Eastleigh Archives - SHCG | South Hampshire College Group

South Hampshire College Group is celebrating multiple successes at the Hampshire and Southampton Supported Internship (SIP) Awards. The College Group were named the ‘Most Supportive Internship Provider’ while student Archie Smith was crowned with the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ Award.

Supported Internships play a vital role in giving individuals with moderate learning difficulties the chance to flourish in the workplace. The skills, training and experience obtained on this one-year course frequently results in paid employment outcomes upon its conclusion. The Hampshire and Southampton Supported Internship Awards celebrate the achievements of young people with learning difficulties and the educators and employers who support them.

Archie Smith was recognised with an Outstanding Achievement Award for his exceptional contribution at his work placement: The Pavilion on The Park in Eastleigh. His genuine care for the community, characterised by his reliability, enthusiasm and helpfulness, saw him voted the Park’s Volunteer of the Month and he has now been offered paid employment, setting him up for life beyond college.

Archie’s latest success comes on the back of two further award wins earlier this month at the South Hampshire College Group Student Awards – one for Inspirational Journey, recognising his outstanding progress, commitment, and positive attitude, and another for Contribution to the Community, highlighting his dedication and the meaningful impact he has made on those around him.

Lorna Cantwell, Lead Job Coach at Eastleigh College, has supported Archie this academic year during his time in college. She commented: “What makes Archie stand out is how he embraced challenges and grew from them. His journey is truly inspirational. He is a credit to himself and a role model to others. Archie, we are all incredibly proud of you – congratulations on winning this award.”

South Hampshire College Group were also delighted to receive the ‘Most Supportive Internship Provider’ at the SIP Awards, a testament to the hard work and year-round efforts of its dedicated Supported Internship team. A close employer partner of the College Group, Nando’s, was further declared runner-up in the ‘Most Supportive Employer’ category.

Rosie Sharp, Eastleigh College Principal, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Job Coach team has been awarded the Most Supportive Education Provider Award at the Hampshire and Southampton Supported Internship Awards. It’s wonderful to see the commitment and passion of our team recognised.

“Supported Internships is an exceptional programme that we are privileged to be part of. Seeing students grow in confidence, develop workplace skills and achieve outcomes they may never have thought possible is truly inspiring. This award means a great deal to us because it reflects our belief in the programme and the transformative difference it makes to the lives of our students.”

South Hampshire College Group have celebrated the outstanding achievements of students, apprentices and employer partners at a memorable awards ceremony held at the Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl.

One of the most prestigious occasions in the college calendar, the Student Awards recognised 50 winners who have made a meaningful impact on the college community and the wider public. The celebratory event, hosted by Holby City and Hollyoaks actor Jeremy Edwards, welcomed nearly 300 guests to the Hilton Southampton. Hospitality students prepared and served canapés throughout the evening, while Music and Performing Arts students showcased their talents with live performances at various points during the event. Event Management and Production Arts students put their professional and technical skills to the test with the set-up and smooth running of the event.

Awards were presented across eight categories, including ‘Academic Excellence & Achievement’, ‘Personal Development & Resilience’, and ‘Community & Contribution’. The most coveted awards were given out during the final category, ‘Special Awards’, recognising four outstanding overall winners: Young Student of the Year, Adult Student of the Year, Higher Education Student of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year.

Andrew Kaye, Chief Executive Officer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Evenings like this really remind me of why South Hampshire College Group, and all those who work in the college group, are so important to our students, communities, and businesses in the region. This event is a real showcase of the talent, and achievement of the students and apprentices across the whole college group.

“We are proud to work with students and apprentices from many communities across the region, with a broad range of life experiences, and with differing ambitions. We recognise too, in our values, that working together, collaboratively, pays dividends. And through our values we encourage everyone to be aspirational for their future. I am so proud to see so many students excelling at the awards and going on to better futures as a result of their time at South Hampshire College Group.”

Ceri Connor, Chief People Officer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the Student Awards. The core purpose of us all at South Hampshire College Group is to support the development, aspiration and success of all students, people and communities who are at the heart of everything we do. It is a joy to celebrate and recognise all the hard work and achievement that has happened over the past year.”

Kirsty Reed, a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design student, won the Adult Student of the Year Award. She commented: “From the moment I first stepped through the college door, it’s been fantastic. I’ve absolutely loved every moment of it. The tutors and technicians have been so encouraging and supportive and the class has been so welcoming and wonderful. The course is so inclusive which is something I really love about the college. I’m really touched, overwhelmed and proud to be given the Adult Student of the Year Award.”

