success stories
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South Birmingham College Students Lauded at Ceremony
College honours successful ICT Students
Superstar Student sets her sights at the Sea Life Centre
Tutor Recognised for delivering outstanding skills training
Celebrating Supported Learning successes
MBE Success for retired South Birmingham College tutor
Recognising young UK tiling talent
Luck turns for former MG Rover worker
100% BTEC success opens up the door to University
From the classroom to workplace
Rosina in running to become South Birmingham College's Eternal Student
South Birmingham College teams with Colleges in South Africa
South Birmingham College Students Lauded at Ceremony
Students who have completed their HND and HNC courses at South Birmingham
College celebrated their achievements at a graduation ceremony at the
ICC.
The event was organised by Birmingham City University and attended by students at colleges that work with the institution to provide training and education.
The day is particularly special for Amelework Lawrence, a 33-year-old from Erdington who has balanced raising three young children with achieving her HND in Business and Management at South Birmingham College.
Amelework, who has now taken up a degree level course at Birmingham City University, said: “It was a struggle but in the end it has all been worth it.
“The tutors were respectful and gave me a lot of support and understanding.
“The college has helped me with my ambitions. I came from nowhere to arrive at this point and the staff deserve a lot of thanks.”
Sardul Dhesi, the college’s vice principal – curriculum and quality, said: “We are ever so proud of the high standards of achievement of all our students.
“We have achieved the highest pass rate of all the colleges involved in the Birmingham City University partnership.
“Today is a celebration of the hard work of all students in IT, business and childcare
“Some have been with us for the last five years, starting at level one and rising all the way to a graduate level. It’s wonderful to see them here today.”
College honours successful ICT Students
The efforts of exceptional ICT students have been recognised at a special ceremony as part of South Birmingham College's Student Awards Week.
Learners who have overcome setbacks or adversity, or demonstrated commitment, initiative and creativity, had their efforts rewarded at the event, which took place in the College's auditorium.
Phil Watts, South Birmingham College's Director of ICT, gave an inspirational talk about the students' accomplishments and the pride it has given him.
He said: "The ceremony was a wonderful event and a worthy celebration of the endeavours of our students.
"They have now completed their courses and will be going on to work, university or other courses and we wanted to commemorate what they have achieved.
"The students have worked hard and the staff have as well - we're really proud of them."
The ICT department has enjoyed excellent results. Last year the success rate for level one students was 90%, a total of 12% higher than the national average.
One of the students to receive an award is Tabraiz Ali, aged 18, from Saltley, who has just completed his BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners.
Tabraiz, who wants to be an IT technician, said: "It felt fantastic to get an award. I love working with computers and enjoy all the different elements involved, especially presenting my work to the class."
A pair of special guests spoke to students at the event - Helen Horton, who set up her own successful health and safety consultancy called H2, and Millicent Stephenson, an entrepreneur who started MasTech Training Ltd in 2005.
Helen said: "Education is something that needs a lot of
input and hard work and a bit of recognition of this fact goes
a long way. Acknowledging a student who has worked hard gives
them confidence.
Millicent added: "This ceremony allowed them to realise
what they have done is worthwhile and they should be proud of
themselves. ICT is a highly transferable skill and is required
in all walks of life, so they should be proud of themselves."
In previous years there was only one awards ceremony for the
whole College but this year each department has its own event
in order to involve more students.
Individuals wanting to find out more about courses at South
Birmingham College should call Admissions on 0121 694 5000 or
email: admissions@sbc.ac.uk
Superstar student sets her sights at the Sea Life centre
A South Birmingham College Supported Learning Student has been labelled a 'Superstar' by her tutors and fellow students since carrying out her volunteer role at the Sea Life centre in Birmimgham.
Laura Greenaway, aged 25, who lives in Stirchley has been studying at the College since September 2002, but has really excelled over the last 12 months since starting a weekly work placement at the Sea Life centre.
The placement is part of a scheme organised by the College's work experience co-ordinator Jane Stevenson that gives students with learning difficulties the opportunity to discover what they are capable of achieving in the workplace.
It gives the students a valuable insight into the world of work and the positive input they could make but, most importantly, it helps to build their confidence, and social skills, and hopefully encourage them into seeking paid employment once their studies have finished.
