“Over the past few years we have also workedhard to develop strategies to create aninclusive environment that promotes equalityand diversity, making it easier for all studentsto access learning and this was again highlypraised by the inspectors.

“Our aim now is to continue to embed furtherimprovements and ensure more students inthe community are able to access theoutstanding education and resources availableat Walsall College to set them on their chosencareer paths.

“Current students and new students lookingto join us in September can be confident thatthey will be studying at a forward-thinkingcollege highly recognised by Ofsted, for notonly producing excellent results, but also formaking sure students graduate with thequalifications needed to progress to highereducation or the skills required in theworkplace.”

For the latest news and course information log on to www.walsallcollege.ac.uk

Historic grading makes WalsallCollege the first Outstanding generalfurther education college under newinspection framework in the UK, andthe first ever to receive a grade onein the Black Country!

The Ofsted inspection team heaped greatpraise on the college, recognising outstandingstrengths across the board that included:

• Outstanding success rates achieved bystudents, which put the college in thecountry’s top 10% of colleges

• Outstanding teaching and learning

• Outstanding promotion of equality anddiversity

• Outstanding outcomes for learners throughthe development of modern vocationalcourses and partnerships with employers

• Outstanding leadership and management

Industry experienced staff were alsocommended for using their vocational skills

TALENT @ Walsall College May 2013 1

and expertise to make lessons motivating,interesting and memorable, enabling studentsto make excellent progress and exceed theirindividual targets.

The report highlights how the college is firmlyrooted in the community and works in verystrong partnership with key organisations forthe benefit of students and to promote theregeneration and prosperity of the borough.

Jatinder Sharma, Principal and Chief Executiveat Walsall College said: “We are incrediblyproud of this achievement and delighted thatOfsted has recognised the college as one ofthe best in the country for outstandingteaching and learning, and the impact this hason producing high levels of success.

“This would not have been possible withoutthe dedication shown by all staff andgovernors at the college in ensuring studentsare stretched and challenged in their studies,enabling them to fulfil their true potential andsuccessfully progress to university or intoemployment.

ISSUE No. 18Students • Parents • Partners • Stakeholders • Employers

TALENT

JATINDER SHARMA Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College celebrates the outstanding results with our students, staff and governors

Walsall CollegeMakes Historywith OutstandingOfsted Grade

The full Ofsted report is available todownload from the Walsall College website.

Walsall College has the GoldenTouch

GOLDEN TOUCH Louise Fall - Head ofProfessional Development and Stephanie Thompson - Head of HR

Walsall College is celebrating yetagain after being awarded theInvestors in People (IiP) Goldaward, for going above andbeyond in the way it develops,supports and motivates itsemployees.

The UK’s leading people managementstandard, Investors in People provides aframework which helps organisationsbecome more effective by developing andharnessing the skills of their staff to achievethe organisation’s goals.

The Gold award has been awarded to fewerthan 700 organisations in the country, andcelebrates those that perform beyond thecore Investors in People Standard. TheStandard provides a solid foundation forfurther growth and development and isawarded to well-run organisations whichmeet set criteria, including learning anddevelopment, leadership skills andrecognition and reward of staff amongstothers.

Following a rigorous assessment thatincluded lengthy interviews with a largenumber of staff from right across theorganisation, Walsall College met a total of173 evidence requirements, more than the165 required for Gold accreditation.

Louise Fall, Head of ProfessionalDevelopment at Walsall College, which hasover 700 employees across two campuses,said:“As an organisation our primary focusis ensuring our learners achieve highsuccess rates and progress onto theirchosen pathways, however we alsounderstand that supporting the capabilitiesof our talented staff is key to achievingthis.”

Head of Human Resources at the college,Stephanie Thompson commented: “We areabsolutely delighted that our commitmentto staff has been recognised with such aprestigious award. Receiving the Investors inPeople Gold award reflects the hard workof all of our staff and confirms that WalsallCollege is an outstanding place to work.”

2 TALENT @ Walsall College May 2013

Walsall College Dance studentsperformed a flash mob danceroutine to classic 90s pop song ‘I’vegot the Power’ by Snap, at a tradeshow at the Ricoh Arena andhelped a manufacturing companyliven up the unveiling of itsrebrand.

30 students performed the routine at TheExecutive Hire Show on Wednesday 6th andThursday 7th February where ArcGen Hilta, asupplier of on-site power equipment,revealed it had changed its name to MorrisSite Machinery.

The Executive Hire Show is the mainexhibition for the tools, plant and equipment

hire industry. The students werecommissioned by midlands-based advertisingagency, Seal to perform four flash mobs overthe two days and add some excitementaround their client’s announcement.

During the performances, students revealedt-shirts they were wearing underneathjumpers showing the new name, whichcaused intrigue among visitors and thecompany’s customers at the show.

Dance Tutor, Julie Wright said: “The flashmob gave students a chance to gain realwork experience and use their skills to raiseawareness of a commercial company. It waswell received by onlookers and it alsoshowed that they have the ability to performto all types of audiences.”

Employees from Dulux, the UK’sleading paint brand, developed theirpainting and decorating skills withthe help of a bespoke trainingcourse delivered by Walsall College.

Dulux has over 1,200 colours and productsstocked in all the major DIY retailers acrossthe UK, including Homebase, Wickes, B&Q,Wilkinson, Travis Perkins and Brewers.

Following an intense five-day course at thecollege’s Green Lane Campus, eleven Duluxsales representative and managers wererewarded with a City and Guilds Level 1qualification. The course covered variousstages of painting and decorating includinghow to prepare different surfaces, techniquesin applying paint and wallpaper and how tochoose the right tools and products for the job.

The bespoke programme was developed lastyear in conjunction with MidKent College, tospecifically meet objectives outlined by Duluxfor one of its major customers with the use ofDulux products.

Steve Ashfield, Sales Development Managerat Dulux said: “We have a very robust internaltraining programme at Dulux, but arecommitted to cementing our position as theleading paint brand. We therefore took thedecision to enrol our sales teams on the Cityand Guilds course so they could gain a

nationally recognised and credibleendorsement for their expertise.

“Doing the course at Walsall College hasenabled our staff to develop a standardisedset of skills to a professional level, and ensurethey are equipped with the right knowledgeto advise our stockists of the key benefits ourproducts will provide the end customers.”

Regional Sales Manager at Dulux, Steve Guicecommented: “I’ve picked up some great tipson the course and now have a betterunderstanding of our products and how theyare used in real situations. I really enjoyed thecourse as it was a mixture of classroomlessons and applying this new knowledge onpractical tasks. I’m looking forward to passingthese skills onto retail and store training staffto help them promote our products.

“I’ve also been inspired to do some DIYprojects in my own home that I’ve beenputting off!”

Curriculum Manager for Construction atWalsall College, Barry Hill commented: “Wehave successfully delivered this training courseto over 40 employees, all with 100% success.It’s a great testimony to the painting anddecorating staff who have been able tomodify the delivery of the course and toolboxtalks to suite the differing employer needs,whilst maintaining the awarding body’srequirements.”

Dulux Sales Staff CoverDecorating Skills at College

Students PerformFlash Dance

Walsall College has received theprestigious Investor in Careers Award,which recognises outstanding careerseducation and guidance provision.

Presented to the college by the Mayor ofWalsall, Councillor Dennis Anson on Thursday31st January, the accreditation is a nationalquality standard for the management of careerseducation, information, advice and guidance(CEIAG) in schools and Further Educationcolleges.

Based on the Investor in People model, theCareers Award is structured around four keyelements relating to the management of CareersEducation and Guidance (CEG): Organisation,Commitment, Delivery and Evaluation.

The college underwent three rigorous stages todetermine whether it met the award criteria,starting with providing evidence of how itmanages careers guidance in each of the fourkey performance management indicators. Thesecond stage involved an independent, externalassessor visiting the college on a number ofoccasions to observe the standard of careersprovision it offers, and the final stage requiredthe college to present its careers programme tothe Investor in Careers Panel before it wasrecommended to receive the award.

Yvonne Hoyte, Guidance and Employability Co-ordinator at Walsall College said: “We offera comprehensive programme of careerseducation and guidance for students, fromimpartial careers advice, help with employabilityskills and work experience, to organisingprofessionals from a range of industries anduniversities to come and speak to students. Ouraim is to inspire students,broaden their horizons aboutthe different jobs and careerroutes available and prepare

them for the world of work.

“Students also have the opportunity to work onreal projects and briefs set by local employers aspart of their course.”

Principal and Chief Executive at Walsall College,Jatinder Sharma commented: “Careers guidanceand education is fully integrated into ourcurriculum. We are extremely committed tohelping students achieve their career goals andensure they leave us with the key employabilityskills required in their chosen industries.

“We are delighted at receiving recognition forour careers provision and this places a high valueon the support provided to students by ourtutors and qualified guidance team. In currenttimes when the job market is more competitivethan ever, impartial careers advice has becomeincreasingly important and we are proud to beleading the way in this area.”

Chair of Investor in Careers, Jenny Rudge said:“The Investor in Careers award is one of thehighest accolades an organisation can receivefor excellence in this area of work and isdefinitely something that Walsall College can bevery proud of. The standard is about improvingstudents’ awareness of opportunities, raisingtheir aspirations and working with them toensure they achieve their full potential.”

College Awarded for HighFlying Careers Service

Walsall College staged the 7thannual Walsall Disability Awards inApril at its state of the artWisemore Campus.

Hosted by the Walsall Disability Forum, thisyear’s event was given a fresh look with newcategories focusing on celebrating individualachievement, instead of on partnershipprojects delivered in the communitybenefitting people with disabilities. The newawards included Achievement in Sport,Creative Arts, Education, Work andVolunteering.

Walsall College Supported Learning student,Emily Basset received the runner up award forher Achievement in Creative Arts. Emilyenrolled at Walsall College in 2009 on anentry level Skills for working life course and isnow studying towards a Level 1 Certificate inArt and Design. Despite facing difficulties inher personal life, she has excelled on thecourse and developed excellent creative skills.

Last year, Emily showcased her work in theSupported Learning Creative Arts SummerExhibition, and as a result some of herphotographic prints were sold. In addition,she has also created her own fashion linewith designer prints on bags and aprons, andsold these at local events.

Entertainment at the event was provided bythe Cannock Chase Wheelchair Dancers whoopened the ceremony with an inspiringperformance showcasing their talents.

The college’s Catering and Hospitalitystudents also prepared and served a threecourse meal to over 250 guests at theceremony.

Principal and Chief Executive of WalsallCollege, Jatinder Sharma said: “We aredelighted to have been chosen to stage thisprestigious community event, as the college ishighly committed to creating an inclusiveenvironment that promotes equality anddiversity.

“We are also very proud of Emily’sachievements in receiving a runners-upaward, which is credit to the hard work ofour Supported Learning staff in ensuringevery student can excel and develop theirindividual talents.”

College Stages Disability Awards

DANCE STUDENTS show their moves!

DULUX STAFF brush up on their skills

MAYOR OF WALSALL Dennis Anson presentsthe award to Jatinder Sharma, Walsall CollegePrincipal and the advice and guidance team

EMILY BASSET receiving her

runner up award

TALENT @ Walsall College May 2013 3

Walsall College is giving itsstudents a chance to boost theirbrainpower by starting every daywith a free breakfast in the collegerefectory.

Launched in February, the scheme offers allWalsall College students a choice of eithertwo slices of toast or porridge, with fruitjuice, completely free of charge.

According to many experts, as well as beingpart of a balanced diet, eating a healthybreakfast has a strong link to improvedacademic performance; it provides theenergy and nutrients that lead to increasedconcentration in the classroom. Studiesshow that students who eat a healthy

breakfast have higher energy levels, bettermemory and problem solving ability thansimilar students who do not eat breakfast.

Dance students, Ceri-Mair Evans andRichard Vale were the first to takeadvantage of the scheme. Ceri-Mair said:“It takes me half an hour to get to collegeand I don’t always eat breakfast at homebecause it’s too early. I’m on a dance courseso having the porridge for breakfast willgive me the energy I need for my classes.”Richard, added: “It’s a good way to starteating healthily.”

The offer is available Monday to Fridaybetween 8am and 8.30am, encouraginglearners not to skip the most importantmeal of the day.

College Launches FREEBreakfast Scheme

JEROME’S RESTAURANT & COFFEE BARAn elegant but informal atmosphere is awaiting you at Jerome’sRestaurant & Coffee Bar, where all food is prepared and served by our talented Hospitality and Catering students. 01922 657061 jeromes@walsallcollege.ac.uk

Walsall College has joined forces witha host of other UK colleges to set up apermanent base in Delhi and helpdeliver the UK’s world-class vocationaltraining alongside further educationtraining providers in India, in an effortto meet the country’s growingdemand for skills.

Established by the Association of Colleges(AoC), the team has been tasked with sharingbest practice and forging strong ties betweenUK and Indian training providers and employers.It represents the largest collective attempt by UKcolleges to contribute to India’s ambitious skillsstrategy to improve the skills of 500 millionpeople by 2022.

The project was officially launched by Ministerfor Skills, Matthew Hancock MP, in Delhi onTuesday 22nd January at the British HighCommissioner’s Residence in front of adelegation of Indian and UK skills providers,industrial partners, government ministers andcivil servants.

Head of International at Walsall College,Manjeet Kumari-Lal represented the college atthe launch and said: “Having an establishedpresence with an office in India, is integral to FEColleges being part of the exciting skillsdevelopment opportunities and targets set outin the country’s industrial strategy. We will be

exporting our expertise in aligning ourcurriculum to the requirements of employers ineconomic growth sectors, which in turn provideour learners with skills that lead to jobs.

“Walsall College’s ability to develop flexible,customised, unitised, quality assuredprogrammes that are contextualised tointernational markets, employers and institutes,will be enhanced with the country specificknowledge, that we gain through the AoC Indiaoffice. Working as part of a consortium willenable us to deliver to the scale and costs thatare required with profit margins that will enableus to generate a return on investment.”

AoC is the membership body for 341 furthereducation colleges in England and has beenrepresenting, promoting and supporting collegessince 1996. This new venture in India is a boldmove into the international scene and illustratesthe importance of the Indian market to Britisheducational institutions.

AoC’s international director, John Mountford,said: “This marks a great opportunity, not onlyfor our member colleges in the UK, but also fora huge variety of education and trainingproviders in India. AoC in India will be a way ofsharing educational best practice that has beendeveloped in colleges in the UK over manydecades.

FFRREEEE BBRREEAAKKFFAASSTT

FFOORR AALLLL SSTTUUDDEENNTTSS

Walsall College has launched its ownjob shop, which aims to help studentsand unemployed members of thepublic into work, and supportemployers with their training andrecruitment needs.

Situated at the front of the college’s WisemoreCampus, The Job Shop is open from 9am to5pm, Monday to Friday and until 7.30pm onThursday. It will be staffed by the college’sEmployability and Apprenticeship RecruitmentTeam and also include regular sessions deliveredby careers and guidance officers.

Students and anyone currently out of work willbe able to access the shop to browse a range ofpart-time and full-time jobs, apprenticeshipsand work experience opportunities, getimpartial careers advice and help with CVwriting, application forms and interview skills.Unemployed people may also be eligible forentry on the college’s free employability coursesrun in conjunction with employers and whichlead to a guaranteed job interview.

In addition, businesses will be able to advertisetheir job and apprenticeship vacancies for free,gain help with selection and recruitment

processes, access training that will equipcandidates with the right skills for the role andgain advice on government training incentivesand grants they could receive.

Assistant Principal of Commercial Developmentat Walsall College, James Norris said: “Inaddition to ensuring students graduate fromWalsall College with the relevant knowledge,skills and experience that employers are lookingfor, we are also very committed to helping localpeople in the community to up skill and getback into work.

“By launching this new venture, we aim tobring job seekers and employers closertogether, and support the local employmentstrategy of reducing the number of people notin education or work.

“The Job Shop will be accessible to anyone inthe area, whether they are looking to take theirfirst step on the career ladder or they have beenunemployed for some months but want to getback to work.”

College Opens Job ShopSHOP

THE

SHOP

THE

SHOP

THE

SHOP

THE

SHOP

THE

SHOP

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Walsall CollegeLands in India

WALSALL COLLEGE goes international

FREE BREAKFAST

FOR ALL STUDENTS

PUT THE GOOD into your morning

COME AND VISIT our friendly team at The Job Shop

OFFICIAL OPENING led by the Lord Mayor of Walsall Cllr Dennis Ansonand Walsall College Principal Jatinder Sharma with the Job Shop team

4 TALENT @ Walsall College May 2013

Adult Learners’ Week is an opportunity for individuals andorganisations to celebrate the benefits of lifelong learning.Whether you’re looking at improving your current job prospects orlearning just for fun, try one of our taster sessions, you neverknow where it might lead.

