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New skills emerge through efforts to support the low carbon and green skills climate agenda as leading building services and facilities management company, Aston Group, teams up with Waltham Forest College to install their first electric vehicle charger.
It follows Aston Group and Waltham Forest College co-designing and launching an electric vehicle charger installation course to upskill electricians in developing green skills to meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers. The course which is currently delivered to Aston Group's electricians is set to be rolled out to other current and aspiring electricians to help fill upcoming skills shortages and support The Mayor of London's Green New Deal to tackle the climate emergency.
Aston Group's electrician, Ian Wiltshire, who joined the team at the installation site, said: 'The EV charger course at Waltham Forest College has been an ideal course for advancing my career. In an industry such as the Electrical Industry, this course proves vital in keeping up to date with innovations and green skills' .
Ian goes on to highlight: 'Within two to three years, Aston Group will be going all-electric with its fleet and, as petrol and diesel will be phased out by 2030, other businesses and households will be doing the same. We've gained a valuable skillset here today and we will look forward to installing many more chargers.'
Assisting with the installation was Waltham Forest College alumni and Aston Group Apprentice, Trenay Graham-Jackson who has been with the company for 6 months after completing the electrical installation course at Waltham Forest College.
He said: 'Coming here today has opened my eyes to more opportunities. I used to think electrical work was just going house to house, but since working at Aston Group and seeing what we've done today, I now know there is more to it. We're moving forward into the future and I feel at my age I've got a good start working with electric chargers which in a few years will become the norm.'
The charger used for the installation was a Zappi, developed by British company myenergi Ltd. In a win for British industry and economic recovery, the Zappi is designed and produced entirely in the United Kingdom and has become the UK's number one EV charger thanks to its simple installation and user-friendly interface.
Waltham Forest College and Aston Group look forward to further leading the way in innovation and supporting the needs of employers and the local economy.
Two days of work experience was all it took for student, Dominik Krajuszek, to fire up his career with a full-time apprenticeship position at ASD, a specialist decorating firm.
As we emerge from lockdown, there is huge demand for skilled workers to join the Construction and Utility industries. Waltham Forest College, in partnership with ISG, has been working to provide students with opportunities, placements and insights with employers in the UK so that they can take their first steps into joining this growing sector.
Among these students is Dominik Krajuszek, a painting and decorating student at Waltham Forest College. His tutor later guided him towards the painting and decorating course after exploring and assessing his skills. This proved to be a vital step in Krajuszek's blossoming career path as he secured a placement with ASD Decorators with the help of the College's Employability Team and ISG global construction specialists. Just two days into this placement, Krajuszek secured a full apprenticeship at ASD Decorators.
Dominik says that he is 'really pleased to have been offered a chance to join the team at ASD Decorators,' and that he is 'excited for the future,' and 'looking forward to developing my skills further in the field.'
Ryan Squibb, Contracts Director at ASD Decorators and alumni of Waltham Forest College, found a kindred spirit in Dominik as a fellow Waltham Forest College student taking his first steps into the industry. He said: 'Coming to the College at 16 years old and progressing through my career, I always said if I had the chance to help other young aspiring decorators, I would.' Ryan notes how through his own experience in cultivating his career, he wants to support talented young professionals that are following the same process through providing opportunities to aspiring decorators. This has been made possible with the aid of the College's Employability Team and ISG.
'We offered Dominic a role as an apprentice with our company as he has shown great willingness to work and learn. He's been working alongside experienced painters, and we can tell he has the potential to be a great decorator.' Ryan highlights Dominik's talent, dedication and professionalism as some of the key factors as to how he secured the apprenticeship, something that has been noted throughout his time at Waltham Forest College as well.
Leon Smith, painting and decorating tutor at the College, affirms that Dominik is a 'model student and has helped other students develop a passion for the craft' . He adds 'Just like Dominik, we've seen great successes amongst our students this year with more students going on to secure apprenticeship opportunities across London, and I am delighted that our focus on developing highly skilled and work-ready students supports their first steps into their great careers.
