A closer look at College | Jan 2016

NEW PRINCIPAL ANNETTE BRUTON’S PLAN FOR TRANSFORMATION

GUARANTEED PLACES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR STUDENTS

THE APPRENTICE - YOU’RE HIRED Welcome to I plan to take Edinburgh College forward a new Edinburgh Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s biggest Regional Colleges with around 20,000 students across 4 campuses in College Edinburgh and the Lothians. Transformation Since opening our doors on 1 October 2012, we have established a strong reputation for academic excellence. The Plan. joining together of our legacy colleges brought together the best of our previous talents and blended with it new ideas to make Edinburgh College what it is today. We face an exciting and challenging future. In times of reducing public expenditure we must deliver relevant education to everyone while continuing to invest in staff training, new technologies and flexible learning methodologies, so that our communities, students and staff will continue to develop and grow. Our strategic plan provides the focus we need to ensure that we continue to push ourselves to become increasingly innovative, flexible and efficient as we play our part in educating and supporting the workforce and employers for the future.

KEY FACTS

2 30 4 VIRTUAL SATELLITE OUTREACH CAMPUSES CAMPUS CENTRES LOCATIONS

GEOGRAPHIC SPLIT OF OUR STUDENTS 14/15

20% OTHER REGIONS

10% MIDLOTHIAN

11% EAST LOTHIAN STUDENT POPULATION BREAKDOWN 58% CITY OF EDINBURGH 42% 21% 37% EDINBURGH COLLEGE IS THE

BIGGEST SINGLE 16 - 19 20 - 24 +25 PROVIDER IN 2014/15, 10,928 OF OUR STUDENTS WERE AGED 16-19, OF STUDENTS TO EDINBURGH 5,313 WERE BETWEEN 20-24 YEARS OLD AND 9,560 WERE UNIVERSITIES 25 YEARS OLD AND ABOVE.

2 Welcome to our new quarterly newsletter, Council, over recent years. We are working which we’ve launched to keep everyone in hard to resolve these issues that to create our region up to date with all the activities the environment students, staff and our and achievements of our students and region deserve. staff, as well as college developments and To deal with all this and ensure we’re able ventures. I am amazed every day by our to meet the needs of students, employers, students and staff and hope you enjoy the region and the country, I plan to learning about what they’ve been up to as take forward a new Edinburgh College much as I have. Transformation Plan. This Since I took up my post as Our role is to ensure will redevelop the business principal in late May 2015 a work-relevant and finance model of the I have spent a lot of time educational experience college to ensure we remain learning about the college, for our young people. a sound business and can speaking to staff and students weather the challenges and seeing for myself how Edinburgh coming our way. This plan will review our College plays a pivotal role in the life of the education provision, making sure our scale capital and well beyond. is realistic and that we are able to grow sustainably in line with regional need. I’m Our role is to ensure a work-relevant keen to speak to as many stakeholders and educational experience for our young partners as possible to discuss this plan and people. It’s important our partners and the how we can work together. communities we serve understand and value what a rich blend of Throughout this period learning, including vocational We are facing some of transformation we will education, Edinburgh College very significant issues continue to maintain and can offer. Employers must across the further develop our community play an active role, both education sector. engagement to support the shaping and benefiting from reduction of poverty and Scotland’s education system by helping low employment in vulnerable areas and to create the talent pool they need and for particularly vulnerable groups across recruiting young employees. Our links with Edinburgh and the Lothians. schools, universities and employers give a We are developing a refreshed strategy real meaning to lifelong learning, and the for working across our partner local strength of these partnerships enable us to authorities, enhancing our relationships empower thousands of students with new with business and industry, ensuring our skills each year. offer is relevant and delivers on key policy Ultimately, we must all work together to drivers such as Developing the Young support our future workforce to make Workforce. This will help to ensure that informed and ambitious choices about jobs we are a trusted partner of choice for and careers, preparing them to take their investment and development as well as places in the world and make important training. contributions. I propose to continue my dialogue with all 96% of successful As you may be aware, we are facing some interested parties across the region and full-time college very significant issues across the further look forward to meeting with many of you students move on education sector. At Edinburgh College, and welcoming your feedback. our business model and the curriculum to employment frameworks have not been robust enough or further study to accommodate the policy changes, the within 6 months of changes in the college environment, the graduating tightening of public sector spending and the Annette Bruton available funding from the Scottish Funding Principal and Chief Executive

