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A partnership between Waltham Forest College and youth hostelling charity YHA (England & Wales) has enabled 39 Level 3, first year travel and tourism students to gain vital work experience during Lockdown.
The teenagers have taken their talents online to become website testers, secret shoppers and social media marketers for YHA, completing their 12-week work experience course element virtually.
Under normal circumstances, the students would be working onsite in YHA's network of youth hostels. However, the pandemic has forced all hostels to close their doors. Determined to find a solution and ensure the students are on track to complete their course, the College and YHA decided on the best option of virtual volunteering.
The students have set up their own YHA-focused Instagram account - @youthwaltham - to raise awareness of YHA amongst their peers. They are also testing out how easy it is for people to navigate YHA's website and book breaks as part of its customer experience programme.
Stella Takkas, Senior Employability Coach at Waltham Forest College, explained: 'Despite the current closure of businesses in the travel and tourism sector it is so important that we maintain links and deliver real experiences to our students and we are grateful to YHA for enabling that.'
'The virtual volunteering is highly effective and very well organised by YHA. It has encouraged independent learning amongst the students and given them a much deeper appreciation of how important digital engagements are to the travel and tourism sector.
Tom Vittles, Head of Service Industries at Waltham Forest College said: 'We appreciate the benefit that this project has given the students and, despite the obstacles often encountered with remote working, the results have been very fruitful. We would like to thank YHA for making it possible.'
One of the students, Fatima Saeed (17), who hopes to study Airline and Airport Management at University when she finishes her course, said: 'It is a new way of doing work experience, but it has really opened my eyes. I have learned a lot about websites and how they are organised. I've really enjoyed it and learnt a lot about YHA as well.'
Throughout the project, the students work with each other via Zoom, sharing information and planning. Student David Turgay said: 'It's a great opportunity to get us all together in a virtual setting outside the college campus. We've worked well together and all contributed ideas to the project. It's great to get other people's perspectives.'
YHA has worked with Waltham Forest College since 2019 delivering work experience opportunities to students. Jamie Wakefield YHA (England & Wales) Youth Volunteering and Engagement Manager, explained: 'Being a charity, YHA is so much more than an accommodation provider. We are committed to providing opportunities for young people, whether that's providing accommodation so they can access the outdoors and heritage or delivering meaningful work experience or volunteering opportunities. It's certainly a challenge to continue to deliver these opportunities during the pandemic but thanks to our collaboration with organisations like Waltham Forest College we were able to make it happen. It's been wonderful to have the students on board with us and introduce them to YHA.'
Prior to the pandemic, more than 1000 young people a year volunteered in YHA hostels in order to learn new skills, boost their CV, give something back and even travel. To support young people to complete their DofE Award in lockdown, during COVID YHA has launched a number of virtual volunteering opportunities with roles in fundraising, videography and social media.
To apply for a virtual volunteering role, please visit https://volunteer.yha.org.uk/vk/volunteers
Aspiring electricians hired after impressing recruiters from Aston Group, the leading building services and facilities management company.
Aston Group, an established, family-run business has been setting standards for efficiency, innovation, and quality for over 55 years and the recent partnership with Waltham Forest College has helped pave the way for aspiring apprentices seeking on-the-job training as skilled workers.
Rachel Statter, Aston Group HR Officer, said: 'We originally had one apprenticeship vacancy, but we were impressed with both College candidates, so I campaigned for both students to be taken on, as they demonstrated their skills-set, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the role' .
An apprenticeship is an ideal way for students to gain a qualification whilst working to learn the skills needed to be successful in their chosen career and students Trenay Graham-Jackson and Jerome Whyte were nominated by their tutor to apply for an apprenticeship with Aston Group, after completing their Level 1 electrical course and progressing on to Level 2 at the College.
Trenay commented: 'I am very pleased to have secured an apprenticeship with Aston Group and the College has prepared me well for the start of this journey. I was able to apply my learning during the interview stage and cannot wait to begin my career in the field I am passionate about' .
Craig Buist, Head of Construction at Waltham Forest College said: 'Our vision is to inspire our learners to create their future and I am pleased that Aston Group has decided to take on both our learners as this is a perfect example of how we prepare students well for the world of work' .
'We will continue to work with leading employers that provides the best progression opportunities for our learners that supports London's economic recovery' .
If you would like to know more about apprenticeships, it's benefits to learners and employers, visit the College website www.waltham.ac.uk or email the Apprenticeship Team at
Waltham Forest College has announced its latest GCSE resit exam results in English and maths, demonstrating success levels are even higher.
Students joining the College in September with a GCSE grade 3 in English and maths worked towards exam resits held in November. The College offered the opportunity to gain the standard pass grade 4 or above needed for future academic and career progression.
