Nelson and Colne College Group Earns Prestigious Silver Award For Support of Armed Forces Community
Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) has announced it has achieved the Silver Award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) for 2024.
The accolade follows the NCCG’s Bronze Award in the same scheme last year, highlighting its continued dedication to supporting Defence and the wider Armed Forces community.
The ERS was launched to honour employers who demonstrate outstanding support for defence personnel and their families. Encouraging employers to go above and beyond in their commitment to the Armed Forces community, the scheme includes the recruitment and employment of serving and former military members. It also emphasises the importance of flexibility in accommodating the training and mobilisation commitments of Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Craig Brown, a Lecturer in Health and Social Care at NCCG collected the Silver Award on behalf of the college from the Kings Lord-Lieutenant for Lancashire Amanda Parker JP. Craig served in the armed forces for over 20 years and is now the college’s Armed Forces Champion.
Craig said: “I know first-hand the difference education can make, especially for those who find it difficult to adjust after leaving the military.
“At NCCG, we are committed to helping ex-servicemen and women gain the skills they need to succeed. I’m proud of the work we do with the armed forces community and the impact this makes to people’s lives.”
NCCG continues to support veterans and reservists through its involvement with the ERS, and the scheme’s Silver Award highlights its ongoing efforts to provide valuable opportunities for those who have served.
Lisa O’Loughlin, CEO and Principal at NCCG, expressed her pride in the achievement. She said: “We are immensely proud to have been awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting Defence and the Armed Forces community.
“Our alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant reflects our dedication to championing those who serve and have served. This recognition is a reflection of our entire team’s hard work in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for defence personnel.”
Commenting on the announcement of the 2024 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards; Colonel Mark Underhill OBE DL, Chief Executive at the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA), said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Defence we are honoured and delighted to be able to recognise the outstanding support and commitment given to the Armed Forces Covenant by businesses and organisations in the region, through the Employer Recognition Scheme awards. Nelson and Colne College have demonstrated not only their support to the Covenant and the wider Armed Forces community, but also that they are prepared to support their Reservists, Service Leavers, Spouses, Veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets in the workplace.”
The ERS Silver Award underscores NCCG’s leadership in promoting and upholding the values of the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its role as a champion for the Armed Forces community.
Nelson and Colne College Group Welcomes New Board Members
Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) has announced the appointment of three distinguished professionals to its Board.
Arif Ahmad, Sarah Applewhite and Darren Hutton join the NCCG board, bringing with them extensive expertise across key sectors including finance, education and digital leadership.
Arif and Darren are former pupils of the College, who have developed highly successful careers since studying with us.
These appointments mark a significant step forward in the Group’s commitment to enhancing its educational impact, improving operational efficiencies, and driving long-term growth.
Arif Ahmad joins the board with a strong background in finance within the private sector. With businesses such as EG Group and Grant Thornton.
With years of experience managing complex financial strategies and overseeing large-scale projects, Arif’s financial acumen will be instrumental in continuing to strengthen the Group’s financial planning and sustainability.
Sarah Applewhite, currently Vice Principal at a prominent college in Yorkshire, has a wealth of experience in enhancing quality, learning, and teaching strategies across both higher education and further education sectors. Her expertise will provide valuable insights as NCCG continues to develop its educational programs to meet the evolving needs of students and the wider community.
Darren Hutton brings over 20 years of digital leadership experience from both the private sector, in businesses such as Hippo Digital Ltd, as well as the NHS and Department for Work and Pensions.
As a seasoned expert in leading multidisciplinary teams in tightly regulated environments, Darren’s digital innovation and leadership will support NCCG’s efforts to enhance its digital infrastructure and prepare for future technological advancements.
Lisa O’Loughlin, Principal of NCCG, expressed her enthusiasm for the new appointments: “We are delighted to welcome Arif, Sarah and Darren to the NCCG board. Each brings unique and valuable expertise that will help drive our strategic vision forward. Their combined knowledge and experience will be a huge asset as we continue to adapt, grow, and meet the needs of our students and stakeholders.”
New board member Sarah Applewhite commented on her appointment: “It’s an honour to join NCCG at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working with the board and the wider team to ensure that the students receive the highest quality education and training possible, and to support initiatives that will continue to strengthen the Group’s impact on the local community.”
All three appointments reflect NCCG’s commitment to assembling a diverse and dynamic board that will guide the organisation towards continued excellence and innovation in education.
Celebrating creativity and family learning across Lancashire schools
Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL), the number 1 provider of Adult Learning in the country, has announced the winner of its new Children’s Art Competition. Designed to complement their dynamic family learning art courses offered in schools across Lancashire, the innovative initiative concluded with a panel of six creative educators evaluating artwork from approximately 25 participating schools at the end of the school year.
Laneshaw Bridge Primary School won the competition, earning the title of ‘Most Creative School’, with Lomeshaye Junior School in Nelson coming in a close second.
Laneshaw Bridge Assistant Headteacher, Chloe Whittaker, said: “The children and parents absolutely loved the workshop and we are all thrilled to have won the competition. It’s given us a real taste for these collaborative learning sessions and we’re looking forward to more Family Learning opportunities in the next curriculum year.”
