News: Rotherham college to be part of new specialist centre for defence

The RNN Group has successfully secured a major national defence technology bid, in partnership with the UK Government, to establish a new Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC).

Part of a £175m national investment in skills, the initiative is being delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education.

The RNN Group is made up of a number of campuses including Rotherham Campus, Dearne Valley Campus and University Centre Rotherham, and will now be at the forefront of strengthening the UK’s defence skills pipeline, supporting the development of advanced technical capabilities critical to national security and economic resilience.

The DTEC will focus on delivering high-quality education and training in key areas including digital technologies and advanced manufacturing, directly support the evolving needs of the UK defence sector and its supply chains, aligning with the ambitions of the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy which set out how government spending on defence can benefit local economies, from highly skilled engineering positions to apprenticeships for young people starting their careers.

A recently announced new £50m Defence Growth Deal is set to help defence companies and boost skills by expanding cutting-edge defence research in South Yorkshire.

By working closely with employers and partners, RNN Group will help develop a highly skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.

Advertisement
Jason Austin, CEO & Principal of RNN Group, said: “This is a significant moment for RNN Group and for the regions we serve; securing this bid demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the provision of high-quality technical education.

“We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to deliver a step change in how defence skills are developed.

“By collaborating closely with SYMCA and EMCCA and our local educational partners and institutions, we are ensuring the development of high-level skills in this area.”

RNN is one of 19 Technical Excellence Colleges that will begin delivery from April 2026, acting as hubs of excellence and working with other providers to raise standards across the country.

John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, said: "With vital investment, cutting-edge equipment and high-quality teaching, Dearne Valley College and Rotherham College can go on to build the workforce of the industries of the future – right here in Rotherham.

“Well done to the team at RNN Group, who deserve this well-earned recognition, and I can’t wait to see them go from strength to strength as a Technical Excellence College.”

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: Local providers step up to fusion skills challenge

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) have announced a new twenty-year collaboration to advance fusion energy training and skills development.

UKAEA’s mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise scientific and economic benefit. The Authority selected the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham as a location for its £22m, 25,000 sq ft fusion energy research facility that opened in 2021.

The collaboration will focus on developing and delivering fusion related skills, including apprenticeships and wider vocational training programmes, to support the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project – the UK’s first prototype fusion energy power plant that will be built on the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire.

This new collaboration will not only provide crucial skills for STEP but also support a growing fusion industry across the region.

The collaboration will deliver fusion-relevant courses through existing training sites across the East Midlands, South Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire. Colleges, training providers, and universities are already mobilising to offer more places for construction and clean energy qualifications, gearing up the region to deliver on its emerging inclusive growth strategy even before the West Burton facility is in place.

Advertisement
UKAEA’s Head of Fusion Skills and FOSTER (Fusion, Opportunities, Skills, Training, Education and Research) Programme Director, Nick Walkden, said: “People are the most important element of any programme or project. We have listened and learned from other major research, engineering, and infrastructure projects and believe that an early and focussed attention to local skills and workforce growth will be a critical enabler to success.

“STEP is a programme with global impact and, as with the successive Governments who have recognised fusion’s potential to have a significant and positive impact on the nation’s economy, we are equally committed to leaving a lasting local legacy. The training provided will equip people across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire with the skills needed for the prototype fusion powerplant at West Burton as well as long-term career opportunities in fusion and beyond.”

Jason Austin, CEO & Principal of the RNN Group, which has facilities in Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire, added: “This collaboration marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to align education with the future of clean energy. As a local education leader, I’m proud that our institutions will be at the heart of delivering the skills needed for the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant.

"From advanced engineering to cutting-edge construction training, we’re preparing our learners not just for jobs – but for meaningful careers in a globally significant industry. This partnership ensures our region’s young people and adult learners alike have a direct pathway into the green economy of tomorrow.”

UKAEA website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: Official opening for new construction centre and digital suite

Rotherham College celebrated its new multi million-pound Construction Centre and Digital Suite by hosting a launch event in the town centre recently.

Rotherham College part of the RNN Group (made up of campuses including Rotherham College, North Notts College, Dearne Valley College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR)) welcomed members of the local community, RNN staff and stakeholders as well as special guests Sarah Champion MP and Lt Col Mac McPherson MBE DL.

The £8m project is bolstered by government-backed capital funding, cutting-edge T Level centres have been created at RNN's Rotherham and North Notts campuses.

RNN Group’s Colleges have seen an increase in applications for the start of 2024/25 college year for T Level subjects.

Lt Col Mac McPherson MBE DL officially opened the new facilities at the event which included networking, a presentation, tours of the new facilities and taster sessions as well as the important cutting of the ribbon. Local employers, organisations, stakeholders, governors, staff, parents and students were among those present to enjoy the celebration and view the new facilities showcased by our learners’ hosting activities.

Advertisement
Keith Sanderson, Director of Campus at Rotherham College, said: “It is a really exciting time at Rotherham College for our learners and I am proud to be able to welcome members of our local community to see what has been achieved which many learners across the Rotherham area can benefit from.”

Jason Austin, CEO and Principal, RNN Group, added: “The RNN Group is going through an exceptional period of change at the moment with this new Construction Centre and Digital Suite at Rotherham College, the development of the T Level facilities at North Notts College and our new Higher Technical Qualification Health and Animal Suites at Dearne Valley College.