If Dominik's story has inspired you and you would like to apply for the painting and decorating course at Waltham Forest College, our construction and utilities course page here. Waltham Forest College provides exemplary support to students so that they can fulfill their potential ' whether that's through internal resources such as the fantastic Employability Team or exciting partnerships with global specialists like ISG; no opportunity is out of reach.
Aston Group, a leading building services and facilities management company, has recently announced plans to further expand its partnership with Waltham Forest College co-designing and developing green skills to meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers to support the low carbon and green skills climate agenda.
The Mayor of London's Green New Deal aims to tackle the climate emergency by doubling the size of London's green economy by 2030. The new programme for electrical vehicle (EV) charger installation course will support the green economy and help provide vital skills needed to support recovery and growth of the economy.
In line with the UK's economic recovery plan, the partnership expansion will now see an increase in industry experience for students, the co-development of new courses designed to retrain and upskill and climate-conscious measures to positively impact the local community and environment.
The successful partnership, which has been developing over the past two years, is a perfect example of how employers and colleges work together to provide a great learning experience for students while fulfilling business and sector requirements.
As part of the ongoing partnership, Aston Group has made a series of equipment donations to Waltham Forest College, delivered insight days, as well as supporting apprenticeship opportunities for learners.
Alan Thomas, Managing Director at Aston Group said: 'Aston Group is proud to continue our collaboration with Waltham Forest College, reinforcing our commitment to provide opportunities that bring young skilled people into our industry as we move to a low carbon future.'
The collaboration is now set to expand further with the launch of a 2-day EV charger installation course. The eco-friendly course has been designed to upskill those already working in the Electrical Industry and provide increased skills for those starting. It will also help to fill upcoming skills shortages as the Government bans the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, paving the way for zero-emission electric vehicles.
Craig Buist, Head of Curriculum for Automotive, Construction, Electrical and Engineering said: 'We are excited to be working in partnership with Aston Group to deliver the EV charger installation course to enable Aston Group's engineers to install chargers across London. We are conducting further training with several other engineers to help support their company strategy as well as the green agenda within Waltham Forest and across London.'
To celebrate the launch of the EV charger installation course, Aston Group has donated EV chargers and kits to the College and will be offering students the chance to experience installing them within Waltham Forest.
Alongside the EV charger installation course, Waltham Forest College is working with Aston Group to develop a Sector Based Work Academy. This will help support unemployed Waltham Forest residents with short work experience training programmes that will focus on energy efficiency with employability skills, supporting the economic recovery of the region.
Waltham Forest College and Aston Group look forward to further collaboration in the future and the expansion of eco-friendly training, skills and courses, leading the way in innovation, supporting the needs of employers and the local economy.
Waltham Forest College is once again experiencing a rise in the number of students securing top university offers as students plan their next steps.
Total UCAS applications have risen by nearly 25% proving learner resilience and competence time and time again throughout the pandemic. This can be seen in the number of offers to students to further their education at several Russell Group Universities or their success in finding work soon after completing their course.
Student Darcie Williams, studying Level 3 Diploma in Sports has just accepted an offer to study Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham.
'The College has prepared me well in understanding the careers within the sports industry and more importantly what I need to do to get there. I received dedicated support from my tutors and the Careers Team and I cannot wait to start the next chapter in my life' .
Another student who will be moving on from Waltham Forest College is Siyar Ozcaki, having studied Level 3 Extended Diploma in Interactive Digital Media and accepted an offer at University of Arts London to study Games Design.
'I am so pleased that I have been accepted and I have been dreaming of starting university to further my knowledge in games design. I sometimes need to remind myself that this year has been incredibly challenging because of the pandemic and I personally want to thank the staff at the College for being there for all of us' .
Director of Learner Services, Amir Ahmed, states 'Our vision is to inspire learners to create their future and these students have great futures with many securing firm offers by Russell Group Universities. I am extremely proud of our learners and I wish them well on their next steps' .
To take the next step in your education and join a welcoming, diverse, and successful community, simply head over to our website to find out more.
Aspiring tradies at Waltham Forest College were praised during a celebratory event that recognised their outstanding commitment and achievement.