Almost, 100 students improved the previous GCSE grade results that they achieved prior to joining the College, with over 50% of the students achieving a grade 4 or above in maths, and 35% achieving a grade 4 or above in English.
John Newton, Director of Curriculum at Waltham Forest College, said: 'Our vision is to inspire our learners to create their future and we were delighted with the results of the recent GCSE retakes. This demonstrates the resilience and determination of our students and I am thrilled that the hard work of our learners and staff has paid off.'
'We know what a positive difference a pass in GCSE English and maths means to our learners and brings them closer to reaching their position destination, whether that is employment, apprenticeships or university".
As well as school leavers joining the College, adult learners were also given the opportunity to improve their career prospects through resitting their exams.
Adult learner, Melinda Christopher, who re-took her exams after 40 years, said: 'I thought it was an impossible dream as I am working full-time, but I was really pleased with the support offered by my tutors, such as extra tutorials to strengthen my knowledge, ready to resit the exam".
"This grade 5 will allow me to look for higher-paid roles within my sector and I am really excited about my future".
The GSCE English and maths results for the College in summer 2020 were both above national average benchmarks.
The College is now taking applications from students and adult learners looking to enrol on a full-time course starting September or part-time courses starting up to April. Those interested in joining the College are invited to apply online at www.waltham.ac.uk or to register their interest in one the College's up and coming Virtual Open Events.
Waltham Forest College partners with the London Borough of Waltham Forest Council in developing a pilot testing programme for all staff and students, to minimise the risk of spreading the disease.
The Department for Health and Social Care has provided the London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) with new rapid ' lateral flow' Covid-19 tests for a pilot programme of testing in the borough. As an anchor institution within the community, Waltham Forest College has been working in close partnership with LBWF in developing a pilot testing programme for all staff and students. This will reduce the risk of positive transmission within the College and the wider community.
The testing site has been set up within the College and an existing open area has been re-purposed temporarily for this dedicated use. The first phase of the pilot has been to test staff from the college in preparation for the wider roll-out to all students.
The tests are self-administered through a throat and nose swab with trained facilitators from LBWF on hand to support; The tests are purely voluntary and can provide results in 30 minutes, helping to identify people who may have the virus but are not showing any symptoms.
College Principal, Janet Gardner said:
'The wellbeing of our students and staff is our absolute priority and I have been incredibly proud of the determination and resilience showed by our students and staff since the start of term.
To have these testing centres open so quickly is a testament to our dedicated staff as well as the partnership approach with the local authority. Waltham Forest College is a key institution within our local community, and we will continue to step up and support our health system during this crucial stage of the pandemic.'
The tests have been positively endorsed by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who visited the College's test site on Monday 14th December to support Waltham Forest College in being the first Further Education (FE) College to be offering lateral flow testing on-site.
He said: 'Increased testing is key to getting the spread under control, which is why I want to see regular asymptomatic testing extended to all those unable to work from home and to students and staff at London's secondary schools, sixth-form college and FE colleges.'
The borough's Director of Public Health, Joe McDonnell, added: 'The tests will allow us to quickly identify people who may unwittingly have the virus, so they can isolate, and protect vital services for particularly vulnerable residents, allowing them to remain open.
'This pilot scheme is in the very early stages and should it prove successful we plan to roll it out to other similar settings.'
Anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms is encouraged to immediately get a conventional test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.
In the Spring of 2020, we found ourselves, a worldwide community, facing some horrific scenes of police brutality and racism that we have long worked hard to abolish. As a staffing body, we felt the need to come together and form a safe space where these events could be discussed, debated, and opinions could be shared with the hope of spreading awareness and education in our little corner of East London.
Our main concern in the first few weeks was for the young people of our city that wanted to rise and protest, something that we all have the right to do but during a global pandemic, we were particularly concerned as tempers were bubbling away under the surface and there was the added threat of infection to Covid-19.
So, we began our weekly live broadcasts using Microsoft Teams and invited staff and students who had experienced of racism, particularly those who had been involved in unlawful stop and searches and interactions with the police, to come and share their stories and advice on protesting safely.
We combined safe protesting tips with Covid-19 safety and encouraged protesters to attend marches that were properly organised; offering social distancing, and handwashing stations.
During the first few weeks of our live forum events, we kept abreast of what protests were organised each weekend and reiterated our protesting safely tips. The forum grew and grew with over 1200 viewers across our 6 events held in the run-up to the summer holidays. We had guest speakers from the police force, anti-racism charities, and youth workers that specialised in supporting young people who had experienced police brutality.
As a group, we were so impressed and inspired by the students that joined us to share their views and could see future politicians and activists growing in front of us' in 2D of course!
