From food student to successful bakery lecturer

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Alumnus Sam Copeland took her passion for baking back to the classroom on completing her food technology degree at Reaseheath. Here’s a little insight into her  journey into teaching…

Said Sam: “My passion for baking began at an early age, all starting whilst working as a trainee chef. With my culinary knowledge growing, a friend asked if I could create an engagement cake and I jumped at the opportunity. Gaining some excellent feedback on the cake caught, I the bakery buzz and spent the next few years continuing to learn new techniques and tips before setting up my own cake decorating business, working from home to fit around my ever growing family.”

Sam, now mother of three, balanced her career and family life working full-time as a Catering Manager alongside her own business. When expecting her third baby, Elisabeth, at 20 weeks into the pregnancy she was given the unfortunate news that her baby would be born with Spina bifida.

Sam went on to say: “Before Elisabeth was born I made the decision to become a full-time mum, a stark change from running my own pub and various roles in the catering industry. However, despite her disability, Elisabeth defied the odds and proceeded to attend mainstream nursery and is currently excelling in a mainstream school, Brierley Primary, which is in Crewe.”

sentinel Sam Copeland

Sam Copeland and family

With a little unexpected time on her hands, Sam set her sights returning to education to broaden her knowledge and skill-set in her passion, food. On researching various courses, Sam found that Reaseheath’s food technology foundation degree fitted the bill for her perfectly.

Sam further commented: “I fitted my studies around attending Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with Elisabeth for her appointments and operations. Sometimes I would even take my assignments to do by her bedside whilst she recovered from surgery.”

Excelling during the course, Sam went on to achieve a distinction in her Foundation Degree in 2010 and as a result chose to continue her studies at Reaseheath, graduating with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Food Technology in 2012. 10 months after graduating, Sam was thrilled to be offered a role within the Food Department at Reaseheath. She now course manages Level 2 bakery and patisserie students along with teaching bakery theory, and her favourite – the cake decorating modules!

Sam Copeland on her graduation day in 2012, with daughter Elisabeth and her husband

Sam Copeland on her graduation day in 2012, with daughter Elisabeth and her husband

 

Said Sam: “The encouragement and pastoral support I received from my tutors gave me the confidence to truly believe I could achieve my degree, it  made me realise just what a special place Reaseheath really is.”

If you’re inspired by Sam’s story and interested in finding out more about studying food related degrees at Reaseheath, take a look at our website. 

Reaseheath food and farming event promises fun for families

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Reaseheath College in Nantwich is preparing to welcome families onto its campus farm on Sunday June 7.

Open Farm Sunday is a national event supported by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and is geared to showing families what’s involved in being a British farmer.

The event is free, runs from 10am to 4pm and is suitable for all ages. Activities include tractor and trailer rides, farm tours with commentary, milking demonstrations and sheep racing. Families can also enjoy meeting the farm’s animals including pigs, sheep, cows and newly hatched chicks and have a go on an air rifle range. There will be pedal tractors and a farm trail quiz for younger visitors.

Lecturers will also be on hand to discuss career options with potential students.

Farm Secretary Miriam Howarth said: “The event is a great celebration of farming and food production. We are looking forward to showing families what the British farmer does best. We ‘re offering fun and educational activities for all ages, so hopefully everyone will find something to interest them.”

For more information visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ofs or phone 01270 613240

Reaseheath takes top prize at Chelsea Flower Show

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Reaseheath’s florists are celebrating after taking a top prize at RHS Chelsea, the world’s most prestigious flower show.

Anna Eite, Zoe Sillito, Emily Wiseman and Fiona Davies were crowned runners-up in the RHS Chelsea Floristry College of the Year competition, which took place on May 19.

The students, who were accompanied by Head of Floristry Sue Poole, were also awarded a silver medal for their impressive stand.

Anna, Zoe and Emily have completed their Level 3 Diploma in Floristry and are continuing their studies at Reaseheath while Fiona is studying for her Level 5 Master Diploma in Professional Floristry.

Our team created a spectacular display for an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ theme featuring a giant table, teapot, cake and chair, set off by an eight foot high mushroom made by our engineering department.

The Mad Hatters Tea Party, a jaunty mix of flowers in cerise, pink, turquoise, orange, violet, yellow and green, is continuing to wow the thousands of visitors to the show, which closes on Saturday.

Said Sue Poole: “I am hugely proud of the way the team pulled together to create their display and delighted that the quality of their work was recognised by such highly regarded judges. The girls did an amazing job considering they were under added pressure to perform to world-class standards.”

Reaseheath qualified for the national finals after winning the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Floristry College of the Year title last year.

chair and cake stand

chair and cake stand

cake stand and teapot

cake stand and teapot

Chelsea victory for horticulture alumnus

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Jack Willgoss, who studied for his National Diploma in Horticulture with us in 2005, featured in the BBC’s recent coverage of RHS Chelsea Flower Show after he and his wife won a silver-gilt medal for their stylish collection of violas.