A closer look at Edinburgh College 3 Our guarantee College Courses for Senior For the first time Edinburgh Phase Pupils (S4-S6) College is guaranteeing a place for all eligible school leavers GUARANTEED At Edinburgh College we are committed to ensuring that from Edinburgh, East Lothian PLACE FOR EVERY our students are prepared for a successful future. and Midlothian who apply for ELIGIBLE SCHOOL Our Schools College provision provides opportunities for a course to help them on their LEAVER way to achieving their study and S4-S6 pupils to attend college on a part time basis whilst career ambitions. The college is still at school and provides a wide range of educational promising to help every school student who applies find opportunities and specialist subjects which can be added a course for 2016/17 at the right level in the right area. into their existing school timetable. All Schools College courses offer progression to Edinburgh College courses. Edinburgh College Principal Annette Bruton said: “We’ve never been able to guarantee a place to all school leavers The South East Scotland Academies Partnership before but it’s really important that we find new ways of (SESAP) is a joint project between Edinburgh College, providing more opportunities so everyone gets a chance Queen Margaret University, Borders College and to make the most of themselves. We’re the only college local authorities that bridges the gap between school, in our area and it’s up to us to give people enough options college, university and employment for 15-18 year to get on track for education and careers. olds. Academies provide the opportunity to gain skills and valuable industry knowledge before leaving The college already has courses to suit most levels but, school, through work experience with industry experts. where people don’t have the qualifications needed for a Participation in the Academies partnership improves certain level of study, we’re looking at how we can shape pupils’ chances of moving on to further or higher our curriculum to make sure everyone has a good entry education and boost employability. point into education at the right level for them. For pupils who may not be considered for mainstream college courses our Future Steps programme provides We have a responsibility to the young people a flexible approach to learning. There are a variety in our communities and we’re confident this of study options depending on qualifications and will give them what they need to experience. Pupils will have the opportunity to complete a 12 week placement or study in specific sectors, such succeed. as the environment, games applications or childcare and will have an allocated worker to provide support “We’ve worked really closely with schools to learn what throughout the learning journey. their students need and make sure no one misses out. We have a responsibility to the young people in our Attending college can enable young people to gain communities and we’re confident this will give them skills, confidence, qualifications and access vocational what they need to succeed.” pathways that will help them become independent contributors to their community and to the Scottish Local schools are supporting the scheme. Michael economy. For further information on our provision for McGee, head of St. Augustine’s High School in Edinburgh, senior phase pupils across Edinburgh and the Lothians said “We are in full support of this exciting new initiative. please see our web site for details: At St. Augustine’s we are working on developing Scotland’s young workforce. This exciting new guarantee www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk is ensuring that every young person will continue lifelong learning to help them in their chosen career pathway.” For more information on the courses available at Edinburgh College, visit edinburghcollege.ac.uk College drives development of Drop-in appointments will also be available for individual Scotland’s young workforce applicants at Edinburgh College campuses to provide pre-entry guidance to assist with course choice. Please The college has formed a steering group to look at the contact the Course Information Team on 0131 660 1010 recommendations in the government’s Developing the or at [email protected]. Young Workforce programme. The group brings together expertise across the college – including heads of curriculum, commercial and marketing – as well as representatives from our local authority partners, special schools, Skills Development Scotland and local employers.