Although the topics of our sessions were often challenging and quite harrowing at times, we found strength together at a time when some felt ever more isolated.
The sessions are recommencing in October and we hope they will become a part of our Team Forest schedule ongoing, giving a safe and welcoming space for all members of our community to learn and grow.
Research released by the Prince's Trust in September 2020 reveals, 'The aspirations of young people aged 16-25 in the UK are now lower as a result of the pandemic.'
This is an alarmingly tragic reflection of where young people find themselves.
It is not difficult to see why.
The Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected young people across the country, whether it be disruption to schooling and exams, a reduced university experience or a disproportionate rise in youth unemployment.
This need not be the case and our nation's colleges are best placed to help shift, shape and raise young people's aspirations to reflect, embrace and sometimes challenge the changes that will exist in a post-pandemic Britain.
The question is, how?
Just over a year ago, I had been considering a way to boost the aspirations and hopes of our young people. This was at the time, a side-project, a response borne from seeing a shift after the Brexit vote and a sense of increased apathy and reduced hope among many young people.
As I said, it was initially a response to what I had seen emerge from Brexit. However, I believe it is more relevant today because of Covid-19.
The project, named ' Big Picture', works as a series of events and resources that would inspire students to actively think about their future, their career and how, no matter what role they play, they are making a valuable contribution to the economic and social security of the United Kingdom.
The intention is not to focus so much on the now, but to look ahead. What jobs could and will exist in the future in 5, 10, even 30 years' time?
Take a hard-hit sector such as travel & tourism. The immediate focus is to protect the sector as much as possible and then to concentrate efforts on rebuilding. Part of this rebuild will be exploring industries that were previously far-fetched plots in old sci-fi films, but now seem a reality. Space tourism comes to mind.
The Government is currently undergoing a consultation with the public to help shape 'Spaceport and spaceflight activities: regulations and guidance' . The UK already has a strong aerospace sector and opening us up to space tourism companies could create many more jobs in a sub-sector that has only just begun to exist. Jobs for students in engineering and science initially come to mind, but construction students will build the ports, business students will run a smooth company, travel students will provide the marketing and lawmakers and lawyers will be required to create and navigate the legislation new industries demand.
It is no longer enough to talk to students about the careers of today. Colleges must embrace the unknown and talk about careers of the future and how today's careers will evolve.
The Prime Minister has recently announced the start of a new 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution. One that would also lead to new industries and new green jobs, helping the UK meet the 2050 net-zero carbon emission target.
This is a positive step and young people will be at the helm of this change, leading us into the future.
Space tourism, electric and driverless cars, artificial intelligence. They may all be at the early stages now, but in 30 years' time they could be the norm.
The content within the ' Big Picture' campaign is not new. Curriculum does teach for the future. But in this hopefully brief era with economic and social uncertainty maybe a dedicated, even cross-college campaign is required to tie it all together and foster discussions among our young people and ourselves to show that, if we look towards the future, things will be a little brighter.
In partnership with the Jobcentre Plus, the Youth Hub will improve the life chances of young people across the London Borough of Waltham Forest.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on young people in London and in particular their job opportunities. Waltham Forest College has worked in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions' Jobcentre Plus to develop a Youth Hub which is based within the College. Launching in October, this strategic relationship focuses on the needs of the local community, especially supporting young people dealing with the impact of COVID-19, during this unprecedented time.
The Youth Hub aims to provide employability and skills advice to young people, who will have instant access to specialist advisory teams, referring them to training opportunities linked to their career prospects.
Taken together, these measures are not only helping young people to receive the support they need now but ensure they continue to have access to the guidance, resources and opportunities that will help them build successful careers in the future as the UK begins its economic recovery.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said:
'By rolling out Youth Hubs across local communities, like this one at Waltham Forest College, young people will be able to access vital support from our Work Coaches and get matched with local employment and training opportunities. We are serious about investing in young people as we get Britain back to work. That's why, as part of our Youth Offer, we are injecting £2 billion into the Kickstart scheme, creating new, subsidised, high-quality roles for under 25s as we continue our work to protect, support and create jobs.'
Waltham Forest College has a strong history of delivering courses to unemployed Waltham Forest residents and has also launched a new Civil Service Sector-Based Work Academy Programme with the Jobcentre Plus, providing east London residents with the support and potential employment opportunities in the Civil Service. This is a great opportunity for people wishing to enter employment or wishing to retrain for new career opportunities.