“Students studying at RNN Group of Colleges will be able to benefit from a number of new state of the art purpose-built facilities to support their development and learning and their future personal and professional success.

“The Group is going from strength to strength with our education offer. I am delighted to be hosting this event and showcasing these incredible new facilities which will benefit many learners both now and in the future.”

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: RNN Group and Henry Boot Construction partner for employer academies

The RNN Group has announced a new partnership with Henry Boot Construction as an Employer Academy. Construction students at Rotherham College will benefit from the partnership with the construction specialist, whose mission is to create great places through collaborative solutions and service excellence.

Henry Boot Construction have been appointed by Rotherham Council to deliver the £36m redevelopment of Rotherham Markets and an adjacent new library, as part of the town centre’s new masterplan.

Through the partnership, Henry Boot Construction will actively contribute to curriculum development, ensuring it aligns with the evolving needs of the construction industry. This includes educational talks, hosting mock interviews and site visits, and offering valuable industry placements and work experience opportunities.

The construction department faculty will have the chance to visit live construction projects and engage in continuing professional development programmes to refresh their knowledge and stay abreast of industry best practices.

The college will deliver comprehensive mentor training programmes, empowering Henry Boot Construction employees to effectively support apprentices and colleagues. This training will focus on key skills such as providing constructive and effective feedback, fostering a supportive learning environment, and enhancing communication and interpersonal skills.

Advertisement
This partnership marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between education and industry. By working together, Henry Boot Construction and Rotherham College aim to cultivate a highly skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the modern construction sector and contribute to the continued growth and success of the region.

Adam Houlston, Senior Project Manager at Henry Boot Construction, said: “We’re proud to be kickstarting our partnership with Rotherham College. At Henry Boot Construction, we’re committed to working with school and college students to show them the variety of careers in the construction industry and how engaging and rewarding they can be.

“By combining real-world experiences into education, we’re not only helping to inspire the next generation of industry professionals but also delivering meaningful social value that benefits the entire community. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building stronger, more connected communities while creating educational opportunities that align with the needs of our sector.”

Keith Sanderson, Director of Campus for Rotherham College, added: “We are excited to announce this strategic partnership with Henry Boot Construction, a leader in construction and development. This collaboration reinforces Rotherham College’s commitment to providing our students with practical, real-world experiences in a rapidly evolving industry. Through this partnership, we aim to bridge the gap between education and industry, equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and development opportunities necessary to thrive in the construction sector. We look forward to the growth and success that will come from this collaboration.”

A multi-million-pound new Construction Centre recently opened in the heart of Rotherham, built to generate the future skills needed for the region including T Levels and key adult skills courses.

RNN Group website
Henry Boot Construction website

Images: RNN

Read more...

News: RNN Group builds with Esh Group on construction programme

RNN Group (made up of campuses including Rotherham Campus, Dearne Valley Campus and University Centre Rotherham) is partnering with Esh Group to deliver a bespoke construction course that will help deliver on the future skills needed in the sector and support South Yorkshire residents who are currently unemployed to kickstart their career in the construction industry.

Starting late February, the three-week course taught at the College between staff from Rotherham Campus and Esh Group will focus on Health and Safety (COSHH, PPE, Signage, Legislation and manual handling), Employability Skills (interview techniques, skills qualities and attributes), construction skills, onsite practical training and CSCS Testing.

The course will conclude with interviews undertaken by Esh Group and its supply chain as well as other companies in the region, with the potential for candidates to secure a work placement or employment if they successfully complete the course.

Esh has secured conrtacts worth millions of pounds in Rotherham, including work on regeneration and transport schemes around Rotherham town centre.

Esh has been successfully working with the RNN Group for 18 months now starting out as an Employer Partner and supporting the construction department since September 2023. After winning key RNN Employer awards in November last year for New Business Partner of the Year and ‘Skills for Employment’ Business of the Year, they have now further entrenched the partnership with this exciting and innovative course designed to help adults in the local community into jobs.

Advertisement
It comes on the back of Rotherham Campus’s multi-million-pound new Construction Centre in the heart of Rotherham, built to generate the future skills needed for our region including T Levels and key adult skills courses.

Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager at Esh Group, said: “Our strong partnership with RNN provided the perfect opportunity to bring this programme to the Yorkshire region. We are really proud of this offer, it will directly benefit local residents by helping them gain important employability skills and sector specific training that directly corresponds with our construction sites in Rotherham.”

“We hope to see our supply chain and local businesses hiring through this programme, which will in turn support their recruitment needs.”

Jason Austin, CEO and Principal, RNN Group, added: “This partnership with Esh is going from strength to strength and we are thrilled to be working with them on this innovative programme to support adults into work.”

“Our brand-new construction centre will play a huge part in this, which is one of the many reasons RNN Group worked to gain the government money needed to develop this facility knowing the importance of developing skills in our region and in this sector to support employers, our community and our local economy.”

Esh Group website
RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: Brand-new T Level facilities at Rotherham college

A multimillion pound upgrade at RNN Group's college campus in Rotherham town centre has been completed. It has been designed to help create the next generation of skilled employees by overhauling college facilities for T Level students.

The £8m project is bolstered by government-backed capital funding, cutting-edge T Level centres have been created at RNN's Rotherham and North Notts campuses.

The latest renovations have breathed new life into the colleges’ existing spaces. These new-look learning environments have been modernised to the unique demands of the technical qualifications, featuring bespoke classrooms and hands-on learning areas.

