Meeting Stakeholder Needs

Beacon Hill Academy, South Ockendon | Jodie Brace

Beacon Hill Academy is a school for children with multiple and profound SEND ranging from Early Years to KS4.

Over the past several years, many students have successfully passed their Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship there. As the school is so specialist, we have worked with the employer to ensure we can provide a flexible approach to supporting their students, including delivering the qualification solely in the workplace.

Beacon Hill particularly appreciates this as so many children have high medical needs. A nurse must approve our students to administer medication and specialist feeding bags. Delivering in the workplace means our students can factor their taught session around the employer and pupil’s needs.

Before the Covid 19 pandemic, we also used to arrange a yearly trip for all of the Teaching Assistant Apprentices to spend the day at Beacon Hill Academy. Most of these apprentices are based in mainstream schools, and it is a hugely valuable experience for them to see how a SEND school operates. Beacon Hill allowed Chelmsford College students to study the curriculum in the classroom.

"Support for this student has been excellent. Jodie is always available to this student and answers any queries quickly via email. The college and Jodie understand our school and ensure that she considers this when supporting the students with their KSBs."

Connected Learning

Founded in 2013, Connected Learning is a primary-only MAT based in Mid-Essex. It originated from collaborative partnerships and school-to-school improvement support through Powers Hall Junior School (now Powers Hall Academy).

There are currently five schools within the Trust: Cherry Tree Academy and Iceni Academy, both in Colchester; Powers Hall Academy and Templars Academy in Witham and Silver End Academy.

"Our goal is simple – provide each child and adult that associates with the trust I lead with the very best experiences and opportunities. Since my first day as CEO, I have focused on building a culture of respect, integrity and openness. A place where all can thrive irrespective of the part they play – this is what the Connected Learning trustees and I believe in and will strive for each day."

Since joining the apprenticeship team at Chelmsford College about 6 years ago, all schools within our Multi Academy Trust have worked with the college.

We have had many apprentices based throughout our five schools within the Trust over the years. They have all completed their Teaching Assistant L3 and equivalent TA qualifications. The students attend college once per week and have 4 days in the workplace. Faye Welsher oversees all the apprentices and built strong working relationships with all the school, mentors and staff.

Collaborative and transparent working ensures the apprentices are fully supported, and their progress is monitored to ensure a successful End Point Assessment.

Several students have been employed by Connected Learning and continued on Teacher Training Degree at Canterbury and Anglia Ruskin, others have been employed as LSA's within the Trust, and some have moved onto alternative employment.

Our Team has also had the benefit of updating our CPD about safeguarding with the MATs Executive Safeguarding Lead and Family Liaison Officer Faye Welsher.

"I have worked with Chelmsford College for over 6 years now. My role is that I oversee the apprentices. This is from the very beginning when I get their CVs, to interviewing and then being their first port of call when they start with Connected Learning. If they are based at Templars, then I am their mentor.

Within this time, I have developed a very good relationship with Sejal Patel the work-based tutor who comes in to see the apprentices, completes their reviews, observations and tracks their progress. Our relationship is very transparent and works extremely well. I am confident in raising any concerns with her and know they will be always addressed sensitively and professionally. All the apprentices feel that they can go to Sejal and discuss concerns they have be it with their personal life or their college work.

The communication is very good between Sejal and myself, we are both aware of each other's roles with in our establishments and sometimes, things can come up where as a last resort, we will have to rearrange, but this is always communicated quickly. I also have contact with Dave Cornwall and Anne Jones and Serene Jackson, who are always very professional and responded to in a timely manner.

I really enjoy working with Chelmsford College and looking after the apprentices collaboratively and hope to continue to do this for some time."

Morgan Sindall Construction

Morgan Sindall Construction delivers construction and regeneration across the UK for the public, commercial, and regulated sectors. The construction department here at Chelmsford College work very closely with them and this collaboration has led to numerous mutually beneficial opportunities.

One of the highlights of this partnership is Morgan Sindall Construction successfully employing one of our students as a trainee site manager! This achievement showcases our commitment to preparing students for rewarding careers and highlights Morgan Sindall Construction’s dedication to developing young talent.

Morgan Sindall Construction is an enthusiastic supporter of Chelmsford College, providing us with Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) opportunities every year for our year 12 students. This allows for firsthand insight into the workings of the industry and helps us bridge the gap between theory and practice. Helping support our students move from VWEX into industrial placements and to help create their talent pipeline, they now also support construction (CBE and DSP T-Level) with industrial placements, progressing one student who attended a previous VWEX on to a placement on their Eversley project. Additionally, they will be offering a further two placements, one of which will be at Broomfield Hospital.

Furthermore, they host opportunities for site visits and upskilling lecturers. We are currently working on several further projects with Morgan Sindall Construction including a new scheme for ‘Careers that Leave a Legacy’. Through shared goals, we are creating a pathway for students to achieve their potential and for the construction industry to thrive.

Pillarhouse International

The College has worked with Pillarhouse International since 2017. They have been a key employer partner for the College offering support, guidance and strategic direction to our curriculum and programmes.

They have supported the Level 3 and Level 4 Engineering Apprenticeship Standards at Chelmsford College. Working closely with the College to ensure the programme meets their needs and complements the internal training offered by Pillarhouse International. Nigel Monk, the MD, believes in training and working in partnership, which has proved mutually beneficial.

In July 2022, Pillarhouse International led further discussions and development of an electronics pathway for the apprenticeship programme.

