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Health and Social Care Students at Fareham College, part of South Hampshire College Group, are delivering vital support to people with dementia in the local community through two weekly group sessions.

Through Memory Café and an Introduction to Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions, students and people with dementia come together every week for an innovative programme of arts, games and conversation. The unique cross-generational slants to these sessions makes this a unique community event that provides meaningful memory-strengthening effects for people with dementia, while also giving students valuable experience handling dementia and enabling them to gain useful understanding that can enhance their future careers.

Since 2018 the College Memory Café has been run by Level 1 Health and Social Care Students during Friday term times, attracting a number of loyal visitors and the involvement of local care homes. These social gatherings centre around building relationships and group activities with refreshments. The Introduction to Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions were started in 2025 and are delivered on Tuesdays by a local dementia support organisation, Recapture Life, in partnership with Level 2 Health and Social Care students. These talking group sessions feature crafts and creative activities that positively reinforce the brain, and provide a fun environment for people with dementia and their carers.

Alan has been attending the class sessions for over five years, along with his wife Sheila who has dementia. He said: “Sheila really feels part of these sessions and she always looks forward to them; it gives her something to focus on. One of the things we both like is seeing students grow in confidence and maturity each year. We enjoy talking to them.”

Lesley Barton, founder of Recapture Life, leads the Tuesday class sessions and commented: “There’s not enough support for people with dementia out in the community. Our attendees vary from mild to moderate and non-verbal dementia – they all need the stimulation that these sessions provide. Our class sessions use evidence and research-based approaches to stimulate the brain, whether through games, arts and crafts or talk therapy, and it has made a huge difference in delaying the progression of dementia in these people. The inter-generational aspect of these sessions is fantastic, everyone has so much fun and it gives their carers three hours of respite as well.”

Claire Street-Jestico, Curriculum Area Manager for Health and Social Care at Fareham College, commented: “These sessions provide the students with real time experiences that enable them to develop important practical skills, empathy, and confidence that will support their future careers. At the same time, the sessions provide a vital community service, offering those living with dementia the opportunity to take part in purposeful, engaging activities that promote wellbeing and social interactions. For families and loved ones, the sessions create a supportive environment to connect with others, share experiences, and see their partners and relatives actively engaged and thriving. This dual impact makes the initiative a powerful example of learning through service while strengthening community support networks.”

To learn more about Health and Social Care at South Hampshire College Group, please visit our course page here.

South Hampshire College Group is increasing its commitment to sustainability with a new measure designed to reduce environmental impact, save energy, and make greener practices part of everyday life at college.

From April 2026 all college campuses, including Eastleigh College, Fareham College, Southampton College, CEMAST, and CETC, will switch to a 100% renewable energy-backed electricity tariff. While the electricity on site still comes from the national grid, this ensures that an equivalent amount of energy is generated from certified renewable sources, helping the Group reduce its reported carbon emissions.

This move is part of a wider plan to cut energy use and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. South Hampshire College Group has been making long-term building improvements including better insulation, solar panels, air source heat pumps, and LED lighting. At the same time, the Group is improving energy monitoring, analysing usage, and finding ways to use power more efficiently.

Jocelyn Lenn, Procurement Lead at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Opting into green electricity tariffs demonstrates responsible procurement in action and supports our wider strategic aim to reduce environmental impact across the Group. This move not only delivers measurable carbon benefits but also aligns with our commitment to sustainable, future-focused decision-making. Alongside the tariff change, we are reviewing our estate to ensure upcoming facilities upgrades incorporate sustainable infrastructure replacements, and we’re analysing usage patterns so we can actively reduce demand rather than simply offset it.”

Sustainability at South Hampshire College Group goes beyond buildings. Staff and students are encouraged to take part in energy-saving campaigns, while local suppliers such as Naked Coffee help reduce transport emissions and packaging waste through on-site, small-batch roasting. The importance of sustainability is further being explored in the curriculum, where students are learning to consider their carbon footprint.

Russell Squires, Graphics and Photography Lecturer, who has led environmental projects in his classes for many years, said: “It’s important to embed sustainability into the curriculum not only for education, but to encourage the future generation to consider their impact on the planet and their local environment. By investigating global concerns, highlighting best practices within the college, skip-diving, litter-picking, repairing broken furniture, and a range of other topics; I hope to instil in my students the importance of not wasting, how to conserve, and how they can make a change. No matter how slight it can make a difference.”

Together these efforts reflect South Hampshire College Group’s commitment to a greener future and building a more sustainable environment for students, staff, and the wider community.

South Hampshire College Group have been announced as a finalist in the SEHTA Healthcare Business Awards in the Partnership between Academia and Business category.

This nomination highlights the college group’s support in the development of the MYRA app, an innovative digital tool designed to help reduce delayed hospital discharges, commonly known as ‘bed blocking’, which costs the NHS an estimated £6 million per day.

Level 3 students played a key role in the app’s initial testing and research. Through visits to University Hospital Southampton, they gathered first-hand patient feedback to help refine the app’s functionality and user experience.

MYRA is designed to support patients after discharge, by connecting them to important community services, such as recovery units and outpatient therapies. As a result of students’ primary testing and research, there has been a 900% increase in app downloads and discussions are now underway for the app’s adoption within NHS operations and settings.

The SEHTA (Science and Engineering Health Technologies Alliance) Healthcare Business Awards celebrate the best collaborations between industry, the NHS and education providers in the South East of England, showcasing innovations that address real-world challenges.

Janet Hadfield, Innovation Manager at South Hampshire College Group, said: “Healthcare is an amazing sector to work in and this is something we’re trying to instil in all of our students. Myra is one of many strategic projects we are involved with that are tackling real issues and providing students with wonderful opportunities. Being exposed to primary testing this early in their educational journey, as opposed to typical exposure in the late stages of university, is fantastic and supports students getting out in the field and making a real difference.”

The SEHTA awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 23 April 2026 at The Stadium, Scale Space White City, London, from 16:00 to 19:00.

For further information on the MYRA app, please visit their website here or explore it for yourself by downloading from Google Play or App Store.

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.

A bricklaying apprentice at South Hampshire College Group is set to take to the skies in a charity skydive to support Mental Health UK.

Brandon, 24, is in the second year of his Level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship and is on a mission to raise awareness of the intense pressures within the construction industry and the impact this can have on mental wellbeing.

Early starts, long commutes and physically demanding workdays are often simply part of the job. For many in the industry these challenges can take a serious toll.

Brandon said: “It’s not unusual to wake up for work at 5AM every morning and have working days up to 16 hours depending on how long the commute to the site is. Under such tough conditions it can be easy for mental health to suffer. I have seen this with a close colleague of mine and the impact it’s had on both his work life and his family life. It’s a national crisis and people don’t talk about it enough – I want to change that.”

Brandon will complete the skydive with his friend and colleague, Tyler, a hod carrier who supports bricklayers by supplying bricks, mortar and blocks on site. Their skydive will take place on Monday 13 April in Salisbury. Through online campaigning, word of mouth and even car boot sales, the pair have already raised over £800 for Mental Health UK.

Jon Smith, Professional Brickwork Trainer at South Hampshire College Group, said: “I like to call Brandon our poster boy here in Brickwork. He has done nothing but win during his time at college, winning the Guild of Bricklayers south region competition, the ‘Rising Star’ award at the college’s Student Awards and representing the college in a televised DIY SOS episode. He has shown how college can help you improve and how that can be a two-way street.”

South Hampshire College Group have hosted an inspirational event to highlight the important contributions of women to the construction industry.

This interactive activity day featured over 50 college staff, industry professionals, and business partners participating in an array of construction tasks that explored the exciting opportunities in construction. Such tasks included bricklaying, block paving, plant machinery, and experimenting with surveying tools, among other sessions, all of which took place at South Hampshire College Group’s Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC). There were also question-and-answer panels featuring women in the industry, offering useful insights from real career stories, as well as plenty of networking throughout the day.