Andy MacKenzie, Executive Chef for the Exclusive Collection, was recognised with the Industry Champion Award. He commented: “It’s so important in our industry to work with the next generation of chefs at colleges and schools because they are the future and these skills are so valuable. The career opportunities are endless to take your knowledge around the world and to see all the different cultures out there. I hope these students can gather all the opportunities that are open to them and take them as far as they can.”

NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board – Apprenticeship Partner (Large)

An Eastleigh College alumnus, which is part of South Hampshire College Group, is driving change through his neurodiversity consultancy as he shares his personal journey during Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

Nat Hawley, 34, did a Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Media and Design at Eastleigh College in 2010 and went on to found Divergent Thinking, a consultancy committed to helping organisations build neuroinclusive environments and practices. He has helped deliver more than 300 talks and workshops to clients ranging from small startups to global brands such as HSBC, Disney and BBC.

Nat credits Eastleigh College for playing an important role in his creative and professional journey: “I’ve always been neurodivergent, with dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism, which made education extremely difficult. Eastleigh College was probably my favourite academic year because of the freedom they gave you. They really introduced me to the benefits and the acceptance of going against the status quo and kind of teaching you to think for yourself. And I think that genuinely has set me up for life.”

Nat has since gone on to flourish in education, with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Television Production and an MSc in Applied Neuroscience. As part of his consultancy work, he now delivers special sessions in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) schools to help those struggling with neurodiversity challenges.

“When you’re young nobody tells you what neurodiversity is or explains it to you,” Nat added. “So I love going into schools and even explaining what it means to be neurodivergent and how it’s a benefit that employers would be lucky to have. And I think hearing this can completely change the narrative to how you see your own self-worth.”

Rosie Sharp, Eastleigh College Principal, said: “At South Hampshire College Group we proudly celebrate the unique contributions of every student, including those with neurodiverse backgrounds. We recognise that each individual learns differently and are committed to providing inclusive, innovative teaching methods and personalised support. Our goal is to empower all students to reach their full potential and achieve success.”

Neala Whybrow, Southampton College Principal, said: “Inclusion is central to life at South Hampshire College Group. Targeted Additional Learning Support (ALS) can transform not just individual outcomes, but whole learning communities. Our continued investment in specialist ALS provision and staff development, including our Inclusion Teach Smart sessions, reflects that commitment. The impact of this approach is clear in the remarkable achievements Nat has gone on to accomplish.”

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that honours the many talents and skills of neurodiverse people, and aims to create more inclusive cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. It also spreads awareness of the various challenges that neurodiverse people face today and promotes solutions that can enable them to reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, Nat is committed to expanding his work and helping shape more inclusive, neurodiverse workplaces across the UK and beyond.

For more information on Neurodiversity Celebration Week, please visit the following link here.

South Hampshire College Group has held two productive industry events at Eastleigh College and Southampton College for the dental and maritime industries.

These special industry advisory board meetings provide a valuable space for educators and business professionals to identify skills priorities, share best practice and collaborate to support future workforce development. The Maritime board meeting brought together members of Maritime Solent for a productive presentation and discussion, before attendees had the opportunity to see new maritime workshop environments and cutting-edge facilities that form the new South Coast Institute of Technology.

The dental industry board meeting brought together practitioners, educators and key NHS figures to celebrate the launch of a brand-new dental suite that gives students unprecedented opportunities to apply practical skills in their learning.

Janet Hadfield, Innovation Manager for Health and Social Care at South Hampshire College Group, led the dental event and said: “This opening has been highly successful because we have welcomed an amazing array of people that are able to make real changes to how we deliver care. The dental industry is highly fragmented and the biggest challenge is that most of the education courses are run online and you cannot get the practical skills required from online learning. With this new facility, people are able to train in a safe constructed environment with tutors who know what they are doing.”

Katy Kerr, Dental Deanery Lead at NHS England, commented: “This new dental suite has exceeded my expectations. It is so spacious, airy and well-equipped – a perfect learning environment. Dentistry is a very practical profession so it’s important that from day one students can start to learn the skills that they will need for the future, as well as immediately go back and be of use to their dental team.”

Molly Cooper, Innovation Manager for Engineering at South Hampshire College Group, led the Maritime networking meeting and commented: “It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with the Maritime Solent network to discuss future skills and the vital role industry plays in shaping the curriculum to ensure the next generation is truly work-ready. Being strategic partners with Maritime Solent adds immense value to the college group, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work together”.

Here at South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) we continue to prioritise safeguarding and wellbeing, taking proactive steps to support students, staff, and visitors. On Tuesday, 15 October 2025, Eastleigh College partnered with Hampshire Police for a planned safeguarding initiative. A temporary knife arch was installed at the main entrance as part of the operation, which forms part of a wider national approach. Schools and colleges across the country are working closely with local police to raise awareness, encourage safe choices, and promote positive community engagement.

The initiative highlights the college’s commitment to proactive education and safety and we would like to reassure our community that this was not in response to any specific incident but was a proactive measure to support community safety and education.

Our thanks are extended to students, staff, and Hampshire Police for their cooperation and partnership in creating a supportive and secure environment for the college community.

Safeguarding and wellbeing remain at the heart of everything South Hampshire College Group does. The Safeguarding Team is always available to provide guidance and support to any student who needs it.

A Level 2 Bricklaying Apprentice has won the Guild of Bricklayers regional competition in Chichester and will compete in the national finals in Sunderland next month.

24-year-old Brandon is in the first year of his bricklaying apprenticeship with his employer CoTrain and learning provider Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group. Despite being new to the field, his dedication to learning and improving made a strong impression. He was put forward for the senior Guild of Bricklayers competition after just eight months, pitting five bricklaying apprentices against each other in a competitive environment. Brandon’s victory was made more notable by the fact that most competitors were significantly further along in their apprenticeship journey, and his achievement was met with a trophy and a brand-new set of tools.

Brandon commented: “I was surprised to be put forward for this senior competition, given how early I was into my apprenticeship, but it’s been a great experience and I find this work really rewarding. My goals for the future once I finish college are to get my blue CSCS card and dive into the industry. As for the finals, I just want to enjoy it and not put expectations on myself – anything more after this would be a bonus.”

Jon Smith, Bricklaying Trainer at Eastleigh College, has worked with Brandon since he started his apprenticeship. Jon said: “We have had good success as a College Group in recent years in this competition and I believe that’s down to our quality over quantity approach. Brandon has made fantastic progress on his apprenticeship and should feel very proud. I look forward to supporting him at the national finals in Sunderland next month.”

After ten regional heats were staged across the country, the focus now turns to the national finals of the Guild of Bricklayers 2025 competition, which will be held at Sunderland College on 5th June. Ten finalists, all winners of their respective heats, will compete for the overall title, producing a project that incorporates all the skills they would have picked up throughout their apprenticeship and workplace experience.

For more information on the Guild of Bricklayers competition, please click here.

Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, has been announced as Catering College of the Year in the 2025 Public Sector Catering Awards.

The ceremony, which took place on Thursday 24 April at the Hilton Metropole in London, was attended by over 600 guests representing all areas of the sector, such as education, armed forces, healthcare, universities and colleges. Over 100 competitors were in the running across 19 categories, with overall proceedings led by celebrity host and magician Ben Hanlin. Guests also enjoyed a three-course meal and a special raffle in aid of the Clink Charity, which aims to rehabilitate prisoners through nurturing hospitality and catering skills in a customer service environment.

Eastleigh College’s triumph in the Catering College category, sponsored by AroundNoon, recognised the exceptional standard of teaching and delivery in the Hospitality and Catering department, including its extensive range of industry collaborations, excellent career progression stories, and 100% retention rate across all subject levels. The student-led East Avenue Restaurant, also run by the Hospitality and Catering department, is the highest-rated restaurant in the Eastleigh area, with a 4.9-star rating on Tripadvisor.

Richard Carter, Lecturer in Hospitality and Catering at Eastleigh College, attended the event and commented: “We are delighted to receive such a prestigious award and this is a fantastic testimony to the hard work and efforts of our entire team, as well as our amazing students. It’s an honour to be recognised on the national stage in this way and we are committed to building upon this success as a department as we continue through 2025.”

David Foad, Editor of Public Sector Catering Magazine, said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the response we have received to the 2025 Public Sector Catering Awards. Nominations have flooded in and are almost 40% up on last year, which itself was the best ever. It shows that despite the massively challenging environment in which public sector caterers have to operate, they still see huge value in supporting their stand-out teams and individuals in the great job they do. In an industry in which such valuable work is often done with so little recognition, they obviously see the Public Sector Catering Awards as offering a chance to put that right.”

The Public Sector Catering Awards, formerly the Cost Sector Catering Awards, were initially launched in 1995 before a rebrand in 2020 to better reflect the sector that nominees operate in. Now in its 30th year of operation, these awards have a long and decorated Roll of Honours list, recognising industry pioneers from across the UK. 2025 saw a record for most entries received, with a total of 242 entries, proving to be a significant 35% jump on the 179 entries received last year.

For any further queries, please visit our website at www.shcg.ac.uk or email [email protected].

A Level 2 Hospitality and Catering student from South Hampshire College Group has won the 2025 CombiGuru Challenge in Venice, Italy; a competition that was entered by over 3000 students nationwide.

17-year-old Hettie Anderson is a student at Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, and earned her place on the winner’s podium by delivering the highest-scoring main course and dessert to a panel of four expert judges within a strict three-hour time limit. Each competitor had to centre their dish around a random ‘mystery ingredient box’, with Hettie’s being tomato and chives for her main and pistachio for her dessert. Her main course, Roast Chicken served with romesco sauce, heritage tomato salad and lemon caper butter oven-steamed potatoes, was praised for its vibrancy and freshness while her Pistachio Financier dessert, served with vanilla bean chantilly, blood orange, and caramelized white chocolate, was commended for its taste and presentation.

As overall winner, Hettie’s prizes included a state-of-the-art Unox Oven to bring back to Eastleigh College, with free installation included, as well as £1000 worth of Italian cookery classes, a specialist Italian knives set and a kilogram of sustainable cooking flour.

Hettie commented: “This was a fantastic experience and I am beyond thrilled to have won the 2025 CombiGuru Challenge. Beyond the competition itself it was such a fun trip, exploring beautiful Venice, enjoying so much wonderful food from the local restaurants and the hotel was very nice too. The organisers really took care of all us finalists which really helped to make it an unforgettable trip. This competition caught my eye when I first joined the college so to have gone all the way and won it feels amazing.”

Hettie earned her place in the Venice final by being the top college performer after a 21-day app-based culinary test, that explored cooking techniques, seasoning practices, flavour combinations and more. The competition is open to all Hospitality and Catering students across the UK and always proves popular, with last year’s edition seeing 220 colleges and a total of 3200 students enter. Only the top 40 highest points scorers progress to the Venice final.

Caroline Perrett, Curriculum Director at Eastleigh College, commented: “We are incredibly proud of Hettie’s remarkable achievement at the 2025 CombiGuru Challenge. Her success is not only a testament to her talent, dedication and creativity, but also to the quality of teaching and support provided by our Hospitality and Catering team at Eastleigh College. Competitions like this are invaluable for our students’ growth, giving them real-world experiences and international exposure that truly elevate their learning. Hettie has set an inspiring example for her peers, and we look forward to seeing her continue to thrive as she progresses in her culinary journey.”

Hettie added: “My time at college massively helped me during this competition, I have gained so much confidence during classes and my tutors have really helped me improve my time management in the kitchen which was a big theme of the final. I feel very fortunate to be at a college where we have so many development opportunities as students, and I am planning to continue on to my Level 3 qualification next year.”

The 2025 competition was the eighth edition of the CombiGuru Challenge, which offers aspiring chefs an engaging educational experience, designed to both challenge and enrich cooking skills and knowledge. With its popularity increasing each year, with greater traction across the UK, Italy and Spain, this event has cemented itself as a firm fixture on the Hospitality educational calendar.

An electrical student from South Hampshire College Group has won the national Sparks Learner of the Year competition, held in Birmingham, taking home a £2000 cash prize and an assortment of cutting-edge industry equipment.

Frankie McAll, a 20-year-old electrical apprentice at Eastleigh College, emerged victorious from eight competitors in what was a closely contested final taking place over two days. Each finalist was tasked with completing a professional installation layout from scratch, following the same illustrated instructions. The action unfolded at the JTL Centre in Birmingham, following a series of regional heats staged across the country earlier this year.

Cheering Frankie to success in Birmingham were his apprenticeship mentor, Dan Hutton from JTL, and his college tutor Paul Austin, who originally put Frankie forward for the competition. Frankie received a cash prize of £2000 as the overall winner, alongside a set of six power tools from the latest range, a tool rucksack, electrical connectors and a series of industry books.

