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With 168,500 construction job opportunities being created by 2023, Waltham Forest College is continuing its lifelong tradition of providing high-quality training in Automotive, Construction, Electrical and Engineering (ACEE) by transforming working relationships with employers.
Waltham Forest College has secured a large range of power tools and machinery worth over £40,000 in retail value from premier power tool specialist, Festool. The new tools reflect the technological advancements of the ACEE courses with Bluetooth connectivity and increased safety standards with higher degrees of accuracy.
Carpentry tutor, John Strange, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for our learners to be able to access top-of-the-range professional tools for use in our workshops. These tools bring modern connectivity to complement a traditional trade and our learners are thrilled to be using them.'
Tools such as the Domino jointing system provide quicker and more accurate methods of joinery, teaching learners the highest standards of workmanship, while the Mobile dust extractor's keep the environment clean, with the Bluetooth technology allowing remote switch on and off, creating a more energy-efficient workshop.
Carpentry student, Reece Wilshire, said: 'These tools are modern and what we will be expected to use in the sector. They are much cleaner for the environment, due to the portable extraction system and much more accurate allowing us to produce a better quality of work.'
As a sign of inspiration, learners have already commenced work on some of the College's workspaces using the new equipment and tools that combines their skills to build a spec-house, that will be used as a showroom to inspire the next generation of learners.
Learner, Jahmai Fermin, who is working towards a construction apprenticeship with new housing developments said: 'We are learning valuable skills that will allow us to go out and build. Overall, the College has been a good experience for me where I've been taught the values of teamwork and the use of tools and materials in a safe environment.'
The new ACEE provision is planning to introduce a new partnership with City and Guilds, aiming to progress learners through a 2-year package course with training that reflects the reality of the industry. Learners will not only walk away with qualifications but will achieve a range of CITB courses relevant to the industry, increasing the chances of gaining meaningful employment.
The College will continue to thrive in becoming a key provider for the UK Construction Workforce and in 2018 was made an official member of the Mayor's Construction Academy and awarded with a prestigious Quality Mark that recognises the high standard of skilled workers that it produces.
Lecturer, Matthew Gordon, conducts presentation on the use of webinars to engage students.
English lecturer, Matthew Gordon, took part in and presented at the Advanced Practitioner (South) Conference at South Essex College on this month. His presentation featured his ongoing collaboration with Shipley College (a leading FE college in West Yorkshire), on the use of webinars to engage students.
Advanced Practitioners attended in their numbers to share excellent practices around quality improvement with the rest of the further education sector. The day was filled with opportunities to discuss, learn from and practise new and impactful approaches to quality improvement.
Matthew said: 'The event was extremely successful, vibrant and energetic! It led to further collaboration projects with several other Advanced Practitioners around the use of webinars as a teaching tool, as well as a method to promote sharing good practice among educators themselves.
'I would like to say a special thank you to Andy Crissell and Jane Chillingworth at South Essex College, Jan Calvert from Shipley College.'
Matthew's presentation also highlighted some of the core quality practices here at the College such as enhanced teaching, learning and assessment methods across subject areas.
As a follow-up to the event, a series of webinars (mini - 'Ted-talks') are now in the planning stages. To find out more about the event, and to download materials from all the sessions, please click HERE.
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Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.
Students at Waltham Forest College are being taught how to protect their friends from vulnerability and how to stay away from gangs and violence.
Waltham Forest College has dedicated a themed teaching week to raising awareness of topics that affect young people linked to youth violence. Some timetabled lessons have been replaced with workshops about managing conflict, joint enterprise, online safety, healthy relationships and consent.
The College collaborated with a range of organisations to deliver themed seminars focusing on topics that matter to young people and vulnerable adults. Seminars included ways to defuse confrontation, self-defence, basic first-aid and other awareness-raising workshops that equip learners with the skills and knowledge on how to avoid being drawn into susceptible situations.
One of the sessions was delivered by researchers from the University of Cambridge and University of Kent that commissioned a body map exhibition, produced by convicted inmates, of joint enterprise. Prisoners revealed the harsh reality of joint enterprise through artwork, describing their experience through written testimonials.
Public Services student, who attended the exhibition said: 'This is a real eye-opener as we started questioning how one person can be convicted of an offence committed by another person. This just highlighted the importance of how we choose our friends and not being caught up in vulnerable situations' .
The week of activities forms part of the overall awareness campaigns embedded into the College calendar to tackle topics on youth crime.
Shiguftah Gulzar, Welfare and Wellbeing Manager, said: "The workshops and exhibitions we have chosen to deliver allowed our students to critically discuss the impact on their immediate vulnerability. The exhibition was popular, and many students shared their thoughts and left heartfelt messages of encouragement, gratitude and resilience on handwritten postcards, which the researchers will post out to the prisoners' .
Di Gowland has been appointed as interim Principal of Waltham Forest College. Di has extensive experience working within further education in London and retired from her role as Principal & CEO of Newham College in 2017.