College Principal & CEO, Janet Gardner said:
'We are proud to be the first College to launch a Youth Hub with Jobcentre Plus and we will continue to drive forward our college vision and strategy to further serve the needs of our local community. We are mindful of the impact of Covid-19, particularly in east London and are pleased to be working with Jobcentre Plus in order to provide a swift response to support the region. Education and skills are vital to reviving London's economy and this opportunity will kickstart the careers of thousands of young people, who could otherwise be left behind, as the result of the recent pandemic.'
The new William Morris Design Line is a local community-focused design route through the streets of Walthamstow. Inspired by Morris's statement ' art made by the people and for the people', this first year focuses on the local community coming together to celebrate creativity, resilience and inspire future young creatives.
The Line is produced as part of Urban by Nature, a creative programme from lead partners William Morris Big Local and Wood Street Walls, supported by Creative Civic Change which uses the arts and creativity to create meaningful civic change.
This unique design route uses local street art as a social fabric connecting areas, creative organisations and partners together with new design collaborations and interventions. Each design theme and intervention weaves a creative journey through the area, taking people along the main roads of Wood Street, Forest Road and up to Blackhorse Road.
The artist & designer Fandangoe Kid collaborated with a group of creative and fashion students from Waltham Forest College to explore themes of unity, change and design as a form of activism. They explored the language, statements and typographic design ideas around positive change and the future through Zoom workshops during the lockdown.
Fandangoe Kid, said: 'I can't remember a time when engaging in politics felt more important. The piece is about gathering young people's voices, speaking out and pushing change forward. Every young person I have worked with to develop the narrative for this piece has said that there is no longer a place for apathy when it comes to politics, we have to push change forward together now and 2020 has been exemplary of this ' things are urgent; we can't afford to stay silent, any of us.'
The launch event attracted funders, local business partners and the leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Clare Coghill.
Clare said: 'Being the first London Borough of Culture last year really allowed the creative community of Waltham Forest to come together and showcase its incredible talent and this project involving Waltham Forest College students and the local community is a clear reminder that culture is still at the heart of the borough.'
College Principal, Janet Gardner said: 'I am delighted that students from Waltham Forest College have been able to take part in this exciting project, working with leading artist Fandangoe Kid, the production team and key community partners. We greatly value the voice of our young people and are proud that they have created an uplifting and powerful, large scale art installation called ' Stairwell of Dreams' on the iconic college steps' .
Waltham Forest College Creative Arts Lecturer and Graffiti Artist, David Warburton, teams up with over 23 graffiti, street and contemporary artists to deliver ART vs Covid, an online auction and exhibition to raise funds for the NHS and a number of other frontline charities around the world.
Former Sheffield graffiti artist and collector, now college lecturer, Dee Warburton watched as people in the UK rallied to support the NHS.
He wanted to help and set about forming ' ART vs Covid', an online art auction which he hopes will raise at least £100,000 for the NHS and several other charities, with support from the College and a number of famous artist friends in lockdown around the world.
The pieces listed for the auction have been produced by a combination of the world's highly respected and up-coming artists with many pieces being an original 1 of 1. The artists have agreed to part with valuable graffiti and street art pieces from their collections, or create new art using the coronavirus and lockdown as their theme. Named among them are:
Mode2, Temper, Daim, Tasso, Bg183, HolyMoly, Hombre, Cheeky and Trik09.
David said: 'I messaged contacts from New York to New Zealand and virtually all of them said it was a brilliant idea and wanted to get involved.
'Banksy was approached but was unable to commit. However, he has wished the project all the best.'
Hugo Smith, Film Director/Producer of the Graffiti Wars documentary said: 'David Warburton was a significant and central contributor for the "Graffiti Wars" film that was celebrated when it was released in 1999 and has proved influential on a subsequent generation of graffiti artists in the UK.
Martin Jones, from Hip Hop Heritage Charitable Association, commented: 'I applaud the vision of Dee Warburton in bringing together some of the finest artists in Graffiti Art for this global charity fundraising project that supports the NHS and a number of charities due to Covid-19.'
Waltham Forest College is supporting the project with an exhibition featuring the ' ART vs Covid' pieces and Art and Design students are working on Street and Graffiti Art over their summer break with pieces already submitted by students'.
Currently, the most expensive piece up for auction is a prestigious £50,000 canvas painted by world-renowned English Graffiti Artist ' Temper' with profits from the sale of this exclusive piece depicting some of Great Britain's most loved black celebrities such as Ian Wright MBE, Dame Kelly Holmes and Goldie MBE going to the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust.
The auction will be live up until the end of October to help celebrate Black History Month UK. Profits from the auction will mainly be going to NHS Charities Together, Shelter Homeless Charity plus other charities around the world chosen by the artists.
For more information and to bid, visit the auction website here - https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/ART-vs-Covid-12786 or contact