Jack, who was awarded the title of ‘Best Student’ in his course, went on to train at RHS Garden Wisley where he met and later married Laura Crowe. The couple now run Wildegoose Nursery, home of Bouts Violas, in a Victoria walled garden at Munslow in Shropshire.

They became guardians of the UK’s largest collection of scented, hardy and perennial violas when the original owners retired in 2011.

During his time with us Jack helped to design and build our award winning show garden for the RHS BBC Gardeners World Live show. The garden was much admired by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, when they visited the show.

Jack Willgoss (second right) celebrates at RHS BBC Gardeners World Live back in 2005 with the rest of the design and build team.

Jack Willgoss (second right) celebrates at RHS BBC Gardeners World Live back in 2005 with the rest of the design and build team.

Phenomenal success for Reaseheath Family Festival

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Thousands of visitors flocked to Reaseheath College on Sunday to join in the college’s fun filled Family Festival.

Jack and Annabel Jones from Woore meet Daff and Dehlia

Jack and Annabel Jones from Woore meet Daff and Dehlia

The Nantwich campus was packed with families, many of whom had travelled from outside the region to enjoy the hundreds of activities and displays on offer.

A giant Tyrannosaurus Rex called Tyrone proved a great hit among young visitors as he roamed the lawns while TV personalities the Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry Herbert, drew in the crowds with their cookery demonstrations.

Another highlight was a display of natural horsemanship and daring trick riding by the highly trained Atkinson Action Horses, which performed at the college’s Equestrian Centre.

The action packed programme, themed on science and nature, also featured a calf show, sheep shearing, a farmers’ and craft market, student horse riding displays, tours of the college’s zoo, a fun dog show and displays of classic cars and agricultural and military vehicles.

Atkinson Action Horses Roman riding

Atkinson Action Horses Roman riding

Visitors also took the chance to try out the college’s indoor climbing wall, operate a digger, have a go at tree climbing and bushcraft, try brick laying and joinery and test their skills on the high ropes course. Crowds toured the college’s food processing halls, watched lamb boning and cheese making demonstrations and enjoyed making chocolate. There was also lively entertainment from local dance groups and bands.

Reaseheath students took the opportunity to raise money for their RAG (raising and giving) appeal, which in 2015 goes to Macmillan Cancer Support, while former students took the chance to meet up with fellow members of Reaseheath’s Alumni Association.

The Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom and Henry Herbert with Judith Allman

The Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom and Henry Herbert with Judith Allman

Describing the event as ‘phenomenally successful’, Principal Meredydd David said: “It was wonderful to see so many families thoroughly enjoying themselves. The whole campus looked superb, with plenty of activities supporting our science and technology theme.

“I spoke to many visitors who had had a fantastic time but still had not been around the whole campus as there was so much to see and do.

“The whole day was full of the “Reaseheath Experience” of which we are all so proud. This could not have been delivered without the fantastic efforts of all the Reaseheath team.

“The popularity of the festival is further evidence of the huge interest in Reaseheath and its work, especially its success in progressing students into higher education or into successful careers in professions and industries where there are great opportunities.”

See below for a selection of photographs from the the day!

 

Motor industry links reaps career reward

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Reaseheath motor vehicle department have been forging new links with industry to support alumni career progression.

IMI motor L3 2013 grad David Bailey joins colleagues from Sports and Classic April 2015

David Bailey joins colleagues from Sports and Classic

 

North West Porsche specialists Sports and Classic recently contacted the College for help in recruiting a skilled technician to join their expanding team. Based in Nether Alderley, Cheshire, the sports car experts turned to Reaseheath when their job advertisement campaign proved unsuccessful.

Reaseheath motor vehicle Course Manager Steve Ellis liaised with Michael Bourke, Director and Founder of Sports and Classic and suggested a potential candidate, David Bailey.

Said Michael: “I first met the teaching staff and students from Reaseheath at the Porsche RS trackday at Oulton Park and was really impressed with students’ enthusiasm for the automotive industry.

“When my business moved premises due to increased turnover and I was unable to find the right professional to join my team, Reaseheath College seemed the logical place to turn to for advice.”

David, 20, a former Reaseheath IMI Level  3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair student maintained good links with the College on completing his studies in 2013 and was keen to take the next step on his career ladder. With an interest in working with prestige and highly technical cars, Steve believed David was the perfect man for the job.

Said David: “I was really pleased to be contacted by Steve and put forward for the position at Sports and Classic. It was great to think that I was on Steve’s radar when considering an opportunity for a highly skilled technician.”

Already proving an asset to the business after just over a month, David has settled in well at Sports and Classic and is thoroughly enjoying his technician role.