Despite her nervousness when she first started working at the Sea Life centre Laura's confidence has grown so much now that she gives educational talks to school children. She's even been known to dress up as Sea Life centre mascot Myrtle the Turtle!
Birmingham's Sea Life centre's Operations Manager, Joseph Mann, said: "Laura's made quite an impact here at the Centre. Her infectious and warm personality draws in the crowds whenever she does her talks. Not only a hit with the customers she's also loved by her colleagues, and we look forward to continuing this strong relationship." Joseph Mann also confirms Laura's Personal Development Plan with them at the Centre is 'working towards paid employment' once Laura completes her course this summer.
On the thought of leaving College Laura said: "I'm going to miss College, however I can't wait to start working and earn some money! I'm still going to regularly come back and visit and hopefully encourage other students to go on work placements. I've learnt so much that I wouldn't have learnt in the classroom and made some great friends too!"
Laura's story is just one of dozens of successful work placements South Birmingham College are running. Supported Learning students are currently placed at a number of companies across the region including Tesco, Sommerfields, Morrisons, Persimmon Homes, Tomlinson, Homebase and Hall Green Racing Stadium and many more.
Work Experience Co-ordinator Jane Stevenson said: "It is my role to find work placements for our students, and forge partnerships with employers and the College that remain ongoing. I closely monitor each student's progress and identify with each student what it is they would like to achieve from their placement."
Companies in the region interested in working with South Birmingham College to offer work placements should contact Jane on 0121 694 5016 or email jane.stevenson@sbc.ac.uk.
Tutor recognised for delivering outstanding skills training
A South Birmingham College tutor is celebrating after picking up a top training award.
Randeep Sami, a main grade lecturer of ICT at the College, received the Deloitte Employability Trainer Award in recognition of having delivered exceptional employability skills training to students at the College. This award automatically qualifies Randeep as a Deloitte Employability Trainer, as he now meets all the requirements of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
He received his award at the first national Deloitte Employability Skills Conference in London which brought together a wide range of delegates involved with the award-winning Employability Initiative.
More than 100 delegates representing Further Education Colleges across the UK, and including teacher trainers from nine UK Deloitte Employability Centres, attended the one day conference.
Guest speakers from the CBI, City and Islington College, the Association of Colleges and Asset Skills led a panel session on the wider challenges and opportunities relating to employability. Delegates also took place in a series of interactive workshops around the delivery of the Deloitte employability course.
Commenting on his award Randeep said: "It's a great privilege to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation. I'm very proud of my achievement and look forward to passing on some of my skills and knowledge to students at South Birmingham College."
Doing it for the girls!
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Girls are proving that opportunities for a successful career in the construction industry aren't just for the boys, at one of Europe's largest construction training centres.
17 year-old Martina Lydon from Sheldon, and 18 year-old Kerry Watts from Shirley are two girls who are certainly giving the boys on the Carpentry and Joinery Courses at South Birmingham College a run for their money.
Both the girls are currently on Apprenticeships with two major Midland construction firms, whilst studying once a week to gain vital industry qualifications at South Birmingham College's Construction Centre in Bordesley Green.
Former Student of the Year Martina, who also achieved a Distinction in her FCA (Foundation Construction Award) under tutor John Ownsworth, is currently working towards gaining her Level 2 NVQ in Carpentry and Joinery, whilst working fulltime for George Wimpy. Twenty-eight people were interviewed for the two places available on the Apprenticeship scheme, with Martina winning one of them.
She's currently the only girl working on a new build housing site in Cannock, but she's not at all daunted by this. She said: "I love being the only girl on site, but I've had to prove myself, and it doesn't mean I get preferential treatment! One of the advantages of being a girl is that I think I have a lot more patience than some of the guys and I'm not afraid to ask for help."
Kerry works for Coleshill-based construction firm Frank Haslam Milan and is on the 3rd year of a ACA (Advanced Construction Award). Kerry's determination to succeed has really impressed her tutor Andrew Walker, he said: "Kerry wasn't as good as the lads, she was better! She has a very mature attitude, has always tried incredibly hard and is always the last student to leave. I'm very proud of what she's been achieving."
Both the girls have used the services of the CEA (Construction Employment Alliance) and CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to give advice on finding suitable courses and employment opportunities.
Celebrating Supported Learning Successes
Supported Learning students from South Birmingham College have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at a recent awards ceremony
More than 35 students were presented with certificates by Dominic Harris, one of last years X-Factor boot camp finalists.
The evening began with an introduction from Anthony Baker, director of Supported Learning, praising the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of all the students, before they were presented with their certificates.
The delighted students were then treated to a performance by X-Factor star Dominic Harris, before Principal Mike Hopkins addressed the guests to close the evening. Click here for pictures of the awards ceremony.
MBE success for retired South Birmingham College tutor
A retired South Birmingham College tutor has been recognised in the New Years Honours List for her Services to Literature.
Talat Javed aged 64, who lives in Kings Heath, was recommended for an MBE after being nominated for her outstanding service to Further Education in teaching Urdu language and literature by Alan Birks, ex-principal of South Birmingham College, who also retired last year.
Mrs Javed began teaching Urdu at the College's Hall Green campus in 1989. She also regularly writes articles, features and short stories for community and international newspapers, which included Ravi Weekly for 26 years which was distributed worldwide until recently.
Last year Mrs Javed taught seven of the top ten highest achieving students in the country in GCE Urdu according to Edexcel, the UK's largest awarding body. With more than 18 years of teaching at the College she continually received good inspection results with one report quoting that Mrs Javed's lessons were the best they had ever observed.
Commenting on her MBE Mrs Javed said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed; it's such a great honour. My telephone has been ringing non-stop since the list was published, with many of my ex-students congratulating me. I've always encouraged my students to aim for the best possible grades they can achieve, and extend their learning beyond the classroom by getting involved in community events and reading literature widely. I hope this honour is an example of what can be achieved."
This is not the first time Mrs Javed has been recognised by the Government. In May 2007 Talat was invited to Downing Street to meet the then Prime Minister Tony Blair to talk to him about a range of issues facing Muslim women.
This year 78% of those awarded an MBE or OBE were involved in charitable or voluntary work, or undertaking extra curricular activities linked to their professions.
Recognising Young UK Tiling Talent
A South Birmingham College construction student has been named the most 'Up and Coming UK Tiler' by Weber building solutions.
18-year old James Mason from Potters Green in Coventry, was presented with his award by Alan Brown from Weber at the national finals of Skillbuild which was held at the College's Construction Centre in Bordesley Green - one of Europe's largest education facilities dedicated to training in the construction trades.
James, who works full-time at Coventry-based W B Simpson & Sons (Midlands) Limited, is currently on the second year of an ICA-NVQ Wall and Floor Tiling course at the College. He attends the College one day a week, and will complete the Level 3 qualification next year.
Richard Friebe, managing director of WB Simpson & Sons, said: "James is a conscientious young man with great drive and ambition to succeed, We are all very proud of him. We currently have two other employees enrolled on courses with the College, one of whom has reached the finals of Skillbuild which is currently taking place. It's a great training centre for young tilers, where the dedicated staff have a genuine desire to pass on the necessary skills".
Commenting on his award James said: "I'm delighted. Studying one day a week at the College has allowed me to learn much more about all aspects of tiling, whilst I still get valuable hands on experience through my job working with fully trained tiler fixers".
The Tiling Division within South Birmingham College's Construction Centre has been named by Weber as a Centre of Excellence, and currently has 100 students enrolled on tiling courses.
Luck Turns For Former MG Rover Worker
A former MG Rover worker has set up her own tiling company and become a part time construction tutor- all after attending a course with South Birmingham College.
Along with her husband, Colleen Rai was one of around 5,000 workers made redundant when the Longbridge based car plant went out of business in 2005.
The 44 year-old from Bartley Green had worked at the company for 15 years - first in the paint shop and then as a team assistant in the offices.
After being made redundant Colleen joined a group of colleagues on a taster course in construction with South Birmingham College. She was so taken with the tiling session that she decided to enroll on the full time Intermediate Construction Award. She did so well that she was even presented with the High Achiever award for Construction Learning and Development Units at by The Apprentice star Ruth Badger at the annual College awards evening.
Since completing the one year condensed course in 2006 Colleen's has gone from strength to strength. She has not only set up her own company, C. Rai Tiling Services, but also works as a visiting tutor in the College's tiling department. Her husband has also retrained and got a job with British Gas.
Colleen says she cannot believe how her fortune has changed:
"I really liked tiling during the taster course. I think it was because I am into arts and crafts and like doing things with my hands.
"I can't believe that I now have my own company and work as a tutor, it's fantastic. I always have about three or four weeks tiling work in front of me. Although I do think a women's touch helps in the business - I think customers contact my business because they believe women will pay more attention to the job."
Colleen said her ultimate goal was to be a full time tutor at the College, to give back the help it gave her.
"I would really like to spend my time passing on what I have learnt. The College has been great and I love being a part of it. I get a real buzz teaching and want to show people they can achieve what they want to if they focus enough."
Brian Cecconi, Colleen's tiling tutor, said he was delighted with her success:
"She had no tiling experience before and now she is good enough to be a full time lecturer, which I would really like her to become," he said.
"She was so keen to learn and her story shows how you can turn your fortunes around if you put your mind to it. She is an inspiration."
100% BTEC success opens up the door to University
South Birmingham College’s BTEC National Certificate in Business students achieved outstanding results again this year with a 100% pass rate for the third year running!
More than 70% of these students also achieved at least one Distinction – the equivalent of gaining Grade A at A-level.
Nearly all of the students will now be progressing onto Degree courses at University. However three students have decided to continue their Higher Education studies at South Birmingham College, and will begin a further two years on a HND in Business Management in September.
Rehma Qureshi, Nahida Begum and Abdul Azid enjoyed their time so much with the College that they have chosen to continue with their HE studies there. Running in conjunction with partners UCE Birmingham, students on a HE course at the College are also recognised as students of those Universities and are provided with Degree progression routes and access to all their facilities.
Rehma Qureshi, aged 18 form Bordesley Green said: “South Birmingham College is a great place to study. The support offered by my tutors, and the excellent facilities meant that I really didn’t want to go on to study anywhere else.”
For those with few formal qualifications, or who perhaps haven’t gone down the traditional education route, the College also offers Access courses to get you onto a Degree or Diploma course.
Access to HE courses are offered in Business and Management, Business and Law, and IT, so if you’ve been out of the education system for a while the course aims to rebuild your confidence and get you studying again.
Bintou Jallow and Ramoth Gudza are two students who are about to progress onto Degree courses at Wolverhampton University after successfully completing a BTEC National Certificate in Business at South Birmingham College.
Bintou Jallow, aged 20 from Handsworth, said: “I’ve spent the last three years studying at South Birmingham College. I started at the College on a BTEC First, progressed onto a BTEC National Certificate, and I’m now about to start a Degree in Business and Architecture Studies at Wolverhampton. I’m really proud at what I’ve achieved but I wouldn’t have achieved this without the support of South Birmingham College and my tutors.”
Ramoth Gudza, aged 19 from Edgbaston, said: “I decided to enrol on a BTEC National Certificate in Business at South Birmingham College instead of continuing with my A-levels at sixth form. A vocational course has suited me so much better as it’s flexible and mostly coursework based so you’re continually assessed. I’ve now been accepted on to a Degree in Business and Marketing at Wolverhampton University.”
First
class
facilities
and
nationally
recognised
high
standards
of
teaching
at
the
College
help
to
create
the
perfect
environment
to
study.
For
further
information
about
Business
and
Management
courses
available
at
the
College
please
contact
Justine
Drakeley
on
0121
694
5036.
From the classroom to the workplace
When Justine Drakeley first enrolled on a part-time course at South Birmingham College she could never have dreamt that four years later she’d be working full time at the College as a Business and Administration Secretary – but that’s exactly what’s happened to the 36 year-old from the Maypole.
In an effort to gain the necessary IT skills to help her young son with schoolwork on his computer Justine initially took a Basic Skills in IT course one morning a week at the College’s Dell Meadow Centre in Druids Heath.
With this new knowledge and qualification it gave Justine the incentive to progress onto other courses at the Centre, and over the last few years she’s gained several new qualifications including ECDL, Web Design, English A-level and NVQ Level 3.
When Justine was given the opportunity of work experience with the Business and Administration team at the College she jumped at the chance, and enjoyed it so much that she chose to work voluntary for them four days a week. Her enthusiasm and commitment impressed the College so much that she was offered a full time job as Business and Administration Secretary.
She said: “I love working at the College, and meeting new people. Before I came to the College I had very little confidence, but now I can’t wait to come to work every day. My days are so varied - no two days are ever the same and I’m able to utilise the skills I’ve learnt whilst studying at the College.
