Beverley Bright, freelance Art Consultant is currently working with “Brain in Jar” for a Wii game and delighted students with her extensive knowledge and understanding of the fast-changing games industry.

“Be passionate and you will succeed,” advised Beverley who worked for Bizarre Creations until recently and been involved with games such as Blur, PGR4, Indycar Series, F1 2000 and many more.

Discussing opportunities, job roles and desirable skill qualifications for entry into the exciting industry, Beverley explained how games have developed and career paths opened.

“Linking study and industry is vital for students,” says Karina Pitoors, Computer & Information Technology Lecturer at Yale College “Beverley’s visit offered them much support for their career direction.”

Strategic planning at Yale College involves student participation and regular feedback is encouraged from learners to ensure the College is fulfilling expectations effectively. The research survey results monitoring is vital and is benchmarked with responses from colleges’ right across the UK who also take part in the on-going study.

“The research highlighted students found the right course and were made to feel welcome and safe at Yale College,” says Dhesi Principal, “frank feedback is valuable and helps us to keep on improving”.

£25 “Love to Shop” vouchers were great encouragement for lucky winners who took part in the survey. Yale College results benchmarked very favourably alongside over forty other education establishments who participated.

Sarah Euden, Beth Klingenberg, Katie Lowe, Rebecca Smallwood and Sarah Williams supported Nicola Morrison when she showcased her fashion designs locally. The Schutzmann brand has been created by Yale College fashion student graduate Nicola Morrison who approached Yale’s beauty department for help with make-up for the fashion show.

Nicola designed four different collections; ready-to-wear, club wear, evening and couture; which included very different pieces. The show took place at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel attended by locals eager to catch a glimpse of fresh talent inspired by some great British fashion houses. Embracing the design brief to create two distinct make-up looks and one nail look complimenting each line whilst reflecting trends for “SS12”, Yale College students were supported by Nail Technology lecturer Samantha Raybould.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for Yale learners to work in a real life situation, “I just loved the buzz of it all”, “It was good experience” said students Sarah Williams and Katie Lowe, at the after-show celebrations.

Yale College’s commercial Hair & Beauty salon Salon Ial is the first Wella Centre of Excellence appointed in Wales. Schutzmann is currently available to buy online at www.schutzmann.co.uk

The event may be the first of its kind in the region, and everyone is invited to share an understanding of each other’s differences. There are still some spaces on FREE workshops for students, staff and visitors to take part experiences including meditation in action, fun with sign language as well as lots of chances to learn how to make a bird box, lay a floor or even build a wall and other interesting challenges.

Programmes for the event are available in local libraries highlighting a list of workshop sessions going on around the College at Grove Park and Bersham Road. In Yale’s “market place” stands will include Age Cymru, Women’s Aid, BAWSO and Churches in Wrexham who will be ready to exchange information and share values.

“We are excited to lead on positive further education sector equality and diversity actions and demonstrate how much fun and excitement can be found through debates, presentations and workshops including Trans People and Education, global citizenship, equality, fair trade as well as dancing to develop your creativity”, says Elane Roberts, Community and Social Cohesion Co-ordinator at Yale College.

As part of the fun there will be watch and taste Live Cookery demonstrations and collaborative art to encourage interaction with an invitation to make some “Diversity Bunting” by creating a self-portrait with stitches using Yale’s long arm quilting machine. Practical opportunities are on offer to help get to grips with building and decorating tasks and electrical safety in the home as well as learning to dance and develop language skills. Contact Karen Lyon .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or phone on 01978 316429 or download a programme from www.yale-wrexham.ac.uk.

Damian, 31, second year BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering learner at Yale College focusses on specialist ground works for his employer Jacobs Engineering. As a student member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Quest Scholarship has been awarded in recognition of Damian’s progression and dedication to his industry studies.

The Quest Scholarship provides funding for undergraduates during their first two years of study. As part of his award, Damian will join his tutor, Louise Duff, to visit local schools to share knowledge and work experience with youngsters who may aspire to careers in civil engineering. This bridge to schools initiative offers a two way interaction between aspiring and progressing engineers and supports career planning.

“Damian is a committed learner and his enthusiasm inspires others,” says Louise Duff, Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Yale College, “his award is well deserved.”

Well-travelled laboratory technician, Damian has much to share having taken part in ground testing for road construction and aggregate industry projects up and down the country for clients on behalf of his employer. Gaining a wealth of experience by combining study and work, Damian is keen to progress his own studies further and move onto Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering at Yale College.

“Transport is definitely moving forward,” smiles Damian.

Looking forward, Damian is an advocate for good transport communications and eager to ultimately share in strategic improvements and would like to become a road or railway designer. Complimenting Yale College, Damian is happy to spread the word about his excellent learning experience and recommend civil engineering studies to others.

Just 20 lucky students make it through to the Regional Finals and Yale College Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy students secured two of those spaces . Abbie Cartwright and Charlotte Jones exceptional commercial cut and colour design demonstrates high standards achieved by Yale learners.

The exclusive look was completed by Yale College learners engaging with local employers to showcase the end result. Becky and Gemma from the Secret Spa in Holt took time out of their busy schedules to come in and support the students with the make-up application for the models and Lily Vintage in Chester kindly supplied the clothing.

“Encouraging entry into these skills competitions develops learners to a high level of competency at an early stage in their career development.” says Julie Guzzo, Assistant Director of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy.

Show-times open to public Tuesday evening 6th March at 7.30 pm & Wednesday matinee 7th March at 2.00 pm Evening tickets: £5.00, Matinee: £2.00 – concessions available. Box Office: (01978) 311794 extension 2701

Two very thought provoking performances entitled “2112” and “Innate” will take place in the College’s own theatre. Presentations are inspired by students’ studies on the Mayan “Prophesy” and recent riots in summer 2011.

The Mayan ‘Prophesy’ predicts the world as we know it will come to an end in 2112 and looks at ‘manmade’ and natural disastrous events in the news, through communication and information systems and explores four ‘disaster’ scenarios: terrorism; consumerism; natural disaster/s and war. Questioning the tribal nature of those in charge of the economic system; the piece analyses effects on consumerism.

“Innate?” focuses on gang culture in British youth. Inspired by the riots of summer 2011, it reveals most of those involved were already known to the police. The piece raises questions about the causes of crime and to what extent nature and nurture play their part.

Following a recent visit to Yale College by Amy Sayers, a specialist paper cutting artist, Level 2 Art and Design students have designed and made a unique series of Valentine’s Day cards. The creative learners have been working with the artist to produce exclusive Valentine cards to be sold at Wrexham Museum and Archives Regent Street, Wrexham.

Delightfully designed slate hearts, love-spoon badges and bookmarks will also be available to purchase alongside the elegant Valentine’s Day cards, which were skilfully made by Yale learners as part of their creative enterprise and Welsh Baccalaureate projects.

This initiative represents a collaborative enterprise opportunity for the learners to work directly with the museum to craft “love-themed” gifts which will be part of a Valentine’s Day display at the museum from today.

The Breakfast meeting was held at their Bersham Road campus as part of Yale College’s events during National Apprentice Week giving visitors the opportunity to talk to the College’s experienced team of lecturers, assessors and trainer/mentors. Local business delegates enjoyed a full Welsh breakfast and afterwards were able to tour the highly regarded Automotive, Construction and Engineering facilities

Exploring potential training requirements and gaining valuable knowledge of what Yale College can offer local business, College ambassadors were also on hand to provide advice and guidance on short courses and possible funding opportunities.

“It was a really enjoyable and informative event and we were made very welcome,” said Debbie Keating, Customer Service Officer from Welsh Government, “tutors and training officers explained in detail what Apprentices can achieve and how they can make a difference to an employer’s work force”

Companies attending included: Wrexham County Borough Council, X-Gas Ltd, Prysmian, APPE, Kelloggs, Cytec, DSL Mobility, ACS, British Encoders and Welsh Government Regional Centre Service

For further information about apprenticeships and Yale Training Courses contact Katie Ellis 01978 311794 extension 4012 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) mobile: 07841881497.

