Latest News
In a world where a university degree is more commonplace than ever before, standing out from the crowd when it comes to finding employment can seem somewhat daunting. Leaving school with all the theoretical knowledge you'd need to succeed is one thing but being able to apply your understanding in a practical way is a skill that can only be learnt by getting involved and having those experiences.
A vocational qualification from Waltham Forest College is an excellent way of acquiring the proficiency and talent that universities and employers are looking for, a fact that student, Jahan Hussain, understood well.
'In 2020, I achieved an outstanding set of A level grades with a B in biology, A in chemistry and A* in psychology. I had already been accepted to Kings College London to start a degree course in Biomedical science and was preparing for this next chapter of my education. However, when researching the requirements of having a successful career and flourishing in the work environment, I found that skills are just as vital as knowledge. I realised that I had knowledge, but my skillset was very limited and according to my research, the chances of me thriving are lower than those with a developed skillset. Therefore, I decided to reject my offer from Kings College London and wanted to expand my skillset in a field that can contribute to many areas of knowledge and that was IT. After doing more research, I found the BTEC L3 National Extended Certificate in IT at Waltham Forest College.'
Jahan goes on to further explain: 'I believed this was the perfect course for me as the units such as data modelling and creating systems to manage information (Database Systems subject) are prevalent in many areas like science, finance, and marketing. This means my skillset will expand to multiple areas like these and I can leave with an additional qualification that will allow me to stand out amongst other graduates with just A levels and a degree.'
A clear example of how technical qualifications can enhance your skills beyond simply ticking a box, the opportunities on offer at Waltham Forest College could impact your entire career path, most especially the ease with which you are able to take that first step.
'Not only will I stand out and have a higher chance of becoming successful at work, but my grades and additional qualifications will make me more attractive to employers and more opportunities will be coming my way. I believe my decision to study this course during my gap year instead of going to university straight away is one of the best decisions I have made.'
This is certainly evident by the fact that Jahan successfully completed the first year of the BTEC L3 National Extended Certificate in IT with Distinction overall, allowing her to move forward with more confidence in her own abilities and setting herself apart from the rest with her newfound skills.
'I have now been accepted again at Kings College London and preparing myself for this chapter of my education where I am certain I will utilize all the skills and knowledge I have learnt in this IT department at Waltham Forest College.'
Whether you're looking for more skills, still deciding what your dream career might be, or you're an adult learner looking for inspiration, Waltham Forest College is here to support you as you strive to achieve your dreams. Knowing that many would face difficulties in their day-to-day lives by returning to education, the College offer assistance in the form of financial aid such as bursaries, childcare assistance, and free breakfast for all students.
To find out more about the College and how it can help you to achieve your own aspirations, simply head over to their website www.waltham.ac.uk and register for the next Open Event on Wednesday 19th October, 4pm ' 7pm.
Today, Thursday 25 August, marks for many students another step towards creating their futures in higher education, employment or on an apprenticeship.
Young and adult learners arrived in their numbers today to be recognised and celebrated by college staff for their GCSE achievement.
Waltham Forest College offers the opportunity for many adults to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
Adult learner, Lidiia Aristova, is celebrating her grade 8 achievement in maths. She said: 'All my hard work has finally paid off and this has given me the confidence to take up GSCE English in September. I am truly grateful to my tutor for believing in me and for all the support given throughout my course.'
Amene Karimi, who also achieved a grade 8 in GCSE maths alongside studying her A Levels, will now be moving on to study Primary Mathematics PGCE at the University of Greenwich. She said: 'I'm now one step closer to my dream of becoming a fully qualified Maths Teacher and look forward to starting my course at the University of Greenwich.'
Hundreds of learners sat GSCE maths and English exams this year, with many also taking vocational qualifications designed to help them progress onto their chosen careers.
Deputy Principal, Hassan Rizvi said;
'We're so proud of our students celebrating their amazing achievement today. Not only is it proof of their commitment to succeed, but it also reflects the high-quality teaching and learning that takes place here at the College, particularly in supporting learners to create their future.
'We're happy to see so many of our students progressing to higher levels of study which includes progression onto university, apprenticeships and into exciting careers.'
School leavers receiving their GCSE results as well as adult learners looking to enrol on a course can visit the College from today, August 25th to enrol on a course.
The College's Learner Services Team is also on hand to advise and support those who are concerned about their grades and looking for a placement to start in September. For more information visit www.waltham.ac.uk.
Students are breaking traditional pathways to achieve higher levels of success.
Today, approximately 200,000 students receive their Level 3 BTEC results according to Pearson, the awarding body for the qualifications. Amongst them are Waltham Forest College students, who attended the campus to collect their results after much anticipation.