4 PASS Scots actor David Hayman Performing Arts Studio Scotland (PASS) is one of visits the Performing Arts Scotland’s largest training providers in the performing arts, located on our Granton Campus. PASS is a superb training institution for those wishing to pursue a career Studio Scotland in the performing arts. Our aim is to create the next Top Scottish actor generation of performing arts professionals. David Hayman recently visited the Granton campus of Edinburgh College to inspire the next generation of young performers, with tales of his time working in film and TV. David, known for his role as Glasgow gangster Jimmy Boyle in the filmSense of Freedom came to the college’s PASS theatre to talk to students about his experiences, auditioning, career choices and acting for stage, film and TV. Edward McGurn, Performing Arts lecturer at the college said: “David Hayman is one of Scotland’s great In 2013, double Academy talents and has set many stages and screens throughout Award winning actress, the world alight with his talent. Hearing his thoughts on Emma Thompson, became the craft of acting is a defining moment in any student’s Patron of Performing Arts career.” Studio. She is one of the world’s most respected HND Acting and Performance student Shyvonne talents for her versatility Ahmmad arranged the visit after meeting David on a in acting, as well as short course at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, screenwriting. where he was helping his son. David Hayman Jr. was the main director for her class and he decided to invite his dad along to help mentor the students. PASS is an exciting high octane, cutting edge Declan Wallace, a Performing Arts student at the college, centre which will attract much of the wealth of said: “The insight David gave us really is gold dust. Having talent in Scotland and beyond. someone with 40 years in the industry in to talk to us is so beneficial for young aspiring actors.” I’m very proud to be patron.

2016 shows at PASS Theatre, Granton Campus

10 & 11 FEB 2pm & 7pm THE GRANDFATHERS AND GIRLS LIKE THAT 16 & 17 MAR 2pm & 7pm ATTEMPTS ON HER LIFE 23 & 24 MAR 7pm BODY ELECTRIC 13 & 14 APR 7pm BREAKING BOUNDARIES 10 & 11 MAY 2pm & 7pm FIND ME 1 & 2 JUN 2pm & 7pm STORM & MEDEA: A DRAMA OF SONG 17 JUN 2pm & 7.30pm CROSS CURRENTS If you would like to book a ticket for any of the above shows, please email [email protected]

A closer look at Edinburgh College 5 Training Cyrenians Cook off Challenge On Friday 19 November 2015 our Milton Road Campus Restaurants hosted a cook-off extravaganza when some of the country’s top chefs teamed up with Cyrenians and Edinburgh College to cook a 7 course tasting menu, raising money for society’s most vulnerable people. The event was the culmination of Cyrenians’ social awareness campaign #tellyourstory, highlighting attitudes to poverty and supporting those excluded from family, home, work or community on their life journey. Guests included some of the inspirational local people who featured in the campaign, influential business people including entrepreneur Sir Tom Farmer plus many more of the charity’s supporters and partners.

Edinburgh College hospitality and cookery students practice their craft and improve their skills in our two modern training restaurants open to the public. Our students create dishes with love and care, using the best ingredients under the expert guidance of our tutors. Expect high quality Michelin style dishes at a fraction of the cost. The best-value Scottish restaurant I’ve come across in my travels

Richard Bath, The Scotsman The college’s professional cookery and hospitality students Our students produce a set lunch menu from Wednesday to had the opportunity to work alongside top industry chefs Friday from £5. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings our in the kitchen and service, giving them the chance to learn 3rd year students take to the kitchens to serve a 5 course from the best. Chefs taking part included Daniel Mellor from fine dining menu from £10 including amuse bouche, coffee the Observatory restaurant at The Glasshouse Hotel; John and handmade chocolates. Newton from Apex International; Neil Forbes from Café St Honore; Sebastian Kobelt, Patissier and Chocolatier from EH15 Restaurant at Milton Road Campus Linlithgow; Brian Grigor, head chef of the Michelin-starred The Apprentice Restaurant at Granton Campus Number One restaurant at The Balmoral Hotel. Guests voted for their preferred dishes as the evening progressed, culminating in Edinburgh College students achieving the winning dish of petit-fours. Funds raised through the cook-off event will go towards Cyrenians’ work including its homeless prevention service; befriending service for older people; recovery service for addicts; recruitment and skills centre; and food education. Hugh McCluskey, curriculum manager for professional cookery and hospitality at Edinburgh College, said: “Our students were delighted to have the chance to work with top chefs and soak up their hints and tips while helping a good cause. Opportunities like this inspire them to focus on their studies and continue to produce fantastic work.” 6 STUDENT

BROADCAST MEDIA STUDENTS WITH SRU

This year, broadcast media Club XV Rugby and Women’s They also put together video Rugby Challenge Cup students from Sighthill rugby behind the scenes at profiles of the players to and the Guinness Pro 12 campus have been involved Murrayfield, and on location. entertain the audience on the matches. Live Scottish sports in paid work experience big stadium screens before coverage is a growth area filming for the SRU The students covered and the international games at BT for the broadcast industry broadcasting department edited media press interviews Murrayfield. and the department is based at BT Murrayfield. including pre and post-match responding to the demand in They were involved in with head coach of Scotland The team this sector with multi camera shooting the Six Nations Rugby team Vern Cotter have also featured in videos shoots aiming to develop championship, International and captain . recorded at the European and train students in the live streaming of events.

NIKO SADLOWSKI // STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Niko Sadlowski, an Edinburgh Scotland without speaking English; College student who came I grew up with deaf parents which to Scotland for a fresh start, meant I learned to communicate fought against the odds to be with them through sign language. named Student of the Year at I think this first triggered my the Edinburgh College Further interest in supporting people Education Awards 2014. and their families with additional support needs because I could Polish born Niko, who studied NC understand the kinds of barriers Early Education and Childcare at they could face.” the college, was presented with the award at the prestigious ceremony at The Hub. Niko, who also works part-time at The Action Group charity for people with additional support needs and disabilities said: “I was delighted and totally overwhelmed to find out I had won Student of the Year. I was 23 when I first came to

A closer look at Edinburgh College 7 Star performer wins top design award An Edinburgh College Graphic Design student was named as one of the UK’s brightest young marketing stars in a national industry competition in December. Ayesha Islam won the Breakthrough Award at the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) Awards, which showcase the best in creativity from undergraduate advertising, design and marketing students in the UK. Ayesha, in her first year on the HND Visual Communication: Graphic Design course at the college, claimed her award and £1,000 prize money at an awards ceremony in . This year’s DMA challenge was to design a brand campaign for East of England Co-op that would directly appeal to a younger market – 16-24 year olds in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Creating Entrepreneurs The Creative Exchange is a vibrant new hub for creative entrepreneurs that has been developed in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. The joint initiative is specifically targeted at the creative industries and combines a world class workspace with state-of-the-art facilities, including ultra-fast broadband and digital technology. A range of business support services is available from start- up advice to mentoring as well as help to secure investment. Six Edinburgh College students are funded each year to take Ayesha’s innovative campaign stood out from the crowd, up entrepreneurial residency at the Creative Exchange to topping two shortlisted students to win the award. invest in the development of new and emerging talent. She said: “I put a lot of effort into making sure the concept Edinburgh College have designed a series of creative fitted the brief and that it was big enough to have an impact. masterclasses for the Creative Exchange, covering a range And, sure enough, it has. I was shocked and over the moon of creative and technical skills in social media, digital print when I won because the target market is very hard to and web, apps design, e-commerce, event planning and impress.” communicating effectively. Helena Good, Ayesha’s lecturer, said: “Not only did Ayesha These courses are ideal if you want to develop your own do herself proud, she did the college proud. This might sound professional creative practice, develop your skills for clichéd but it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. employability in the creative industries or find inspiration and new creative direction. “We got very good feedback on the night – her campaign really hooked the client. It was brilliant that the winner came Our dates for these programmes are currently in from north of the border. This is the first year we’ve entered development and so if you would like to find out more or to and certainly won’t be the last.” book a place, please email us at: [email protected] 8 Edinburgh College Salon Gets Green Makeover Edinburgh College's NEW Elemis and Wella Academy is located in ‘The Hub’ at our Granton Campus and incorporates luxury hair treatments and spa therapies with environmental benefits, as one of the UK’s first eco-friendly training salons. This academy was the first of its kind to provide a range of advanced environmental features including a ceramic fuel cell that uses hydrogen to convert gas to electricity and produce hot water for hair washing. New filtration hoods also allow asthmatic students and clients to use The Hair & Beauty Academy hair salon for the first time. Our hair & beauty team collaborated with Elemis & Wella to create an industry standard hair salon and spa to deliver high quality, innovative treatments with lots of eco-friendly and health benefits. One of the newest treatments to the salon is Nioxin - hair care and solutions for thinning hair. The academy is home to a specialist Nioxin clinic, to diagnose hair/scalp problems and advise clients of the various solutions, including hair growth treatments for cancer patients. The facilities at our academy rivals some of the top salons and spas in the city with Flotation Therapy using our dry floatation bed and treatments from Elemis, Wella and Jessica.