Frankie McAll commented: “I was genuinely surprised and very happy to win. The final was very challenging compared to the regional heat and there was a lot to do in the timeframe. It’s given me a lot of confidence going forward and I’d like to thank all my college lecturers – Alan, Mark, Paul and James, as well as my mentor Dan from JTL and my employer Rob at Cardinal Electrical. I really felt their support throughout the whole competition.”

Paul Austin, Electrical Curriculum Manager at Eastleigh College, commented: “I am a very proud tutor and was extremely happy when Frankie’s name was called out. This is always a very competitive contest and it’s a huge achievement to even get a national finalist let alone a winner. This will open so many career doors for Frankie and hopefully set him up for a long and successful career in the industry. It’s also fantastic for our college and our apprentices will hopefully be inspired to see what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.”

The annual Sparks Learner of the Year competition celebrates the most exciting new talent in the UK electrical industry, allowing students to put their technical abilities, skills and knowledge to the test in a competitive environment. Organised annually by SPARKS Magazine, the contest begins with six regional heats held across the country before the grand final in the Spring. Frankie secured his place in the final by winning the South East regional heat in February.

South Hampshire College Group student Frankie McAll, 20, from Waterlooville, has won the South East regional heat of the Sparks 2025 Learner of the Year competition. He will now compete against 7 others in the grand final in Birmingham this April.

The Sparks Learner of the Year competition is one of the most exciting opportunities for emerging talent in the electrical industry, pitting the brightest and most capable prospects across the nation against each other in a competitive environment. During January and February, outstanding Level 2 and Level 3 students from across colleges in England and Wales have competed in six regional heats, tasked with completing a live practical installation under timed conditions.

Frankie’s success came in the South East regional heat at Aldershot Construction College, where he emerged victorious from ten students representing seven other colleges, as the only individual to successfully complete the installation project within the strict four-hour time limit. This involved carefully following instructions from a detailed spec document in order to put his college education and work experience into practice.

Frankie commented: “It was great to have this opportunity as I’d never taken part in an industry competition before and I was excited to see how I stacked up against others who were also put forward for their skill and ability. I was chuffed to win and I could really feel the benefits of both my workplace experience and time in college in making this happen. It was an intense and tiring day so it’s a little daunting thinking ahead to the final but it’s already really increased my confidence to have made it this far, anything else beyond this is a bonus.”

Paul Austin, Electrical Curriculum Area Manager at Eastleigh College, part of South Hampshire College Group, taught Frankie during his first year at college and put him forward for the Sparks competition. Paul said: “This competition is always of a very high standard but I could see Frankie’s quality of work in our workshops and knew he could handle this. He was well prepared, motivated and completed the project to a very high standard within the time frame – he has done himself and the College proud. It vindicates what we do as lecturers when we have a talent like Frankie who is able to showcase the skills and knowledge that we try to impart into all our students.”

The grand final of the 2025 Sparks Learner of the Year competition is set to take place in April (date TBC) at the JTL Training Centre in Birmingham. In addition to the competition, this event will provide valuable networking opportunities with industry specialists.

To learn more about the Sparks Learner of the Year annual competition, please click here.

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 25^th 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.

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 5^th 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.

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 28^th November!”

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.

Eastleigh College have hosted the final heat of the 2024 Major International Culinary Challenge, with eighteen medals received across the students competing.

It was a strong performance from all students, who were tasked with creating a uniquely inspired dish within a limited time frame, before presenting their dish to a trio of judges. Level 3 Hospitality and Catering Student Oscar won ‘best in class’ for his Pan-fried chicken breast, served with Hassleback potatoes, braised leeks and carrot puree. He will go on to compete in the grand final of the competition at the Excel Centre in London.

Oscar said: “It was a tough competition with a lot of skilled chefs. I’m chuffed to have been awarded best in class and it’s an amazing opportunity for me to get out there in London and network with chefs and employers across the industry.”

The Hospitality and Catering team at Eastleigh College commented: “We are very proud of all our students’ efforts today at the final heat of the Major Chef Culinary Challenge. Eighteen medals is an outstanding achievement and we wish Oscar the best of luck as he goes on to compete in the final later this Spring.”

Andy Mackenzie is an Executive Chef for the Exclusive Chef Academy and was one of the judges for the heat. He commented: “It was a fantastic and impressive display from our competitors today, there was such great imagination across the menus and it really shows that the future is very bright.”

Sky was the recipient of a gold medal in the heat. She said: “I’m very happy to have been awarded a gold medal, it shows that hard work pays off and has given me a real feeling of accomplishment.”

Major International’s annual Major Series is one of the longest-running young chef competitions in the UK and gives learners of varying skill levels the chance to learn new skills, gain valuable tips from industry professionals and experience the competition arena for the first time. Outstanding performers in each heat will progress to compete at the Excel International Convention Centre in London in front of a live audience. With many senior chefs in attendance, the event provides a prime opportunity for networking with industry professionals, with the competition historically often proving a gateway into more exclusive competitions and opportunities.

South Hampshire College Group has welcomed the news that the Solent region has been allocated a £2.5 million skills fund boost.

Other colleges and training providers benefiting from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) include Brockenhurst College, HSDC, City of Portsmouth College, Isle of Wight College, Itchen Sixth Form College, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, PETA, HTP Apprenticeship College, UTC Portsmouth, and Lighthouse Learning Trust.

The investment is strategically aimed at supporting colleges, universities, and independent training providers in offering more training opportunities in key industries. Importantly, it addresses the specific skills needs identified by local businesses and employers in their Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs). Hampshire Chamber of Commerce was tasked as the employer representative body to conduct the skills gap research for the region, to help identify where further investment would be needed.

To date, the initiative has seen £80 million worth of funding distributed nationwide between 2023 to 2024 (£40 million revenue and £40 million capital), with £85 million capital planned for 2024 to 2025. It forms part of a larger £200 million package of skills funding from the Department for Education (DfE).

Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, said:

“The LSIF award is a recognition of the excellent joint efforts in our region, especially in supporting the development of the Solent LSIP.

“We are proud to have led the consortium that put together a strong funding bid, in response to the skills gap research undertaken by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. This targeted investment provides our region with the skilled workforce needed for growth and development and state-of-the-art industry facilities and equipment, ensuring education meets the changing needs of our local economy. We are eager to see the beneficial impact this will have on our students, local businesses and the wider community.”

The Solent region has pinpointed several key developmental sectors, including a focus on the creative industry. Efforts will be directed towards enhancing skills in production arts, set design and construction, stage management, and light and sound technician roles.

The initiative will also address the Maritime and Freeport sectors, concentrating on filling skill gaps in logistics, supply chain management, digital innovation, and the adoption of alternative fuels.

Additionally, the initiative involves considerable investment in research and development. It aims to improve higher-level progression pathways, expand outreach programmes, and implement activities that elevate employability and engagement.

Health and social care are also a priority, with a focus on addressing the shortage in health-related digital skills, immersive healthcare technology, assisted diagnostics, and specialist roles in anticipatory and critical care.

Ross McNally, CEO and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, commented:

“We are delighted that the Solent region has been awarded this significant funding. It is of vital importance that we have a skills system in the region that meets the needs of both local employers and learners, which also supports the local economy with the closing of skills gaps.

“When it comes to skills, we have a lot to be proud of. We have several leading educational and training providers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and sectors, such as our renowned maritime industry, that are thriving. However, that does not mean that there isn’t room for improvement, and this funding will mark a significant shift in how we approach and finance their needs.

“The collaboration between the Chambers of Commerce, educational institutions, and businesses is a great example of how working together can make a real difference and we would like to congratulate all involved for making this achievement possible.”

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said:

“This investment is about boosting local industries, building people’s skills and ultimately futureproofing our economy and the career prospects of the next generation.

“Our local skills projects will bring together regional organisations, businesses, and education providers to respond to the specific needs of employers, building an increasingly skilled workforce and growing local economies.

“Whether it is green skills, construction, engineering or digital, thousands more people can now gain the skills they need to secure good jobs closer to home. These are long-term plans that will ensure every area can have a brighter future.”

For more information on South Hampshire College Group, visit: www.shcg.ac.uk

To learn more about the Local Skills Improvement Plans in your region, visit: www.gov.uk

We are delighted to have held our annual Freshers’ Fayre, bringing together students from across college for an entertaining day of activities, competitions and free food.

Joining a new school or college can be a daunting experience, having to balance a brand new environment, new people and new information. Eastleigh College recognises this process can be a challenge and our Freshers’ Fayre has become an important staple of the academic year, bringing together new classmates over friendly team-building activities and light entertainment. Each year brings a new assortment of entertainment and this year was no exception, with a Football Ring, Silent Disco, Flight Simulator, Table Tennis and many more activities too! There was also lots of delicious food and drink available, with a candy floss machine, purpose-made Tiki bar and free pizzas courtesy of Papa Johns and Domino’s Pizza.