Carole O’Toole, Chair of the Yale College Governing Body said, “I welcome the unique opportunity presented by the merger of Yale College with Deeside College to create a new college. It will build on the highly successful histories and proud reputations of both colleges, which are renowned in the sector for their excellent standards and results. The new college will continue to serve learners, stakeholders and the wider community with developing enhanced opportunities and choice in the curriculum. I am very excited at the prospect of the Yale and Deeside Colleges coming together to provide ever improving educational and training opportunities for all. I look forward to the future and the establishment of the new college with confidence and enthusiasm.”

Paul Williams, Chair of the Deeside College Governing Body said, “We are absolutely delighted that both colleges will be able to build on our existing partnership to provide an even better range of excellent courses for those who live and work in the North East Wales region. The merger will build on the excellent progress that has been made following mergers with the Welsh College of Horticulture (now Northop College) and Coleg Llysfasi in 2009 and 2010 respectively.”

Education and Skills Minister Leighton Andrews said: “Today’s announcement is a positive response by both colleges to our Transformation Agenda and the Welsh Government’s commitment to encourage further mergers of further education colleges. We want our FEIs to provide high quality learning opportunities for our students and to have the capacity to redirect support and funding to front line services. I look forward to receiving the Business Case for my consideration in due course.”

Jasbir Dhesi, Principal of Yale College said, “Deeside and Yale are two strong colleges with a proud record and tradition of providing the highest quality provision and exceptional levels of personal support for learners. We recognise that learners and employers demand and deserve access to the very best resources and learning experiences, a merger of equals will provide the opportunity for significant additional capital investment to further enhance the already outstanding resources across both Colleges.”

David Jones, Principal of Deeside College said, “This is a really exciting opportunity for the North East Wales region. Our aim is to create a new strong college which fully meets the skills and training needs of individuals and businesses. Yale and Deeside are very visionary and ambitious colleges, working enthusiastically at the forefront of education to provide easy access to the best possible choice and quality of courses. The realisation of a merger will support the growth of the economies of Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and the surrounding area, by ensuring that everyone who lives and works in these areas can benefit from the creation of a new college which is fully committed to excellence.”

As part of their commitment to all stakeholders, both Governing Bodies have endorsed the following merger commitments:

Our Learners
1. We will ensure that any change during and after our merger has a positive impact on the learning experience and excellent levels of personal support provided to our learners.
2. We will promote to learners the new learning opportunities within an enhanced curriculum and will increase the number of bilingual learning opportunities.

Our Strategy & Vision
3. We will remain at the forefront of educational achievement and committed to excellence in all aspects of the College.
4. We will maintain a strong financial position, thus enabling significant investment to create sector leading learning environments for all learners in all settings.

Our Staff
5. We will manage change with a commitment to no compulsory redundancies, and ensuring that all staff are treated in accordance with TUPE; any change in terms and conditions will be by mutual agreement.
6. We will continue to act with integrity throughout any period of change ensuring all staff are treated honestly and fairly.

Our Community and Identity
7. We will ensure the continuation and further development of the Deeside College, Coleg Llysfasi, Northop College and Yale College identities (“brands”) within the new merged institution.
8. We will honour the merger commitments made to the Welsh College of Horticulture (2009) and Coleg Llysfasi (2010), including safeguarding the development and expansion of land based provision.
9. We will celebrate local community and identity, and Welsh language and culture across all campuses.

Our Partners
10. We will continue to develop links with our university partners, particularly Glyndŵr University.
11. We will work in close partnership with the Local Authorities in Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham to secure equality of access to provision for all learners, particularly within local 14-19 partnerships with schools and other partners. We will also build strong links with our FE partner colleges in North West and Mid Wales.
12. We will work with employers to provide learning relevant to their needs with the aim of supporting economic and social development in the region.

A merger steering group, made up of governors and senior staff from each college will be formed shortly, with the task of working with the Welsh Government and consulting with all stakeholders in the development of proposals for the new college.