This event was not just a celebration of the construction industry, but also a strong way to mark both International Women’s Day and National Careers Week. Initiatives like this serve to broaden horizons and highlight career opportunities for women everywhere.

Teresa Swann, Senior Economic Development Officer at Eastleigh Borough Council, said: “It’s been a really good day and really insightful realising how hard it actually is. Can’t wait to build a wall next.”

Alice Tappenden, Community Learning Coordinator at South Hampshire College Group, said: “This event is such a great opportunity – it lets you network and get to know people while also doing things you wouldn’t normally do day-to-day. I’ve learned how to lay bricks, build a wall, and use a digger!”

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is celebrated on 08 March every year with 2026 marking 115 years of this awareness day.

National Careers Week is a one-week celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK. This dedicated week in March each year develops awareness of future pathways across schools, colleges and universities.

South Hampshire College Group are proud to support women in exploring new career pathways, gaining real-world experience and stepping into sectors where their expertise and skills are needed.

South Hampshire College Group is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with major national recognition alongside a series of awards honouring outstanding apprentices and employer partners across the region.

The College Group has been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious National Apprenticeship Guide Awards: Best Apprenticeship for Hair and Beauty and Best Apprenticeship for Automotive. These nominations reflect the depth, quality and impact of the Group’s Levels 2 and 3 Hair and Beauty apprenticeships and its Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprenticeship.

Alongside this national recognition, the College Group’s apprenticeship team have presented a range of internal awards to apprentices and employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their training and workplace development.

Katie Cumming, Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Apprentice and winner of the Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award, commented: “I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to someone else, especially if theory learning isn’t always your favourite subject. I really benefited from learning the hand skills as it made the theory make a lot more sense. The support from CEMAST (Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Technology) was brilliant, especially my coach Hannah, who has been so helpful.”

Bethany Challoner, Director of Apprenticeships and Business Engagement at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have been shortlisted as finalists for both the Motor Vehicle and Hair Apprenticeship Awards at the Apprenticeship Guide Awards. This recognition highlights the high standard of training we provide and the commitment, skill, and ambition of our apprentices and staff.”

The Apprenticeship Guide Awards ceremony will take place on 30 April 2026 in Leeds. To learn more about the awards, please click here.

Thursday 12 February marks National T Levels Thursday and South Hampshire College Group have caught up with two T Level students and their employer, Specsavers.

Aisha, 18, and Taylor, 17, are in the second year of their T Level in Digital Software Development and have both made significant progress through their course and their work placement at Specsavers, which began in September 2024.

As Service Desk Analysts, they serve Specsavers stores across the South by providing support for technical, application, and software issues. With a structure comprising of three days in college, one day on placement and one day for personal study, they have developed a strong sense of routine and gained well-rounded exposure to the industry.

Taylor commented: “My favourite part of my T Level has definitely been the work placement, which has enabled me to build up very good work experience for a national company and build strong relationships with people across the organisation. I’ve been able to apply digital skills learned through my course on this placement and have developed strong people skills.”

Aisha said: “I didn’t have much confidence when I began this course, and through the T Level industry placement, I’ve had the chance to work with a range of people, which has helped me grow in confidence as well as learn useful skills like coding and problem solving. I’ve found that the relationships you build on a T Level can help you now and beyond college into the future.”

So impactful have Aisha and Taylor’s contributions been at Specsavers that they have been offered paid weekend work in addition to their weekly work placement day.

Georgie Tapley, Early Careers Manager at Specsavers, commented: “Aisha and Taylor have been exceptional additions to our team and their enthusiasm, curiosity, and drive to make a difference have consistently surpassed our expectations. They’ve truly embraced the working environment, contributed meaningful ideas, and shown a level of professionalism that has enabled us to offer them paid weekend employment alongside their placement. Their T Level experience has brought real value to our department, and it’s been a pleasure watching them grow and make such a positive impact. We can’t recommend T levels enough – they have been so good for Specsavers in creating high-quality, sustainable local talent pipelines.”

T Levels are a two-year qualification, with 80% of the time spent in college and 20% on an industry placement. The total allocation for industry placement is 45 days, allowing for the developmont of advanced knowledge and technical skills. T Levels have been designed with leading employers to give students the workplace skills they need to succeed and provide excellent progression opportunities into both the workplace and higher education.

South Hampshire College Group have won the Workforce Development category of the 2026 Subsea Expo Awards, in recognition of the groundbreaking progress of Tech+Tour.

The national Subsea Expo awards, held in Aberdeen, recognise the accomplishments of companies and individuals leading innovation and excellence across the subsea sector and the wider underwater industry. Around 350 people attended the Black-Tie event as nine awards were presented to companies from across the UK, hosted by British comedian Cally Beaton and organised by Global Underwater Hub.

The Workforce Development Initiative category recognises organisations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to employee development through the implementation and delivery of cohesive learning and development programmes.

South Hampshire College Group’s work in developing Tech+Tour to promote upskilling across the maritime sector, and spreading awareness of industry opportunities for the next generation, through a dynamic school and community engagement programme, were key elements in this national recognition. Tech+Tour champions women in engineering, a male-dominated sector, while inspiring students and young adults through hands-on experiences, highlighting innovative career pathways across the Creative, Maritime, Logistics, and Health & Social Care sectors.

Jackson Ottley, Tech+Tour Coordinator, represented South Hampshire College Group at the awards and commented: “Winning this award means such a lot to everyone involved in Tech+Tour. It reflects the time, energy and genuine passion that has gone into creating opportunities for young people and supporting the future of the industry. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved together.”

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Global Underwater Hub, said: “Each year, the talent, innovation, drive, achievements and ambition of the UK’s £9.4billion underwater industry is proudly on display at the Subsea Expo Awards. This is an industry that has ties to communities right across the UK and benefits local economies, clearly demonstrated once again this year by the firms collecting accolades. It is an industry in demand globally and has a critical role to play in the energy transition and the drive to net-zero.”

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”.

South Hampshire College Group has officially opened a range of cutting-edge new learning and training facilities at Southampton College, as part of the South Coast Institute of Technology.

Business leaders, industry experts and senior educators were among the attendees at the launch event. Featured speakers from South Hampshire College Group, the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT) and Tech Solent set the foundation for the day, before all attendees were given personal tours of the new facilities. These included state-of-the-art South Coast IoT tech labs and classrooms, new workshops for the Maritime, Engineering and Automotive industries, and specialised T Level digital suites.

Andrew Kaye, Chief Executive of South Hampshire College Group, said: “A core part of our work at South Hampshire College Group is to ensure we respond to local skills needs, as set out in the Local Skills Improvement Plan. I’m very pleased that the college group is in a position to have developed such outstanding resources to train the next generation of Southampton and the wider Solent region, and to support businesses in providing local economic growth. We are very grateful for the ongoing support from business to shape the curriculum we deliver.”

Tim Mayer, Sales Director of MDL Marinas, commented: “One of the challenges we have running a marina group is getting young people into the industry. One of the key reasons we’re here today is to look at skills gaps, explore innovation and see how we can partner better with educators. The better the talent we can bring into the business, the better the experience our customers are going to have, which will help our industry thrive.”

Andy Paterson, Faculty Leader at Cantell School, attended the IoT opening and commented: “We came to see the new facilities and find out more about what’s on offer, which will feed into Key Stage 4 provision within the school. We’re making students aware of the pathways they can take after Year 11. Maritime is a subject area where students don’t necessarily know as much as they should, and developments like this can only help and promote this career pathway.”

The South Coast Institute of Technology is an ambitious collaboration of seven education providers, comprising both further and higher education, and backed by over £13 million in funding from the Department for Education. It is designed to transform economic activity on the South Coast, through employer-shaped training that can fill skills gaps and provide exceptional young talent to industries in need.

To find out more about the South Coast Institute of Technology, please click here.

For any further queries, please contact South Hampshire College Group at [email protected].

A South Hampshire College Group Apprentice has won the coveted Apprentice Tyre Technician of the Year at the NDTA Tyre Industry Awards.