During her time at Newham, Di was credited for leading the college's transformational journey and a highly successful Ofsted inspection, as well as successfully turning around the organisation's financial position.
Di Gowland, Interim Principal & Chief Executive, said: 'I am delighted to be supporting Waltham Forest College, and I look forward to working with the Corporation and staff, whilst the College looks to appoint a permanent successor.'
Paul Butler, Chair of the Corporation, comments: "We selected Di because of her experience in the further education sector and because she brings with her a strong commitment to continuous improvement in quality, serving learners and ensuring they achieve their potential. We are extremely pleased that she has chosen to join Waltham Forest College and we look forward to working with her.'
The Corporation is confident that Di will be able to build on Waltham Forest College's Ofsted 'Good' rating achieved in 2018 and ensure that the College continues to provide our learners with an excellent learning experience.
LAST UPDATED: 01 MARCH 2022
Following the Prime Minister's Living with COVID-19 announcement on Monday 21 February, you will be aware the Government has now lifted all COVID-19 restrictions.
Waltham Forest College will continue to implement some key safety measures for the time being including encouraging hand sanitizing upon entry and around the campus, disinfectant spray and tissues in classroom and additional cleaning of high traffic areas. All classrooms and corridor space will continue to be opened for increased ventilation around the campus environment.
It is no longer necessary for staff and students to complete twice weekly testing, except for those working with highly vulnerable learners such as SEND, where it is still recommended. The guidance around staying at home remains unchanged and any staff or students who test positive, should not come into the College on days 1-5 but, subject to negative LFT results on day 5 and 6 can return on day 6 if they feel well. Students will be supported to study from home where practicable but where it is not possible to study remotely.
Click here to access our COVID-19 Risk Assessment
Click here to access our Remote Education Offer
COVID-19 VACCINATION
Being vaccinated is the best way to make sure that COVID-19 doesn't get in the way of your life or your education, as having to stay at home if you are ill can have a big impact on your learning experience. By being fully jabbed you are much less likely to get COVID-19 or pass it on to others. COVID-19 is still making people ill, including young adults, and with millions of people around the world having had the jabs, there is strong evidence that people who are unvaccinated are 8 times more likely to end up in hospital and that would really impact your education and plans. You're also more likely to get long COVID-19 if you're not vaccinated and that can make you feel tired and make it hard to concentrate and remember things.
To book a vaccination, please visit: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination ' NHS www.nhs.uk or visit your nearest walk-in centre.
Click here to access our COVID-19 Vaccination Q&A
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
It is very important to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and Waltham Forest College is committed to promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring that action is taken to support our students. The Wellbeing Hub contains useful advice and tips for maintaining mental health and wellbeing while studying remotely or on-site.
We are aware that the spread and impact of the coronavirus is a cause of anxiety and uncertainty. For those affected, please click on the following resources which you may find informative and reassuring.
The College will continue to provide remote counselling service during the national lockdown period if you would like more information please email
1. General Information
- Term Dates
The new academic term will commence on Monday 06 September 2021. Click here for more information on dates and half terms.
- IT
We ask any students without access to the necessary digital equipment at home to discuss their IT requirements at enrolment. You may be eligible for the Government's technology support scheme for young people during coronavirus Covid-19. It is important that you ask for help if you need it. Our Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is now reopened for students. The area is set up with socially distanced desks, and laptops are available to students to use while in the area.
The opening hours are:
Monday -Thursday 8:45am to 5pm
Friday 8:45am to 4:30pm - Safeguarding
Waltham Forest College has a statutory and moral duty to ensure that it functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults undertaking education and training. In response to the UK government advice around specialist support for our most vulnerable learners that fall under one or more of the below categories:
Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Looked After Children (LAC)
Care Leavers (CL)
High Needs Funded (HNF)
Safeguarding concerns
The College remains in contact with learners who fall under the ' vulnerable' category.
- Key Contacts
For ease of communication, the following key email inboxes are being actively monitored, should you need to contact the College:
Department Email Learner Services This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Safeguarding This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Finance This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Business Development Unit This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Human Resources This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Additional Learning Support This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Estates This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Resources
- NHS Coronavirus Helpline
The NHS has comprehensive advice on their website about what to do if you think you may have the virus, precautionary measures, and self-isolation procedures. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
- Department for Education Coronavirus Helpline
The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is now available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children's social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)
- Other Useful Resources
Waltham Forest College is proud to be crowned the number one London College for learner satisfaction for the second year running in the prestigious NICEDX league table for colleges published by FE Week.
In 2018 the College ranked in the top 3% of overall Further Education Colleges in the UK placing them ahead of all other London colleges with an 87% score in learner satisfaction. 2019 results revealed an improvement in the College's overall position with a higher ranking in the top 1.3% and an 88% score for overall learner satisfaction, thus maintaining the number one position in London.
As part of the College's commitment to ensure students benefit from an excellent college experience, it has invested over £25M in most recent years to deliver exciting multi-functional study areas, improved IT facilities, an eco-friendly Creative Industries Centre and a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Centre.