Students were awarded grades ranging from a ' Starred Distinction' to a ' Pass' securing top university places and employment offers, proving that BTEC is a fantastic pathway to progress onto higher education and high-skilled employment.
Public Services students, Gulnar Gultekin and Doganay Dogan are today celebrating their results leading to positive destinations. Gulnar was awarded a ' Triple Starred Distinction', and has now secured an offer from City, University of London to study International Politics and Sociology, whilst classmate Doganay Dogan will be moving on to become an Ambulance Practitioner with St John's Ambulance.
Gulnar commented: 'Waltham Forest College is a great place to study as I have been supported every step of the way, to achieve my career goals. I will miss the vibrant environment, classmates and my tutors but I cannot wait to start university and build new successes' .
It was all tears of joy for BTEC Business student, Michelle Sichitiu, after receiving a Triple Starred Distinction'.
After sharing the news with her mum, she said: 'It has been a tough year with what is happening around the world and one thing the College has taught us is to become resilient. I have worked so hard to achieve the top marks whilst maintaining a part-time role, and I am super excited to progress onto the Institute of Banking and Finance, to further my knowledge and pursue a career in commercial finance' .
BTECs are rigorous, future-focussed, and globally recognised qualifications that equip learners of all ages with the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and confidence to succeed in a modern, skills-based economy. One in five UK working-age adults have one or more BTECs, and 6 million learners have achieved a BTEC in the last decade.
Another Public Services student; Abdullah Mohammad, said;
'Happy to have received Triple Distinctions and looking forward to studying Criminology and Sociology at City, University of London. My learning experience has been incredible, and I valued my time here at the College and how I shaped my learning by taking part in additional enrichment and work experience activities that have helped me define the career I wish to pursue, but also provided great experiences through teaching, learning and enrichment.'
Deputy Principal of Waltham Forest College, Hassan Rizvi, said: 'Our students have performed extremely well, and I am pleased that they are progressing onto top universities and entering highly skilled and well-paid employment in a variety of sectors. This is a true testament of their hard work and dedication throughout their time at the College.
'The College will continue to work in close partnership with key employers and universities to support our students in realising their career and personal development aspirations.'
The College has a wide range of vocational and technical courses and apprenticeship routes for GSCE students awaiting results. Enrolment begins on Thursday 25th August for those receiving results or who have been given an offer at the College. Visit the College website www.waltham.ac.uk for more information.
Discover how Waltham Forest College is equipping young people to plan a rewarding career path in creative industries.
Scalable design content is fuelling the digital economy. However, the concept of a career in the digital arts can appear daunting and more than a little confusing; after all, isn't working with technology all about coding and running lines of text? But if you've ever admired the design of a video game, the lustre of an image in a glossy magazine or the animation that plays out daily on our phones and social media accounts, then an exploration into the world of digital design could be the spark you need to find your passion in the ever-changing world of work.
The Creative Industries accounted for 2.2 million jobs and the overall creative economy employed 3.2 million in September 2020. In a landscape like the one we face today, the creative sector is an important source of growth in the global economy, and the digital creative trade has increased sharply in recent years and particularly in the context of COVID-19.
David Warburton, Deputy Head of Creative Industries at Waltham Forest College, is at the forefront of this drive for students to get involved in the wonderful world of digital technology, and his passion for the course he teaches is both obvious and inspiring.
'It's a case of building up their skill with many pathways to explore; they could become an illustrator, graphic designer, web developer, 3-D animator, game designer and video producer, just to name a few. There's a wide range of skills that are highly sought after in these areas, and we prepare our students to meet those skills demands.'
So why choose Waltham Forest College to help you in your next step on the career ladder?
'We have introduced the latest industry-standard hardware and software, so our students are familiar with the platforms they'll need to use in the future so that they're one step ahead of the competition. This also allows our learners to develop employment ready skills that employers are specifically looking for in their future workforce' .
In 2021, 96% of students progressed onto a positive destination which included employment, apprentices or higher levels of study and according to National Statistics on the Creative Industries, Creative graduates earn on average, approximately £2,300 more a year when working in the Creative Industries compared with creative graduates working outside the Creative Industries.
'It is pleasing to see many students progress onto different pathways, ones that they didn't think of when they first entered the classroom. Students are empowered to develop industry skills from contextualisation, to creating scalable illustrations and graphics, is down to the culture of innovation and experimentation, which is an ideology of something we strive to embed in every single classroom.'
For courses information and enrolment dates and times, head over to the website www.waltham.ac.uk
Waltham Forest College has successfully achieved the whole College matrix accreditation, demonstrating the high quality and consistent strength of its career information, advice and guidance services for learners and apprentices.
The matrix Standard is owned by the Department of Education and has become the international quality standard for organisations that deliver information, advice and guidance (IAG) as part of their service offering.