Growing careers in horticulture

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Young Horticulturalist of the Year regional winner with Reaseheath's Sarah Hopkinson

Young Horticulturist of the Year regional winner with Reaseheath’s Sarah Hopkinson

Professional horticulturists, careers advisers, students and prospective students packed into Reaseheath’s lecture theatre recently for first North West Grow Careers event.

The day commenced with an introduction to horticulture for career advisers by Chartered Institute of Horticulture Branch Chair, Sue Nicholas, followed by Reaseheath’s Curriculum Area Manager, Sarah Hopkinson, who provided an insight in to the horticulture department’s offering and the new Nation Centre for Food Futures at Reaseheath. The afternoon saw eight industry speakers from the design, landscaping, commercial production and management sectors of horticulture discuss their careers and businesses.

Speakers included: multi RHS gold medalist designer Pip Probert; Phil Pearson from APS Salads (the largest supplier of tomatoes to Tesco); Faye Steer, Deputy Head Gardener for Chatsworth House; Lee Webster from The Landscape Group and former Reaseheath student Sue Beesley, who is also the owner of Blue Cottage Gardens and Nursery.

The speakers highlighted a wide range of career opportunities within the horticulture industry, with many urging the keen audience to pursue a career in horticulture and fill the gaps in specialist knowledge and skills.

Sue Beesley shares her career journey through the horticulture industry

Sue Beesley shares her career journey through the horticulture industry

The Landscape Group actively promoted opportunities within their business including discussing their Greener Graduate programme – with many students registering their interest on the day!

The Grow Careers event was organised in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) and was followed in the evening by the CIH Young Horticulturist of the Year competition regional final, hosted by the horticulture department.

 

 

By Craig Bailey, Reaseheath Lecturer in Horticulture and Course Manager for FdSc Garden and Landscape Design 

 

 

 

Marine mammal emergency averted!

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A beached pilot whale and several dolphins and seals were successfully rescued from the front lawn at Reaseheath College on Tuesday.

Fortunately the emergency wasn’t for real, but a simulated situation to enable 37 animal management students to gain an internationally recognised qualification in wildlife rescue.

The one day course was offered to degree students and to Access to HE students who are studying science or animal management. After a morning of lectures and an afternoon of practical instruction using inflatable life sized models, all students achieved their British Divers Marine Life Rescue “Marine Mammal Medic” certificate.

This well recognised award qualifies our students to help in day-to-day marine wildlife emergencies and will be a fantastic addition to their CVs.

The training day was organised by HE Course Manager Kizzy Beaumont and was the third time we have offered this qualification to our students. It has proved so popular that Kizzy is now planning to run a follow up ‘wet’ course on the coast, when students will get hands-on with the rescue of a live marine mammal.

Josh Bufton, a second year Foundation Degree in Zoo Management student, was spotted for his talent by the instructors, who suggested he should widen his knowledge by gaining his advanced qualification.

Josh, who hopes to work with marine species in the future, said “This has been a great opportunity to gain a qualification which will help me to decide what sector I’d like to work in.

“The course was extremely informative and the instructors were very professional. I would highly recommend the training to all students who enjoy learning about marine mammals.”

Co-incidentally one of the instructors, Jayne Dobner, was a Level 3 agriculture student with us in the 1980s and hasn’t been on campus since.

She said: “It’s great to be back. The campus looks a lot more modern than when I was here, but it still has the same friendly vibe!”

Caption: HE animal management students enjoy their marine mammal training on the front lawn

 

Reaseheath’s rising stars recognised

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The contribution that Reaseheath College apprentices make to regional businesses was recognised at a glittering awards ceremony.

The event highlighted the achievement of 150 apprentices who had gained their qualifications at the Nantwich specialist college in the past year. It was held during National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits that skilled apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Reaseheath College is a leading trainer of apprentices throughout Cheshire and surrounding counties and also provides a valuable recruitment service for employers.

It has extended the delivery of its apprenticeship programmes across the East Midlands by acquiring DART Training, a specialist land-based training provider. Over 1,000 apprentices in land based industries are now trained by Reaseheath Training and DART.

The apprentices, who are in paid employment, receive academic training from college assessors and gain practical skills in the workplace. Although the majority are aged between 16 and 24, Reaseheath also offers adult apprenticeships for those aged over 25. Training programmes can start at any time of the year, and there are vacancies in a number of trades currently available.

Top honours of the awards ceremony went to Apprentice of the Year Sophie Bell, a Level 2 Business Administration apprentice in Reaseheath’s busy marketing department, and to Advanced Apprentice of the Year Ross Brownbill, assistant dairy manager for leading Cheshire farmer Richard Archer. Kate Rooke, a Preston based bull technician for Genus Breeding, was runner-up Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

All three were selected for their commitment to their studies, attention to detail at their workplace and for their outstanding contribution to their employers’ businesses.

Sophie, of Mow Cop, Stoke on Trent, a former pupil at Congleton High School, joined Reaseheath’s business support staff two years ago and has progressed onto her Level 3 apprenticeship. Her varied duties range from helping to organise the college’s course open days, public events and schools programmes to representing the marketing department at internal meetings.

She said: “I was very proud to receive this award. It’s nice to be recognised for working hard. My Grandad won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ 50 years ago, so I seem to be following in the family tradition!”

Ross, a former Royal Marine, has his sights firmly set on career progression and already helps to manage 700 dairy cows.

He said: “Although I’ve only been in the farming industry for five years, my apprenticeship prepared me well. I’ve gained a lot of practical experience through working for several farms and that, combined with sound academic training at Reaseheath, helped me to get a job with good prospects.”

Guest speaker at the ceremony was Barbara Hughes, a successful dairy farmer from Malpas who employs apprentices on the family’s 220 acre farm. She was joined on the podium by last year’s Level 3 agriculture apprentice of the year Adam Brown, 27, who works as an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technician on Reaseheath’s demonstration AD plant and is also employed on his family’s dairy farm in Holmes Chapel.

The awards were announced by Reaseheath Training Manager Christine Middleton. Other principle winners were:

Best Agricultural Apprentice (Level 2): David Stoner, a stockman for FW Hughes and Sons dairy farm in Mold, North Wales.

Best Agricultural Apprentice (Level 3): Sam Blythe, who works for GF Blythe and Son, his family’s dairy farm on Dunham on the Hill near Helsby.

Edit Agriculture Best Level 3 Apprentice Sam Blythe with Anna Hughes

Agriculture Best Level 3 Apprentice Sam Blythe with Anna Hughes

Best Level 3 Farmcare Apprentice: Kamil Peno, who works on a Farmcare fruit farm in Herefordshire. Kamil was one of six Farmcare apprentices to complete their Level 3 apprenticeship at Reaseheath this year.

Best Construction Apprentice (Brickwork): Ben Hardwick, a Level 3 apprentice  who is employed by  John Cliff Building Services of Market Drayton. John Cliff is a great supporter of apprenticeship training and all his current workforce have qualified through the programme.

Best Construction Apprentice (Joinery): Tom Spibey, a Level 3 student who is one of several apprentices working for RS Developments of Calveley.

Construction Best Apprentices Tom Spibey and Ben Hardwick with Andy Armitage assessor

Construction Best Apprentices Tom Spibey and Ben Hardwick with Andy Armitage assessor

Best Level 2 Equine Apprentice: Bethany Gerrard, a groom at Denstone Stud and Riding Centre, Uttoxeter.

Best Horticulture Apprentice: Jim Alley, a trainee greenkeeper with Delamere Forest Golf Club, who achieved his Level 2 apprenticeship in sports turf

Best Food Apprentice:  Tom Jackson, a Level 3 trainee food technician with Appleby Creamery in Cumbria.

Certificates of Excellence:

Jack Vaughan  (P Vaughan))

Peter Lofthouse (Tatton Park Gardens)

Luke Salter (Muller Dairy UK)

Certificates of Endeavour:

Ben McNulty (Nick McNulty)

Jack Bennison (Andrew Bennison)

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement:

Mark Marrow (Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council)

For more information on the apprenticeships offered at Reaseheath click here.

Top training helps Cody kick-start career

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Successful motor vehicle alumnus Cody Brookes returned to Reaseheath to share how his time at college helped kick-start his career in the motor industry.

Cody,19, from Nantwich, addressed a captive audience of 40 students in our state-of-the-art Motor Vehicle Technology Centre, with a presentation on starting out in the industry. He shared with students how the knowledge and training gained whilst studying at Reaseheath helped him to secure his first professional role as an apprentice technician with the well-known automotive manufacturer, Audi.

Cody Brookes addresses students in Reaseheath’s Motor Vehicle Technology Centre

Cody Brookes addresses students in Reaseheath’s Motor Vehicle Technology Centre

Based at the Crewe Audi dealership, Cody explained to students how he is supported in his role through Audi’s prestigious Modern Apprenticeship Programme. This 3 year scheme combines full-time employment with block-release training and is designed to equip employees with the technical skills and knowledge to become fully qualified service technicians for the brand.

Cody studied both IMI Levels 2 and 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair during his time at Reaseheath and was thrilled to be invited back to the campus. Our latest cohort of motor vehicle students were very impressed with Cody’s industry knowledge and drive to succeed.

Said Cody: “I’m so grateful for support and training I received at Reaseheath. The experience and skills I gained gave me the confidence to focus my career aspirations and get a great job with good career prospects.”

Motor vehicle students joined by Cody Brookes, Programme Leader Ryan Johnson and Course Manager Steve Ellis

Motor vehicle students and staff joined by Cody Brookes