Fashion student, Charisma Dapaah-Boateng, said: 'I attended an Open Day event and instantly fell in love with the College. It was a welcoming environment and I felt comfortable around the teaching staff. The facilities are amazing and what I would expect if I was working in the industry and there is so much energy around the campus' .
The Department for Education funded the survey and the main aim of the survey is to provide comparative satisfaction data that learners would use to inform their choice of college or training provider.
Principal Dr Joy Kettyle said; 'Our students enjoy the benefits of high quality and supportive teaching and our investment in the College's facilities has had a positive impact on our learners social, career and learning experience. Our staff are passionate in what they deliver and this national recognition signifies our commitment in supporting learners to support communities, employers and London's thriving economy' .
Waltham Forest College joined the ' Fire It Up' campaign during National Apprenticeship Week ensuring apprenticeships are being promoted alongside more traditional academic routes.
A series of awareness workshops were designed and delivered to learners across the London Borough of Waltham Forest to help raise the awareness of apprenticeships and champion all the great things about on-the-job training.
College representatives had an opportunity to educate and inspire young learners from Holy Family Catholic School and Wanstead High School incorporating this year's Fire It Up theme ' ' Look Beyond'. The workshops allowed students to help them make the best decision around career choices discussing pathways into apprenticeships, as a choice, after school.
The Apprentice team also participated in the Waltham Forest Council's Apprenticeship Fair at the Jobcentre Plus in Walthamstow, to encourage young people and adults to look beyond some of the myths around apprenticeships and see the diverse range of roles available.
Dr Joy Kettyle, Principal at Waltham Forest College, said: 'Apprenticeships are important in helping young people and adults into work and we are engaging with leading employers, who have woken up to the benefits of having an apprentice in their workplace' .
Director for Business Development, Nadeem Khalifa said: 'Apprenticeships are an important way for people to enter the labour market by choosing a specialist career pathway. The average college trains more than 1,000 apprentices and our team will continue to work with UK businesses to ensure that the apprenticeship system works for them' .
UPDATED STATEMENT
Community Pool CIC Closure
23.01.20
Waltham Forest College strives to position itself at the heart of the community. The College is committed to improving our learning and social spaces, and to be a financially viable organisation, able to invest in growth for a sustainable future.
It is with regret that the Directors of the Community Pool, Community Interest Company (CIC), who have been responsible for the running of the pool for several years now, have announced that it will be closing its doors on 31st January 2020. WFC students, schools and clubs, and the local community have all benefited from this unique facility in the college.
The College has not changed any conditions of the lease in recent years and has discussed the Community Pool CIC's decision to close. We are willing to explore a viable and pragmatic approach to refurbish, reopen and sustain the pool for the future.
It is unfortunate that the College has not been able to facilitate a timely enough change to the lease, in order for the Community Pool CIC to take advantage of potential funds available to invest in, and modernise the pool. Financial investment from a committed party(ies) is required to create an environmentally efficient and economically viable swimming pool that can serve the community for the longer term.
The reopening and sustaining of the long-term future of the pool will make it imperative for the College, schools and clubs, and the community of Waltham Forest to continue as active users of this unique venue that has been a central part of the community for generations.
The College is open to discussions in the hope that this pool can reopen for community use for leisure and education at some point in the future.
Dr Joy Kettyle
Principal
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Original Press Article, 17.01.20
After ten years of service to Waltham Forest residents, the Community Pool CIC. has announced it will be closing its doors on 31st January 2020. Stakeholders and Community partners will be notified with immediate effect.
The Directors of the CIC extend thanks to the people and organisations that have supported the pool over the last decade: the pool staff, users, and the many others who have given their time and efforts to provide this facility to the people of Waltham Forest.
Waltham Forest College Principal, Dr Joy Kettyle, said: 'In recent months, Waltham Forest College has had the tremendous opportunity to take up free swim sessions and lessons at the Community Pool which has added value to both the staff and student experience.'
'We've also recently just received news of our first student of the year who has successfully completed their lifeguarding course. The pool closure will inevitably have an impact on the teaching and leisure experience for staff and students here at the College.'
The Community Pool will need the support and commitment of Waltham Forest College and other partners as well as the community in order to be able to generate the capital needed to create an environmentally efficient and economically viable swimming pool for the long term.
Karen Hayes (a Director at the Community Pool CIC) said: 'It is with regret, that we have had to inform the community of the pool closure, however, it's a decision the directors have had to make given the current circumstances.
'We can only sincerely apologise for the impact this has had on the local schools and clubs as well as our talented team of staff.'
The future of the pool is uncertain, but the directors of The Community Pool CIC and the management of Waltham Forest College will continue discussions in the hope that it can reopen for community use and education sometime soon.
For all queries relating to this announcement, or, if you or your organisation can contribute to discussions that will help secure a future for the community pool, then please email using either of the email addresses below:
