Summer 2017

Our visit STC, Best A date for to the Gulf in Country your diary Vice Chair of Governors and Principal Our training has been A new date has been set for visit the Gulf as part of engagement recongnised by the Times South Shields Marine visits with GCC companies. Education Supplement (TES). School’s annual Shipping Day. Contents

Page Article Page Article Page Article A Welcome message An important date 09. New degree 01 from the Principal 07 for your diary 16 course announced

01. Nine meetings, 05. Record numbers 10. Marine school 02 five days, four countries 08 for refresher training 18 welcomes new staff

02. College merger 06. Cadet honoured 11. Charity fund helps 04 is confirmed 09 with top award 19 stranded mariner

03. Donations welcomed 07. College is named 12. A little help 05 from GulfMark 10 the best in the country 20 goes a long way

04. Cadets’ success 08. Chief Executive 06 celebrated 14 receives top award

Key Contacts

Jeremy Gough Michael Speers John Roach Simon Ashton Kevin Lund Marie Flatman Head of School Head of School Assistant Assistant Head of School Head of School Simulation, Deck & Marine Offshore Principal Principal Higher Education FE/EOOW/ Senior Marine Safety Training Marine Engineering Marine Operations Marine Engineering Workshops

Call us on:0191 427 3772 /SouthShieldsMarineSchool or Email:[email protected] @ssmarineschool /south-shields-marine-school www.stc.ac.uk South Shields Marine School Leading Lights - Summer 2017 1

Welcome to the latest edition of Leading Lights

The Summer 2017 edition of Leading Lights highlights the merger between , which operates South Shields Marine School, and Tyne Metropolitan College. The merger consultation process began in 2016, and will be completed on August 1, 2017, with the merged college name being Tyne Coast College. While our existing brands and names will remain, we firmly believe merger will make us bigger, better and stronger. It will bring no change to our commitment to ensuring that our first- class maritime resources - in staffing and equipment - fully meets your expectations.

Tyne Coast College’s family of brands includes South In addition to 11-16 year olds, the Maritime Educational Shields Marine School, South Tyneside College – Foundation (MEF) is supporting an initiative to promote Professional and Vocational, Tyne Metropolitan College, the Merchant Navy in junior schools, and we are working Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College, Career College with Ridgeway Primary Academy in South Shields, where North East – which recruits for the marine pathway from children are designing, operating and testing self-built the age of 14 - and the Marine and Offshore Safety vessels. On completion of this project, we will showcase Training Centre. Tyne Metropolitan College, established the excellent videos created to the MEF trustees and in 2005, has developed a reputation for high-quality yourselves, and provide a full update in the next edition of education and training. It is a leading STEM provider, Leading Lights. We have also engaged our own games with specialisms in engineering, sports science and design students to re-create the internal views of a mathematics. Queen Alexandra Sixth Form College offers wheelhouse, engine room, galley and a cabin, to provide a wide range of A level courses, with a 99 per cent pass an insight to visiting schoolchildren through the use of rate for 2016. This enhanced college will allow us to grow virtual reality headsets, ensuring a prominent showcase our internal progression routes from age 14 to 18 into the to the maritime industry. maritime sector, in turn increasing the range and number of prospective applicants that you can draw from and I am also delighted to inform you that some of your interview, to meet your expanding recruitment targets. students have been working hard and dedicating time to fundraise, through various activities, for our South Shields Marine School is also working hard Dr Winterbottom Charitable Fund, and pages 19-21 with new school partners to broaden the appeal of showcase some of the students that this fund has the Merchant Navy, and fully support the Government helped. We will be highlighting your cadets’ efforts Maritime Growth Strategy recommendations. in the next edition of Leading Lights.

Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields Marine School 2 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk

01 Nine meetings over five days, in four different countries…

In January, David Byrne, Vice Chair of Governors at South Tyneside College, and Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields Marine School, had a busy schedule, visiting several maritime companies in the mid-East Gulf region, as part of engagement visits with GCC companies.