TRY OUR ADULT BITE SIZE TASTERCOURSES AT A VENUE NEAR YOU

Venue TimeSaturday 18th May

Monday 20th May

Tuesday 21st May

Wednesday 22nd May

Thursday 23rd May

Friday24th May

Walsall College,Wisemore Campus,Littleton Street West,

Walsall,WS2 8ES

10am - 12pm Bake My Day Sign Language Prom Accessories

1.30pm - 3.30pm Child’s Play Changing Rooms

Walsall College, GreenLane Campus, LongAcre Street, Walsall,

WS2 8HX

10am - 12pm Sign Language Safe and Secure

1.30pm - 3.30pm Tasty Bytes

My Place(nr Bescot Stadium),60 Walstead RoadWest, Walsall,WS5 14PE

10am - 12pmE-Safety

(11am - 12pm)Manage Your Money Who Cares?

1.30pm - 3.30pm Tasty Bytes Tasty Bytes Sign Language

Pool Hayes Arts &Community School,

Castle Drive,Willenhall,WV12 4QZ

10am - 12pm Prom Accessories

6pm - 8pm Bake My Day Manage Your Money

Mirus Academy,Leamore Lane,

Bloxwich, Walsall,WS2 7NR

10am - 12pm Sign Language

6pm - 8pm Manage Your Money Bake My Day

Let There be Light

Cutting a Loop

Changing Rooms

E-Safety (6pm - 7pm)

FREETASTERCOURSES

FREE CARECOURSES

STARTNOW

Want to study from home in your own time?No requirement to attend college.Start now so you don’t have to pay in September!

Level 2 Certificate in Equality and DiversityAn introduction to the issues around stereotyping,prejudice and discrimination, to identify the basicrights that all people should enjoy and the sharedvalues people have, and to examine theresponsibility each person and organisation has inensuring that barriers to participation in society areremoved.

Level 2 Certificate in Safe Handling ofMedicinesDesigned for those aged 18 and over who wish todevelop their understanding of the medicationprocess. The course includes understandingprescriptions, how to order, store and dispose ofmedication, how to administer medication andhow to keep accurate records for audit processes.

Level 3 Certificate in Principles of End of LifeCare*Designed for anyone seeking to increase theirknowledge of end of life care in a vocationalsetting. It is aimed at those working in thehealthcare sector whose job role includes caringfor those who have a life-limiting illness.

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Workingin Mental Health This qualification is designed for a wide range oflearners who wish to understand the approachesto care and support of those with mentalhealth problems.

Level 2 Certificate in Principles of DementiaThis qualification aims to assist learners to developtheir knowledge and understanding of theprinciples of caring for those with dementia. Itcovers areas such as person-centred care, theinfluence of positive communication methods,issues around the use of medication for those withdementia and the importance of providingappropriate activities.

Benefits• All Distance Learning• No requirement to attend College• Induction can be delivered to individuals and

groups in the workplace• Submission of assessments by post• Regular telephone tutorials from tutor• Fees* waivered

*Disclaimer: Non-completion of qualificationresults in Learners having to cover costs ofregistration and workbooks = £51/£56 + £25

To apply for any of these courses, either:

call: 0845 2500 905email: freecarecourses@walsallcollege.ac.ukregister: www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/freecarecourses

*This course is free until 1st August 2013 due to theintroduction of Level 3 FE loans for adults.

Tasters Key:Bake My Day - how to make a cake for a celebration!

Changing Rooms - How to plan a design for a room

Child’s Play - an Introduction to working with Children andYoung People

Cutting a Loop - getting started in music production

E-Safety - gives parents and other adults an awareness of onlinesafety issues, and gives practical tips for staying safe online

Let There Be Light - getting started using digital photographyand studio lighting

Manage Your Money - ideas to help manage your budget

Prom Accessories - have fun creating accessories for your prom

Safe and Secure - an Introduction to the roles of stewards atspectator events, door supervision, security

Tasty Bytes - getting started on the computerSign Language - get to grips with British Sign Language

Who Cares? - an introduction to working in adult social care andthe skills and qualities needed to be a carer

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLEBOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!Register on our websitewww.walsallcollege.ac.ukCall 0845 250 0903Or drop in to the venue. Adult courses19+

the new loan that takes you further

Aged 24 or over and thinking about studying a courseat Level 3 or above in September?If finances were the main thing holding you back before, you can nowapply for a loan to help with the cost* of course fees.* subject to eligibility of course

For more information visitwww.direct.gov.uk/advancedlearningloans orcontact our Student Finance Team on 01922 657000