Training Salons Our hair & beauty students work in Edinburgh College training salons on a regular basis to improve their techniques ready for industry. The training salons use high quality Dermalogica, Elemis, Wella & Jessica products, meaning customers get great value hair & beauty treatments they know and love. Training salons are open during the day for treatments in a classroom setting starting from £5. The training salons are also open on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings for our full range of treatments. WAYS TO BOOK

GRANTON HAIR & BEAUTY TRAINING ACADEMY 0131 559 4050

MILTON ROAD HAIR & BEAUTY TRAINING ACADEMY 0131 344 7348

WALK IN

A closer look at Edinburgh College 9 Pre-apprenticeship courses can open doors!

Pre-apprenticeship courses are a way for students to develop essential industry skills and knowledge to prepare them for the world of work. A pre-apprenticeship provides an entry route into the trades and helps students build contacts with companies which could employ them in the future. It was while Iain Pook, 29 from Dumfries, was a pre- apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery, learning both the practical and the theory elements of the trade that Red Build, approached Edinburgh College looking for apprentices. Having come into the trade at a later stage, Iain has now progressed to an adult apprenticeship with Red Build whilst studying at Granton Campus. Six months into his adult apprenticeship with Red Build and Iain is enjoying adding to his skill set. Iain said “I definitely would recommend it, particularly for mature students. From the position I was in, I had absolutely no experience, no qualification written down. I definitely would recommend It was incredibly valuable to me. I want to become a it, particularly for mature qualified tradesman but I think ultimately, and this could students. be a few years down the line, I would want to be self employed.” Starting your career with a pre-apprenticeship can open doors to opportunities for progression. 10 Apprenticeships are a great way of getting valuable work experience which can lead to enhanced employment opportunities. Edinburgh College offers a range of apprenticeship options which prepare students for the workplace. Foundation Apprenticeships are a good way for pupils For more information on Modern Apprenticeships please who are still attending school to gain work experience contact [email protected] or call with a local employer. Pupils attend college 2 afternoons 0131 535 4800. a week alongside an employer led work placement Pre-Apprenticeships courses are available across a range and at the end of the programme gain an industry of disciplines and are suitable for adults of all ages. They recognised qualification. We currently offer foundation provide an entry route into the trades, helping students apprenticeship courses in Financial Services, Software to develop their skills and build contacts for future Development and Civil Engineering. These courses are employment opportunities. See our website for details. exclusive to school pupils and application must be made through guidance teachers. Scottish Apprenticeship Week will once again celebrate the opportunities and benefits that apprenticeships bring Modern Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for to businesses, young people, and the economy. With school leavers to start or develop a career and earn increasing demand from the region and employers. Six while they learn. Modern apprentices must be employed new modern apprenticeship programmes are planned for before starting their training and will receive a wage 2016/17. from their employer. Edinburgh College delivers Modern Apprenticeship training in Automotive, Engineering and Fire and Security Systems.