Students need a space that gives a seamless transition to working out in the field on placement. Specialist facilities, such as a simulation clinical ward, virtual reality digital suite, high-tech hair and beauty salon, and ground-breaking construction centre, are poised to redefine the T Level learning experience.

Keith Sanderson, director of campus at Rotherham College, said that the T Level projects have been all about improving the student experience. He said: "Whenever we do any work on campus, it’s always with the mindset of ‘will it enhance learning?’ Our vision is to ensure our learners leave college as fully skilled and well-rounded tradespeople.

In return we want our learners to take ownership and responsibility for their new spaces, creating those positive behaviours that make students more employable when they leave college like time management, communication and being proactive.”

T Levels are the new era of post-GCSE learning. The two-year technical qualifications are a popular alternative to A-Levels that combine classroom learning with 45 days of work placements. One T Level is the equivalent of three A-Levels and they are assessed using a mixture of practical tasks, projects and exams.

RNN Group is diversifying its educational landscape by introducing a wide range of T Levels across its three further education colleges. T Levels are now available in areas like construction, digital, education and childcare, engineering, health, and business administration.

Advertisement
In Rotherham a 12-month renovation project at the town centre campus’s Clifton Building has been the biggest project undertaken here in recent years. The £4m construction centre brings all four sub-specialisms of bricklaying, joinery, plumbing and electrical installation under one roof. Previously, the department had been split over two sites: Rawmarsh Road and the Clifton Building.

An old library has been renovated to create a two-storey multi-purpose workshop that is flexible and future-proof.

Each floor houses practical multi-use bays, with workings for bricklaying, joinery, plumbing and electrics so that our construction students can get a flavour of all areas of construction. A new lift can transport building materials up to the relevant floors.

There are breakout areas with IT resources for planning and theory work along with health, safety and welfare lessons. It has a CAD and VR suite with computer-aided design software and virtual reality technology for students interested in site surveying and construction specific drawing techniques.

In the new digital suite at Rotherham College there is a virtual reality suite, gaming room, animation studio, a green room for podcasting. The new digital suite will be used by our future web developers and software engineers who are studying T Levels in digital and digital design and production. It will also be used by students who are studying games design and development.

It also has new cyber labs for use by our cyber security HTQ students when they’re doing hands-on tasks like pentesting and digital forensics.

In the future, other departments from the Rotherham campus will be able to use the VR facilities for their courses, too.

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: Aira forms green skills partnership with RNN Group

RNN Group (made up of Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College, North Notts College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR)) has developed a groundbreaking apprenticeship partnership with Aira, a Swedish clean energy-tech company that make and install efficient and low carbon heat pumps.

Aira are committed to decarbonising residential heating by replacing boilers with air source heat pumps, which will support homeowners with lower bills and heating costs.

Aira wanted to develop links locally and are piloting a project with the RNN Group who work across two large areas - South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire - to ensure that apprentices are supported in terms of green skills development.

Aira is welcoming four apprentices to the Aira Academy in Sheffield in September and plan to develop this pilot so it can be rolled out across hubs and future Academies throughout the UK.

Advertisement
The Aira Academy officially opened in April 2024, and offers a welcoming and flexible workplace for existing employees, as well as supporting apprentices. Those trained at the Academy will go on to be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, switching homes across the country from inefficient and expensive gas boilers to cleaner and more affordable heating solutions such as heat pumps.

Sarah Stevens, Aira Academy Manager at Aira, said, “We’re very pleased to be welcoming four new apprentices to our Aira Academy in September. We are developing a centre of excellence in Yorkshire where those starting their career, as well as experienced professionals, will be trained to become the green skills workforce of the future. It’s great to partner with RNN Group to pilot this apprenticeship scheme and we look forward to future collaboration.”

Jason Austin, CEO and Principal commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with Aira, delivering apprenticeships and working which such an innovative and sustainable company. RNN Group will have four apprentices with Aira from September 2024 who will be learning and developing their skills in both low carbon and electrical aspects. We hope to expand this opportunity to more apprentices in the future. Such skills development is crucial for the region and the country and apprenticeships are a key part of that skills drive.”

Aira has now also joined the RNN Group's advisory boards supporting with low carbon initiatives.

RNN Group website
Aira website

Images: Aira

Read more...

News: £4m upgrade for Rotherham college campus

RNN Group is currently in the midst of a £4m brand new Construction Centre and Virtual Reality Suite build at its campus in Rotherham town centre.

The RNN Group (made up of Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College, North Notts College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR) won the award of money from the Department for Education last year and the build began in September to to remodel, repurpose and upgrade the facilities in Rotherham College’s Clifton building to provide training for Brick and Joinery students and Advanced professional construction students.

Additionally, the college has received further funds for further refurbishments to include classrooms and facilities to enhance our computing curriculum including a Virtual Reality Suite, as well as Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) classrooms.

The build is on target to be completed by September 2024 ready for a new set of learners to enjoy the facilities as well as current learners, who have been using the Rawmarsh Road Centre for a number of years, to be housed all together in the main central Rotherham College campus.

Advertisement
Jason Austin, CEO and Principal said, “Construction is a core and developing area for the region and especially so following South Yorkshire becoming the UK’s first Investment Zone which will create 8,000 new jobs and bring £1.2bn of private investment by 2030.

