street West.

In addition, the Academy Health Club willbe offering a series of free fitness tests andthe Graduate Academy of Hair, Beauty andSpa Therapy Salon will have a range ofOlympic themed treatments on offer. Therewill also be children’s face painting anddance performances, as visitors gathertogether to celebrate the Olympic event inWalsall.

There will also be a number of have-a-goactivities taking place at the College’sGreen Lane Campus, as the relay travelsalong the road.

The College is also offering free parking atits Wisemore Campus throughout the day.

Principal and Chief Executive, JatinderSharma said: “We are delighted that theOlympic torch relay will be coming throughWalsall. It promises to be one the mostexciting events to take place in Walsall andit will be a great opportunity for the localcommunity to come together.”

STUDENTS ring the changes at conference

ISSUE No. 15Students • Parents • Partners • Stakeholders • Employers

TALENT

To find out about what’s happening in Walsall, visitwww.walsallfor2012.co.uk

2 TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012

Walsall College Sports students wereable to put their questions toOlympic Heptathlon champion,Denise Lewis, at the VIP launch ofthe Holiday Inn Walsall on Friday30th March.

Denise Lewis OBE, who was a guest of honourat the Olympic themed event, won gold in theHeptathlon at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The students had a question and answersession with Denise, where they asked for heradvice on their training regimes, diet andnutrition and her experiences at their age. Theathlete also spoke to students about theiraspirations for the future and was impressedby the fact they kept training diaries.

Denise said: “It is important to focus on yourpassion and be determined to reach yourgoals. I never imagined what I would achieve,but I always had the self-belief that I could do it.

“The main advice that I would give to thestudents is to seize every opportunity thatcomes their way, be disciplined and workextremely hard.”

Denise is also the 2012 School GamesAmbassador and she talked about how excitedshe is that the Olympics are being held in theUK. She said: “It's a fantastic chance to getmore young people engaged in sport andmeans the future is looking very bright forsport in the UK.”

Student, Jessica Rayner said: “It was amazingto meet Denise Lewis, as she’s someone I reallyadmire. She's represented her country at thehighest level and achieved so much in hercareer. She gave us a lot of great advice andwas truly inspiring.”

Curriculum Manager for Sport at WalsallCollege, Rayna Jones commented: “This was aonce in a lifetime experience which will staywith the students for a very long time.”

Rising Sports Stars meet Olympic

Gold Medallist Denise Lewis

Graduate AcademyOur commercial hair and beauty salon is open 5 days a week, including Saturdays andevenings. We offer a full range of services and treatments including fashion cutting andcolouring, manicure, pedicure and facial treatments.

To book an appointment please call 01922 657063

A member of staff at Walsall College,Keith Blackburn, has been selected asa Security Group Leader at the London2012 Olympics and will play a vitalrole in ensuring public safety duringthe Games this summer.

Following a stringent selection process, Keithhas been employed by G4S on a temporarycontract and will be responsible for managing anumber of Team Leaders, briefing staff anddeploying teams in the right areas.

Keith has 20 years of experience in security,having been Head Doorman for Leisuresec andmanaged his own security company. He joinedWalsall College in 2008 as a Security ShiftSupervisor, before taking the role of a ClassroomSupport Assistant, which involves mentoring andpassing on his frontline knowledge to PublicServices students looking to enter the industry.

Keith said: “It is a great honour to be awardedsuch an important role and I am taking thisopportunity very seriously. I will be using myknowledge and experience to help ensure thisonce in a life-time event runs smoothly.

“As a requirement of the job, I will be attendingan intensive week long training programme andI will then be informed about which area I’ll beassigned to, and whether I will be responsiblefor pedestrian or vehicle security.”

G4S is responsible for recruiting, training andmanaging the security workforce that will betasked with securing the Games, more than12,000 athletes and in excess of 10 millionspectators who will visit the Olympic andParalympic venues throughout the UK duringthe Games period.

Public Services students at Walsall College arealso currently undertaking training that will givethem the opportunity to work as part of theLondon 2012 Olympics security team.

Students have been achieving the Level 2 Awardin Door Supervision as part of the Bridging theGap scheme (BtG), designed to equip 8,000young people with the necessary skills andqualifications to work as part of the securityteam required for the Olympics.

Olympic Role for Keith

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY Sports students spurred on by Denise Lewis

PUBLIC SERVICES STUDENTS backing Keith to ensure Olympic safety

Academy Health ClubOur Health Club membership includes access to a large gymnasium, cardiovascular equipment, a specialised free weight area and an aerobics studio.

For more details please call 01922 651157 or email academyhealthclub@walsallcollege.ac.uk

Graduate Design & PrintA fantastic signmaking provision sponsored by Roland DG producing items from personalised gifts and canvasses to car wrapping, van vinyls, large scale signs,banners and hoardings.

For more details please call Andy Evans on 01922 688516 or07920 084 602 or email aevans@walsallcollege.ac.uk

The VenueIs host to shows, plays and musical extravagancies by our performing and creative arts students. It is available to local drama/dance groups who wish to hire our professional dance studio and performance area.

For more details please email thevenue@walsallcollege.ac.uk

Bright Things ShopBright Things is our one stop shop at Walsall College, open to the general public. We sellstationery clothing and fashion, gifts, art materials and hand crafted items made by ourcreative industries students.

For more details please call 01922 657020 or emailbrightthings@walsallcollege.ac.uk

Jerome’s Restaurant & Coffee BarAn elegant but informal atmosphere is awaiting you at Jerome’s Restaurant & Coffee Bar.All food is cooked and served by talented hospitality and catering students.

For more details or to make a reservation please call 01922 657061or email jeromes@walsallcollege.ac.uk

DREAMACHIEVERS

Former Professional Footballer, DonGoodman joined staff and children atWalsall College’s Little Professor’sNursery in March, as they launchedtheir balloon race to raise money forBirmingham Children’s Hospital.

Around 60 helium balloons were released intothe sky, with each carrying information aboutthe fundraising competition, as well as theNursery’s contact details for finders to get intouch and report the location the balloon was found.

The balloons were numbered and each child hadtheir own corresponding number, with a prizebeing awarded for the balloon which travelledthe furthest.

All proceeds raised were donated to theChildren’s Heart Appeal at BirminghamChildren’s Hospital.

Don Goodman, who played for West BromwichAlbion and Wolverhampton Wanderers,commented: “I think this is a great way ofraising money for charity and the Children’sHeart Appeal is a very worthwhile cause. It wasgreat to see the children so excited and I wishthem all the best in the competition.”

Don Goodman HelpsNursery Launch Charity Balloon Race

Walsall College Deaf Academystudent, Meghan Timmins has beenchosen as a volunteer for the London2012 Paralympic Games.

Meghan, who is studying Foundation Art andDesign, said: “It’s fantastic to have been selectedto be a volunteer at the Paralympic Games. Ilove sport and play a lot of football, badmintonand tennis in my spare time. I’m really excited tohave the opportunity to go to the Paralympicsand help the event run smoothly.”

The 2012 Paralympic Games will be held inLondon between 29th August and 9thSeptember and will see international athleteswith physical disabilities compete in a range of sports.

Meghan Volunteers forParalympics

Comedian, Lenny Henry recentlyheld a workshop with PerformingArts students at Walsall College, tohelp him finalise the script for hislatest play, ‘Soundclash’, which willbe performed next year as part ofthe National Theatre’s Connectionsfestival.

The workshop was organised by the NationalTheatre following the success of last year’sNew Connections Festival, where WalsallCollege students were only one of 10 groupsselected to perform, from 500 institutionsthat applied.

The workshop involved a series of focusgroups, where Lenny Henry, along with aproducer and movement coach from theNational Theatre, tested key ideas from theplay out on the students and asked for theirviews. Students also acted out some scenesand brought the script to life, to give theteam an insight into what worked.

The National Theatre chose Walsall College asthe only college to run this workshop afterthe students’ performance in the festival,received a 4 star review in the LondonEvening Standard last year.

Performing Arts Lecturer at Walsall College,Kerry Downing, said: “It’s a great privilege tohave hosted the workshop at Walsall College.

We have developed an excellent workingrelationship with the National Theatre, as aresult of the hard work and dedication shownby students in their performance last year.

“It was an incredible and very rewardingopportunity for our students to work with anestablished artist like Lenny Henry, and to alsoput their ideas forward for his consideration.”

Lenny Henry said: “The students were veryforthcoming in the workshop and it wasgreat to hear their opinions about the play, aswell as the general issues affecting youngerpeople in today’s society.”

Student, Maggie Mbeka, who took part inthe workshop said: “I really enjoyed thegroup session and it was fantastic to beinvolved in the script writing process. I can’twait until the play is finally written and onstage, so I can see if any of my suggestionsare used.”

DON GOODMAN lifts children’s spirits

TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012 3

Lenny Henry Looks toStudents for Inspiration

DREAMACHIEVER

MEGHAN volunteers her services

PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS help Lenny Henry

DREAMACHIEVERS

Walsall College Dance studentscelebrated a year of high profileperformances in May with their finalmajor Project, ‘Influences’.

‘Influences’ was a stunning dance show whichcelebrated influential people and technologyfrom the past, present and future.

All of the choreography for the show wascreated by second year students and performedby both years of Level 3 BTEC Extended DiplomaDance students.

Throughout the show, a range of dance genres,music, costume and projections wereincorporated to express the students’ individualresponses to their influence, which ranged fromMarilyn Monroe to the Olympics.

Walsall College Dance Lecturer, Faye Coxcommented: “We were delighted with thecreativity, enthusiasm and dedication studentsput into this project. The shows completely soldout! Staging performances like this allowstudents to experience first-hand, theexpectations and qualities required within theperforming arts industry.”

Influence CelebratedThrough Dance

OLYMPICS inspired dance

DREAMACHIEVERS

4 TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012

Former Walsall College student,Steve Jenkins, who has gone on tocarve a successful career for himselfin the music industry, visited theCollege on Thursday 10th May as aguest speaker.

Steve, who has recently released hisautobiography, ‘The Future is in the History’, isa renowned music producer who has playedan instrumental part in the careers of BritneySpears, Kylie Minogue and Justin Timberlake.

Born in Bloxwich, Steve attended WalsallCollege in 1970 and started out as a local DJ,before becoming the Managing Director ofJive Records.

He has also worked with artists includingBackstreet Boys, Steps, The Stone Roses, DavidBowie, Bjork, The Prodigy, Groove Armada,Billy Ocean and Simple Minds.

Steve spoke to Music students about hisillustrative career and the music that hasinspired him over the years, and gave studentsto the opportunity to pose their questions. Thepresentation gave students a fantastic insightinto working in the music industry and how to succeed.

Steve said: “My career has taken me to greatheights but I’ve always been hugely proud ofmy roots and coming back to Walsall College,where I have many fond memories, has beenan honour.”

Student, Joe Booth said: “Steve has workedwith artists who have inspired me to pursue amusic career, so to hear his stories of workingwith them, was really interesting.”

Curriculum Manager for Creative Industries,Rick Benton said: “A presentation from aformer student who has achieved incrediblesuccess in the music industry, was a fantasticopportunity for our students and we aregrateful to Steve for giving up his time andcoming back to the College.”

Performing Arts pupils from The MirusAcademy staged their first danceperformance at Walsall College’stheatre space, The Venue on Tuesday17th April.

The Mirus Academy, which opened in Januarythis year, is the first all-through Academy in theBlack Country, and provides high qualityeducational provision to pupils from early years,through to further and higher education.Through its specialism of Creative Industries, theAcademy provides a dynamic curriculum andaims to bring about the highest possible levelsof achievement for children and young people.

Family and friends had their first opportunity tosee the pupils aged from 13-18 showcase theirtalent in the state of the art theatre setting. Theshow, titled ‘Flawless’, featured a variety ofdance styles, including Ballet, Jazz Modern,Contemporary and Street Jazz, and formed partof the pupils’ BTEC qualification.

The Academy is sponsored by Walsall College,and in support, the College’s apprenticesoperated the sound and lighting equipmentduring the show, while Dance students greetedguests and showed them to their seats.

The Mirus Academy Tutor, Samantha Steathamsaid: “The pupils worked extremely hard toprepare for the show and it paid off as they putin a brilliant performance. They also reallyenjoyed performing in front of a large audiencein a real theatre.”

Performing Arts Lecturer at Walsall College, JulieWright said: “We are delighted to havesupported The Mirus Academy with their firstexternal performance, which was a greatexperience for the pupils and gave them a tasteof the dance industry.”

The Mirus Academy Stages Dance Spectacle

A Walsave Credit Union branch set upby Walsall College Business studentsto help fellow students and staff savemoney, beat off stiff competition tobe named one of five winners at thenational England final of the MoneyFor Life Challenge, held at WembleyStadium on Thursday 26th April.

The Money for Life Challenge is a nationalcompetition for 16 - 24 year old students infurther education, work based learning andtraining, or adult community learning partnerorganisations. It provides a fun way for studentsto learn vital money management skills, whilstalso positively impacting the financial educationof their communities.

As part of their Personal Banking module, thestudents worked with the Walsave Credit Union,who has been helping people in Walsall andBloxwich to save since 1994, to set up a newbranch in the College’s Wisemore Campus.

The College Credit Union also offers bothstudents and staff impartial advice on saving andany financial concerns they may have.

The Business students were selected as one offive People’s Prize Winners from over 110 entriesfrom across the UK, after demonstrating how aninitial £500 grant they received was used tosuccessfully launch the project.

Student Finance and Support Co-ordinator, GailHoughton said: “We are delighted at being oneof the finalists. The students are very passionateabout this project and have put a lot of hardwork into making it a success.

“This pioneering scheme aims to encouragestudents to save in the most accessible waypossible. In a tough economic climate wherepockets are being stretched, it has never beenmore important to budget carefully and putmoney aside for the future.”

Wembley Winners

Music Producer MakesGuest Appearance

WALSAVE PROJECT gets off to a winning start

ACADEMY PUPILS in first performance

STEVE JENKINS with aspiring music students

DREAMACHIEVERS

DREAMACHIEVERS

TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012 5

Walsall College Hairdressing student,Keyleigh Bowater received third prizein the final of the Francesco Groupphotographic competition, whichencourages budding younghairdressers to showcase their talent.

Students had to give their models a cut, colourand finish to create an Avant Garde look,inspired by a current hair trend, and submit a10x8 colour photograph as proof of entry.The winners were announced at an awardsceremony on 1st April at the Heart of EnglandConference and Events Centre in Warwickshire.

The competition was open to all of theFrancesco Group’s college partners across theUK and four of the 20 finalists were WalsallCollege students. Keyleigh Bowater receivedthe bronze award after impressing judges withher creative ability, trend interpretation and thetotal look in her photograph.

Keyleigh said: “All the other photo entrieslooked amazing so coming third in such acompetitive final is a great achievement. I’m

looking forward to pursuing a career inhairdressing once I finish my course at WalsallCollege, and this award will be great on my CVand help me to gain recognition in a toughindustry.”

Head of Cluster for Services to People atWalsall College, Joan Nimmo said: “We aredelighted at Keyleigh’s success at this highlevel. It is testament to the quality of her workand the high standard of training provided inour Graduate Academy.”

Walsall College Football Academystudents are celebrating after winningthe British Colleges Sport (BSC) WestMidland’s League and qualifying forthe Regional Elite League next year,the highest level of college football.

The Academy’s 1st team beat off stiffcompetition to be crowned 2011/12 Leaguechampions. They managed to win 13 out oftheir 14 games during the season and score animpressive 83 goals.

The Academy’s 2nd team were also victorious,finishing top in their respective league, while the3rd team ended the season in fourth place andhave scored a place in the League Cup Final.

Walsall College Football Academy Coordinator,Mark Howard, said: “I’m very proud of all ourteams for what they have accomplished thisseason. For the 1st team, qualifying for the BSCMidlands Elite League is an outstandingachievement and is credit to the solid andconsistent performances the squad has put inthis year. Playing in the Elite League will bemuch a bigger challenge, but one I’m sure theteam can rise to.

“This achievement is also testament to theAcademy coaches who relentlessly deliver a highstandard of football programme every year.”

The successful students all play football as partof the College’s Football Development Centre, agreat opportunity for talented young footballerswho want to continue with their educationwhile working towards footballing success.

The Centre specialises in harnessing the talent ofboth male and female players who display aboveaverage ability. Players selected to join the centrework in an environment that aids progressionand helps them achieve the highest possiblelevel of performance.

Walsall College has close links with the EnglandColleges Football Team, Walsall Football Cluband local semi-professional clubs. Students whodisplay outstanding levels of ability andcommitment are also recommended to theseclubs for further progression opportunities.

Black Country UTC EntrepreneursGet Their Time in Zurich!

%

Keyleigh Cuts it in

Francesco Competition

A group of seven business-mindedstudents at the Black CountryUniversity Technical College (UTC)jetted off to Switzerland to take partin the Zurich International Trade Fair,held on the 29th March.

The star students were one of only fourgroups across the country to be selected andwere promoting the retro clocks they createdunder their company name, ‘Retrossentials’.The innovative clocks, made out of vinylrecords using laser cut technology, wereinvented by students as part of the YoungEnterprise Company competition.

The Young Enterprise Company programmetests the ability of students from across Year12 as budding entrepreneurs. In a similar styleto the BBC One TV programme, TheApprentice, students were tasked with setting

up and running a real life company, includingdesigning, manufacturing and marketing theirown product or service.

The Black Country UTC’s ‘Retrossentials’ teamsecured their place at the fair by using their indepth knowledge of engineering, to designand manufacture the products to animpeccable standard. The product has alreadyshown great promise, having previously soldconsistently well at local Young Enterprisetrade fairs.

The Black Country UTC is one of the first of anew breed of schools across the country,offering 14-19 year olds the opportunity togain the qualifications and skills required foran exciting and rewarding career in scienceand engineering.

Students at the Black Country UTC areworking on exciting and challenging projects,developing innovative new products andprocesses that could change the way we live.The school is being supported by lead sponsor,Walsall College, worldwide technical suppliers,Siemens and co-sponsor, University ofWolverhampton, as well as receiving the fullbacking of Walsall Council.

Chris Hilton, Principal of the Black CountryUTC commented: “Taking part in theInternational Trade Fair was a great experiencefor the students involved, enhancing theirindividual development as skilled, professionalenterprising people. Competing on a local,regional and national level will not only givethem a great sense of motivation, but it will bean invaluable experience as they embark ontheir future careers in the technicalindustries.”

Football Academy Scores Success

DREAMACHIEVER

HAIRDRESSING STUDENT snips to success

DOUBLE CELEBRATION for Football Academy 1st team

DREAMACHIEVERS

TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012 7

A Walsall College Painting andDecorating apprentice has got designson becoming Young Painter of theYear, after brushing off thecompetition in the regional heat of anational challenge.

Daniel Warner came 1st in the West Midlandsleg of the Johnstone’s Young Painter of the YearAward and will now compete in the finals of theprestigious competition. The final will be held atthe National Painting and Decorating Show atRicoh Arena, Coventry in November and willallow apprentices to showcase their skills at theindustry’s biggest annual trade event.

Daniel is a first year NVQ Level 2 Painting andDecorating apprentice and was selected by histutors to represent Walsall College followingongoing observation of the standard of his work.

Daniel said: “From talking to other students onmy course who have entered this competition inprevious years, I knew it was going to be tough,so to win this first stage is amazing.

“It’s an impressive achievement to have on myCV and S&C Painting, the company I work for,are very proud of my efforts and have beentelling all our clients.”

Runner up in the regional heat was Lucy Porterfrom Walsall College, and she is now backing

Daniel to go all the way and take the 2012 title.Lucy who works as an apprentice at HankinsonPainting Group, said: “I’m really pleased forDaniel and hope he brings the award back toWalsall College.”

During the national competition, the youngpainters will complete tasks devised by theexperts at Johnstone’s, to test their skills in anumber of key areas including working to atechnical specification, applying different typesof paint, selecting and using tools and applyingstencils.