Gemma Fisher, Enrichment Coordinator at Eastleigh College, said: “The Freshers’ Fayre is a key event for welcoming our new student cohort and helping them to feel settled and relaxed in a new environment. We would like to give a huge thanks to all collaborators and employers who made the day such a success as well as all college staff who volunteered their time in helping the day run smoothly.”

Eastleigh College’s Freshers’ Fayre wouldn’t be possible without the range of external collaborators helping out, and we were delighted to have the support of Pink Frog Events, Daniella’s Ice Cream, FTY FLY, Solent Mind and No Limits. We also had live music provided by L & L Entertainment and beauty treatments provided by Hair Tinsel and Glitter tattoos. The final event of the day was our raffle, with students and staff winning a selection of excellent prizes.

Sian Spinney, Teacher and Learning Coach at Eastleigh College, said: “I was thrilled to win four tickets to Mighty Adventures Crazy Golf in Hedge End. I went when it first opened so am looking forward to visiting it again and spending a fun couple of hours with some of my family. I always buy tickets when the College holds a raffle because I know the money will be going towards a local charity.”

For more photos of Freshers’ Fayre, take a look at our social media coverage here.

The 2023-2024 academic year marks the launch of Eastleigh College’s first T Level course in Early Years.

T Levels were first launched nationwide in September 2020 and offer a dynamic new pathway of education post GCSEs, being equivalent in value to 3 A-levels. The structure of T Levels offers a greater emphasis on industry work placements, with a minimum of 315 hours work, while still maintaining the benefits of classroom learning to create a truly immersive learning experience.

The Eastleigh College Early Years T Level course provides a significant 750 hours of work experience over two years, with a vast window of opportunities through our partnerships with local nurseries, schools and Early Years providers. Upon successful completion of their T-Level, our Early Years learners will be equipped with the skills and confidence to embark on a wide range of career paths, from becoming nursery practitioners to pursuing further studies in education.

Natasha Curzi-Micallef, Head of Delivery for Early Years at Eastleigh College, commented: “The Early Years team is so proud to be pioneering this new mode of education at Eastleigh College and it’s wonderful to see how much the students are enjoying it. We encourage them all to embrace this unique opportunity, soak up the knowledge, and relish every moment of their educational journey, which will hopefully provide a transformative learning experience for all.”

Gracie is one of the students in our first Early Years cohort and gave her thoughts on the T Level structure: “I did a year at another college before coming here but struggled with how assignment-based it was. The course here is arranged in a simpler way that gives me much more opportunity to get work experience.”

Ruby is another student on our Early Years course and said: “I want to be a teacher in the future so plan to go to university after my studies at college. The T Level gives me so much more work experience, which will be really useful to have ahead of going to university.”

We are delighted to announce the successful merger of City College Southampton, Eastleigh College and Fareham College which, as of Tuesday 1 August 2023, has become South Hampshire College Group (SHCG).

This merger received a positive endorsement from students, parents, staff and local employers in the public consultation and a recommendation for the go-ahead from the Department for Education (DfE).

Students, apprentices and businesses from across South Hampshire will benefit from a financially strong, responsive and ambitious Further Education organisation; with the vision, resources and expertise to best support the evolving and growing skills demands in the region.

Whilst our group name has changed to South Hampshire College Group, the individual campus names remain unchanged and will retain their important links to local communities.

The newly-appointed CEO of South Hampshire College Group, Andrew Kaye, said: “It’s an exciting new start and will bring many benefits to our students and staff, businesses and local communities.

“We will pool all our resources and expertise to enhance the range and quality of courses in this region. We also look forward to delivering enhanced pathways into higher levels of study and work; increasing the supply of skills; meeting employers’ needs and supporting our region’s economy to grow.

“Our ambition is to create a new and vibrant college, better able to meet the economic and social mobility challenges that the region faces.”

Chair of the new Board of Governors at South Hampshire College Group, Sandra Prail, said: “We are tremendously excited to be at the helm of the new SHCG and our Board members look forward to contributing their expertise and skills from many industry sectors into the new venture.

“I’m positive the students attending courses at our new college will flourish, grow in confidence and ultimately make a real tangible contribution to the local workforce and economy with their skill sets.”

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