Construction apprentices win big at UK Skills Show Edinburgh College apprentices lifted gold and bronze trophies at a national skills competition in November, toppling UK rivals as they painted, decorated and crafted their way to success. Construction apprentices Dan Macaulay and Jordan Charters put their talents to the test at Birmingham’s NEC at The Skills Show, the nation’s largest skills and careers event. Dan, a stonemasonry apprentice, won gold in the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Skillbuild national final. And Painting and Decorating apprentice Jordan Charters Dan Macaulay Jordan won bronze in the Crown Trade Apprentice Decorator of the Year competition. They battled it out over two days of timed skill tests, working to precise guidelines to Liam Kane, produce outstanding pieces of work against the clock. Edinburgh Jordan, from Selkirk, works for his father’s firm, George College Highways Charters. He beat 11 other apprentices from around the UK Maintenance to win his prize, for decorating the stands of a model Rugby apprentice World Cup stadium. student, beat off Jordan’s win means he has been shortlisted for the World 200 of the best Skills UK team and begins training for the international apprentices across competition held in Abu Dhabi in October 2017. the country to win Taking on the advice of former Edinburgh College student the prestigious and 2009 World Skills champion Mark Nevin, who has been UK Highways and mentoring him, Jordan added: “World Skills really is a game Street Lighting changer. You have to be 20 or under to compete so this is Apprentice of my only shot. The competition is about more than just your the Year award in practical ability. It requires a strong mental approach and an 2015. even stronger competitive drive. I can’t wait to rise to the challenge.”

A closer look at Edinburgh College 11 SCIENCE AND Trust Helps Students ENGINEERING OPEN DAY

Achieve Their Goals FRIDAY The Edinburgh College Development Trust has a key role 26 FEBRUARY 2016 1PM - 4.30PM to play in the delivery of projects to bring real benefits to MIDLOTHIAN CAMPUS the students, staff and communities of Edinburgh and the Lothians. On Friday 26 February we will be hosting a Science and Students across the College can benefit from the support Engineering Open Day at our Midlothian Campus from of the Trust, enabling them to achieve their goals. The 1-4.30pm. This will be a great chance for school pupils, Trust supports a curriculum that has both regional and local people, teachers and parents to find out more about national impact and is working with businesses across the the opportunities available in science, technology and region to ensure a work relevant educational experience. engineering systems as well as automotive and electrical Three of our International students recently benefited engineering. from scholarships from the Trust to support them on their We will be offering tours of our workshops and live way to becoming professional photographers. training facilities with the opportunity to chat with local Efthymios Stamatiadis, Paloma Fernandez and Iga employers about careers in the science and engineering Gozdowska each received £1000 scholarships to help industries. them hone their craft and achieve HND/BA qualifications at the college. These scholarships were crucial to giving The Midlothian firm has given £3000 to support two them more time to dedicate to their studies in their students from the college’s engineering courses, who will be second and final years of studying, and to fund vital able to develop their knowledge and practical skills in the supplies for their varied, high-quality photography growing sustainable vehicle engineering field. The generous projects. scholarship will be used over two academic years. The Trust is also offering a new scholarship to students to The students will be selected based on this skills, attitude learn more about electric vehicles thanks to a cash award and interest in electric vehicles, and will carry out an agreed from local Nissan car dealership Alex F. Noble & Son. project as part of their studies. Supporting the Development Trust can bring great benefits to your organisation whilst allowing us to enhance the education and training of our students. If you would like to learn more about working with the Development Trust contact Elizabeth Jeffress, Development Trust Officer. e: [email protected] t: 0131 297 9202 Scholarship students Efthymios, Paloma and Iga with chair of the Trust, Dr Alan Colquhoun.​​

Granton Campus Midlothian Campus Milton Road Campus Sighthill Campus 350 West Granton Road 46 Dalhousie Road 24 Milton Road East Bankhead Avenue Edinburgh Dalkeith Edinburgh Edinburgh EH5 1QE EH22 3FR EH15 2PP EH11 4DE

0131 669 4400 www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk