School Life: Maltings pupils embrace new NCS challenge

NCS aims to give young people the chance to test their own boundaries and expose them to new experiences.

The trip commenced with a real test of teamwork, with the group tasked with scrambling up a snow-covered mountain stream through ice cold water and fallen trees.

This challenge encouraged the group to explore leadership skills and teamwork, and encourage individuals to push their physical and mental boundaries.

Over the subsequent days, the group bonded as a team and prepared for phase two of their NCS programme which included interview techniques, a session with Lloyds Bank money skills and an introduction to politics where they met Coun Dan Sutherland and Coun Megan Swift.

Split into smaller groups, the young people were asked to prepare and present a demanding question that was relevant to their local community and needs.

The project then concluded with the group visiting the Three Ways Centre in Ovenden, where they completed the task of transforming a dull, run-down classroom into an enticing, friendly environment for future NCS groups and local young people.

The experience is something that the college is aiming to offer future groups.

Businesses host trainees

A unique aspect to The Maltings College is that students not only gain their qualifications in an environment that reflects the working environment, they also develop and enhance their skills through work placements.

The college is currently inviting local organisations to host trainees from each relevant sector through a fully supported work placement programme.

Each trainee completes a block of external experience with an organisation relevant to their course, such as a nursery for a childcare student and a salon for a beauty trainee.

As the student has been gaining their qualification in a work based environment, they are expected to work independently – the placement is very much about allowing the student to benefit from the expertise of other experienced employees in their chosen field.

Already a number of local businesses are partnering on this, including the award winning Christian Scott who is supporting the college’s trainee barbers.

As well as making a difference to the local community through supporting the students and enhancing their learning, a number of organisations benefit from the opportunity to employ qualifying students in their entry level and apprenticeship positions.

All work placements are supported by the lead lecturer for the course, and most employers are covered by existing insurance and risk assessments.

Any organisation interested in hosting a trainee can email [email protected]

College offers new shuttle bus

The Maltings College offers 16 to 19 year olds looking to get qualified and enter the workplace a great range of courses ranging from light motor vehicle engineering to hairdressing, childcare, barbering and professional cookery.

The motor vehicle facilities are amongst the best in the region, with this sector offering courses from level one up to level three.

Following feedback from students, the college has announced that from September 2016 it will run a regular shuttle bus service from Halifax town centre. Although the college is just ten minutes from the centre, this will improve the range of transportation options on offer.

For more details about the college visit www.maltingscollege.co.uk or email [email protected]