Using the strategic development fund, we worked with Pillarhouse International to create a new bespoke training course in electronics that could be offered to upskill employees. Other employers have subsequently signed up to supporting the new apprenticeship pathway and upskilling course.

The College has also been able to work with Pillarhouse International to support several short upskilling courses for employees. This has included management and equality and diversity training.

"Pillarhouse International have worked with Chelmsford College, to find and train the best engineering apprentices in Essex, for 6 years now. We’re very happy with the rate of talented and knowledgeable apprentices this partnership has helped us receive, and are looking forward to working with Chelmsford College further, to continue our role in the development of the next generation of engineering."

Dlala Studios

Dlala Studios, established in 2012, is an independent game development studio situated in Essex. Beginning their journey in a garage, the team has evolved significantly and is now involved in notable projects, including the redesign of Mickey Mouse and Friends. Dlala Studios plays a vital role as a stakeholder for Chelmsford College, providing substantial support by offering guidance for curriculum development and facilitating valuable work placements for our students.

"Myself, and Dlala, have worked closely with Chelmsford College over the last few years. Looking at ways in which we can collaborate to ensure that the curriculum and approach of the college match up with what our industry as a whole is looking for from those trying to enter it. We have taken on work placement students, provided mentorship and then had those same students join us upon completing their education at the college. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Chelmsford College, help to provide support and get the opportunity to meet the game developers of the next generation."

Leonardo

Leonardo is one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies and one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK Ministry of Defence. Here at Chelmsford College, we are in contact with their Basildon office which, along with producing several world firsts, has also been awarded gold accreditation from Basildon Council which recognised them as a good employer who supports the growth and success of the local economy in 2021.

As part of an ongoing relationship with Leonardo, we paid a successful visit to them last year. The abundance of engineering and business opportunities became evident in areas such as placements, apprenticeships, and degree apprenticeships; we are excited to be working together to plan and improve ways to join their workforce.

As these discussions continue, we are enthusiastic about the possibility of leveraging the expertise of our College and Leonardo’s industry experience, to help ensure a seamless transition for aspiring professionals from the classroom to the workplace.

"As we continue to grow our numbers in Early Careers across the business, it is important that we have colleges and universities who share our passion and commitment to our programmes. Working with Chelmsford College has helped us bridge the work we do with our apprentices in their day jobs while filling in the academic learning requirements needed for their future roles."

Sharp UK

Sharp for Business UK | Your Technology Partner)

With a wealth of knowledge covering managed print services, visitor management, IT support, and telephony through meeting room solutions, audio-visual technology, furniture design, and installation, Sharp is one of the world's leading technology companies. Here in the UK, Sharp’s personable and consultative approach has been helping to solve technology problems for organisations for more than five decades.

Back in early 2022, Chelmsford College and Sharp started the beginning of a dynamic partnership via Sharp’s Connect Partner Programme which sees the College and Sharp working closely together.

The partnership was formed with the mutual understanding and agreement that it would bring value to both organisations; two years later, this continues to be the case. Formalised through a 5-year Partnership Agreement in June 2022, the collaboration has flourished for both organisations across various teams and departments, including the learners at Chelmsford College, Marketing, IT, and much more.

The partnership has successfully facilitated upgraded resources such as classroom displays, furniture, and collaborative teaching technology. Additionally, the launch of Chelmsford Colleges Institute of Technology (IoT) centre enabled its close partnership with high-performing colleges, universities, and employers to advance, particularly with Sharp.

Beyond tangible benefits, the partnership has seen value in various other ways. Sharp has supported Chelmsford College at its Summer 2023 Celebration event and has helped Chelmsford College learners with career advice, CV tips, and interview practice. The two organisations have also worked together on marketing initiatives and work experience projects for the learners.

Additionally, Sharp hosted Chelmsford College for a “Day in the Life” event, where 6 IT lecturers and managers spent the day with the Sharp team in London, learning all about Sharp’s business and how they look after their IT customers.

Looking ahead, as the partnership continues to evolve, both Chelmsford College and Sharp remain committed to nurturing a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual benefit. With a shared vision for innovation and educational excellence, the partnership serves as a testament to the transformative power of partnerships.

Ultimately, this strategic partnership has allowed Chelmsford College and the team at Sharp to gain value, particularly by helping learners with their next steps in education and careers.

"In our experience Partnerships can sometimes be tricky as you need the buy in right from the top of the organisation with which you are working. You also need the middle management as well as everyone else involved to be fully committed to achieve collective objectives.

As such, I am delighted to say that we have all the above and more at Chelmsford College. We have a conducive relationship with David Warnes (CEO) and his management team. We attend their quarterly stakeholders scrutineer committee to stay informed of what is going on, how the strategic plans of the College are progressing, and how we can help.

We maintain excellent relationships with the management team at Chelmsford College and with the all-important lecturers. We have been involved in lots of activities such as supporting various events and with the students around learning of the tech world, career paths, CVs, and preparing for interviews.

Sharp is also thrilled that we have been able to provide screen technology for classrooms and collaboration spaces, as well as modern and ergonomic furniture as the College refreshes various floors and areas around the two campuses. We also work with their IT department helping with remote monitoring and other IT support services.

Overall, I could not be happier with how the partnership has unfolded. It truly is a win-win for both Sharp and Chelmsford College. We really look forward to continuing working with the College over the coming months and, dare I say, years."