Louis Townrow, 21, is in the final year of his Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) apprenticeship and was representing his employer HiQ Whiteley at the awards and was one of nine nominees in his category.

The Tyre Industry Awards are presented by the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), with the event taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes. 2025 marked the 12^th year of these prestigious awards, following a longstanding dinner tradition.

Louis was initially surprised by his win. “It was quite a shock … now I look back on it I am proud. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve got and have spoken to quite a lot of people from different brands,” he said following the awards ceremony.

Now in the final moments of his apprenticeship, Louis has his sights firmly set on 2026, in which he has plans to obtain his MOT licence and possibly undergo a Level 4 course centred around electric vehicles, with EV technology continuing to be a popular talking point.

Shane Charles, Motor Vehicle Lecturer at South Hampshire College Group, commented on Louis’ contribution in the classroom: “Louis has very impressive mechanical skills and knowledge and is working to improve his electrical knowledge and skills. His attendance and punctuality are both very good, and when he is in college, he works well with his peers and staff during theory and practical sessions. During practical sessions, Louis will often support other learners and share his knowledge where he can, which makes him a valued member of the class.”

For more information on our Level 3 Motor Vehicle Service & Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) apprenticeship, please click here.

South Hampshire College Group have been recognised in the 2025 Hampshire Business Awards with nominations in the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and the ‘Best Place to Work’ categories.

The Apprentice of the Year nomination is for engineering apprentice Katie Cumming in recognition of her outstanding skills development, workplace contributions and achievements. The Best Place to Work nomination is in recognition of the positive workplace culture at South Hampshire College Group, which fosters engagement, wellbeing and satisfaction.

The Hampshire Business Awards are a dedicated celebration of the very best businesses and working professionals within the Hampshire community. Now in its third year, the event will treat guests to a special gala evening, three-course dinner and conversation with industry leaders.

Louise Mortimer, Director of HR, Payroll and Recruitment at South Hampshire College Group, commented on the Best Place to Work shortlisting: “To be recognised as a finalist in the Best Place to Work category is truly a great honour and achievement for us to share. We are proud to celebrate this nomination with all of our colleagues across the group who contribute to our inclusive, aspirational and collaborative culture each and every day. We’re proud to have launched some incredible initiatives to champion employee wellbeing, including our South Hampshire College Group Wellbeing Commitment, a dedicated wellbeing day and annual staff awards to celebrate both individual and team achievements throughout the year.”

Joe Bourke, Katie’s Manager at STS Defence, commented: “From the outset of her apprenticeship, Katie has demonstrated a level of professionalism, curiosity, and work ethic well beyond her experience. She consistently shows a strong willingness to learn, asking thoughtful questions and actively seeking feedback to improve her skills. Her personal and professional development over the course of the apprenticeship has been fantastic, it’s been great to see Katie develop and grow in maturity from starting her apprenticeship at 16. Her achievements so far are a strong indicator of a bright future, and I believe she is a truly deserving candidate for the Apprentice of the Year award.”

This latest development caps off a busy start to the 25/26 academic year full of awards recognition for South Hampshire College Group, including a special presentation for our Hair and Beauty Apprentice Katie in the VTCT Awards, a triple shortlisting in the Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards and a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the Digital Education Awards. This is also the second consecutive year in which the College Group has been shortlisted in the Hampshire Business Awards.

The 2025 Hampshire Business Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 20 November 2025 at the Old Thorns Hotel & Resort in Liphook.

South Hampshire College Group students came together to celebrate the completion of their university-level studies and their new status as graduates.

The glamorous ceremony saw over 35 students from across the region gather at Southampton College’s hub theatre, following canapés and a light drinks reception created and served by some of Southampton College’s Hospitality students. Jo Landon, Director of Adults, Online & Commercial, at South Hampshire College Group, led the ceremony, in which each student’s presentation was preceded by a personal citation written by their lecturer.

Jo Landon commented: “We are beyond proud to celebrate our incredible class of 2025 as they step into the world as graduates. These students’ accomplishments are a testament to their talent and perseverance, also to the unwavering support of our incredible faculty and lecturers, whose guidance and passion helped shape their journeys.”

Laura Holmes graduated with a BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy. Laura said: “For me, traditional university would have involved a lot of additional travelling. If you’re a mature student, you can’t do that – you’ve got life, kids, other responsibilities. Being able to come somewhere closer was a lot easier, and I found the experience to be extremely good.”

Luke Daruvalla graduated with a Level 5 Apprenticeship – Learning and Skills Teacher; he is also a Professional Trainer in Motor Vehicle at Southampton College. Luke commented: “It’s been great learning at South Hampshire College Group – the classroom is full of people from different walks of life, all with different skillsets. We were able to come together, bounce ideas off each other and leave with much broader knowledge.”

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 doors for the College Group’s alumni to pursue master’s degrees or PhDs, or to excel in the workplace.

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.

South Hampshire College Group and two of its apprentices have been shortlisted for the 2025 Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards.

South Hampshire College Group, comprised of Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College, is a finalist in the Best Training Provider category in recognition of its accomplishments over the past 12 months, including a substantial increase in apprenticeship achievement rates, a rise in Merit and Distinction EPA outcomes and significant improvements to its overall apprenticeship program, as formally recognised in the South Hampshire College Group Spring Ofsted review.

Summer-Louise Risbey, a Marine apprentice at South Hampshire College Group, is a finalist in the Advanced Apprentice category. Her high-quality work with her employer PB Asher, which has taken her to projects across Europe, as well as her consistently strong academic performance – always within the top 5% of her class – and innovative solutions to assignments have earned her this nomination. She also won the Southampton College 2025 Apprentice of the Year Award.

Katie Cumming, an Engineering apprentice at South Hampshire College Group, is a finalist in the Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice category. She completed a three-year apprenticeship in just two years, earning multiple Distinctions and winning Fareham College’s 2025 Apprentice of the Year award. Despite having a junior role, she has led on key projects with her employer STS Defence and has championed women in STEM and engineering careers at outreach events.

Pete Joddrell, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Principal of South Hampshire College Group, commented: “Each year exceptional work is carried out across our apprenticeship provision, and to be named as finalists in the Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards is a well-deserved recognition of those achievements. To see both our apprentices and our College Group acknowledged makes this an especially proud and meaningful occasion. We look forward to cheering on our outstanding finalists on October 23rd.”

Bethany Challoner, Director of Apprenticeships at South Hampshire College Group, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named finalists in not just one, but three categories. It’s a fantastic recognition of our commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeship programmes and the hard work of our staff, students, and employer partners.”

The Portsmouth and Chichester Apprenticeship Awards, formerly known as The News and Observer Apprenticeship Awards, are now in their third year of championing individuals and organisations in the apprenticeship sector. These annual awards celebrate dedication, attitude and accomplishment, with fourteen categories highlighting the impressive depth and breadth of the local apprenticeship landscape. The formal ceremony is scheduled to take place on Thursday 23 October 2025, with attendees treated to a drinks reception and three-course meal, followed by the full awards presentation and photographs.

South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) have announced the appointment of Stephen Marston as the new Chair of the Corporation, effective from 01 September 2025. He succeeds Sandra Prail MBE who has served in the position of Chair since August 2023 when the corporation was established.

Stephen Marston brings to this role a wealth of experience from decades of service in the education sector, including 12 years as Vice-Chancellor of University of Gloucestershire between 2011 and 2023. Prior to this, he held various roles in the Civil Service, such as the Director of Skills and Director General in three government departments, where he had crucial input in both further education and higher education strategic development.

Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, commented: “I am very pleased that Stephen Marston has taken up the role of Chair of the South Hampshire College Group Corporation and I warmly welcome him to the Board. Stephen joins at an exciting time for the College Group, as we build on the success of our first Ofsted inspection since merger and as we complete a two-year significant capital investment strategy undertaken to improve our teaching facilities across the group.

“South Hampshire College Group is deeply committed to its role as an FE anchor institution in the region; Stephen brings hugely valuable skills and experience which will help the corporation go from success to success as we continue to ensure we create better futures for all our students, apprentices, and employers we work with. The corporation is very well-placed under Stephen’s leadership to respond to the government’s recent Industrial Strategy, potential changes that may be recommended by Skills England, and any implications arising from a new Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy.

“As Stephen joins, I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Sandra Prail, our outgoing Chair, for her remarkable stewardship of the corporation in a period of significant transition.”

Stephen Marston said: “I am delighted to be joining SHCG as Chair of the Corporation at such an exciting time in the College Group’s development. I am hugely impressed by what has been achieved in just two years since the merger, including the stand-out result of an Ofsted rating of Good for the whole organisation. It is a tribute to the commitment, professionalism and skill of everyone in the College Group. And it has created a strong platform to keep developing together the quality and range of what we can offer our students and apprentices across all three campuses, advancing our mission to help all our students achieve better futures. Thanks to the exceptional leadership of Sandra Prail as Chair of the Board, we are now well placed to meet both the opportunities and the challenges we will face. I am very much looking forward to working to achieve our shared ambitions for our students, our employers and our community.”

Sandra Prail MBE reflected on her time as Chair of the Corporation: “I have mixed emotions as I say farewell. Pride in the creation of SHCG and its remarkable achievements. Total respect for every member of staff working tirelessly day after day putting our students at the heart of the College Group. And a touch of sadness as I say goodbye. When I joined prior to merger I had big dreams for our new College Group. These have been exceeded. SHCG has redefined the art of the possible. I spoke from day one of creating a top-performing Board and I believe that the foundations of governance we have put in place are strong, our vision clear and that our defining culture will drive SHCG to greater heights. I will always be cheerleading from afar and shall be forever proud to have been the first SHCG Chair. I wish Stephen, my successor, much fun and know that SHCG is in safe hands.”

South Hampshire College Group expresses its thanks and gratitude to Sandra Prail MBE for her guidance and leadership over the past two years in the role of Chair, which have proved a crucial time of growth and success for the organisation as it now prepares for an ambitious 2025/2026 academic year.

South Hampshire College Group is celebrating Level 3 results day with an unprecedented number of students passing their T Level or other Level 3 qualification, and are set to progress to their chosen career or university.

T Levels are one of the fastest-growing education pathways, designed in collaboration with employers and with a greater emphasis on industry placements. With an increasing number of options for T Level courses, South Hampshire College Group has become one of the largest providers of T Levels in Hampshire and has invested in state-of-the-art Centres of Excellence which utilise industry-standard equipment and facilities to enable students to achieve the skills they need to be successful in their future careers.

Today’s results have seen notable T Level successes in Digital, Professional Construction and Finance specialities, with 100% pass rates, all of which have benefitted from Centre of Excellence investment in the past year.

Pete Joddrell, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Principal of South Hampshire College Group, said: “These results reflect our amazing progress as a College Group over the past 12 months, as demonstrated through our growth in T Levels and the positive destinations to skilled employment, apprenticeships and higher education. It’s fantastic to see so many success stories across our Level 3 provision especially within individual subject specialities, such as in Digital, Construction and Marine, and to see how our cutting-edge Centres of Excellence are helping drive student successes across these industries. We’re excited to be launching further Centres of Excellence in the next year, reflecting our steadfast commitment to providing the best possible learning environments for our students.”

Dimo Rosenov has today collected his Distinction certificate for his Level 3 T Level qualification in Digital Design, Production and Development, and will now be progressing onto a Software Engineering degree at University of Portsmouth. Dimo said: “I was very excited to get my results, I worked really hard and it paid off. This course has really helped me grow my skills and confidence and I can’t wait to learn more. T Levels are a great way to learn and I feel it has really prepared me for what is next”.

Debbie Eacott, Digital Academy Lead at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are so proud of our Digital T Level students and to see them collectively achieve a 100% pass rate is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the quality of the immersive learning environments here at South Hampshire College Group.”

In addition to T Levels, many students have been enjoying strong success across wider Level 3 qualifications.

Caitlin Marks has achieved a Distinction grade in her Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Production Arts, and is now progressing onto a professional acting school where she will study a degree in Technical Theatre Arts.

Caitlin said: “I love how this course has allowed me to develop my love of theatre. We have three brilliant teachers on this course who use their skills learned from the industry to teach us each and every aspect for theatre. I’ll be able to use this knowledge in my next steps and can hopefully teach others things that I know as well.”

Sophie Waite has just completed a Level 3 Uniformed Public Services Extended Diploma, where she received a Distinction grade. She has secured a role as a Teaching Assistant at a local school, with the ambition of using this to progress into the fire service.

Sophie commented: “During my work experience with the fire service on this course, we did a day teaching fire safety at a local school, which linked into what I am now going to do in becoming a Teaching Assistant. I’m really looking forward to this role as it will help me prepare for working with more members of the community and I think it’s really going to benefit me, especially if I then go into the fire service.”

A series of three memorable student awards ceremonies have been staged across South Hampshire College Group this summer, celebrating learners and apprentices who have gone above and beyond in their studies, work placements, and contributions to college life.

Event Management Students rolled out the red carpet at Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College, as award winners gathered with friends, families and lecturers to celebrate their successes this year. All in attendance were treated to delicious canapés and drinks prepared by Hospitality and Catering Students before winners took to the stage to receive their certificates and have their professional photographs taken.

Awards were presented in three key categories: Resilience, Achievement, and Contribution – each highlighting students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance, and impact both academically and within the wider college community. Four special awards were then presented at each College to mark the overall Young Person, Higher Education, Apprentice and Adult Students of the Year.

Eastleigh College’s Young Student of the Year was Alicia Elkins, with the Adult Student of the Year Brenna Frost-Williams and the Apprentice of the Year awarded to Ben Brockway. Tyler Willis was named the Higher Education Student of the Year.

Vice Principal of Eastleigh College Rosie Sharp said: “Every student recognised in these awards has done something extraordinary. These students have stood out not just through their results, but through their attitude, their work ethic, and the impact they’ve made on those around them.”

Fareham College was delighted to name Jake Pazzard as Young Student of the Year, while Jon Lloyd-Jones received the title of Adult Student of the Year. Katie Cumming was honoured as Apprentice of the Year, and Tayler Merrell was recognised as Higher Education Student of the Year.

Ben Sheridan, Vice Principal of Fareham College, said: “We are constantly amazed by the standard of work our students produce – innovative, inspiring, and full of promise … their dedication and contributions have played a vital role in making our college the vibrant, high-achieving community we are so proud of.”

At Southampton College, Amelie Osman was named Young Student of the Year, with Bruno Neves receiving the Adult Student of the Year award. Summer-Louise Risbey was honoured as Apprentice of the Year, while the Higher Education Student of the Year accolade went to Asif Yaqub.

Vice Principal of Southampton College Neala Whybrow said: “In my short time here at Southampton College, I have been overwhelmed by the hardworking, caring and driven attitudes presented by our students and staff, and therefore being able to be a part of this event is a true honour.”

