Technical Vocational students celebrate outstanding results

TECHNICAL Vocational students, at Hugh Baird College, have been celebrating achieving outstanding results this week within the College's industry based subject areas. These students now have the experience and qualifications to progress into their chosen industry, apprenticeship or even University upon receiving their qualifications. The College's BTEC and equivalent course pass rate was 100% with 53% of students achieving Distinction grades or higher, (equivalent to 3 A-levels at A grade). The CACHE provision, (Child Care and Health and Social Care) had 69.5% achieving A* - B grades.

Jamie O'Brien, Advanced Technical Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Make up Artistry Level 3 student achieved a Distinction*, said:- "The support I've received from the tutors at the College has been brilliant, they accommodated my needs during every step of my course. I'm so happy with the Distinction* result that I've achieved, it's allowed me to go on to study Beauty Therapy and will help fulfill my dream of owning my own beauty business."

Roma Cunliffe Ion, an Art and Design Extended Diploma Level 3 student who gained a Distinction, said:- "Being a student at Hugh Baird College was amazing. I was anxious about starting the course as I suffer from anxiety, but the College's Student Support team helped me to overcome this and succeed in my studies. With my Distinction grade, I have been able to secure my place, at Liverpool John Moores University, to study a degree in architecture. Without the support from the College, I don't think I would be going to University, they really helped me achieve my next step in my goal of becoming an architect."

Joseph Smith, achieved a Distinction on the Creative Media Production and Technology Extended Diploma Level 3 course, said:- "The course has been great, what I enjoyed the most was being allowed to creatively express myself through my course work. I'm excited to start the Digital Imaging and Photography degree course at Hugh Baird University Centre in September and to continue my journey to becoming a professional photographer."

Matthew Rooney, who gained Distinction* Distinction* Distinction, on the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Extended Diploma Level 3 course, said:- "I've loved studying engineering over the past two years. My passion for robotics and automation engineering started in School and when it came to choosing a course once I finished there, the course at Hugh Baird College fitted perfectly. With the results I've achieved, I'm going to study for a degree in Robotics and Automation at Leeds Beckett University and following that, hopefully a Master's degree. My career aim is to work in robotic prosthetics and I'm thankful to my tutors and Hugh Baird College for helping me in my next step to achieve this."

Other achievements include:- Jessica Taylor, a Nurse and Health Cadet Programme Level 3 student, who achieved an A* and has secured her place to study Adult Nursing, at Edge Hill University, and brothers Josh and Michael Taylor, who both achieved Distinction* on the Barbering Level 2 course.

Louise Nixon, Hugh Baird College Student Engagement Lead, said:- "Every 1e of our students at the College have shown that they worked extremely hard which has proven to me that our students are an asset to any organisation or University.  This week's results have shown that anything is possible for our students and I wish them all the luck in their next steps."

At Hugh Baird College, you choose the course, the subject area and the industry you're most interested in. You learn in a way that suits you, with your own unique study programme. Applications are still open for September 2021, entry and they are enrolling now, visit:-HughBaird.AC.UK to find out more and apply.

509-515 Lord Street - Southport

QUIRKY historical features of an iconic Southport Town Centre building will be lovingly restored over the coming months thanks to Sefton Council and its partners. Work is already underway to breathe new life into the Grade II listed 509-515 Lord Street building in what is an ambitious restoration project, costing over ₤1 million and kickstarts a major part of the Southport Townscape Heritage Project. The renovation, which is taking place thanks to a significant grant contribution from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will see the building's heritage features restored as well as the 2 ground floor retail units being brought back into use. Work will also take place to create space for 9 upper floor apartments.

Key features also include:-

►   New shop frontage.

►   Renovation of original stained glass leaded windows.

►   Refurbishment of original verandah.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Building Control, said:- "We are very excited to see these works get started and to be able to breathe new life into this iconic building reaffirms our commitment to the regeneration and refurbishment of Southport's beautiful heritage. After months of hard work in the background with design work and planning, we are pleased to see contractors start with what we hope will be the first of many refurbishment projects in the Town."

Paul Halsall of building owners Lord Street Developments, added:- "Being local to the area and knowing the history of this building it is very satisfying to be able to have the opportunity of giving it a new life. This high quality refurbishment which really sets a high standard for subsequent design in Southport Town Centre."

David Renwick, Director, England, North, at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:- "Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are proud to support Sefton Council to restore the Grade II listed 509 to 515 Lord Street building and kick start the Southport Townscape Heritage Project, thanks to National Lottery players. This important heritage will be preserved to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield, and it will also play a significant role in boosting the local economy and aiding the wider regeneration of Southport."

For further information about the Southport Townscape Heritage project, to follow progress on individual buildings and to learn about related town centre activities allowing people to learn more about the Towns' historic streetscape, take a look at the Southport Townscape Heritage project Facebook page or the dedicated page on the Sefton MBC website. Also for more information about the Fund, please visit:- HeritageFund.Org.UK.