Young people in Alternative Provision (AP) (at risk of unemployment or dropping out of education at age 16), were levelling up their success and recently celebrated 100 per cent pass rate for the Level 1 City & Guilds Certificate in Construction.
Parents, staff and guests attended the annual celebration event and students showcased their work whilst sharing their journey of success.
Student George Nathan, who was amongst those exhibiting on the day said: 'I was offered mentoring support on the course from day one and this gave me the boost that I needed. I feel very proud of my journey' .
The exhibition of work included tiled tabletops, handmade stools and a dovetailed toolbox to name a few.
Parent, Donna Beech, who attended the celebration in support of her son Fenton, commented: "I was so proud of the work Fenton has achieved and I know it wasn't an easy journey for him, but he has got there. I want to thank the College staff for providing this amazing opportunity to Fenton' .
Waltham Forest College's Alternative Provision offers a lifeline to young people and their families, who are at risk of unemployment or dropping out of education at age 16 by providing tailored support from teachers and smaller classes to help them focus and fulfil their potential to create their future.
Rosemary Partin, Programme Head said: 'Being excluded from school should never be at the cost of a young person's education or place a barrier in the way of their future. All young people deserve an excellent education that sets them up for life and we know that the last year has been challenging for students in Alternative Provision.
'With determination, resilience and ambition all students have excelled in developing a high level of craftsmanship and I wish them all a very successful career' .
The College is looking forward to further success within the construction department and the ongoing breakthroughs that the Alternative Provision team provides young learners.
Playing a key role in the economic recovery and the first choice for students in London, Waltham Forest College is here to provide you with excellent skills-based knowledge that will drive you forward in your career, whether that is in a field you have been working in for years or embarking on a new challenge.
As an anchor institution in the heart of north east London and the go-to place for skills training, the College is ready to help to meet the increasing demand of local, regional, and national priorities in partnership with employers to train competent individuals looking to advance their career, supporting local people into great jobs.
Everyone who comes onboard at Waltham Forest College leaves not only with their certification and qualifications, but they also come away with vocational experience in their industry that boosts their knowledge and puts them one step ahead of the competition. This real-world experience provides you with an invaluable knowledge base to draw from and helps you exceed your career aspirations.
As wells as supporting people into employment, they also help people in lower-paid work to upskill into higher-skilled, better-paid employment. This year the College has supported nearly 200 NHS staff in their quest to develop their digital, English and math skills, which enables them to progress to higher-skilled and key shortage areas such as nursing, helping not only the individual but also the community.
The College is an official member of the Mayor's Construction Academy and has been awarded a prestigious Quality Mark that recognises the high standard of skilled workers that it produces.
The Mayor's Construction Academy has been set up to tackle the immediate skills shortage across London and will strengthen coordination between construction skills training providers and construction sector employers.
And that is not all; taking it one step further, Waltham Forest College is working with employers to develop vital skills needed to support the growing demand in the industry for low carbon solutions and green construction allowing the College to lead the way in developing industry-led provision in renewable technologies.
The Principal and CEO Janet Gardner intends for the College to remain the number one choice for students with outstanding vocational and higher technical training, building on their previous accomplishments and aspiring to go even further.
'We will build on our successful Mayor's Construction Academy Status leading on the development of green skills through renewable building technologies, working with employers to provide the skills and training needed to meet this growing demand.
"We are currently working with employers developing skills in areas such as renewable energies, hybrid vehicles and charging stations, and smart home control systems to provide our student with the best opportunities for employment.
"Our pledge is to continue to drive the training and skills needed to support the economic recovery of Waltham Forest and North/East London' .
Waltham Forest College might just be the next step for your career. To find out head over to www.waltham.ac.uk
This year the theme is ' Nature' and how connecting with the natural world can support good mental health.
Waltham Forest College staff and students are celebrating the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK's national week to raise awareness of mental health, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year and runs from 10-16 May.
Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.
In Waltham Forest College students will have access to a range of resources that allow them to discuss what mental health means to them along with the opportunity to take part in healthy outdoor activities, in keeping with the ' Nature' theme.
Director of Learner Services, Amir Ahmed said: 'We are proud of how resilient our students have been over the lockdown period as the pandemic has affected many young people's mental health and wellbeing. Getting our learners back into the classrooms was a vital step in supporting their recovery.'
Waltham Forest College has organised a series of workshops on themed topics linked to wellbeing that promotes active discussions around positive wellbeing. The College has also recently launched a new online Wellbeing Hub that contains useful advice and tips for maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing.
Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: 'Mental Health Awareness Week has grown to be one of the biggest awareness weeks in the UK. This year the theme is on nature and its central role in our mental health. Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.
'During the week, we want to hear millions of people's stories about how the natural world has supported their mental health.
'We also want to highlight the huge disparities between who is and who isn't able to access nature. We want the week to explore how everyone across the UK can connect with nature and experience the mental health benefits wherever they live.'
Some of the ways people can participate in Mental Health Awareness Week: 
- During Mental Health Awareness Week, why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to nature in your local area? Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.
- Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
- Use Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands of people who will be finding new ways to connect with nature in their local environment.
For more information about this year's Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Proving once again the dedication to their learners, Waltham Forest College has been highly commended for their outstanding achievement of the Gatsby Benchmarks, with the award panel going so far as to single out Careers Leader, Ali Yusuf, for the pivotal role he played.
In the awards category of ' Whole School/College Careers Programme', awarded by London Enterprise Adviser Network, part of the Mayor of London GLA project, Waltham Forest College achieved this brilliant accomplishment by involving staff from across the college in the provision of career activities. Working side-by-side, the team have helped to ensure the future of their learners across multiple platforms and seen to it that they have all the guidance and advice necessary when entering the world of work.
'We are extremely excited to be recognised for achieving a key milestone of the Gatsby benchmark and also collaborating with schools and Colleges for the benefit of our learners.' Explains Ali Yusuf, Learner Services Manager. 'We are grateful for the support we received from London Enterprise Adviser Network who has been instrumental in bringing together employers and career leaders across London.'
Offering a wide range of courses to suit your interests, as well as being a diverse and inclusive campus that welcomes you regardless, the college is a fantastic place to learn and grow.
And there are a whole host of benefits to consider when you choose Waltham Forest College as the next step in your education.
With access to high quality, impartial careers information, advice, and guidance from appropriately qualified staff to help clarify their aspirations for work, students are able to understand the options open to them and to take control of and make informed decisions in terms of job and career change, training, and promotion.
Getting your foot in the door can be tricky in this day and age, but with Waltham Forest College, young people will receive support to find suitable placements or work experience to help develop the skills they need to gain employment upon finishing their studies, offering a helping hand from the very beginning.
And that's not all; with the chance to speak with Careers Advisors to support applicants throughout the admissions process from the moment they contact the College, team members who provide high quality, impartial careers information, advice, and guidance, you'll feel like part of the family from the start.
If Waltham Forest College is the next step in your education, why not take part in their Careers and Applications Virtual Open event? Taking place on Wednesday 19th May, this event is for you to have all of your questions answered by the people you'll soon be working alongside, helping you to make an informed decision ready for the September term.
To find out more information, and to register your interest in the upcoming webinar, simply head over to: https://bit.ly/VOE-May-21
The College's Marketing Team has been shortlisted for the ' Professional team of the year' category for their outstanding contribution and services during the COVID-19 pandemic
The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the further education sector has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the 2021 Tes FE Awards.
It's been revealed that Waltham Forest College has been shortlisted for the ' Professional Services Team of the Year' award.
Head of Digital Marketing and Communications, Antoinette Beekye, said: 'We are extremely delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award and to see the team's professional performance and service standards recognised during what has been an unprecedented time during the COVID pandemic.'
Tes head of FE Julia Belgutay said: 'Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our Tes FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist ' it is a brilliant achievement"
After a very successful online awards ceremony last year, we are once again holding this year's awards ceremony virtually. Winners will be announced on Friday 28 May 2021.
To see the full list of who is in the running and to reserve your free place, visit www.tesfeawards.co.uk