Achievement: Deandra St Hilliare, Brenna Frost-Williams, Katharine Kirk, Harvey Crow, Ben Brockway, Alicia Elkins, Thomas Howe, Ellie Cameron, Lily Orchard, Harry Bradley, Alice Upstell, Connor Robson

Recognition: Lottie Evans, Tyler Wills, Melody Munday, Charlotte Taylor, Charlie Fellbrich-Crespin, Anna Bethel, Ruslana Shkurat, Georgia Grimm, Charlie Bradbrook, Malyar Niazi, Martin Pearman, Brianna Morris

Achievement: Finn Owen, Alina Caterina Trandafir, Axl Rose, Jon Lloyd-Jones, George Hendricks, Rhydian Mills, Katie Cumming, Aiden Wood, Libby Harrower, Poppy Hare, Davina Lauder, Rosie Ozanne, Alfie Brown, Connor Hammal, Toby Southwell, Oscar Molyneaux, Lynsey Watts

Contribution: Evelyn Malec, Jake Pazzard, Jenny Madgwick, Thomas Collinson, Lewis Planner, Saphira Berwick

Recognition: Finn Owen, Melissa Graham, Brooke Corbin, Charlotte Yeats, Ayla Graetz, Evie Duncan, Bruce Ferguson, Megan Piper, Emily Wooster, Mark Rodgers, Taylor Merrell, Tyler Cope

Achievement: Tegan Browne, Bruno Neves, Owen Batchelor, Lewis McNamara, Leah Batchelor, Carla French, Callum Hutchins, Marcia Patricia Santos Teles, Reggie Strang, Riley Edmond, Amelie Osman, Josh Sharp, Ryan Pinnick, Summer Louise Risbey, Goncalo Viveiros, Jasmine Harris, Kushi Kaur, Anuolowa (Mary-Ann) Ogunyem, Claudia Gamza, Asif Yaqub, Dat Nguen

Staff across South Hampshire College Group have received national recognition from the Pearson National Teaching Awards for their exceptional contributions this year.

Recipients of Pearson honours included Gemma Braybrook, Lecturer in Media, Marketing and Event Management, Clair Pearman, Reception and Administrative Assistant, and the collective College Group IT Department. The awards were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, a nationwide celebration of all the incredible work across the education community and the impact teachers and staff have on the student experience.

Gemma Braybrook was announced as a Bronze Winner in the Pearson’s FE Lecturer of the Year category. This accolade reflects her significant impact in the Media, Marketing and Events department, having initially stepped up this year to deliver this course single-handedly and at peak, providing teaching and support to over 70 students. Thanks to Gemma’s tireless efforts, students have enjoyed an enriched course program, including a huge range of internal and external events, with a record number progressing successfully into industry careers or higher education.

Gemma commented: “I’m shocked, to be honest, I never imagined I’d win this award. It’s been a challenging year in our department and there’s times you think you won’t get through it but you find a way somehow and build resilience along the way which is what we do for these students. They’re my inspiration and they keep me going.”

Clair Pearman received a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate in the Pearson’s Unsung Hero category. This recognition was given in light of Clair’s strong impact on the college community in her front-facing role at Eastleigh College. Clair’s exemplary professionalism and positivity has helped diffuse many challenging situations and her excellent knowledge has helped her become a trusted and reliable figure for students and staff alike.

Reflecting on her win, Clair said: “This was totally unexpected, I love my job and never expect to get anything like this back from it. I always do my best to make sure our students feel safe and happy in the environment that they’re in so to have this recognised makes me feel happy.”

The South Hampshire College Group IT team was awarded Pearson’s ‘Certificate of Excellence’ in the FE Team of the Year category as a commendation for their sterling efforts in creating a brand-new network that is now used by over 8000 students and staff across three college sites and two training centres. Maintaining an impressive 100% uptime rate on this new network, while simultaneously balancing four existing college networks, is a testament to the collaboration and teamwork of this highly skilled department and has enriched the digital experience for both students and staff alike.

Rosie Sharp, Vice Principal at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “The Pearson Teaching Awards are often seen as the ‘Oscars’ of the teaching community, so all our winners should feel extremely proud of themselves for their accomplishments. We are very fortunate as a College Group to have so many wonderful staff who truly go above and beyond for our students, it makes our community a fantastic place to grow, learn and achieve.”

National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are organised by the Teaching Awards Trust—an independent charity founded over 25 years ago to celebrate the powerful impact of education. The Trust highlights the vital contributions of teachers, support staff, schools, colleges, and early years educators in inspiring and shaping young lives every day.

South Hampshire College Group has been recognised for its ‘strong contribution to meeting skills needs’, ‘highly knowledgeable teachers’ and for ‘raising the quality of education for learners and apprentices’, in the College Group’s first full Ofsted inspection since the merger of Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College in 2023. The College Group received an overall grade of ‘Good’, with all eight areas inspected also judged to be ‘Good’.

The inspection, which took place from 29 April to 2 May 2025, reviewed the organisation’s three colleges, in addition to its Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) and its Civil Engineering Training Centre (CETC), both based at Lee-on-the-Solent. Special commendation was given to the College Group’s skills contribution, formed through a close working partnership with employers and stakeholders to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the region’s skills needs, and a commitment to adapting the college curriculum accordingly. The quality of teaching was also praised, along with the strategic sequencing of training programmes to enhance the learning experience. The benefits of this across all students were outlined in the report, with young students motivated to learn, adult students increasingly confident and empowered, and apprentices valuing the expert advice and training they receive. Students with high needs were also deemed to make successful progress in their academic, vocational and personal development.

Andrew Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of South Hampshire College Group, said: “I’m delighted to see the hard work of students and colleagues at South Hampshire College Group recognised through this Ofsted report. The report’s positive endorsement of the good quality of education is a testament to the commitment of those who make South Hampshire College Group an amazing place to learn and work. I’m pleased the report recognises the strong contribution the college makes to meeting skills needs and the instrumental role the college plays in shaping and advancing local skills improvement planning. Our quality of education and our responsiveness to skills are what enables us to create better futures.”

Strong leadership was further singled out in the inspection report, with commendation given to the college’s ambitious investments in industry-standard resources through dedicated new Centres of Excellence, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement through strong internal training to upskill managers and staff.

Anoushka Ottley, Executive Director of Business and Partnerships at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are proud to be recognised by Ofsted for making a strong contribution to skills. At South Hampshire College Group, we are firmly committed to addressing local, regional, and national skills priorities through strong partnerships our stakeholders. Our curriculum is closely aligned with the priorities set out in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), ensuring we equip our students with industry-relevant knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Through our diverse training offer and collaborative projects, we are actively helping to reshape the skills landscape across the South Hampshire region, this progress wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support and engagement of our stakeholders, whose collaboration is vital to our shared success.”

Pete Joddrell, Group Principal and Ofsted nominee for South Hampshire College Group, commented: “As a College Group we warmly welcome this report and are proud to be rated ‘Good’ in all eight judgement areas. The strength of teaching at the College Group and our students’ positive attitude and strong motivations to learn really shines through in this report, while our newly established Centres of Excellence are already making a huge impact on the learning experience. It’s fantastic to see how far we’ve already come as a College Group less than two years since merger, and we can’t wait to build upon these accomplishments and reach new successes in the years to come.”

The introduction of our latest college therapy dog, Fudge, has already made a positive impression on staff and student wellbeing.

Fudge, a two-year-old Cavapoo based at Eastleigh College, joins Dexter, a nine-year-old Golden Retriever at Southampton College, with a further eight-year-old Bordoodle, Bella, at Fareham College. Each dog spends one or two days in college per week, meeting and greeting students, providing comfort to those who are struggling and helping students connect with the college environment.

Lorraine Wheeler, Designated Safeguarding Lead at Southampton College, is the owner of Fudge. She commented: “From the first day, we could already see the positive influence Fudge has made on the college community. There have already been so many examples of her helping students, but the one that stands out for me was during an exam period. We had a student who was sitting outside the exam room, unable to talk or bring himself to go in for his exam. But when Fudge went up to him, his demeanour changed completely, and he was finally able to articulate his anxieties. She empowered him to go in for his exam and even sat beside him while he completed it.”

Kierston Paskall, Emotional Literacy and Support Assistant at Southampton College, is the owner of Dexter. She said: “As well as being a therapy dog, Dexter is also a trained assistance dog and this training has already been invaluable, such as when he administered deep pressure therapy during a student’s seizure. We do meet and greets with him every week and I have seen him transform staff who previously had a fear of dogs and soften students who struggled with emotional volatility. He has helped people open up and feel calm and relaxed during their college studies, which is so conducive to positive learning outcomes.”

The benefits of therapy dogs are well documented in the education environment. Examples of these include increased attendance, stronger relationships between students and staff, growth in confidence and reduced anxiety. Extensive risk assessments are taken prior to the arrival of every new dog, and careful precautions are taken in relation to any allergies or fears around dogs.

If you would like to learn more about our therapy dogs, please contact our safeguarding team.

Free support and resources on handling stress can also be found from the NHS here.

South Hampshire College Group are celebrating National Careers Week 2025 with a new matrix Standard accreditation, successfully achieved through sustained delivery of high-quality careers support for prospective and current students.

Special commendation was given in this report to the College Group’s commitment to positive working and effective collaboration with internal and external partners, and commitment of managers to work towards alignment across the organisation. Staff and students alike were identified as being well supported, with plenty of available careers guidance that has proved impactful to students.

The matrix Standard is the international quality standard for organisations that deliver careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), either as their sole purpose or as part of their service offering. This external audit required a review of South Hampshire College Group’s Careers and Admissions processes and procedures, feedback from students, as well as reviewing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said: “This is a fantastic achievement for South Hampshire College Group and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of the resources available. The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practice in these areas. With their accreditation success, South Hampshire College Group is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.”

Ashley Martin, Director of Student Experience and Transition at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are extremely proud to have achieved matrix accreditation. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all across our organisation. It reinforces our commitment to support students in receiving high-quality advice and guidance that helps them reach their full potential and achieve their career goals.”

Trudy McKenzie, Group Careers and Admissions Manager at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are delighted to have received this accreditation as recognition for all the hard work that goes into the delivery of our careers information, advice, guidance and customer service. The progress of the merger and aligning careers and admissions across our three colleges – Eastleigh College, Fareham College and Southampton College – hasn’t been without its challenges, but it is great to know that it has not affected the level of support given to students and potential students.

“We couldn’t have received this accreditation without the dedication and hard work of all our Admissions & Guidance Officers, Reception staff, Admissions Leads and Careers Advisers. This has been a real team effort and we would like to thank all those other wider staff members, stakeholders and students, who assisted by speaking to the Report Assessor.”

Building upon this fantastic achievement, South Hampshire College Group’s celebrations of National Careers Week (which runs 3rd – 8th March) will be extra special this year, featuring engaging events and activities for all students across the college group, including employer talks, in-person support from universities, mock interview opportunities, CV workshops and careers drop-in sessions.

For further information, please contact South Hampshire College Group at [email protected] or visit www.shcg.ac.uk.

A packed programme of activities was warmly across South Hampshire College Group to celebrate apprenticeship and T Level qualifications as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025.

Throughout the week a popular series of presentations and informative talks were staged across the College Group’s sites, comprising Eastleigh College, Fareham College, Southampton College, CEMAST and CETC, which have featured input from local government services including the NHS, the DVSA and the wider Civil Service. There have also been special networking events including an Employer’s Breakfast, bringing key local business and education figures together to celebrate apprenticeship developments this year, and a particularly useful ‘Meet your Match’ event which enabled progressing students and apprentices to connect with various employers from different sectors, opening up further opportunities for work interviews, placements and careers beyond college.

Clare Lewis is an employer at local mortgage broker business C L Mortgages, and has employed South Hampshire College Group student Cameron on an apprenticeship. She commented: “We need young people coming up through the ranks so we can grow our company. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to achieve this and as an employer they allow me to shape staff to work how they need to in order to best support the firm.”

The week was also a unified celebration of T Levels, where the college group welcomed hundreds of young people and their parents to four special T Level information evenings where they had the opportunity to understand the value of the significant work placement and discover progression opportunities available through this dynamic new learning pathway. These events were gratefully supported by the University of Portsmouth, University of Southampton and Solent University, to endorse the progression pathways of T Levels and to continue to strengthen the important local community ties between Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE).

Briony is one of South Hampshire College Group’s many students currently undertaking a T Level programme – her study of Early Years & Education has opened up future ambitions for a career in safeguarding and supporting young people. She commented: “As part of my T Level, I have a large work placement in a school, which gives me real experience working with children from a range of circumstances. Our facilities at college also are really good because there’s a nursery and spaces where we learn hands-on skills, as well as classrooms, so we get a real mix of learning and experience.”

To learn more about National Apprenticeship Week and its importance in the education landscape, please click here.

For further information about South Hampshire College Group and its high-quality technical and professional training, please contact [email protected] or visit www.shcg.ac.uk.

South Hampshire College Group students from the Early Years and Health & Social Care departments have returned from an unforgettable two-week adventure in The Gambia. There, they helped support local schools and hospitals, visited wildlife parks, and engaged in team-building activities. This trip was the organisation’s first as part of the government’s Turing Scheme.

A total of 14 students, across Level 1, 2 and 3 studies, and staff participated in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as part of a program designed to offer enriching personal and professional development through unique work placements, exploratory visits to cultural areas of interest and supporting local communities. The cohort began their adventure with a team-bonding weekend, where they visited the country’s capital, Banjal, in addition to a crocodile park, a monkey park and a full induction. 10 days of eye-opening work placements followed, with the eight Early Years students supporting teaching at a local school, while six Health & Social Care students were stationed at a local hospital, supporting A+E, surgical and maternity wards. An activity weekend provided a valuable respite between the work placement days, during which students enjoyed a special sunrise kayaking trip and learnt valuable skills with the local community, such as cooking new dishes and caring for young children.

Kirsty Rennie, Curriculum Area Manager at South Hampshire College Group, was one of the staff members who supervised the trip. She commented: “This was truly an incredible experience for all of us, and it was amazing to see how our students culturally embraced the experience, none of whom had been to a third world country before. There were challenges to overcome, such as language barriers, intense hospital experiences and generally stepping outside of the comfort zone, but our students should be so proud of how they rose to these challenges and demonstrated professionalism and resilience.”

Sophie is a Health and Social Care student who participated in the trip. She commented: “The highlights of my experience include my favourite locations, such as the beach and the monkey park, as well as the exceptional staff at Kanifing Hospital. I would also like to express how much this opportunity enhanced my self-confidence, not only in my personal abilities but also in my capacity to engage in future opportunities. This experience allowed me to observe healthcare and professionalism within a different cultural context, particularly in a less affluent community. Furthermore, the trip provided me with the opportunity to meet new individuals and develop my social skills. I believe that my time in The Gambia has contributed to my personal growth and expanded my knowledge, creating lasting memories that I will never forget.”

Millie is an Early Years student who joined the trip. She said: “This trip really changed me so much as a person. It’s such a different environment from my experience working in an English nursery and we all felt so welcomed into the community. I felt so emotional having to leave the children because we all wanted to keep helping them, but it really makes you appreciate the simple things and how fortunate we are. I would recommend an experience like this to anyone, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

This trip was made possible through the Turing Scheme, a new £110 million initiative from the UK government that offers overseas learning experiences for students across the UK, with additional support for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These fully funded trips give students experiences they otherwise might not be able to enjoy. The scheme has received a hugely positive reception since launching at South Hampshire College Group in December 2024. Further trips are already planned for Sri Lanka and Bali in March 2025, and more trips will be announced later in the year.

South Hampshire College Group has been officially awarded with ‘Highly Commended’ status in the 2024 Digital Education Awards.

This international recognition is for the exceptional progress the organisation has made this year in digital industries through leading a variety of successful initiatives. These include the mobile technology roadshow TECH:TRUCK, the brand new Digital Training Vessel, and the community-focused South Coast Institute of Technology, which brings together further education and higher education providers from across Hampshire. The accolade also acknowledges the organisation’s commitment to community impact, diversity, and technology-driven learning, addressing local needs and reducing skills gaps.

Naomi Smith, Local Skills Improvement Fund Programme Director at South Hampshire College Group, commented: “We are delighted to receive this Highly Commended recognition for our digital breakthroughs this year as an organisation. TECH:TRUCK has grown to become one of the most popular attractions in the Solent’s education sector, introducing exciting new technical education technologies to young people and helping them identify career pathways in our LSIP-identified priority sectors, including Creative Arts, Health and Social Care, Engineering and Manufacturing, Marine Engineering and Net Zero technologies. As we continue to embrace the innovation ecosystem, through initiatives such as our state-of-the-art Digital Training Vessel (DTV1) we are excited to be at the forefront of industry-lead skills development for the Solent. The South Coast Institute of Technology represents unprecedented higher technical education opportunities, thanks to the collaboration of further education and higher education providers across Hampshire. We are constantly looking to innovate and grow, and this award gives us great encouragement going forward into 2025.”