Sarah Haworth, Director of Tailored Learning at Lancashire Adult Learning, highlighted the competition’s significance: “We aimed to celebrate the children’s achievements and foster some healthy competition among schools. Creativity is so important to children’s development, not only in their artistic talents but also in how they think.
“It was a tough job for the judges but in the end we felt that Laneshaw Bridge just edged it and stood out with their high-quality drawings, well-defined prints, and excellent choice of colour palettes—their standard of artwork was truly exceptional.”
The art sessions in schools were led by teachers from LAL Sally Ward, Helen Draper, and Becky Andrews. Sally Ward said: “It was inspiring to see the children’s enthusiasm and creativity during the workshops. The level of engagement from both the children and their parents was heartwarming, and it really highlighted the power of collaborative learning.”
The family learning curriculum demonstrates the vital role of parents and carers in supporting children’s education, offering valuable uninterrupted learning time together.
This free provision from LAL is available to all primary schools in Lancashire and covers all curriculum areas, ensuring comprehensive educational support for families.
For more information on Lancashire Adult Learning and their family learning programs, visit https://www.lal.ac.uk/ or contact the Partnership and Engagement Officer, Lauren Jackson, at lauren.jackson@nelsongroup.ac.uk.
Photo caption: Back L-R – Ashleigh Parker (parent), Ella Miles, Brontë Graham, Tilly Ruddy, Sophia Kennedy, Mel Shepherd (parent)
Front L-R – Ben Parker, Jack Miles, Henry Shepherd
First Class Award Winners Set Benchmark For Generations To Come
Students from across Lancashire have etched their names into history – as the very first winners of Nelson and Colne College Group’s Student of the Year Awards.
These inaugural awards celebrated learners from across the Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), which includes Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College and Lancashire Adult Learning.
Selected as overall winners on the evening were a would-be Forensics Officer who used her investigative skills to find the best college in the area having come to Lancashire from Italy. Plus, a learner who is now steaming ahead in his career on the railways.
Mareme Seck (20) came to join family in Lancashire having lived in both Senegal and Northern Italy. Without any qualifications, she put heart and soul into gaining her Maths and English progressing to a T-Level course in Digital at Nelson and Colne College. T Levels heavily involve employers in their design and delivery, including a lengthy work placement element, and Mareme excelled on her placement at the EG Group in Blackburn. Mareme is planning to undertake a degree in the digital sector, at Leeds Beckett University. Her nominator for the Award said: “Mareme is always giving everything to her college work and also taking care of her family. She has shown true grit and resilience and is a brilliant T-Level student.”
A volunteer course run with Network Rail was the first stop in Ryan’s transformation. The Rail Maintenance scheme which Ryan took part through Lancashire Adult Learning, allows students to learn the basics of construction on the tracks. It was certainly just the ticket for Ryan, who said: “The programme did wonders not just for my job prospects but my confidence too. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Awards were presented to learners at all academic levels. These were:
- Cora Gane – A Level Student of the Year, from Barnoldswick. Cora was nominated by her Sociology and English tutors for her dedication to her studies and her mentoring of other students.
- Mareme Seck – T Level Student of the Year
- Keira Wheelan Baxter – Level 3 Student of the Year. The Clayton-le-Moors childcare learner received excellent feedback from her employer whilst on placement.
- Tegan Wilson – Level 2 Student of the Year. Painter and Decorator now creating sensory murals for children with special educational needs.
- Lewis Blackburn – Level 1 Student of the Year. An ITC and Business learner, Lewis has made massive progress with his Maths and English.
- Corey Breton – Entry Level Student of the Year, from Colne. Currently cooking-up a career for himself in catering and working within the Accrington College canteen.
- Alysha Starkie – Apprentice of the Year from Burnley. Now working in the extremely sensitive world of end-of-life care, following a successful placement in a care home.
- Rachel Glendinning – Higher Education Student of the Year – The Clitheroe learner currently runs sports clubs alongside her studies, and is predicted a first-class honours degree.
- Ryan Simpson – Adult Learner of the Year
- Michael Wilson – Adult Community Learner of the Year. Following the collapse of his photography business during COVID, Michael has moved on to a career as mental health care assistant, thanks to a pioneering programme with Lancashire Adult Learning.
- Wajeeha Asjad – Outstanding Contribution to College Life. A Level student Wajeeha has made a huge contribution to the student experience during her time at College.
The awards presentation was held at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, in Accrington, in the company of Mayors, local dignitaries, college staff and of course, their friends and families.
Lisa O’Loughlin, CEO and Principal of Nelson and Colne College Group said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to celebrate a number of our student’s achievements through our first ever Student Awards event.
It was clear, whilst reading the hundreds of nominations for these awards just how much our students have achieved and have contributed to our College Group since they started their course. The standard of nominations was outstanding, and I’d like to congratulate them all on their fantastic successes.
The achievements we heard on the evening, and those of every student who has taken positive steps forward in reaching their aspirational goals, is truly phenomenal. These students seized every opportunity that their tutors and curriculum leaders have afforded them, ensuring they are best equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for their future career. There is honestly no better start to forging a high value career for yourself than using your resilience and dedication to succeed in your studies. This will take you a very long way, and you should all be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”