14 to 16 Hospitality and Catering student wins:- 'Student of the Term'

HUGH Baird 14 to 16 College student, Jake Stephenson, recently won the 14 to 16 Hospitality and Catering:- 'Student of the Term' award. Alongside studying compulsory GCSE's, students at the 14 to 16 College have the opportunity to study a vocational pathway, these include:- Construction; Hair and Beauty; Health and Social Care; Hospitality and Catering; Motor Vehicle Engineering; or The Visitor Economy (Travel and Tourism). At the end of each term, a student from each vocational pathway has the opportunity to win the 'Student of the Term' award. The award is awarded to those students who have made the most progress in their vocational area. This term, Jake was awarded the prize due to the progress he has made towards completing his Level 2 qualification in Hospitality and Catering. Since September 2020, Jake has massively increased in confidence, both academically and personally. His confidence has grown and has shown a great deal of commitment to his course.  For more information on the Hugh Baird 14 to 16 College, please visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK or alternatively, call:- 01513534444. Andy Howard, Director of Curriculum at Hugh Baird 14 to 16 College, said:- "The 14 to 16 College provides the opportunity for students to complete their compulsory education, and gain their essential qualifications, whilst starting their college career early. Having the opportunity to access the high-quality vocational areas that the College offers is an amazing experience for our 14 to 16 College students and it is so good to see Jake exemplifying the attitudes and behaviours necessary to excel in College."

David Crosby from Hugh Baird College gets an MBE

SOUTH Sefton's Hugh Baird College is extremely proud that Chair of the College Board, and former student, David Crosby has been awarded with an MBE in The New Year Honours list. He has been awarded his MBE for his services to Further Education, in Merseyside. David's career began in 1969 when he started work as a Royal Mail Apprentice, as part of his role, he attended Hugh Baird College on day release for 5 years. Of his time at the College he said:- "Hugh Baird College means a lot to me as it's where I started my vocational and academic journey as an apprentice Post Office Engineer over 50 years ago. The College gave me the initial 'tools for the job' that enabled me to start a successful career in engineering and later moving on into senior management."

Having worked his way up to Senior Management, he returned to the College in 2009 as a Governor. His key focus in taking on this role was to give back to the community that he came from and show how social inclusion and education can shape lives and enhance individuals' prospects. Commenting on the award David said:- "I am very proud, and also humbled, by being awarded an MBE. As someone who grew up in the inner City of Liverpool, I know that, no matter where your starting point is, education and learning allows individuals to unlock and fulfil their potential and ambitions."

During his time with the College David held a number of roles before being appointed as Chair, including Chair of Quality and Standards Committee, then Vice Chair. His leadership at the College has been vital to setting priorities, delegating, motivating and developing individual governors and senior staff, during a period of sustained growth.  David's prime objective has been to provide access to opportunities to the local community. His passionate commitment to education has been tireless, and he has been a key advocate for the development of strong external partnerships to drive this agenda forward. Attending scores of student and community led events to develop these links. Commenting on his time, at the College, he stated, "I have been privileged to oversee the College grow from a General College of Further Education into a place where a student can start as a 14 year old, progress and eventually end up with a Degree. In addition, the College has, and continues to, form strong links with employers which are critical to the success in helping deliver the Liverpool City Regions Skills Plan. I am grateful to accept the award not just for myself but also on behalf of my family, the College, and my colleagues."