As well as providing updated information of their students’ progression and achievement, they updated companies on the impending merger between South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College, in North Tyneside, which will result in the corporate name changing from South Tyneside College to Tyne Coast College.

Gary said: “We met two new clients, who are creating new maritime training courses, in association with South Tyneside College, that will meet specific local training needs. It is hoped that a joint venture will enrol new students in the GCC region from 2018.

“In Abu Dhabi, we were shown the new ADNOC building, where the 39th floor has meeting rooms where staff are given 39 minutes to complete their meeting, a lesson to us all.”

DP World, Dubai is creating new training programmes to develop their Pilots. All companies were advised on the impending move of the MCA Tyne to within the college buildings. Leading Lights - Summer 2017 3

“In Abu Dhabi, we were shown the new ADNOC building, where the 39th floor has meeting rooms where staff are given 39 minutes to complete their meeting.”

Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields Marine School 4 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk

02

South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College merger

South Shields Marine School off-site e-learning platforms, and Merger is expected to result in a higher investing further in staff development quality and financially stronger college, is to enter an exciting new programmes to underpin a broader that can better deliver improved skills era after South Tyneside and expanded curriculum. for students locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. College confirmed it is We further hope to improve links with to form a new college, schools across the Tyne Coast College The new college will work to a three- covering both sides of area where, working together with year plan, focussing on curriculum Maritime UK, we will respond to the innovation and the creation of new the River Tyne. Maritime Growth Strategy to improve routeways to skills. awareness of the maritime sector In August, South Tyneside College and grow pre-cadet and cadet This will include being a specialist one- will join Tyne Metropolitan College, enrolment numbers. stop shop for a breadth of workforce which has its main campus in North development requirements, including in Shields, North Tyneside, to create Our second site, the Marine and apprenticeships - a current Government Tyne Coast College. Offshore Safety Training Centre in South priority area - across a range of Shields, which provides the most realistic employment sectors. The combined college will deliver training environment possible for people provision to around 15,000 full and working in offshore industries, will also part-time students a year. continue its current operations. Ratified by the colleges’ governing Dr Lindsey Whiterod OBE, the new From August 1, you will bodies in April, after a six-week public CEO of Tyne Coast College and former consultation, it has the support of the FE notice our new corporate Chief Executive of South Tyneside Commissioner Richard Atkins CBE and College, said: “Merger opens up many name on invoices, but be the councils of north and south Tyneside. possibilities to broaden our provision reassured that the brand, The marine school, which has and further deliver our expertise. staffing and physical undergone multi-million pound facilities “We are renowned across the world for resources at South Shields investment over the past six years, will the high quality of provision we provide Marine School, will be continue to deliver its existing first-class and for our exceptional facilities and provision from its current site. retained to ensure you are lecturing staff, and this will continue to provided with the quality Plans for the marine school include be the case. increasing the capacity of our training and range of training you “I’m delighted that the fundamental way resources to meet the expected expect from a national the marine school operates will remain growth in maritime world trade by unchanged, and merger will only add to and international leader 2020, growing and developing our the expert provision we can deliver.” of maritime provision. Leading Lights - Summer 2017 5

03 Generous donation from GulfMark will aid students’ safety training Students at South Shields Marine Our marine engineering and electrical engineering department also received propeller blades, controllable School will benefit from thousands pitch propeller assembly and two auto transformers. of pounds worth of new safety These are going to be installed in the workshops equipment, thanks to GulfMark. and made operational in order to train cadets and senior students. GulfMark, which provides marine transportation services, donated a rescue boat, 24 life rafts, Michael Speers, Head of School at MOST, 18 sets of breathing apparatus and a thruster the marine school’s Marine and Offshore Safety unit to South Shields Marine School. Training Centre, said: “We are extremely indebted to GulfMark for their generosity. We’re hoping that Derek Bain, GulfMark’s Head of Procurement has we can develop further training using these items. been instrumental in organising the equipment transfer from the Aberdeen warehouse to South “Kris McKee, the operations manager, and Rob Shields, foregoing the scrap value of the items, Kerrison, the dry dock manager, have also very some of which are new or unwanted spares of kindly allowed cadets to visit GulfMark’s vessels substantial worth. in Sunderland and in dry dock. “As ever, we are grateful for their ongoing support.”