Barry Hill, Curriculum Manager for Constructionat Walsall College, said: “Daniel is anexceptional first year apprentice and is a creditto the College and his tutors. He is also a greatambassador for the Apprenticeship programmeitself, demonstrating the high level of skills thoseundertaking this kind of training can achieve.”

Johnstone’s Marketing Manager Megan Esmondsaid: “Now in its eighth year, the Johnstone’sYoung Painter of the Year competition presentsa fantastic opportunity for students andapprentices to demonstrate their talents and tomake their mark in what is a very competitiveindustry.”

The competition offers a prize package of £2000and is open to painting and decorating studentsand apprentices across the UK who are workingtowards NVQ or Diploma Level 2 Award.

Apprentice Brushes off Competition

All Smiles at Business BreakfastOn Thursday 19th April,representatives from businessesacross Walsall visited WalsallCollege’s Jerome’s Restaurant for abusiness breakfast event that wasdesigned to put a spring in the stepof attendees.

The guest speaker at the event was JulesMitchell, a Happiness Coach, LaughterTherapist & Trainer in Learned Optimism andPositivity.

Jules came to the College to spread a‘Happydemic’, promoting health andhappiness through her very special programof ‘Expressional Release Techniques’. Duringthe event, she shared her unique approachto bring balance and happiness back intoour daily lives using Intentional Happiness

Living, Mindfulness practices and LaughterTherapy.

Organised by The Black Country Chamber ofCommerce, the bi-monthly BusinessBreakfast networking events are an idealmeeting place for members and non-members of the Chamber. The BlackCountry Chamber of Commerce runs arange of successful events across the regionright throughout the year.

Anne Ward from the Black CountryChamber of Commerce said, “The event wasa huge success. Our regular businessbreakfasts provide people with theopportunity to make new contacts and sharebest practice, whilst enjoying a full Englishbreakfast, served in Walsall College’sexcellent Jerome’s Restaurant.”

Walsall College’s Supported LearningDepartment (SLDD) celebrated afterits Conservation team won the NHSWalsall Award at the annual WalsallDisability Awards.

Hosted by the Walsall Disability Forum, the eventwas held at Banks’s Stadium on Wednesday 2ndMay to acknowledge organisations, groups andindividuals within the Borough, who haveworked in partnership with the local authorityand voluntary sector to deliver a project orservice that has benefited people withdisabilities.

Students, Ben Rutter, Ben Garrett and MatthewHillback, collected the award on behalf ofWalsall College’s Conservation team. All three

are on the second year of their Skills forWorking Life course and each week they havebattled the rain and snow to assist the CannockDistrict Council Countryside Services maintainthe Cannock countryside.

Business student, Elliot Garbett also collectedthe Youth and Outstanding Achievement awardsfor his efforts to change perceptions of disabledpeople and anti-bullying campaign in the localcommunity.

Paul Bagnall, Curriculum Manager for SLDD atWalsall College said: “Winning these awards istestament to all SLDD staff. It recognises theirhard work, commitment and dedication inensuring that each learner enjoys their time atcollege and develops the necessary skills in orderfor them to achieve and progress.”

Triple Awards Success

CHEERFUL EVENT gives businesses a positive start to the day

DANIEL PAINTS his way to national final

DREAMACHIEVERS

DREAMACHIEVERS

8 TALENT @ Walsall College June 2012

For the latest news and course information log on to www.walsallcollege.ac.uk

A group of exceptional Walsall Collegestudents got the chance to walk thered carpet and see the videos they starin, launched at a film premiere eventheld at the College’s, Jerome’sRestaurant on Tuesday 15th May.

The students were captured on film talkingabout life at Walsall College and their dreamsand aspirations for the future. A series of videoswere produced and have been launched onlineand through the College’s social media networksas part of a viral campaign, while correspondingadverts will be displayed on local buses, busshelters, local newspapers and radio.

The campaign is part of the College’s ‘RealiseYour Dream’ recruitment drive and has beendeveloped to showcase to prospective students,how Walsall College can help them fulfil theircareer dreams. Using the Twitter hashtag,‘#mydreamis’, the College is also encouragingusers to tweet their dreams.

Bringing talent to life, Walsall College is also inthe process of creating its own innovativeAugmented Reality (AR) smart phoneapplication, which will allow viewers to watchthe videos by scanning their phones over theadverts.

One of the stars in the videos, dance studentAaron Watkinson, dreams of becoming aProfessional Dancer, said: “I had a great dayshooting the video and being a VIP at thepremiere felt very special. I’m really happy withthe final outcome and hopefully it will inspireothers to achieve their dreams.”

Principal and Chief Executive Jatinder Sharmasaid: “It is wonderful that our students are soeager to get involved with promoting theCollege to new students and is a reflection onthe community spirit that exists here.

“We have been absolutely delighted with theoutcome of the promotional material and feelthat the students are all fitting role models forpotential V6 students, who may aspire to followin their footsteps to become Walsall CollegeGraduates.”

Perkins - a leading designer andmanufacturer of diesel and gasengines, is set to embrace emergingtalent in the industry by taking on 12new apprentices, through apartnership with Walsall College andthe Black Country University TechnicalCollege (UTC).

Once appointed, the new apprentices will betrained and assessed by Walsall College andhave the exciting opportunity to advance theirskills and knowledge by undertaking specialistengineering training at the Black Country UTC,through innovative partnership working.

The Apprenticeship programmes have beentailored to meet the specific skills developmentneeds of Perkins through a joined-up deliveryapproach between Walsall College and the

Black Country UTC. Uniquely, the first year ofthe apprenticeship will be delivered off-the-job,with students gaining on-the-job skills at Perkinson a day release basis. The amount of timeapprentices spend in the workplace will increaseas their course progresses.

The Perkins Stafford Engine Centre isresponsible for the design and manufacture oflarge diesel and gas engines. The 3-4 yearAdvanced Technical Apprenticeships offer theopportunity of paid employment whilst workingtowards the nationally recognisedApprenticeship Framework requirements.

The programme offers the opportunity to gainspecialist skills and experience whilst performingtasks to obtain a Technical Certificate at Level 3and Extended NVQ Diploma at Level 3.

David King, Head of Employer Contracts atWalsall College commented: “We are thrilled tobe working in collaboration with the BlackCountry UTC to deliver 12 new apprentices atPerkins. Apprenticeships are an excellent way forbusinesses to gain motivated members of staff,eager to learn new skills.”

Daryl Steele, Facility Manager for Perkins, who issupporting the apprenticeship recruitmentscheme said: “I’m delighted that we’ve beenable to create more job opportunities at ourStafford facility through our ever-popularapprenticeship scheme. At Perkins we havealways seen the value of bringing new andtalented employees into our business throughthe apprenticeship scheme.

“As well as providing a great structured trainingprogramme, there are also many opportunitiesfor our talented and enthusiastic apprenticesand business trainees to progress throughfurther and higher education, with many ofthem destined to become leaders in the future.”

Perkins Set for NewApprentices

Walsall College has passed the first ofthree stages in achieving the Investorin Careers Award, which recognisesoutstanding careers education andguidance provision.

The accreditation is a national quality standardfor the management of Careers Education,Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) inschools and Further Education colleges.

Based on the Investor in People model, theCareers award is structured around four keyelements relating to the management of CareersEducation and Guidance (CEG): Organisation,Commitment, Delivery and Evaluation.

To meet the first stage requirement, the Collegehad to provide evidence of how it meets each ofthese performance indicators.

June Morrow, Director of Learner Journey atWalsall College, said: “We are extremelycommitted to achieving this award as westrongly believe that support given to studentsby tutors and the guidance team, help themachieve their career goals and develop theircareer management skills. In times when thereare less jobs available this is increasinglyimportant.”

Jatinder Sharma, Principal and Chief Executive ofWalsall College commented: “We prideourselves on our vocational offer and helpingstudents to realise their career dream. TheInvestor in Careers Award will recognise theCollege’s commitment to ensuring that allstudents graduate from Walsall College, withthe skills and experience required in their chosenindustry or the knowledge universities arelooking for.”

#mydreamis

15th May 2012

Walsall College

Walsall College

OPEN INVITEJerome’s

Restaurant

12pm - 1.30pm

Careers Commendation

TOP CAREERS service recognised

Film Stars Celebrated at PremiereDREAMACHIEVERS