Nelson and Colne College’s first Industry and Employer Awards have launched in style with a glittering drinks reception, two-course meal and ceremony.
Businesses, charities and public organisations from across a spectrum of sectors joined together with College representatives and governors to celebrate the importance of partnership work, and the positive impact it has on companies and people’s lives.
A speech from NCC Principal Amanda Melton kicked off the evening while Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community Neil Hart and NCC’s Chairman of the Board of Corporation Stephen Barnes were other keynote speakers. NCC alumnus and professional opera singer Seán Ruane provided top class entertainment, and he raised the roof with renditions of “This is the Moment” and “You Raise Me Up” in front of approximately 90 guests.
Vice Principal of NCC Alison Rushton and Director of Apprenticeships and Training Barbara Livesey read out inspiring stories of all the award winners and presented the prizes.
Alison said: “The Industry and Employer Awards night was a fabulous celebration of our partnerships and was the perfect way for the College to say thank you to individuals, businesses and organisations that we have worked closely with in recent years.
“All of our winners are shining examples of having a dedication to education, either through taking on apprentices, volunteers, or work experience candidates, going through an Apprenticeship themselves, inspiring young people, or giving up time to support the College at major events in our calendar, such as our Work Inspirations Event.
“During the night, we heard some truly enlightening stories that highlighted the breadth and depth of the partnerships we have established – we look forward to continuing this work over the coming years. Congratulations to all of our winners.”
Neil Hart, who collected the Community Partnership Award on the night, spoke on behalf of hosts Burnley FC and was full of praise for the unique partnership between NCC and Burnley FC in the Community.
Neil said: “It was a pleasure to receive this award and it is testament to the hard work of everyone at Burnley FC in the Community.
“We formed the partnership with Nelson and Colne College in May 2015 to create the BFC Shadow Youth Team, combining our respective expertise in both sport and education. As not only a local leader in higher education but a College that is nationally recognised for its excellence, we knew that NCC was an education provider we wanted to work with – merging that academic brilliance with the inspirational status of our own Premier League football club.
“And the partnership has simply gone from strength to strength. This year’s intake of Shadow Youth Team students was 75, dwarfing the number of the first year’s cohort.
“We now have three full time members of staff based here at our bespoke education hub, UCFB Burnley, who are working closely with Nelson and Colne College staff to deliver a high quality programme – a programme that in its short existence has already produced four BFC scholars, a Nike Academy player and a player who has now signed a pro deal with Newcastle United. That’s something to be very proud of.
“As well as the BFC Shadow Youth Team, the partnership has now developed further and this September, we’ll launch the BFC Girls’ Academy with the College. This brand new provision will mirror the structure of the boy’s Shadow Youth Team and will see the first group of talented young females take on the challenge of playing football while accessing BTEC and A Level programmes.
“Most importantly, this partnership is offering young people in our local area real, meaningful opportunities to progress their education and eventually their careers. Our partnership with Nelson and Colne College is a partnership we are incredibly proud of and long may it continue.”
The full list of winners from the evening were:
- The ‘Giving Back’ Award (Micro) – Chris Pugh Photography
- Apprentice Employer of the Year (Micro) – Kellie Hughes Hair Studio
- Charity Partner Award ‘The Student Task Force’ – Canal & River Trust
- Work Experience Partnership Award – Provincial Engineering
- Creative Impact in Education Award – Concept4
- Management Apprentice Impact Award – Sandra Shaw, Castle Supported Living
- ‘Social Profit’ Partnership Award – Calico
- The ‘Giving Back Award (Large Business) – Silentnight
- Work Experience Partnership Award – Pendleside Hospice
- Apprentice Employer of the Year (SME) – Pendle Engineering
- Employer Partnership Award – Seafood Pub Company
- Apprentice Employer of the Year (Large) – Pendle Borough Council
- Innovation in Partnership Award – East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
- Charity Partner Award ‘Reaching Out to Young People’ – Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service
- Community Partnership Award – Burnley FC in the Community
Nelson and Colne College is set to host its first ever Pendle Careers Expo at its Scotland Road base on Thursday 8th June, between 6pm and 8pm. If you would like to talk to staff and students about Apprenticeship, work experience or volunteering opportunities, make the most of a business networking opportunity, and/or find out more information about ‘hot topics’ including the new Apprenticeship Levy, then you can sign up by emailing h.ellis@nelsongroup.ac.uk
For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk
