Digital T Level students at Nelson and Colne College have put their knowledge and skills to the test by building a new website for the Pendle Heritage Centre.
When the Pendle Heritage Centre Trust approached the College with the project, students jumped at the chance to be a part of it to build up their knowledge and experience of web design.
After months in the making, the new website has been launched with the aim of boosting tourist numbers to the museum and visitor centre, part of which dates back to the 14th Century.
Another function of the new website is to highlight the range of activities that take place throughout the calendar year at the historic Grade II listed beauty spot in Barrowford.
Now that the website has been built and is up and running, the management of it and its upkeep will also be maintained by students at the College, ensuring there is continuation and longevity to the project. The new website can be found at www.pendleheritagecentre.co.uk.
‘A complex brief’
Sarah Cockburn-Price, Chairman of the Pendle Heritage Centre Trust, said: “We’re thrilled with our brand new website; the look, feel and usability of it is fantastic. We are also delighted that young people learning their trade at Nelson and Colne College have been able to support us in the project.
“It was quite a complex brief for the students as we wanted it to have a serious feel to promote activities such as the historic lectures that we run, while at the same time promoting the gift shop and tearoom we operate.
“We really feel that the finished product strikes that balance well and it encompasses everything that is Pendle Heritage Centre and all that we offer.”
‘Excellent experience’
Andrew Ashworth, Digital lecturer at Nelson and Colne College, said: “The website build has been excellent for our students. Through our community and industry links, it is typical of the kind of project work we can offer students who study with us on T Level programmes to develop real world experience.
“Alongside boosting the students digital and web development skills, it has also improved other professional skills required for the working world such as their time management, communication skills, and client liaison skills. We’re extremely pleased with the result, and we look forward to the next phase of maintaining the new site on behalf of the Trust.”
‘Improved web development skills’
Connor Russell, 19, formerly of Park High School, was one of the students involved in the project. Connor said: “The project has improved my web development skills, and through project meetings with members of the Trust, it has really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am now a much more confident person.
“I really enjoyed my time on the project and I am very happy that we have managed to complete it. I would recommend the College as my experience has been great. Staff are supportive and there are a variety of activities to get involved with outside of lessons from trips and extracurricular opportunities to work experience, such as the Pendle Heritage Centre project.”
‘Wider perspective on career options’
Samantha Savage, 17, was another of the students involved in the project. Formerly of Hyndburn Academy, Samantha said: “I have developed better communication skills in a formal environment through the project, as well as a good understanding of WIX software and what website aspects are appealing to visitors.
“Working with Pendle Heritage Trust has also provided me with insight into a different way of creating websites and an alternative to the way I have been taught at College. It has also widened my perspective on my career options for when I leave College.”
Nelson and Colne College is the number one college in the country for students satisfaction, and is one of the leading colleges nationally across a range of academic measures.
The college was one of the first colleges nationally to deliver T Level qualifications from September 2020. Designed with employer input, they are a blend of 80% classroom learning and 20% work placement in industry. They are offered at the college in Digital and Education and Childcare, with a new route in Health being launched in September 2021.
To find out more information about studying at Nelson and Colne College, visit www.nelson.ac.uk. Applications can be completed online, or by contacting the Admissions Team at admissions@nelsongroup.ac.uk or on 01282 440272.