GulfMark has donated a rescue boat, 24 life rafts, 18 sets of breathing apparatus and a thruster unit to South Shields Marine School. 6 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk

04 Cadets at South Shields Marine School are riding the crest of a wave after graduating from their studies

In December 2016, 54 students from “Each student has consistently worked hard and shown huge dedication and commitment to their studies. around the globe celebrated success by gaining HNC Nautical Science, HND “They can now look forward to hugely satisfying careers, seeing the world in well paid jobs as they go.” Nautical Science, FD Marine Engineering, FD Electro-Technical Engineering, HND Cadets were presented with their graduation scrolls by South Tyneside College governor Terry Cornick. Marine Engineering and BEng Marine Engineering qualifications. Dr Lindsey Whiterod OBE, Chief Executive of South Tyneside College, said: “I congratulate those who have graduated, and They included Rajarshi Chakraborty and Rohit Meghnath wish them every success for the future. Kamble, who were both presented with awards for outstanding individual commitment to learning. “South Shields Marine School is renowned the world over for the quality of its teaching and the expertise of its lecturing All students can now expect well paid jobs with the world- team – there is nowhere better to learn the skills required to leading shipping companies with whom they were sponsored join the Merchant Navy. during their training. “Graduating from this marine school is a clear sign to shipping Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields Marine School, companies that they are employing someone with the right said: “I wish these cadets every success for the future. credentials to do an amazing job.” Leading Lights - Summer 2017 7

Date for the diary 11 .11 .2 017 Following our open day in February, we asked for, and received, feedback from a number of our UK clients. This feedback will lead to two important changes for the next marine open day. Firstly, the venue will be moved into a larger hall, to allow all companies to be together. Secondly, the date will change to Saturday, November 11, 2017 - please put this in your diaries! A further date in May 2018, is also proposed.

To find out more call us on: 0191 427 3772 or Email:[email protected] 8 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk

05 Refresher training record for MOST A record number of Current MCA records show there Courses include Personal Survival are approximately 10,000 UK Techniques (PST), Proficiency in seafarers requiring the certified seafarers, and all active Survival Craft and Rescue Boats necessary STCW refresher seafarers requiring the training must (PSC&RB), Fire Prevention and Fire certification have turned have done so by the end of 2016. Fighting (FP&FF), and Advanced Firefighting (AFF). to South Shields Marine Michael Speers, Head of School, School for training. MOST, said: “We knew that the Michael added: “MOST continues amendments, and the implications to deliver refresher courses, albeit Seafarers from across the globe to current certification, was going not at the frantic pace that was headed to South Shields Marine to present a huge challenge, not experienced towards the end of School’s Marine and Offshore Safety only for us, but for all UK-based last year.” Training Centre (MOST) to complete training establishments. Courses are still available mandatory training, in accordance “We decided to face this challenge throughout the year and can with the STCW Manilla amendments. head on and started 2016 with the be booked through the Marine The legislation was introduced ambitious aim of being the largest Booking Centre or via South as part of the 2010 amendments provider of refresher training in Tyneside College’s website. to the STCW code (Standard of the UK. Training, Certification and Watch “As expected, demand was steady keeping for Seafarers) which from January through to July and requires seafarers to regularly increased significantly in the second update, or refresh, their training. half of the year.” By the end of the year, This is to ensure that seafarers MOST had delivered meet the required standards of By August 2016, MOST was competence to undertake the delivering three sets of refresher tasks, duties and responsibilities courses every week to cope with regarding emergency, occupational demand. By the end of the year, safety and survival functions. staff at MOST had delivered a 6,749 staggering 6,749 refresher courses. refresher courses Leading Lights - Summer 2017 9

06 ETO cadet named the best by the Radio Officers’ Association

ETO cadet Steven Iversen is celebrating after Kevin Lund, Head of School, Higher Education (Marine), said: “Congratulations to Steven for winning this prestigious award. being awarded the Radio Officers Association During his training, Steven has shown exceptional ability prize for Best Cadet for Radio Maintenance. throughout, gaining his Foundation Degree with Distinction.

Steven, 26, started at South Shields Marine School in “He is presently awaiting his MCA oral examination in order September 2014, as an ETO cadet with SSTG. to complete his training to become a certificated Electro- technical Officer.”

“During his training, Steven has shown exceptional ability throughout, gaining his Foundation Degree with Distinction.”

Kevin Lund, Head of School, Higher Education (Marine) 10 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk 07

South Tyneside College is Judges were unanimous named best in the country in recognising it as World-class training delivered by South Shields overall FE provider of Marine School has been recognised at the the year, citing the prestigious TES FE Awards 2017. breadth of skills on offer It was cited by judges as a factor in naming South Tyneside locally and nationally as College, which operates the marine school, as the country’s top college and the best overall provider of Further Education. ‘outstanding’, with one

In their citation, they credited the marine school, and the college’s judge describing their river Tyne-based Marine and Offshore Safety Training Centre, decision as a ‘no-brainer’. as being significant drivers of North East economic prosperity. Leading Lights - Summer 2017 11

At a ceremony in London on Friday, February “As well as impressive work within the college, 24, South Tyneside College was praised for its such as delivering clear progression routes into overall commitment to educational attainment, work, it has also had significant impact in the student career advancement and the forging wider community.” of strong connections with business and the community. Hundreds of FE providers submitted entries for the award’s 16 categories, which showcase And the college’s ‘outstanding’ employment achievement in the local community, employer rate for learners put it ahead of other highly engagement, innovation in teaching, leadership impressive entries in the FE College of the and apprenticeships. year category. Dr Whiterod, who has led the college since Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields 2009, said success was due to the dedication, Marine School, said: “The marine school is commitment and hard work of staff. renowned internationally, and plays a major part in the overall and ongoing success of She added: “We all work as part of a team, South Tyneside College. driven to attain the highest possible educational standards and the best outcomes for students.

“It delivers a fantastic level of training to thousands of people from around the world every year and is a tremendous asset, not just to the North East, but to the entire country.”

“I am delighted that judges highlighted its work, “This is the driving force which has allowed and that of the Marine and Offshore Training the college to deliver the exceptional and wide Centre, while giving the college these two learning offer that has been recognised by the wonderful award accolades.” TES FE Awards judges.

Praising college Chief Executive Dr Lindsey “They said in their summing up that South Whiterod OBE, judges also said South Tyneside Tyneside is an under-celebrated college – was ‘a brilliant example of a college with a I’m delighted that our work has now been breadth of skills offers’. given the national recognition it deserves.”

A TES FE Awards spokesperson added: Andrew Watts, Chair of Governors at South “South Tyneside’s commitment to the Tyneside College, said: “Providing our students educational advancement and career with the high-quality education that enhances attainment of its learners has made it their careers and life chances is central to an exceptional centre of learning. everything the college strives to achieve.” 12 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk Leading Lights - Summer 2017 13

“It is the motivation behind the many outstanding educational and training initiatives we have introduced to make this an exceptional place to study and to learn.

“To win either one of these top awards would have been an amazing achievement, but to win both is truly outstanding, and something to be celebrated.”

While praising work done internally, they also highlighted how forging connections with businesses and organisations had provided an exceptional level of learning experiences for students.

Judges, who included David Hughes, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, and Neil Carberry, the CBI’s Director for People and Skills, described the college as ‘a very deserving winner’.

Highlights included the creation of South Tyneside College Academy Trust to run Ridgeway Primary Academy in South Shields, a once struggling but now rapidly improving school, and a new partnership with Sunderland’s , to expand sixth form provision.

They also cited an example of the college’s successful outreach as being its support for a new £12m health centre within South Tyneside District Hospital, where students help in its hair salon, cafe and shop.

And the college’s development of short courses, that link it more closely to the community by supporting people to learn skills and gain qualifications, was also praised.

In reaching their decisions, they also emphasised how, after completing their course, more than 90 per cent of learners progress into either employment or further study.

They were also impressed with the college’s 77.8 per cent pass rate at intermediate level, which is higher than the national average of 68.4 per cent.

Over 600 people attended the black-tie awards event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London, which was hosted by comedian Rob Beckett. 14 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk 08 Subsea Chief Executive receives Fellowship Award The chief executive of world-leading subsea equipment manufacturer Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd (SMD) has been honoured for his influence on the sector at a graduation ceremony for marine cadets.

Andrew Hodgson, a former BAE Systems strategy officer, has become just the 13th recipient of the prestigious Dr Winterbottom Fellowship Award from South Tyneside College, which operates South Shields Marine School.

It is named after Dr Thomas Winterbottom, the founder of the original marine school, and is given for services to the college, the marine industry or the borough of South Tyneside.

Fittingly, it was presented at the 19th Century Customs House, which sits by the banks of the Tyne in South Shields. It is today a leading regional arts and music venue.

The ceremony also saw over 100 marine cadets graduate from high level courses at the marine school, which was established in 1861 through a financial legacy from Dr Winterbottom.

Qualifications gained were Foundation Degree in Marine Operations, HNC Nautical Science, HNC Nautical Science Collaboration, HND Nautical Science Chief Mate, HNC Officer of the Watch, and Professional Diploma in Shipping and Maritime Studies. Past fellowship recipients include Andrew Moffat, Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields Marine School, Chief Executive of the Port of Tyne, Captain Ian McNaught, said: “Andrew has had a significant influence on the subsea Captain Nigel Palmer OBE, Captain Graham Westgarth, industry, not only in the North East but world-wide, and the and Captain Roger Towner. awarding of this fellowship recognises the very important Of the graduating cadets, Mr Hindmarch added: “They role he has played. thoroughly deserve their success and I am delighted that “He has not only led SMD on a strong forward trajectory, they have successfully completed their courses. but his work has helped to develop the subsea sector “To do so requires hard work and commitment to their as a whole.” studies, a sense of purpose and ambition, and also talent. Mr Hodgson joined -based SMD in 2008 and has led “Crucially, they have enjoyed first-class instruction from the it to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of remote marine school’s highly skilled and experienced tutors and intervention equipment, operating in hazardous environments. have been able to learn in facilities that are world leading.” The company is also the number one independent designer and manufacturer of work class and specialist subsea remotely operated vehicles worldwide. “Andrew has had a significant influence on the subsea industry, not only in the North East but world-wide” Gary Hindmarch Principal of South Shields Marine School Leading Lights - Summer 2017 15

Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd (SMD) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of remote intervention equipment, its work in oil and gas supports customers through all stages of exploration and construction, and it can supply a full range of subsea systems to undertake surveys and seabed analysis. 16 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk

09 New degree course aims to give Officers a competitive edge Shipping companies looking to improve standards, and Marine Officers aiming to enhance their education, can now benefit from a new tailor-made BSc degree starting in September 2017.

The one-year programme is designed to provide experienced, qualified Marine Officers with a qualification of suitable standing to enhance their employment potential within the marine sector, in particular shore-based management level roles.

The course aims to facilitate the professional development of the student and lay the foundations for a successful shore-based career.

Students will gain a sound knowledge base in the fundamentals of marine operations and develop the wider process skills of information technology, problem solving, team working and time/task management.

Trevor Douglas, Curriculum Leader for BSc Marine Operations, said: “This is a great opportunity for Marine Officers to enhance their education and gain a competitive edge in their career progression. It’s also great for shipping companies to ensure their personnel have the right education and for the marine school to round out that education.”

The BSc (Hons) course is designed to allow students with a Foundation Degree or Higher National Diploma in Nautical Science, or a Master or Class 1 (Deck) Certificate of Competency or equivalent, to convert it to a BSc (Hons) degree. Leading Lights - Summer 2017 17

“This is a great opportunity for Marine Officers to enhance their education and gain a competitive edge in their career progression.”

Trevor Douglas, Curriculum Leader for BSc Marine Operations 18 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk

10 South Shields Marine School’s recruitment drive to train seafarers of tomorrow

The Marine School has She said: “I previously attended South school had a great reputation, Shields Marine School for a variety one that carries respect across expanded its team by of courses and always enjoyed my the region, UK and worldwide.” welcoming several new experience here. I wanted to be part James Tagg previously worked as members of staff. of a team at a world-renowned centre of excellence for marine education a Chief Engineer on offshore supply James Tagg, Michael Johnson, and training” vessels. He said that the role of lecturer Ian Smithson, Dr Elke Neubacher, in marine engineering provided a new Karl Shakleton, Steven Scurfield and Martin Barton, former Programme and exciting challenge, while still Martin Barton have joined the team, Leader at Newcastle College, has allowing him to remain within the further enhancing the experience of its been appointed Curriculum Leader shipping industry.” dedicated team of teaching staff. for Workshops. Nautical Studies Lecturer Ian Smithson, The new recruits are split across He said: “The marine school has previously worked as a Navigating several departments, including School an excellent global reputation, and Officer, but wanted to better balance his of Deck Officer of the Watch, School I relished the opportunity and the home and work life. of Engineering Officer of the Watch, challenge of working in an area He said: “I wanted to spend more time School of Engineering, Senior Marine steeped in tradition.” at home with my family and I thought I and Responsive and School of Senior Stephen Scurfield, former Operations would enjoy the challenge of teaching.” Marine and Simulation. Assistant, has been appointed as a Michael Johnson, a former Dr Elke Neubacher, a former South trainee 3D Graphics Developer. Electro-technical Officer, has Shields Marine School cadet, worked He said: “I graduated university in 2016 been appointed a lecturer in marine as a Chief Officer for Bibby Hydromap, and wanted a career change which was electrical engineering, and Karl a hydrographic and geophysical more suited towards my degree. Shakleton has been appointed survey company, before making as 3D Graphics Developer. the move to South Shields Marine “As a fomer student of South Tyneside School as a lecturer. College, I already knew the marine

Gary Hindmarch, Principal of South Shields Marine School, welcomed the new appointments, saying:

“Our aim is to grow a dedicated team that recognises the changing ways that different people teach and learn, but also shows respect to our own traditions and those of the maritime industry.” Leading Lights - Summer 2017 19

11 Charity fund helps trainee mariner reach her goal

“I’m just starting out on this career, it was a bit difficult to know where to turn. This support has helped me very much and made a big difference to me.”

Mihaela began her cadetship in October 2016 on a course operated in partnership between South Shields Marine School and Romanian Nautical College in Constanta, Romania.

After disembarking in New Zealand, she was flown to the UK by the maritime company which is sponsoring her training, so that she could sit the required course.

Les Watson, the former college chair of governors at South Tyneside College who helped establish the fund, said: “This is a perfect example of how Winterbottom can give small, targeted help to those who need it.

“When we heard about what had happened to Mihaela, we knew straight away that the fund would be able offer the A trainee mariner from Romania has exact support she needed. embarked on the next stage of her career, “By paying for her accommodation, we have been able to after gaining a wave of support from a new give a tremendous boost to Mihaela’s ambitions of becoming a deck officer.” charity fund at South Tyneside College. The Dr Winterbottom Charitable Fund, which has three Mihaela Istrate, 32, found herself high and dry after boarding support strands, launched last year to help and inspire ship with the incorrect safety training certificates in Australia. students in learning and life. Allowed to continue only as far as New Zealand, she sought It is named after Dr Thomas Masterman Winterbottom, help from South Shields Marine School, which is delivering the founder of the 19th Century marine and technical part of her three years of training. school on which South Tyneside College was founded. Support was received from the Dr Winterbottom Charitable A Learning Hardship Fund element gives small grants to Fund, a newly-established initiative by South Tyneside College, students in need of short-term educational help, while a which operates the marine school. Health and Wellbeing Fund enables UK students to study The fund gives small-scale financial support from money and progress more effectively. it raises to students and others with links to the college, There is also a Business Start Up Fund, which supports either at home or abroad. budding college entrepreneurs. Impressed by her commitment to learning, it paid for two weeks of accommodation in South Shields so that she could sit a short course to gain the right level certificates. Anyone who would like to Mihaela, from Targoviste, near Bucharest, said: “Getting this support felt a bit like a miracle, it has helped me greatly and support the Dr Winterbottom I’m very happy. Charitable Fund should

“I didn’t expect to be sent back from the ship - I didn’t know contact [email protected] that my certificates were not the right ones. or call 0191 427 3717. 20 South Shields Marine School - www.stc.ac.uk 12 First student gets financial help from Dr Winterbottom Charitble Fund

South Shields Marine School student Xavier Branche is about to end his five-year and near 5,000-mile quest to launch a career – thanks to a financial SOS first.

The Guyana national saved Its committee agreed to pay part “The qualification run by South £10,000 to take what he hoped of the £1,300 fee needed for him Shields Marine School is only would be a life-changing course at to try to gain a radio operator’s available in the UK and it opens our world-leading training centre. licence – making him the first doors worldwide – there is nothing person to benefit from it. like it in Guyana.” But he found himself in need of a little extra help to re-sit a two-week Xavier, 28, said: “I’m delighted to The money came from study unit within his one-year be the first to receive a grant, and Winterbottom’s Learning Hardship Officer of the Watch programme. very thankful for the generosity of Fund element, which gives small the fund’s committee. grants to students in need of short- Rather than drop a message term educational help. in a bottle, he appealed to the “I worked as an able seaman in Dr Winterbottom Charitable Fund, Guyana to save the money I needed A separate Health and Wellbeing set up this year by South Tyneside to enrol on the course so that I could Fund enables UK students to study College, of which the marine get a good qualification, and I had to and progress more effectively, and school is part. see it through. a Business Start Up Fund supports budding college entrepreneurs. The fund raises money for small “I saw an advert for the marine grants to help students at home school years ago while at home, Overseas, the college has and educational initiatives overseas. it has a great reputation, and that already established links to was when I started to save to support youngsters studying come here. at the Youth Contact Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Leading Lights - Summer 2017 21

Overseas, the college has already established links to support youngsters studying at the Youth Contact Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The trust also examines appropriate schemes in Sierra Leone and in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where links also exist.

The trust also examines appropriate schemes in Sierra Leone “It’s a pleasure to be able to help someone who is clearly and in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where links also exist. committed to their studies.”

Les Watson, a former college chair of governors and the Most marine school cadets have their course fees funded via driving force behind the fund, said Xavier was an ideal sponsorship from shipping companies, who employ them candidate for support. when they qualify.

The retired maths teacher added: “It takes great dedication The Dr Winterbottom Charitable Fun is named in honour of to work for five years to save £10,000 to support yourself Dr Thomas Masterman Winterbottom, whose financial legacy through a marine course. led to the founding in 1861 of the original marine school on which the college has grown. “What really impressed the committee was that Xavier had funded himself, and his dedication was clear.

“South Shields Marine School has the best facilities in the UK, Anyone who would like to support and gaining a qualification here will be great for Xavier. the Dr Winterbottom Charitable Fund “The fund was established to help students who just need should contact [email protected] or call that little bit of extra support to get them to where they academically need to be. 0191 427 3717. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in the publication is correct, South Shields Marine School accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies that may occur, or their consequences. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced whole or in part without the permission of South Shields Marine School.

Call us on:0191 427 3772 /SouthShieldsMarineSchool or Email:[email protected] @ssmarineschool /south-shields-marine-school www.stc.ac.uk South Shields Marine School