The accreditation process entailed a three-and-a-half-day review by a qualified assessor, with input from almost 50 staff members, a mix of learners and a range of partner organisations.
The assessment report noted that the College's ' continuous development of the IAG service over the last ten years and the focus upon course, career, college, and community encompasses the ethos of Waltham Forest College. The evidence shows how passionate staff are about encouraging learners to meet their aspirations'.
Several other key strengths were identified during the assessment, detailed:
- There was clear linkage to the College's strategic objective leading and developing robust local, regional, and national partnerships to maximise influence in the learning and skills landscape.
- The College sees partnership work as an essential and critical element to working in harmony with the local community to support and nurture learners to meet their goals, raise their aspirations and prepare them for their next steps.
- It was very clear that an outcome from the embedded cross-college approach to supporting students and apprentices is the visibility of staff's professionalism and learner centric commitment.
- The College's drive to introduce technology that is supportive of a learning environment.
Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company said:
'This is a fantastic achievement for Waltham Forest College, 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, Waltham Forest College is working to provide the best possible support to their clients.'
Amir Ahmed, Director of Learner Experience and Marketing at Waltham Forest College, said:
'We are delighted to successfully achieve the matrix Standard accreditation but what is particularly important for me is that we have successfully been accredited for our whole College for the first time.
'I am extremely proud of the continued ambition of our staff who are able to support our learners in their next steps. In this most recent evaluation, it was clear that the strategic vision of Waltham Forest College demonstrated our commitment and dedication to our learners and how we positioned ourselves as an anchor institution within the community, serving London's skills and employment needs' .
As we move further on into 2022, more and more adults are retraining into job roles in emerging sectors, such as green and construction, developing industry skills that meet current recruitment needs.
The Electrical Industry represents an important part of our economy. It is the 4th-ranked Construction Industry by market size and the 42nd largest in the UK. With the endless opportunities, many adults are now training to become fully qualified electricians, developing a specialist skillset in the ever-changing marketplace.
There has never been a better time to get involved in the wonderful world of electrics, and the courses on offer at the College ensure that you will not only be at the top of your game in terms of qualifications, but that you will also have what you need to adapt to the new technology that is constantly being updated, and the changing form of employment this offers.
Kenn Starr, Electrical Tutor at Waltham Forest College, explains how a career in the Electrical Industry is rapidly evolving and how the College offers direct links with employers for apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
'It's truly an exciting time to develop a career in the industry as the College offers exciting and flexible courses that meet both the students' needs and the needs of employers in the future. Being in tune with the needs of employers and their customers is an important aspect in the world of work and something that the staff here at the College would agree with.
'Not only do we share this knowledge in the classroom, but at frequent intervals, we take on industry upskilling opportunities and refresh our skills and knowledge that reflect changes in the sector. This allows us to equip learners with the latest knowledge and technology advancements that lead to up-to-date practices.
'Skills learnt will set our learners well for their chosen career and we also develop our learner's ability to be adaptable in a sector that is rapidly evolving and moving towards green sustainability.'
Turning those skills into something tangible is another strength on display at Waltham Forest College, with their growing success rates for learner achievements. In 2021, 96% of students progressed onto a positive destination which included employment, apprentices or higher levels of study.
Kenn Starr, further comments;
'This outstanding accomplishment offers more than just a draw for new or returning students, it marks a workforce that is proud to be known for setting aspirational goals for students. This triumph is set to grow, with the College introducing learners to potential local employers, picking up pace, with an ever-growing list of successful matches and more planned for the future.'
Waltham Forest College has been awarded a Mayor's Skills Academies Quality Mark for skills provision within the green, health and social care, hospitality, creative and construction sectors.
The Mayor's Skills Academies Quality Mark recognises high-quality skills training providers in London. The Quality Mark will set a high bar for skills training in London and respond to the needs of sectors that are key to London's recovery.
The Quality Mark covers six priority sectors that are key for London's recovery and supports the Mayor's commitment to help Londoners into good work in sectors key to London's recovery and long-term economic growth, and learners can use the Quality Mark to seek out excellent, industry-relevant skills provision across the city. This is key to the Mayor's mission to build a better London for everyone, and we are pleased to be working with City Hall on this important work.
Waltham Forest College successfully achieved the Quality Mark by demonstrating:
- How skills training provision is industry-relevant, helping to tackle skills shortages
- The strength of employer links, including specific engagement with SMEs, where relevant
- How activities promote and support the creation of good work opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups
- Evidence of positive learner journeys and destinations, and how effective Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) supports this process
- Evidence of existing markers of quality in skills provision, such as sector kitemarks and relevant assessments.
Accredited Quality Mark training providers will be reviewed each year to ensure high quality is maintained.
Janet Gardner, Principal and CEO of Waltham Forest College commented:
I am delighted that Waltham Forest College has successfully been awarded the Mayor's Skills Academy kitemark in recognition of the high-quality training our college provides to students across London, supporting progression to high quality employment and responding to skills needs of employers to build a resilient, confident and skilled workforce.
To find out more about the College, or to apply for a course, simply head over to their website: www.waltham.ac.uk
The fashion industry represents an important part of our economies and employs over 75 million people worldwide. However, one of the stark statistics is that the fashion industry accounts for 8-10% of global carbon emissions and the need further continues for the apparel industry to shake up practices and rapidly evolve.
Waltham Forest College is now embedding sustainability into learning and the College arranged for a local entrepreneur ' Gigi', Galina Sherri, owner and creator of the business ' Gigi's Dressing Room', to deliver an insightful workshop that builds students creativity, knowledge and awareness on environmental sustainability, linked to the fashion sector.
As the students geared up for inspiration; Gigi shared her fashion formula journey and handed fabrics and vintage garments to students to use as part of the masterclass workshop. Students were inspired by the different colours, patterns, textures and fabric designs and were given the freedom to create from scratch or upcycle existing piece of clothing and develop something brand new - proving gorgeous fashionable items can be made with old clothes, cut-offs or end-of-the-line fabrics.
'Gigi', Galina Sherri, commented:
'It was great to connect their learning into industry; and an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with the College and inspire a new generation and prepare them for a different future in the fashion industry' .
Prior to the successful workshop, students visited Gigi's business based in Waltham Forest and viewed her vintage range and personalised looks and received insights into how her creations were achieved as well as information on her clothing rental services.
Karl Cobbina, Fashion & Textiles student, said:
'The learning link to industry has been inspirational as I have been able to gain new insights about the sector and develop my own understanding in techniques used. The discussions held around sustainability is an increasingly important issue for many people and I really appreciated the opportunity to witness how brands are incorporating this element and the direction the fashion industry is heading towards' .
As the workshops are set to continue in the future, and with more local businesses becoming aware of the benefits of such a fantastic partnership, it has never been a better time to be part of this fantastic educational community.
To find out more about the College, or to apply for a course, simply head over to their website: www.waltham.ac.uk
Waltham Forest College is empowering adults to have the IT skills they need to go further in their careers.
The digital divide has left many of us on the backfoot, competing for employment in a world that has seen technology shape the way we work, shop, access financial products, learn and even interact with others. It is undeniable that computers impact nearly every aspect of life, providing the tools and devices that make modern life possible, and yet if you're not up to date on the latest tech, you risk being left behind.
This gap between those who have the latest and greatest, and those who don't, has come about for several reasons. Whether it is due to a shortage of financial means to afford them, lack of skills and confidence, or even the incentive to try to use technology, this is an essential skill that is going untapped by millions of people.
The numerous issues caused by this digital divide became apparent during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, where many people couldn't fully engage in day-to-day activities such as access to online education, shopping for essentials online, and engaging with healthcare professionals via remote technology.
An inability to pay for or use digital technology effectively can make it harder for adults to fully participate in an increasingly digitally-driven society. Lacking these skills can not only lead to reduced job opportunities but can also be a hindrance to everyday life, making financial, healthcare and routine decisions more of a complication than they should be.
So, what's the answer?
Harmony Kwawu, IT Lecturer, at Waltham Forest College said:
'Today computers impact nearly every aspect of life. They provide tools and devices that make modern life possible, flexible and convenient.
'Waltham Forest College has been at the forefront of technical and vocational education for over 80+ years, and its IT and Digital Technology Department, part of the WorldSkills Centre of Excellence offer programs for all ages and abilities.
'Empowering adults to have the IT skills they need to go further in their careers is a key facet of the College's ideology and something we strive for with every course.'
Waltham Forest College is now offering the Essential Digital Skills Qualification, helping adults to develop competencies in several important areas, including:
- Using devices and handling information
- Creating and editing
- Communicating
- Transacting
- Being safe and responsible online
Beginning in September 2022 and delivered over 12 weeks, adults who complete the course successfully can move onto higher level qualifications and develop fresh skills that will allow them to progress up the ladder to more advanced roles. Waltham Forest College strongly believe that equipping adults with excellent digital technology skills will improve not only their employment prospects, but they believe it will also help people live a more fulfilled life in an increasingly digital world.
If you would like to attend a taster course session to find out more about how digital skills training at Waltham Forest College can help you, you can contact the College on 0208 501 8501 or email
Alternatively, you can also attend the College's up-coming Open Event on Wednesday 8th June 2022, between 4pm ' 7pm. Register or walk in on the day.
