New leader for Loughborough College
Loughborough College has announced that its new principal will be Esme Winch, currently group director of finance and estates at the Newcastle College Group (NCG). Ms Winch will take up the position in September after the retirement of current principal Jim Mutton. “I am thrilled and excited to have been offered the post of principal at Loughborough College,” she said. “I was attracted to the college due to it being a successful institution with an excellent reputation in its community, the FE sector and beyond.” Chair of governors Mike Chad-Smith said: “In light of the direction that FE and its funding is travelling, Esme brings from her last appointment in Newcastle exactly those skills that Loughborough College requires to build on the success and achievement of our outgoing principal.”
Join scheme to inspire future apprentices
The National Apprenticeship Service is looking for supporters of apprenticeships to promote work-based learning in schools. It needs students and employers to tell students about the benefits of becoming an apprentice as part of the Inspiring the Future initiative. With schools now legally required to offer impartial careers advice, organisers hope the scheme will inform students about their options for study in the FE sector. For more information, visit www.inspiringthefuture.org
Chichester wasn’t built in a day ...
Three years after the FE capital funding crisis thwarted its original ideas, Chichester College has put forward plans for a new #163;6 million construction building. The four-storey facility would mean that all building-related courses could be taught under the same roof for the first time. Julie Sleeman, the college’s chief operating officer, said: “I am really excited about the plans. It’s a huge step forward for the college, especially after the disappointment of not securing the funding from the (former) Learning and Skills Council.”
VIP helps technology centre across the finish line
Motor-racing entrepreneur and former science minister Lord Drayson was guest of honour at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) on 24 April, opening its new technology centre. The new facility will house all of BCoT’s science, technology, engineering and maths teaching. Principal Anthony Bravo said that the development marked a “significant investment” and that Lord Drayson was an aspirational figure for students.
‘Undiscovered’ guitar hero is FE student
A student at Peterborough Regional College has been picked as one of the world’s top undiscovered guitarists. Chris Robinson was spotted by music producer and photographer Robert Knight after posting video clips of his performances on YouTube. The 17-year-old, who is studying for a BTEC national diploma in music, was filmed at John Henry’s studios in London by Mr Knight. Chris, who counts Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton among his influences, said: “I was incredibly proud and excited when I heard from Robert Knight. He has worked with and captured incredible images of so many of my idols.”