A 2024 Digital Education Awards judge commented: “Your proactive collaboration and innovative use of technology position SHCG as a transformative leader in education. By continuing to embrace and expand these strategies, you have the opportunity to solidify your reputation as a key player in reshaping the local skills landscape.”

The Digital Education Awards celebrate the products, platforms, teams, and services leading the digital education scene today. They are open to individuals, organisations, and businesses worldwide. The 2024 awards featured sixteen different categories, with South Hampshire College Group’s Highly Commended recognition in the ‘Digital Education Institution of the Year’ category.

For any further information, please contact the College Group at [email protected].

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.

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.

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 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.”

South Hampshire College Group (SHCG), comprised of Further Education colleges from Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham, has acquired a state-of-the-art Digital Training Vessel, to meet the needs of new and emerging skills in the Solent region.

The new Digital Training Vessel (DTV) is an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) which will support an ambitious new Further Education curriculum for both SHCG’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) in Lee-on-the-Solent near Fareham, and SHCG’s specialist Marine Skills Centre located by the River Itchen, Southampton.

USVs are popular with industry and research bodies for surveying, patrolling, and search and rescue duties, as they have many benefits including zero emissions, lower operating costs, anti-fatigue, consistent routing, and are safer. It is believed to be a first for Further Education in the UK.

The new Digital Training Vessel USV is controlled remotely from either a shore-based mission control centre, or onboard a mothership, through digital remote operations, with optional AI (artificial intelligence) decision-aided support.

The SHCG Digital Training Vessel will contribute to supporting learning across new and innovative maritime skills, which will help to address the sector’s skills shortage and regional social employment challenges.

The skillsets required for USV Remote Operators combine digital, marine engineering, marine electrical, systems engineering, net zero understanding and navigational knowledge, which until recently were unavailable as a single career pathway. Through a new curriculum being rolled out this coming academic year, students from across traditionally distinct faculty areas will gain invaluable experience, knowledge, and skills to raise awareness of the maritime sector as a viable career option in which to progress.

The acquisition of the Digital Training Vessel was secured through a funding award by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), as part of the Group’s focus on pioneering the education of innovative skills and as a contributor in delivering the Solent’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

This exciting development comes off the back of numerous innovative assets recently unveiled by SHCG and LSIP include TECH:TRUCK, a collaborative mobile educational and technological roadshow shared between seven local education providers, and SHCG’s new multi-million pound Department for Education funded Institute of Technology (IoT) at CEMAST – the only IoT nationwide that is offering a specific Higher National Certificate in Robotics and Mechatronics.

Naomi Smith, LSIF Programme Director commented: “South Hampshire College Group is a pioneer in identifying new and emerging skill requirements. Maritime has been identified in the Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan as a key area of focus, particularly in digital skills and where traditional roles overlap with new, such as marine engineering and vessel operations.’

“South Hampshire College Group works with local industry leaders to ensure the skills, qualifications and progression routes provide further opportunities for our students to create better futures. In addition, providing public educational training resources such as the Digital Training Vessel is key to encouraging social mobility as it enables access to all.”

The Digital Training Vessel project is entirely British, with the USV built by HydroSurv based in Plymouth, together with its vessel control systems, including maritime autonomy and remote-control operations, provided by Robosys Automation based in Southampton.

The launch of the DTV was held at South Hampshire College Group’s Marine Skills Centre in Woolston, near Southampton, where maritime students and representatives from academia and industry were in attendance.

The launch event was also an opportunity to showcase the broad range of technical skills and career pathways available within the maritime sector and was a pivotal catalyst in bringing together multidiscipline curriculum areas for students. The USV showcased its capabilities on the water, with guests experiencing remote operations firsthand.

DTV “Trio” Collaboration Project Lead, Nigel Lee, CSO of Robosys Automation, which also provided the vessel control systems and autonomous operations for the USV said: “Today is a landmark moment for the maritime industry, as demand for trained operatives in this specialism is rapidly increasing, both across USVs and also larger vessels including uncrewed and lean-crewed ships. Having this advanced Digital Training Vessel as a Further Educational resource broadens the catchment opportunities, thus satisfying the very real skillset shortage in the maritime sector, whilst creating a consistent level of learning.”

The event welcomed representation from the UK’s Marine Robotics Innovation Centre, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, National Oceanography Centre, Robosys Automation, Landau Marine, South Hampshire College Group, Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan, South Coast Institute of Technology, amongst others from supporting associations and industry.

The Digital Training Vessel will enter service in September ready for the 2024/25 academic year.

Representatives from education, councils and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have come together to discuss the skills agenda and collaborative working. This collaborative event came at the end of Colleges’ Week, which celebrates the contribution that colleges make to their communities.

The full-day event took place at The Solent Hotel in Hampshire and offered a unique opportunity for key representatives from the county’s public sector organisations to discuss their goals and objectives for skills growth in Hampshire, identifying areas in which greater collaboration would help. Principals and governors from the region’s Further Education colleges joined with colleagues from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Hampshire County Council, and legal and governance advisors to discuss their shared strong ambition for local skills growth.

Andrew Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of South Hampshire College Group, commented: “Collaboration is at the heart of our organisation and events like this provide a wonderful opportunity to come together with key groups across the public sector and work toward our shared objectives of economic prosperity and reducing skills gaps in the Solent region. We’d like to thank everyone who attended and we eagerly look forward to our next collaborative session.”

Colleges’ Week was launched in 2018 as part of the ‘Love our Colleges’ campaign run by the Association of Colleges. The week provides a chance to celebrate the brilliant achievements of colleges, day in and day out, to support employers across innovation and skills and to recognise a college’s valuable role as an anchor institution in the community.

The Solent Hotel is a premier four-star hotel near Portsmouth with spa facilities and a specialised business lounge, designed for collaborative meetings and brain-storming sessions.

South Hampshire College Group has officially launched its multi-million pound Institute of Technology (IoT), impressing TV technology guru, Jason Bradbury, who compared it to Marvel Hero Tony Stark’s state-of-the-art laboratory.

Backed by over £13 million in funding from the Department for Education, the South Coast Institute of Technology is a pioneering collaboration between South Hampshire College Group, Solent University, University of Portsmouth, HSDC, Brockenhurst College, and The Isle of Wight College.

The launch was hosted at South Hampshire College Group’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Designed to address the skills gap within the maritime, engineering and digital sectors, the South Coast IoT will work with employers to increase the number of students pursuing technical education in STEM industries. With 50 unique career pathways currently available, the South Coast IoT aims to improve the talent pipeline into industries that are vital to the future growth and prosperity of the region.

Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, the lead Further Education College in the partnership, said: “The Solent region has a proven track record of delivering excellent further and higher education and has done so through proactive employer engagement.

“The South Coast Institute of Technology will provide further opportunities for the region’s current and future students, staff, partner organisations and the wider community, developing the higher technical skills needed to support local and regional growth and long-term prosperity across the South.”

The VIP event was attended by more than 100 distinguished guests, who were greeted with speeches by Andrew Kaye and Matt Johnson, Director of the South Coast IoT. Following this, Jason Bradbury, known for his role in ‘The Gadget Show,’ took the stage and delivered an inspirational talk on changing landscape of technology and the importance of its role in our society.

The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon was performed by Andrew, Matt and Jason, and afterwards guests were taken on an eagerly anticipated tour around the new building. Boasting state of the art facilities and equipment, the IoT at CEMAST is the only IoT offering a specific Higher National Certificate in Robotics and Mechatronics, and invests in high-quality training, industry-expert teachers and real-world curriculum.

After taking a tour of the facilities himself, Jason said: “The South Coast Institute of Technology is incredible. If your goal is to galvanise young people’s interests and really inspire them to learn, it doesn’t get much better than this.”

Key employers include the Royal Navy and Portsmouth International Port, IBM, QinetiQ, Leonardo, Maritime UK Solent, GKN, DDC, and Teemill.

Rear Admiral Jude Terry, Director of People and Training, Royal Navy said: “The Royal Navy is delighted to be a core employer partner of the South Coast IoT, as its impact will be significant.

“Integral to the bidding process, through our Solent Maritime Enterprise Zone team, we see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tackle the higher technical skills shortage not only in the region but nationally and is essential in supporting a much-needed growth in productivity particularly in the maritime, engineering and digital industries.”

Matt Johnson, Director of South Coast IoT, said: “The South Coast is on the edge of a new era, heralding a fourth industrial revolution driven by the Solent 2050 Strategy, Solent Maritime Enterprise Zones, and the Solent Freeport initiative.

“With huge technological advancements on the horizon, our area’s industries in maritime, engineering, and digital are some of the fastest growing and we have tens of thousands of local vacancies waiting to be filled.

“To address this growing demand, the South Coast Institute of Technology is here to help by getting more students into STEM subjects. We’re working with businesses to make sure our students are ready for these great jobs, helping our region grow and thrive.”

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 (SHCG) held its inaugural edition of National Apprenticeship Week as one united group.

With over a dozen events spread over three college sites, the SHCG 2024 National Apprenticeship Week successfully delivered key information to thousands of students, through workshops, presentations and a variety of guest speakers. Networking breakfasts and parent information evenings also ensured that students were not the only beneficiaries of the week’s programme and there were plenty of opportunities for question-and-answer discussions throughout.

The national theme of 2024 National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Skills for Life’ and the week’s programme was tailored accordingly, with most content focused primarily on apprenticeship opportunities, but a T Level webinar and an internship presentation by Autotech Academy ensuring that there was truly something for everyone. The blend of online and in-person events made certain that nobody missed out even if they could not physically attend.

Trudy McKenzie, Careers Lead at Eastleigh College, commented: “National Apprenticeship Week is such an important and informative week for students, and the varied range of talks, workshops and presentations that have taken place this week have been able to provide something for all. We have had a strong turnout from students for our workshops and activities and a further excellent turnout from parents for our special Apprenticeship evening earlier in the week. We want to give a big thanks to all the organisations who have supported our week’s programme, including Wiser Futures, Adams Morey and Autotech Academy.”

A special Networking breakfast was held at Fareham College as part of the itinerary. This brought together employers from across Hampshire, representing a diverse range of sectors, to discuss apprenticeships and how employers and colleges could work together to fill local skills gaps.

Joanne Pawley, the organiser of the breakfast, commented: “The employer breakfast networking event was an opportunity to bring current and new employers together to look at the range of apprenticeship offerings across South Hampshire College Group. It was also an opportunity for potential new employers to understand what an apprenticeship is and to gain an insight into the benefits that an apprentice could bring to their business.”

The week’s success has already led to more planned events, including a second parents’ evening later this term (date TBC), following a sold-out attendance for the first evening.

South Hampshire College Group are proud to have launched a new T level course in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, the latest in a growing list of 34 specialised T Level courses across a range of sectors.

T Levels are exciting modern qualifications that are enjoying a surge in popularity across the UK amongst both students and employers. A T Level qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels in UCAS points, making this learning pathway a highly credible and valuable alternative to A Levels. Comprised of an 80/20% split between class work and industry placements, T Levels are specifically designed to focus on high-level technical and work-ready skills.

South Hampshire College Group is delighted to be one of the pioneers of T Levels in Southern England, currently offering 34 courses covering a range of sectors such as childcare, media, beauty, electrical and many more.

Rudi Kochanowski, Course Manager for the new T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, said: “T-Levels are a great way to get ahead in the construction industry. The qualification has been developed with a range of sector leading employers to ensure that learners are learning the skills and knowledge to succeed in the construction industry. The range of topics covered is very wide and the modules have been designed in consultation with employers.”

Debbie Eacott, Digital T Level Lead at South Hampshire College Group, said: “The T Levels provide a wide variety of skills and industry experience that could roadmap a student into their desired career. This is a fantastic opportunity and journey for students to prepare them for a technical mindset that will build talent pipelines to support the industry.”

Benita Raphaels, Student President of Fareham College, said: “I chose a digital T Level as it comes with attractive features not conventionally seen with A-Levels such as the 20% work placement. This and various other opportunities expose us to the world of work and allow us to build our networks and experience early on, which is invaluable in an age with a highly saturated workforce.”

Sarah Eggleston, T Level Placement Employer and Owner of Flow.io, said:”I have been very impressed by the quality and enthusiasm from my T level students, and the level they work at. They are already growing in productivity and independence, I can only imagine how valuable they would be if progressing onto a higher apprenticeship”.

It is an exciting moment in time for T Levels at South Hampshire College Group, with two special T Level community events scheduled to take place this term. A virtual T Levels online event will take place on Thursday 22^nd February, providing valuable insight from both teachers and employers on the various programmes available, along with a special question and answer discussion with the audience. A further in-person T Levels Parents Evening event will take place at Fareham College on Thursday 1^st February featuring many of the same discussion points.

South Hampshire College Group has announced its membership of The Solent Cluster, the first major decarbonisation initiative to substantially reduce CO2 emissions from industry, transport and households across the Solent and the south coast of England.

The Solent Cluster is a cross-sector collaboration of international organisations, including manufacturers and engineering companies, regional businesses and industries, leading logistics and infrastructure operators and academic institutions, with decades of proven expertise in carbon capture and storage and hydrogen technology. The Solent region has the capacity to potentially capture and safely store up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually as part of the project’s ambitions.

South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) joins over 100 members as part of the Cluster alongside founding members the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), global energy provider ExxonMobil and University of Southampton. The founding members have each shared details of their vision for the Solent and how it could secure existing jobs and produce low-carbon fuels for sectors including maritime and aviation, as well as providing energy to heat homes, businesses, and public buildings. This effort could position the Solent at the centre of low carbon fuel production in the UK and make a major contribution to the country’s Net Zero ambitions by 2050.

Anoushka Ottley, Executive Director of Business & Partnerships at SHCG said,

“South Hampshire College Group are deeply committed to aligning our educational offerings with the specific skills required to meet the objectives of the Solent Cluster’s vision. Through close collaboration with local industries, training providers across the region, and strategic planning, we will ensure that our curriculum and training programs are tailored to cultivate the skills essential for realising the Solent Cluster’s goals. Our college group will serve as a dynamic hub for skills development, empowering individuals and the communities we serve to excel in pursuit of the Solent Cluster’s objectives.”

In a recent socioeconomic report released by the Cluster, it confirmed over 70,000 jobs could be secured, including the creation of over 18,000 new skilled jobs as part of a potential £11.9bn economic boost for the Solent region. The Cluster also has the potential of over £4.4 billion gross value added to the economy by 2035.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, chair of The Solent Cluster said,

“Decarbonisation will be a catalyst for transformative change as we seek to propel the region into a new era of sustainable growth. The importance of identifying the potential for thousands of new jobs and billions in investment, cannot be underestimated.”

“The Solent Cluster is an important opportunity to decarbonise the Solent Region, and we are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from multiple sectors,’’ said Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions.

Dr Lindsay-Marie Armstrong, associate professor of mechanical engineering and academic cluster lead for the Solent Industrial Decarbonisation Cluster at University of Southampton, said:

“The Solent is recognised as one of the leading contributors of CO2 emissions from energy-intensive manufacturing processes every year. The formation of a decarbonisation cluster that spans the public, private and higher education sectors is a monumental step forward for the region.

“It will introduce sustainable fuels for local transportation, the aviation and the shipping sectors; create low carbon energy to heat homes, businesses and public buildings; and open up new highly skilled jobs opportunities. This can only be achieved by working together as a community, covering all sectors and ultimately working with the same desire to achieve a low carbon economic future for the Solent region.”

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