“This build is great news for Rotherham College students both current and those starting in September as learners will be taught in state-of-the-art facilities in both construction and digital subjects, which are both key sectors.”

The Group has been granted £15m of Capital funding including a £4m T Level refurbishment project at North Notts College for Health and Social Care and Hair and Beauty as well as half a million pounds of funding for Dearne Valley College Animal Care and Land based Management, and Health where repurposing of facilities for Higher Technical Qualifications has been completed, the remainder of the funds are to be used for general improvements to the buildings and facilities.

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: South Yorkshire Institute of Technology official launch

The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology has been officially launched, creating a partnership to deliver world-class technical education and training.

Backed by more than £21m in funding from the Department for Education, the establishment of SYIoT in South Yorkshire marks a significant milestone for the region, kite marking the high-quality, higher-level technical education and training provision in the region.

One of only 21 IoTs nationally, the launch marks a major investment and recognition of the region’s higher education providers.

The education partners are DN Colleges Group, Sheffield Hallam University, Barnsley College, The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, The Sheffield College and RNN Group.

With the pace of change and emerging technologies, the investment in South Yorkshire will ensure that education providers have access to facilities and equipment that can support them to prepare and develop individuals with skills that meet employer’s needs.

IoTs are partnerships of employers and education providers. SYIoT is supported by core employers of HLM Architects, AESSEAL Plc and Pendo.

SYIoT already works with over 5000 employers in the region but a key focus will be extending the reach, particularly to small and medium sized businesses.

The sector focus for SYIoT are the technical sectors of engineering and manufacturing, digital, construction and the built environment, health, science and media and communications.

Advertisement
Karen Mosley, Managing Director, HLM Architects and Chair of South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, said: “We are delighted to be launching the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology.

“This partnership between employers and education and training providers focuses on our key sectors and occupations and developing the skills required for higher technical roles across our region.

“As an employer, it is exciting to be partnered with education providers and to be able to help shape provision and delivery in this way.”

Specialising in Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), professional training and higher apprenticeships, the investment in facilities and cutting-edge equipment is focused on widening opportunities in higher education.

The courses and qualifications on offer, including bite-size programmes, enable individuals to access higher education to enable them to enter or re-enter employment, or upskill to support their progression within employment.

SYIoT offers flexible and affordable qualifications to adults of all ages and in 2025 the costs of programmes can be supported by the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement as well as current funding streams.

For employers, alongside funding support for apprenticeships, education partners can advise on any other funding available, including the Skills Bank.

Karen added: “The first learners started on SYIoT programmes this academic year and it will be exciting to see the developments over the next few years,”

“Education and employer partnerships are central to ensuring that South Yorkshire develops the skills base required to meet the challenges of the region by upskilling our people and encouraging investment in higher technical job opportunities.”

RNN website

Images: RNN

Read more...

News: Skills Celebration Event being held in Rotherham

South Yorkshire SME businesses are invited to attend a major new skills event, being held at Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham on Thursday March 23.

The South Yorkshire Skills Celebration Event is the result of a collaboration between South Yorkshire learning providers and the local Chambers of Commerce, which is designed to ‘connect people, skills and business’ and celebrate skills training and development in the region. It will showcase the benefits and positive social impact of lifelong learning for individuals and businesses, with a focus on micro/SME businesses within the area, as well as giving businesses the opportunity to network with other businesses and to meet representatives of local colleges.

Partners involved and attending the event include Barnsley College, DN College Group (Doncaster), RNN Group (Rotherham), the AMRC Training Centre, Northern College, Sheffield College, Sheffield Hallam University and South Yorkshire Providers Network.

Keynote speakers at the South Yorkshire Skills Celebration Event will include Barnsley College Deputy Principal of Development and Productivity, David Akeroyd; Dan Fell, CEO of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce; and Andrew Denniff, CEO of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. The event will also showcase some of the local colleges’ great examples of skills development, involving young and more mature students in achieving their ambitions, working either in their own businesses or with local SMEs.

Advertisement
Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: “To enable changes in the future, we need to get underneath the bonnet of our skills shortages and tackle the issues head on. This event is just the start of learning providers and business collaborating even more closely to make tangible changes across South Yorkshire, which will spur a range of positive outcomes for local employers and people within the region.”

The event is expected to continue the process of creating closer collaboration between businesses and learning providers, following a £2.5m Strategic Development Fund (SDF) grant from the Department for Education which will allow local areas to improve skills engagement, capacity and delivery. This means removing barriers to skills and training for businesses and local people.

As a result, South Yorkshire Skills is set to improve both capacity and capability across South Yorkshire, offering advanced skills training in green skills, modern construction methods, advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies that support the region’s move to a zero-carbon economy.

For more details or to book a place visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-yorkshire-skills-celebration-event-tickets-558772913827

Images: Magna

Read more...

News: RNN Group relaunches Employer Academies

The RNN Group welcomes nine employer academy partners into Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College and North Notts College recently in the areas of construction, hair and beauty, sport, animal care, education and childcare services and engineering to open their academies at the start of the new college year.

Employer Academies enable learners, educators and employers to identify collectively the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours which are essential for success in industry and this collaboration allows us to ensure employers influence our curriculum to deliver a future workforce that develops practical skills and experiences that employers need in their employees.

RNN Group has teamed up with Brunton Shaw, Equans, Europa Engineering, Marshalls, Nexus, Rotherham Titans, South Electrical, Spa at Ye Olde Bell and Thornbury Animal Sanctuary with this initiative which brings together learners, educators and employers to establish long term partnerships that will inspire the next generation into specific industries.

The benefits are numerous for companies including leading on a number of activities for learners such as masterclasses, workshops, site visits, volunteering opportunities and industry placements; alternatively, businesses can run projects and competitions that learners can take part in, testing their knowledge and skills in a real business context.

Advertisement
The Employer Academies also offer businesses the opportunity to recruit from a pool of talented and ambitious learners, giving employers the chance to choose their future workforce from the local area.

Not only that, employers gain access to a range of training and promotional opportunities including online staff training packages, webinars supporting student experience and promotion of their organisation.

Jason Austin, CEO and Principal commented, “I am delighted to welcome our nine flagship Employer Academy Partners into our Colleges this week to promote this scheme.

“Employer Academies are the result of the RNN Groups investment toward consistently improving skills and job opportunities for learners and employers. By involving employers in the design and delivery of our curricula, we are showing our integrity to further align our strategy with employer needs by ensuring our learners develop modern and sector specific skills for success.

“A central feature of our sector specific academies will be the opportunity for employers to become an active member of our new initiative. In time, with an academy for each of our subject areas, employers can become an integral part of our comprehensive and collaborative approach to academic and hands-on learning and progression onto securing employment.

“We look forward to welcoming new employer academies and partners on board in this initiative in the coming months and year to ensure an inclusive approach to developing academies across all our curriculum areas."

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: Region takes control of adult education budget

A major step forward has been made in creating a local skills system that focuses on the needs of South Yorkshire’s local businesses and the industries that are predicted to grow in the coming years.

The Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority has announced the providers who will be delivering adult skills provision across South Yorkshire. The RNN Group, which has college operations in Rotherham, is one of a number of providers that will receive a grant for 2021/22.

Local leaders are taking control of the devolved Adult Education Budget (AEB), powers secured from Westminster as part of the landmark Devolution Deal agreed in July 2020 for South Yorkshire. The MCA will invest around £42m in adult education and skills development in academic year 2021/22.

Local control over the AEB will help people improve their skills to progress in work, stay in work or get back to work. The local skills system can be transformed to focus on the needs of South Yorkshire’s local businesses and the industries that are predicted to grow in the coming years.

Dan Jarvis MP, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “This marks another step in South Yorkshire taking control of its future and shaping its destiny. Skills and adult education are critical to building a bigger and better economy for our region – giving people the opportunity they need to prosper and helping businesses grow.

“Our wider skills strategy plans mean there will be 30,000 more people with higher levels skills by 2041. This is the power of devolution and we’re using it to meet the needs of South Yorkshire’s people and local businesses as we renew our region.”

Advertisement
Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Education, Skills and Employability Board, said: “The training providers will work with us to shape South Yorkshire’s skills agenda to meet our region’s unique needs. Together we will support our residents to get good jobs and progress their careers in South Yorkshire’s key sectors and make learning more inclusive.

“There are several growth industries that will require specific skills in the future, such as advanced manufacturing and digital, and we’ll deliver the right skills to meet these future demands. We’re developing deep and effective collaborations between businesses, education, and training providers to make this happen.”

The adult education budget funds provision in Further Education colleges, local authority training providers, independent training providers and voluntary, third sector and community organisations and supports both employed and unemployed residents, helping them to acquire the skills they need to move into or progress in a job, a traineeship, an apprenticeship or further learning.

Transforming adult skills provision is part of the Mayoral Combined Authority’s Renewal Action Plan promise to give a hand up for people to improve their skills, get back to work, remain and progress in work. Supporting people to find and get on in work and backing businesses to grow is critical to South Yorkshire’s recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic.

As part of its Devolution Deal, the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority will take responsibility for devolved Adult Education Budget (AEB) from August 1st, 2021 and will commission adult skills provision for the residents of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield.

SCR website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...

News: Council completes purchase of former Dinnington College Campus

Rotherham Council has completed the purchase of land and buildings at Dinnington College, which will be used to provide new specialist education for children with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Rothbiz reported last year that the RNN Group had confirmed that the Dinnington campus of the Rotherham College will close, so that the group "can make best use of its estate and invest in its other local sites."

The council then announced an intention to invest in the site in order to use an existing historic education site to develop a new and innovative school which would specialise in providing education for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

Under the proposals, a separate building within the campus would host young people currently based in the Upper School at Newman Special School, which would allow the current site to be demolished and replaced with a new modern, purpose-built facility.

The plans show that the council would acquire four blocks of the campus - the main building and resource centres. A large block to the rear has been earmarked for demolition and the horticulture, a working farm and vehicle workshops don't appear to be included in the deal.

The playing fields to the rear have been advertised for lease with agents, Fisher German.

The proposals would require the council to invest some £5.747m.

Advertisement
Councillor Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The Dinnington College Campus is a cherished landmark for the community and this scheme will ensure 100 years of educational provision at the site will continue. Combined with the redevelopment of the much-loved Newman School in Whiston, our investment will improve the education and life chances for hundreds of local children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).”

Suzanne Joyner, Strategic Director of Children and Young People's Services at Rotherham Council said: “Completing the purchase of the Dinnington Campus site is a significant step towards delivery of a really exciting scheme. We are extremely grateful for the support and co-operation of the RNN Group through the sale process and for the warm welcome our project has received from the community in Dinnington.

“Whilst the formalities to complete the purchase of the site have been going through, we have been working with our partners to appoint a specialist provider who will deliver the SEMH free school provision at Dinnington. We are looking forward to sharing exciting news about the appointment of the provider soon, subject to final sign off by the Department for Education.”

Jason Austin, Chief Executive Officer and Principal, RNN Group, said: “We are delighted that the main Dinnington Campus buildings have been preserved by Rotherham Council for educational purposes to support children and young people who have specialist needs."

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Nutty about apprenticeships at KP Snacks

RNN Training, in partnership with Rotherham College, is working with KP Snacks' Rotherham site, which is reaping the rewards of utilising engineering apprenticeships to upskill existing staff who show an appetite for progression.

The team at KP Snacks’ Hellaby site, which makes KP Nuts, identified through their succession planning, that a high proportion of their Multi-skilled Engineers were creeping towards retirement age. Apprenticeships were identified as the method to fill the potential skills gap.

KP Snacks' Area Engineering Manager, Paul Berridge identified two potential apprentices who had a background in mechanical engineering and the aptitude to make the step-up into the role.

Paul said: "We identified that we, like much of the wider engineering industry, had a massive problem with gaps between eras working as multi-skilled engineers. We had to consider what happens as our current team members approach retirement, and we were keen to promote internally. We knew that apprenticeships could be the best way to upskill our existing staff."

One of the team members who benefitted from that decision was Paul Law, an Advanced Team Member with 16 years' experience and a background in mechanical engineering.

Paul said: "It was nice to be recognised as somebody with the potential to progress. I didn't really know what to expect with the return to learning and I had some initial nerves, but I was excited to get started! This was a big career move for me, and a chance for self-development."

Advertisement
When discussing some of the reasons apprenticeships for experienced team members can work so well, Paul Berridge highlights the existing knowledge the apprentice already has and the pressure this can relieve on managers and mentors.

Paul said: "Paul having the existing mechanical knowledge has meant he hasn't had to lean so heavily on me as his manager or on his mentor to help him learn. Mentors are crucial to the success of apprentices, so much so we wouldn't run an apprenticeship without one. I remember my mentor was almost a father-figure, and somebody that I could fall-back on not just professionally, but personally too; that's really important."

When asked what his advice would be to other experienced staff who have the opportunity to start an apprenticeship, Paul Law adds: "You're never too old. If you want to do it, keep your head down and do it. I can't recommend an apprenticeship enough, it's a great way to push yourself."

Paul Berridge added one final comment for other businesses who may normally look outside of the organisation for their next highly-skilled team members. He said: "I'd encourage all employers to be mindful of the skillset they already have in the business. I strongly believe if you can promote from within, and offer training and development opportunities, you should."

RNN Training's Senior Skills Consultant, Simon Hartley, works closely with the team at KP Snacks.

Simon says: "The team at KP are a great example of thinking differently. They identified a skills gap and have taken steps to address that through an apprenticeship programme. They, and the mature apprentices they have chosen to train, deserve great credit."

KP Snacks website
RNN Training website

Images: Caddick Construction

Read more...

News: £1.8m for skills-led economic recovery

Sheffield Hallam University and two partner colleges have been awarded more than £1.8m funding to support regional businesses during continued Covid restrictions and enable a skills-led economic recovery.

The project, led by Sheffield Hallam with support from further education delivery partners The Sheffield College and the RNN Group, will help companies to innovate and adapt to reach their full potential as the country deals with the impact of a second national lockdown.

RNN Group consists of University Centre Rotherham, Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College.

Businesses will be offered a diagnostic service through an ‘SME Hub’ and will receive a tailored package of products, services and academic expertise to support them during the ongoing challenges.

It will also support the development of skills and experience of students and graduates across the three institutions through project work, placements and internships with regional businesses.

The scheme will help to establish a dedicated team of small business experts to work with SMEs, start-ups and micro-businesses, to overcome challenges and develop new opportunities including:

- links to funded initiatives to help businesses to innovate and grow
- match skilled graduates and students for short and long-term projects and placements
- workforce upskilling and professional development programmes
- collaboration with sector-specialist academics to solve organisational problems

The University runs a number of programmes and initiatives which already support businesses regionally and across the UK, to help businesses access academic research and innovation, establish and build-up new businesses, and access new talent through placements, internships and apprenticeships.

Advertisement
The new funding, from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), will bring the University’s and its partner Colleges’ business-facing services together to enable a bespoke package to be offered to SME businesses to overcome their specific challenges or realise opportunities.

Conor Moss, group director and dean of work-based learning at Sheffield Hallam, said: “This project will transform the way we work with businesses to ensure each client receives access to the right support, services and expertise to address the skills priorities and needs of the business.

“The Sheffield City Region will benefit from this service by increasing the number of SME businesses achieving or exceeding their growth aims, and by encouraging more young people to begin careers in the region once they finish their education – supporting the Government’s levelling up agenda.

“The programme will particularly benefit small or microbusinesses who are often challenged by limited resources, strategic planning capacity and the ability to engage with innovation and manage change.”

SHU website

Images: SHU

Read more...

News: Potential new future for Dinnington campus

Rotherham Council has revealed plans to acquire part of the Dinnington College Campus as part of proposals to improve the education and life chances for hundreds of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the borough.

Rothbiz reported in May that the RNN Group had confirmed that the Dinnington campus of the Rotherham College will close this summer, so that the group "can make best use of its estate and invest in its other local sites."

Investing in the Dinnington Campus would allow the council to use an existing historic education site to develop a new and innovative school which would specialise in providing education for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

It's also recommended that Newman Upper School – part of Rotherham’s oldest special school - would move to the Dinnington Campus, allowing the demolition and high-specification rebuild of existing, dated buildings on the Newman site.

If the plans are approved, the new specialist SEMH provision would operate as a free school, with the Council inviting applications from specialist providers.

Councillor Gordon Watson, Deputy Leader of Rotherham Council and Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "Since 2018, the Council has invested £2.5m in creating more than 200 additional school places for children with SEND in Rotherham. But demand, especially for specialist mental health provision, continues to grow.

"The availability of the Dinnington Campus provides us with a game changing opportunity to consolidate our existing PRU provision, provide specialist mental health provision to young people in Rotherham for the first time and fulfil our long term aim of redeveloping Newman School with new purpose built facilities more befitting the superb teaching and therapy it provides for children with disabilities and complex needs."

Advertisement
The plans show that the council would acquire four blocks of the campus - the main building and resource centres. A large block to the rear has been earmarked for demolition and the horticulture, a working farm and vehicle workshops don't appear to be included in the deal.

The playing fields to the rear have been advertised for lease with agents, Fisher German.

The proposals would require the Council to invest some £5.747m.

Newman School specialises in provision for children with a range of learning difficulties and particularly those with complex medical needs but the school buildings have fallen into disrepair. The transfer of the upper school to Dinnington College will allow the works to be completed at Newman school whilst the remaining pupils continue to attend at the existing site.

If approved, the scheme would see education provision retained at the Dinnington Campus site, which has been a cherished community asset in the town since the 1920s.

Dave Smith, Chair of Dinnington St John's Town Council, said: “We are pleased that an asset which has been part of the community for around 100 years can still be used for education in the area.

"Many people across Rotherham have been educated at the site through the decades and some students that have passed through the gates may have grandparents or even great grandparents that were taught at the college site as well. It’s great to see that the heritage of the town is being protected for future generations."

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: ENGIE signs up to RNN Training's Employer Promise campaign

RNN Training Construction apprentices and students at Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) are set to gain career building experiences after energy and regeneration specialist, ENGIE, pledged its support to RNN Training’s Employer Promise campaign.

The Employer Promise asks businesses in the RNN Group’s communities of South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire to pledge their support and help boost the prospects of local young people. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen entry to the labour market become a real challenge, particularly for school and college leavers, because of the economic uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus crisis. An Association of Colleges study recently suggested that over half of all new entrants to the labour market will struggle to find meaningful employment.

ENGIE recently became sponsors of the college Group’s Construction Employer Academy, having pledged its support to the programme and to provide opportunities for the Group’s students and apprentices. Among its promises, ENGIE has committed to host virtual employer visits to local sites in Rotherham and Sheffield, deliver virtual talks to the Group’s students, welcome site visits and offer work experience placements to students. ENGIE has also committed to recruit ten apprenticeships in Rotherham in 2021.

Advertisement
Lee Firth, Head of Learning, Development and Social Value at ENGIE, said: “Training and development play a crucial part in the prosperity of our own people, and to individuals in the communities in which we work in.

“Here at ENGIE, it is our ambition to play a strategic role in the long-term growth of Rotherham and this partnership with RNN Group is a fantastic platform to help us achieve this goal, while at the same time supporting the next generation of construction professionals.”

Recommended reading: From premium plywood to high-density fibreboard: Why strong, quality sheet materials are the foundation of resilient building

RNN Group Director of Employer Partnerships, James Godsell has worked closely with the team at ENGIE to identify opportunities for students and young people in the local community.

James said: “Having ENGIE pledge its support is absolutely fantastic. We have worked with the team at ENGIE for a little while now and they have played a big part in collaborating on our construction curriculum and have been committed to providing opportunities for our students.

“This new promise will provide even more opportunities for our students to gain really valuable insight and experience into what life is really like in the construction industry, which ultimately will help their CVs stand out and boost their career prospects when they complete their studies with us.”

RNN Training website
ENGIE website

Images: RNN Training

Read more...

News: Apprentice raises £6,000 for Coronavirus response

A big-hearted University Centre Rotherham (UCR) apprentice who has combined her busy NHS management role with studying towards a Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship, has been instrumental in leading her local community's response to the Coronavirus crisis by raising over £6,000 worth of donations and delivering over 250 food parcels.

Cath McCartan, who has worked in the NHS for over 25 years, has excelled since starting her apprenticeship in May 2018.

The apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with RNN Training, combines on-the-job experience with off-the-job training and has seen Cath gain a Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in Health and Social Care, change the focus of her work, and receive a promotion to become Service Support Manager for Out Patients and Support Services.

Since March 2020, Cath has combined the challenge of working for the NHS with leading a team of volunteers in response to Coronavirus. The team work to ensure that Thurcroft residents in need of support receive it. She credits some of the leadership skills she has gained on her apprenticeship with being able to coordinate a team of volunteers in the village.

Cath explained: "I've always tried to be involved in community activity as I think it’s really important. Coronavirus has had such an impact on so many people, and I knew there would be people in the community that needed support.

"I worked with the Parish Council to see what grants and funding were available to support our efforts. I think this is where what I have learnt on the apprenticeship was so useful. I knew how to communicate and show that I would be accountable for our activity. The other skills my apprenticeship has given me was in knowing what to delegate.

"We set up a Facebook page so that residents could get in touch and let us know that they needed support, or that they had neighbours who needed help. I knew that I had to delegate that to somebody who is a bit savvier with technology than I am to get the best from it. We were able to set-up donations and the local community donated over £6,000 to the cause.

"I hope that our volunteering has helped people through these tough times. We've had a buddy system, and we've been making phone calls and delivering shopping and medicine to those who were self-isolating. We have also prepared and delivered food parcels for those in need."

As well as coordinating the volunteer response to Coronavirus in Thurcroft, Cath has also secured over £20,000 worth of funding for the local football team, Thurcroft Miners Institute FC. The funding will help with improvements to the pitches and provide half-price football for the team’s players when they can safely return to training and playing matches.

RNN Training Healthcare Tutor and Assessor Wendy Flynn, a former NHS nurse, has taught Cath throughout her apprenticeship.

Wendy said: "I am so proud of Cath not only for the tremendous progress she has made on her apprenticeship and in her career but also the huge role she plays in her community.

"The demands that have been put on the NHS service over the last few months are immense, but Cath is a shining example of the type of personality you need to be successful in healthcare.

"She is so big-hearted; her communication and interpersonal skills are excellent and her work ethic is outstanding."

Images: Thurcroft Coronavirus Action Group / Facebook

Read more...

News: Kickstart your business with an apprentice

RNN Training has launched an Employer Promise campaign and are asking employers across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire to pledge their support to ensure that young people are given every opportunity to secure employment in their chosen sector.

There are over 700,000 young people due to leave school or college this year. They are faced with an economy that has shrunk by an incredible 25% in the last four months, and incredible uncertainty when it comes to their prospects of entering the labour market – the Association of Colleges estimate that over half will struggle to find meaningful employment.

The group, which works with with Rotherham College, North Notts College, Dearne Valley College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR), is asking local businesses to support this at-risk generation in whatever way they can.

The recent Government announcement of the "Kickstart Scheme" and its role in creating new jobs for young people, is a potentially fantastic way to breathe new life into the economy and your business.

Businesses can get advice on getting the most out of a funded work placement, a traineeship or an apprenticeship; and get help business to identify potential new roles that a young person could fill, talk through options when it comes to drawing Government funding, and help to access the recently announced grants of up to £2,000 per apprentice.

Advertisement
James Godsell, director of employer partnerships at RNN Group, said: "We welcome the Chancellor's announcement of the Kickstart Scheme. We see, through our existing network of 700 employers, the impact that young people have on business.

WLatest figures suggest that 91% of apprentices are retained in employment, or further training and the beauty of today's apprenticeships is that they have been designed and approved by industry. So, as well as getting a fresh burst of enthusiasm to your business, an apprentice can within a short time-period be a trained professional with exactly the skills you require.

"We know that not every business is going to be in a position to take on an apprentice – or offer a funded work placement to a college leaver – and take advantage of the bonuses and grants available for doing so. But we believe every business can play a part in providing opportunities to ensure that talented young people aren't left behind, and retain their interest in entering their industry.

"We are asking businesses to pledge whatever they can, whether it be voluntary work experience, a toolbox talk to a group of students, engaging in our Employer Academies, or any other activity that will keep these talented young people engaged whilst the economy recovers from the shockwaves of COVID-19."

RNN Training website

Images: RNN Training

Read more...

News: Dinnington campus to close in July

The Dinnington campus of the Rotherham College will close this summer, the RNN Group has confirmed.

The land at Doe Quarry Lane is likely to be put up for sale.

Courses, and the majority of staff, will move to town centre campus in Rotherham, North Notts College in Worksop and Dearne Valley College in Wath-upon-Dearne from September 2020.

This week, the Group has written to Dinnington Campus staff, learners and parents and carers, informing them that the campus will close by the end of July 2020, and advising that it will do everything it can to support them with the transition and move.

The Group's governing body made the decision on April 29th 2020 following the conclusion of a formal consultation process with staff and the recognised trade unions.

The process involved 122 staff at the Dinnington Campus – equivalent to 96 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs. 26 staff remain at risk, equivalent to 19 FTE jobs.

Advertisement

Jason Austin, chief executive officer and principal at the RNN Group, said: "We understand the strength of feeling for the Dinnington Campus. However, we have had to take difficult decisions to ensure that the RNN Group is on a secure and sustainable financial footing and well positioned for the future.

"We will do everything we can to support our learners and staff with the transition and move. Although the number of staff at risk is significantly less than anticipated, any job losses are regrettable – especially during this challenging time with Covid-19. We are involved in early discussions about the future utilisation of the Dinnington buildings, which could potentially save some of the roles that remain at risk."

The decision to close the Dinnington Campus follows a wider review of the Group's entire estate, which aims to release funding from the sale of land and property to re-invest in the development of some new curriculum and facilities at other campuses.

The estate review found that the Dinnington campus is under-utilised: 30% is mothballed, which is costly to maintain.

The Group is advising learners opportunities at its other college campuses and will provide more details on curriculum timetables and individual support plans regarding travel arrangements soon. Another 40 students are studying short courses.

Curriculum currently offered at the Dinnington Campus includes animal care and management, construction, countryside management and horticulture, foundation learning, health science, motor vehicle and access to higher education courses.

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

Read more...