South Hampshire College Group is excited to announce its participation in a new government scheme designed to provide unforgettable learning experiences abroad for students.
The Turing Scheme is a £110 million government programme designed to offer fully-funded international education trips to students across the UK, with additional support to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. A variety of activities can take place on these trips such as building houses for the local population, working in the local care community, and collaborating with local education and sports groups. There are also opportunities to enjoy the local culture, such as safari trips, city explorations, visiting famous landmarks, and working on arts and community projects.
Ben Sheridan, Vice Principal at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “The Turing Scheme provides South Hampshire College Group with an excellent opportunity to send our students abroad for life enhancing work placements. This will provide unique first-hand experiences of life abroad, immersing students in different cultures. Our students will be visiting unique destinations which for many, will be their first time outside the European continent or possibly abroad. I am truly proud to be able to offer this to our students, and this year marks the start of a growing international department who will be able offer further trips to more students in the future.”
Paris Carter, Turing Scheme Coordinator at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “The Turing Scheme provides unique, once-in-a-lifetime international work experience placements and cultural experiences for our students at South Hampshire College Group. Participation in these trips allows for personal – and professional – growth and development and boosts employability and is a fantastic opportunity!”
South Hampshire College Group has already announced four planned trips in 2025 through the Turing Scheme including to Gambia in January, Sri Lanka in February, Bali in March and USA in April. These initial trips will be available to students on Health, Childcare, Sport and Travel and Tourism courses, with opportunities being explored to expand this offering further into 2025.
Greg Cheeseman, Hospitality Lecturer at Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, attended the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards on 30 November as a finalist and was presented with a Silver Award for Further Education Lecturer of the Year.
Thousands of nominations were received this year in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching profession, with a select few receiving the prestigious Silver and Gold Awards. Entries came from schools and colleges from across the UK.
Greg’s Silver Award accolade has put a national spotlight on his impressive devotion and achievements over the ten years as a chef lecturer at Eastleigh College. His dedication and input into empowering and upskilling young people in the local community go far beyond standard teaching responsibilities.
Greg Cheeseman, Hospitality Lecturer at Eastleigh College, commented: “I was honoured to represent South Hampshire College Group at the Pearson Teaching Awards London ceremony. It was a privilege to be in the same room as other like-minded educators listening to worthy winners’ stories. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, from past lecturers who taught me, to my fantastic students past and present and to the great team I work with today.”
Sue Lyons, Head of Hospitality at Eastleigh College, commented: “It is amazing that Greg has been recognised at a national level for all the work he continues to do on a daily basis to inspire our young chefs and give them the best experience possible.”
Now in their 25th year, the Pearson Teaching awards celebrate the best of teaching across the UK and the impact and dedication of teachers in ensuring the best for their students. The 2024 ceremony, held at The Brewery, London, was presented by TV presenter Gaby Roslin, in a nostalgic throwback to the very first Pearson Awards in 1999, which she also presented.
For more information on the Pearson National Teaching Awards, please visit their website here.
Eastleigh College have hosted their annual Christmas Fair which has proved to be a huge success, raising an incredible £2273.46 for Piam Brown Ward of University Hospital Southampton.
The Christmas Fair was organised by Event Management students and gave them the opportunity to showcase months of meticulous planning and hard work that had been put in since the beginning of the academic year. The students created a winter wonderland filled with immersive decorations, a marketplace with local stallholders and gift sellers, a Santa’s Grotto, and a variety of fun activities and games for the whole family.
Students from other departments across the college also took part, including Kickstart students who were fundraising for their ‘Rise Up’ campaign, Art & Design students selling homemade Christmas Cards, and Hair & Beauty students offering sparkling holiday treatments such as hair tinsel.
The primary focus of the event was fundraising for The Piam Brown Ward, a unit based in University Hospital Southampton that cares for children with cancer. The Event Management students worked tirelessly to support this worthy cause and their efforts were richly rewarded, raising an impressive £2273.46. These funds will help ensure the continuity of quality service that Piam Brown are renowned for, and ensure bespoke support for patients and their supporting staff.
Eastleigh College would like to thank the whole Event Management department and wider students and staff who contributed to making the event such a memorable and impactful occasion.
The 2024 Hampshire Business Awards have taken place, with South Hampshire College Group attending alongside over 100 fellow finalists across sixteen distinct categories.
The event took place at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. The awards ceremony was interspersed with a gala dinner, which was enjoyed by over 370 guests. Comedian Cally Beaton oversaw proceedings and entertained the audience. 2024 marks the second year of the Hampshire Business Awards, and this year, the addition of a silent auction enabled important fundraising for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Service, which provides vital support for the local community.
South Hampshire College Group were one of six recognised finalists in the Commitment to Education, Training and Skills category, which was won by local blacksmith business Parmenter Forge. All finalists were met with rapturous applause and a warm reception in this celebration of success across the Hampshire community.
Naomi Smith, LSIF Programme Director, attended the event on behalf of South Hampshire College Group. She commented: “Being shortlisted for the Commitment to Education, Training and Skills Award highlights our commitment to delivering impactful education at South Hampshire College Group. Though we didn’t win, we’re proud of our technical education, apprenticeships and employer-led skills provisions that drive participation in our region’s priority sectors. By putting business at the heart of our work, we empower learners to thrive and are proud of the opportunities we create for our future workforce.”
Emma Ward is the Director of Sugoi Campers, who were also a finalist in the Made in Hampshire category. She commented: “Being shortlisted in the Hampshire Business Awards is an incredible honour for Sugoi Campers and highlights the value of projects like TECH:TRUCK, which we were proud to create with South Hampshire College Group. This recognition celebrates the innovation and collaboration behind initiatives that inspire future generations and strengthen ties between education and industry. Events like these are essential for showcasing the exceptional work being done by local businesses and their impact on the community.”
Hannah Kent Colls, Founder and Director of Watermark Communications, attended the event as a guest. She commented: “It was a pleasure attending the Hampshire Business Awards as a guest of South Hampshire College Group. Awards such as these are extremely valuable for businesses, particularly those that are small, niche, or new to their market, as recognition is key to business success. It is also great to be able to celebrate these local businesses and individuals who help drive innovation and commerce both within the region and further afield.”
For a full list of winners and a recap of the evening, please visit the Hampshire Business Magazine website.
South Hampshire College Group has been named as a finalist in the 2024 Hampshire Business Awards in the Education, Training and Skills category.
This regional recognition is testament to the exceptional progress South Hampshire College Group has made over the last year as a further education organisation, having launched a range of exciting new initiatives such as a pioneering Digital Training Vessel to grow new and innovative maritime and digital skills, a bespoke professional development provider in Business Plus for upskilling staff and business growth, and leading on the second iteration of the ever popular mobile technology roadshow TECH:TRUCK which is introducing thousands of young people to cutting-edge and emerging technologies and inspiring them with their future career options.
To celebrate the occasion, a formal drinks reception took place on Wednesday 06 November, at Lainston House Hotel in Winchester, where all finalists could network while enjoying cocktails and canapés.
Lisa Congdon, Business Development Manager at South Hampshire College Group, was one of the attendees representing the organisation. She commented: “It was fantastic to meet some of the fellow nominees in our category and hear some very inspiring stories. It was a brilliant event in a lovely setting where everyone was so supportive of each other.”
The main black-tie gala awards dinner will take place on Thursday 21 November, at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, where the overall winners will be announced. Sixteen categories will be recognised during the ceremony with a total of six nominees in the Education, Training and Skills category.
Over 240 entries were received in this year’s event, with four independent judges deciding the winners. The finalist ceremony will be packed with the region’s strongest entrepreneurs from start and scale-ups, leaders from small and medium-sized enterprises, and all manner of talent living and working in the region.
Commenting on the tough task faced by the judges in selecting finalists and winners, Jo Whittle, Operations Director at The Business Magazine said: “As always, with such a high number and standard of entries judging was difficult and some tough decisions had to be made. Our finalists represent the cream of Hampshire, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements on the night.”
For a complete list of categories and finalists, please visit the Hampshire Business Awards dedicated webpage here.
A trainee refrigeration engineer at South Hampshire College Group has been named as a finalist of the ACR & Heat Pump Trainee of the Year Awards 2024.
Brendon Fry, a Level 3 Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps student at Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, has been recognised for his remarkable progress on his course and employment, which has seen him become a fully qualified Service Technician at Trane UK. Despite having no previous industry experience and a different prior career path, Brendon defied the odds to secure a permanent position and a promising future in the sector. This latest success follows a remarkable summer in which he claimed the coveted Adult Student of the Year award at Eastleigh College.
The ACR & Heat Pump Trainee of the Year Awards is one of the marquee events on the calendar in the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning industry. It aims to celebrate the sector’s diversity and spotlight the achievements of emerging engineers. The prestigious ceremony will take place on 5th December at the Leeds Marriott Hotel, with a drinks reception, lunch and awards presentation. Five categories will be featured, each offering gold, silver and bronze accolades, with Brendon contending in the Refrigeration Trainee Engineer category.
Brendon Fry commented: “Being nominated as a finalist for the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Trainee Of The Year Awards 2024 is an incredible honour, and I’m beyond thrilled! I owe a great deal of my success to the lecturers in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump department who have provided the perfect environment for me to transition from the retail sector into a fulfilling and exciting career with Trane Engineering. Every day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in an industry I’m passionate about, and this recognition feels like the culmination of a journey I couldn’t have taken without such fantastic support.”
Scott Perry, Refrigeration Lecturer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “As an educator, tutor and trainer, it’s been incredibly rewarding to witness the journey of Brendon Fry from a Co-op Store Manager to now working with Trane Engineering, a globally recognised leader in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump industry. What sets Brendon apart is his unwavering passion for learning and his determination to succeed. From day one, he demonstrated an eagerness to not only grasp the technical skills but also deeply understand the science and innovation behind Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps.
Brendon’s transition from managing a store to thriving in a service technician role has been a testament to his hard work and dedication. He took every opportunity in the course to expand his knowledge, often going above and beyond class expectations, whether it was hands-on projects or engaging with industry professionals. It’s no surprise that he has become a finalist for the prestigious Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Trainee Of The Year Awards 2024.
This recognition reflects Brendon’s commitment to excellence, and I am deeply confident he will continue to make significant contributions to the industry. Brendon has shown that with passion, persistence, and a desire to keep learning, remarkable career transformations are possible.”
For more information on the upcoming event, please visit the dedicated awards website here.
A 17-year-old T Level Student from South Hampshire College Group has received a special trophy in the prestigious National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, in which she attended as a regional finalist.
Benita Raphaels has been recognised with a Highly Commended trophy in the Gatsby T Level Student of the Year category for her extraordinary accomplishments on her T Level work placement, in which she has helped design and develop an inventory tracking app for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, which has now been approved for use throughout the force. This recognition is made more remarkable by Benita’s status as a current T Level student, now in the second year of her Level 3 Digital Production, Software Design and Development course, with most of her competition older in age and already having completed their T Level qualifications.
The prestigious ceremony for the South East regional finalists took place on Thursday 10 October, with 11 award categories, and over 150 guests in attendance. Two accolades were up for grabs across all categories, the Highly Commended Award and the Overall Category Winner. All category winners will go on to compete at the National Ceremony in London on Wednesday 27 November.
Benita Raphaels said: “I’m so happy to walk away with a trophy, especially as I haven’t even finished my work placement yet. It’s the first time they included a T Level category in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards and it was so good to see employers celebrate T Levels and positively recognise them in this way. I’d like to thank my college lecturers and employer for all their support and for believing in me.”
Debbie Eacott, Benita’s Lecturer and Digital Academy Lead at Fareham College, part of South Hampshire College Group, commented: “Benita’s Highly Commended Award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards is a fantastic achievement and is truly a testament to her dedication and commitment in her industry placement at Hampshire Constabulary and her T Level studies at South Hampshire College Group. Well done Benita, you have a very bright future ahead of you.”
The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2024 and for the very first time includes awards to recognise T Level students and employers. These awards are designed to reward the achievements of exceptional apprentices and T Level students, skills champions and apprenticeship and T Level employers.
Over 1300 entries were received nationally from sectors including the public sector, construction, health, science, IT and digital. These finalists are apprenticeship and T Level exemplars, highlighting best practice across recruitment excellence, high quality training practices, diversity and career progression.
South Hampshire College Group, comprised of Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College, has marked its inaugural Higher Education Graduation ceremony. Over 50 students came together to celebrate the completion of their university-level studies and their new status as graduates.
The glamorous ceremony saw students gather at Fareham College’s theatre, following canapes and a light drinks reception created and served by some of Fareham College’s Hospitality students. Anoushka Ottley, Executive Director of Business and Apprenticeships at South Hampshire College Group, led the ceremony, in which each student’s presentation was preceded by a personal citation written by their lecturer. A photographer then captured group photographs and individual portraits upon the ceremony’s conclusion.
Anoushka Ottley commented: “We are beyond proud to celebrate our first incredible class of 2024 as they step into the world as graduates. This is a particularly special moment as we mark our first graduation ceremony as South Hampshire College Group. These students’ accomplishments are a testament to their talent and perseverance and also to the unwavering support of our incredible faculty and lecturers, whose guidance and passion helped shape their journeys.”
Emily Jenkins graduated from Fareham College with a BA (Hons) in Early Years, with 17 of her friends and family earnestly watching as she walked across the stage to collect her certificate. Emily commented: “My course was really good; it had a wide variety of learning opportunities. It was only one day a week in college which gave me the opportunity to work part-time and study independently at home. I’ve now moved to Durham where I’m doing additional training to become a qualified teacher.”
Thomas O’Dell graduated with a HNC in Photography from Southampton College. Thomas sais: “Photography was a hobby, but people told me I was good. When I decided to pursue it professionally, I decided to go through Southampton College because the course was hands-on and career focused. The lecturers were brilliant and helped me to pass with a distinction. I now plan to start working as a professional photographer.”
South Hampshire College Group’s higher education programmes are designed to support progression from a Level 3, Access or T Level course to a complete undergraduate qualification, with the benefits of lower course fees and smaller classes compared to traditional university programmes. This opens up doors for the College Group’s alumni to go on to pursue Master’s degrees or PhDs, or to excel in the workplace.
Students across South Hampshire College Group have hosted a special coffee and cake fundraiser in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising a total of £896.50.
In a unique event organised across two of our college sites, Eastleigh College and Southampton College, students from Event Management and Early Years courses organised, prepared and ran a fundraiser selling homemade cake and coffee. A rich assortment of sweets, bakes and chocolates were on display with dairy and gluten-free options available to cater for those with allergies and dietary requirements. A raffle was also staged, with winners enjoying a special selection of premium sweet treats.
100% of the £896.50 raised has gone to Macmillan Cancer Support – a national organisation committed to caring for and supporting the 3 million people across the UK living with cancer. In addition to providing support for this important cause, the coffee and cake fundraiser offered many educational benefits to students. It gave them valuable experience in staging an event, fostering teamwork, collaboration and project management skills, while also giving them the opportunity to learn transferable skills in a customer service environment.
Gemma Braybrook, Lecturer in Media, Marketing and Event Management at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “This event was a great example of how quickly students have settled and adapted into college life, showing great teamwork and leadership skills in just three weeks. It was lovely to see them so motivated and excited to plan this event, for a charity that has helped so many of them. The creativity and communication skills they demonstrated has given them a solid foundation which they can utilise as they join forces with the second year students to plan one of the biggest events of the year – The Christmas Fair – which is happening on Thursday 28th November!”
Southampton College, part of South Hampshire College Group, has unveiled two state-of-the-art new facilities for Early Years and Automotive students, designed to bridge the gap between the traditional classroom environment and the industry workplace. These impressive new facilities are tailored to enhance the learning experience across various career-focused courses, including T Levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications.
South Hampshire College Group have launched four other Centres of Excellence this month at Eastleigh College including Bricklaying, Health and Social Care, Business and Electrical. A further Digital Centre of Excellence at Southampton College is set to be launched before the end of the year. All these comprise a total £12 million investment by South Hampshire College Group, reflecting the college’s steadfast commitment to practical learning that incorporates the latest industry equipment.
Christian Allen-Kotze, Vice Principal of Southampton College, said: “We are delighted to introduce the new Centre of Excellence facilities at Southampton College, with a particular focus on Early Years and Automotive. These high-spec, industry-aligned spaces are designed to provide our learners with the technical expertise, practical skills, and knowledge essential for success, whether they choose to advance into higher education or transition directly into their chosen industries.”
The Early Years Centre of Excellence is the product of meticulous attention to detail in order to best simulate a real nursery environment, featuring a kitchenette, nappy changing facilities and a sensory room, alongside an assortment of toys and games. Studying in an environment that mirrors the industry has been proven to give students the confidence and capabilities to better transition into the workplace – especially with many students undergoing work experience as they study.
The Automotive Centre of Excellence has been designed with industry trends in mind, as the motor industry continues to embrace electric vehicle alternatives. The inclusion of electric batteries from major brands such as Toyota and Nissan alongside a variety of engines, the latest diagnostic and testing equipment, and increased garage space for technicians to work in, all serves to create a more fulfilling educational experience for students and apprentices.
Kevin Sumner, Director of Faculty for Automotive at Southampton College, said: “Focusing on major investment and professional talent at our Centre of Excellence for Motor Vehicle at Southampton College means that we are able to provide outstanding automotive engineering facilities for our learners to equip and inspire them to be our current and future industry experts.”
The upcoming new Digital Centre of Excellence is poised to transform learning with a trailblazing digital suite and cutting-edge technology. Its launch will be announced shortly.
To find out more about the technical and professional courses at Southampton College, and to explore these outstanding new facilities, visit their Open Event on Thursday 10 October, 17:00 – 19:00.
Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, has unveiled four new Centres of Excellence in time for the new 2024/2025 academic year.
September 2024 marks the launch of Eastleigh College’s new Centres of Excellence in Business and Finance, Health and Social Care, Bricklaying and Electrical Installation. These new centres are part of South Hampshire College Group’s wider £12 million cross-college investment programme in bespoke facilities to create immersive learning environments for students and offer innovative educational opportunities. These facilities will be open to students on career-focused courses including those on apprenticeships, Higher Technical Qualifications and especially T Levels, given South Hampshire College Group’s position as the lead provider of T Level qualifications in the Solent region.
Each Centre of Excellence offers cutting-edge resources specific to the subject area, with a new healthcare ward and elderly care mock flat created to support Health and Social Care students. Business students will benefit from a specialised boardroom, office spaces and interview rooms while Electrical Installation students will have access to advanced equipment that reflects modern industry technology. Bricklaying students will have a brand-new training facility that reflects a bricklayer’s work environment.
Rosie Sharp, Vice Principal of Eastleigh College, commented: “We are very proud to announce the launch of these new Centres of Excellence, successfully established in time for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. These new facilities look fantastic and do a brilliant job of simulating a workplace environment for students. This will make for an easier transition from college to the workplace and give students a greater degree of practical experience and immersion during their studies.”
Natasha Curzi-Micallef, Curriculum Director at Eastleigh College, commented: “It has been a busy summer preparing these new facilities and we are delighted to welcome our new cohort of students this morning and introduce these new environments to them. The hands-on experience students will gain from these will not only enhance their learning but also better prepare them for their futures beyond college.”
More Centres of Excellence are set to be unveiled across the college group, with Southampton College poised to reveal four further centres in Early Years, Engineering, Motor Vehicle and Digital Industries. These exciting developments follow South Hampshire College Group’s earlier unveiling of the state-of-the-art South Coast Institute of Technology at CEMAST in Lee-on-the-Solent, which specialises in Robotics, Electronics, Advanced Engineering, Digital and Maritime.
Students across Fareham College, Southampton College and Eastleigh College have been receiving their Level 3 results today, with many dreams realised on what has been a memorable day.
Over 1300 students received their results today, including those on full-time, part-time, and T Level courses.
One of our students celebrating today is Natalia, who received a Distinction grade in her Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. This result has enabled her to progress to study Architecture at the University of Portsmouth.
Natalia commented: “I previously studied A Levels, but this course was very different – I was able to try lots of creative mediums and build a portfolio in what I loved, particularly 3D modelling and photography. With my grades before, I couldn’t get into my chosen university course and wasn’t sure if it was right for me. Now I’m confident in my skills again and starting my dream course in September.”
Macey, a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care student, undertook several work placements during her course, including one at the Princess Anne Hospital, through South Hampshire College Group’s partnership with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust. She has now secured a full-time Maternity Support Worker position at the hospital and has a Midwife Apprenticeship in her sights for the future as well.
Macey said: “I’ve wanted to be a midwife from a young age, and this course has been amazing to help me gain the skills I need. These placements really helped me build my confidence and communication skills with a range of different people. I also got to witness childbirths which was just incredible.”
William has successfully completed his T Level in Digital Production, Software Design & Development and is now progressing to the University of Winchester to study a Degree in Software Engineering.
William commented: “I’m really happy with my results and that they will allow me to go to my first-choice university to study Software Engineering.”
“I liked that the T Level included independent projects, which gave me confidence and allowed me to work on what I enjoyed. For me, I loved exploring all aspects of coding and programming. It inspired me to choose software engineering as a career.”
“For my work placement, I went to Yandiya Technologies, who supply infrared heating panels. We designed and created an app for their technicians to use to streamline their work. This was the best part of the course – I really enjoyed it.”
T Level Accounting student, Amaan Uddin, achieved a Distinction grade and has already secured work as a Trainee Accountant at TML Accounting.
Talking about his experience, Amaan said: “The T Level in Accounting was a great introduction into work and to secure a full-time job at the end was fantastic. I chose T Levels because of the placement, it meant I could put everything I’d learnt into practice and really experience work. My lecturer has been amazing and really supportive.”
Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, commented: “I would like to congratulate all our students who have received their results today upon the completion of their qualifications. Our first year as a merged college group has been a memorable one and it has been fantastic to hear so many positive experiences from our students. We wish them all the very best of luck in their next steps and future endeavors.”
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