“Having been a student at the College myself I love talking to potential new students and encouraging them to come and study with us!”
Despite working full time at the College it hasn’t stopped her eagerness to learn. Justine also plans to enrol on part-time courses to extend her book-keeping and accounting knowledge.
Is
there
any
stopping
Justine?
Rozina Abbas in Running to become South Birmingham College's Eternal Student
Rozina Abbas is so devoted to South Birmingham College that she has studied 15 courses within seven years and has become one of its ICT tutors.
And the 32 year-old doesn’t intend to end their learned affair there– she will spend the next year completing a Foundation Degree before deciding what courses to take next.
Rozina’s devotion to the college began in 1999, when she wanted to update her skills after getting married and raising two children.
She enrolled on a CLAIT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology) course at the College where she also managed to get herself a job as a receptionist.
On completion of the CLAIT course she wanted to further her Information and Computer Technology (ICT) knowledge and ended up taking another nine courses ranging from web design and word processing over the next six years.
Meanwhile she had worked her way up the career ladder and become PA to the college’s senior management. She had also decided she wanted to give other students the opportunities she had experienced, by becoming a tutor at the college.
This, of course, meant that ever-faithful Rozina had to study more courses including City & Guilds Teacher Training and her Certificate of Education at the College, which she completed last year.
Despite securing herself a job as a full-time ICT tutor she wanted to ensure all doors were open to her in her career by taking a part-time Foundation degree in ICT, which she will complete at university by 2008. And once that is finished, she will look to see what other courses South Birmingham College offers.
Rozina said she could easily see herself becoming an eternal student at South Birmingham College.
“I never thought I would have stayed at college for so long but now I don’t want to stop going.
“It’s all because of the support I received there. I loved being a part of it. And I’m now going people the opportunities I had by teaching them.”
Paul Padda, Assistant ICT Director at South Birmingham College, described Rozina as an “inspiration” to others considering whether to continue their education.
“She came with very few qualifications, worked extremely hard and now she is teaching along side us,” he added.
“It’s
great
to
see
that
she
wants
to
give
something
back
after
the
many
courses
she
has
studied
with
us.”
South Birmingham College Teams with Colleges in South Africa
A team of staff from South African's two main Further Education and Training (FET) colleges made a trip to South Birmingham College and formed a new partnership that will see students offered once in a lifetime opportunities to exchange places and learn about each other's education and culture.
The staff from Northlink and West Coast FET colleges spent a week touring the College, meeting staff and students and seeing the sights of Birmingham. They also brought the weather with them, as the sun beamed for most of the visit.
Bosses from all three colleges signed agreements pledging to work with each other to share good practice and enhance academic delivery. Part of this agreement will see students swopping places with their counterparts in either country as part of an exciting exchange programme. Students and staff will also become electronic pen pals using email and web cams.
Exchange visits have already been arranged for rugby and construction students. A group of rugby students from South Birmingham College are due to head out to South Africa in July and the South African students will make the exchange trip next January. Construction students from South Birmingham College will make their trip abroad this October. If this succeeds the exchange visits will expand into other subject areas.
Leon Beech, Chief Executive Officer at Northlink College, said the members of staff had really enjoyed their visit to the city and were keen to develop a long term relationship with South Birmingham College.
"We have experienced great hospitality," he said. "Birmingham people are very friendly and the city is very clean.
"South Birmingham College is very impressive - particularly its construction centre in Bordesley Green. We really look forward to developing our relationship long into the future."
Alan Birks, principal at South Birmingham College, said he was delighted the three colleges had become partners.
"It is a great for us to develop partnerships with these South African colleges. They are very similar and we can learn a lot from each other. It will give our students a look at a different society. It's going to be a great experience for them."
Northlink and Westcoast colleges are similar to South Birmingham College in both structure and provision. Located in the Northern suburbs of Cape Town, Northlink is the largest FET college in the Western cape of South Africa. It has eight campuses, 15,000 students and 600 members of staff. Westcoast college is situated along the Western Coastline of the Western Cape and has a number of campuses stretching from Atlantic to Vredendal, 450km apart.
The future of the partnership between South Birmingham College and Northlink College could expand to include a relationship with institutions in Beijing.
South Birmingham College already has links with colleges in China, India, Brunei, America, France, Holland and Spain.
