A new horticulture education and training programme for adults has got underway at Yorkshire’s specialist adult education provider Northern College.
The horticulture innovation project aims to tackle staffing and skills shortages in the horticulture sector and is set to be backed by local employers and community organisations.
The programme provides learners with the knowledge, skills and vocational training to progress to the next level horticulture qualification or employment.
Based at Wentworth Castle, Barnsley, and set within 60 acres of National Trust gardens, the college provides short community courses and academic and vocational qualifications.
As the only adult residential college in the North of England, Northern College attracts hundreds of students every year from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and further afield.
The first learners have started the programme, which has received £200,000 from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Adult Education Budget Innovation Fund.
Students complete an Introduction to Horticulture and Environmental Sustainability and have the chance to progress to the Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills at Levels 1 and 2.
Lee Kirton, Director of Quality and Curriculum Development, Northern College, said: “The green industry is growing. It will be more important than ever in job creation as well as addressing the bigger issues of our time such as climate change and sustainability.”
He added: “We are committed to raising aspirations, supporting adults into work and helping businesses secure the skills to grow. We are delighted to start this new programme which is well suited to our learning environment set in acres of National Trust gardens.”
Matt North, Programme Manager of the South Yorkshire Woodland Partnership, commented: “We are delighted to see Northern College developing this programme.
“We need to increase the amount of trees and woodlands as well as manage the woodlands and green spaces we already have for the benefit of people and wildlife. To achieve this, we need people who can do this work with up to date skills, knowledge and understanding.
“From research we are aware that there is a green skills shortage while there is a real demand from employers for well trained practitioners to carry out this work. This demand will continue to grow. In addition, community organisations can develop their skills and knowledge helping them increase their positive impact.
“This programme will help fill the skills gap regionally and nationally and support people in developing their career in sustainable environmental management.”
Future plans for students on the course include creating a community garden, a sensory space and establishing a social enterprise selling vegetables, produce and plants at the college.
The programme also covers skills such as business management, digital skills, marketing, budgeting and financial planning for those looking to start their own horticulture business or work in a managerial role in an established company.
The college already offers short horticulture courses and a Level 1 Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills, and the new offer builds on that.
Northern College provides short courses as well as academic and vocational qualifications to adults mainly from South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. Adults have the option to study residentially for some courses.
A key part of the college’s ethos is supporting adults, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to gain the skills and confidence they need to progress.
Find out more about the course and upcoming start dates.
Northern College students are raising awareness of the life changing impact of adult education as part of an ambassador role.
Rajinder Binji, Duane Gregersen and Elizabeth Rowan have become Region of Learning Ambassadors for West Yorkshire Combined Authority based in Leeds.
This voluntary role sees the learners being invited to different activities and events, such as a roundtable with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, providing them with the opportunity to share their learning stories.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority wants to showcase the impact of learning for adults and how it can support people from a wide range of backgrounds to progress personally and within their career.
The students attended a roundtable event with the Mayor’s in April 2025 joining other adult learners from across the West Yorkshire region.
They spoke passionately about how learning has changed their lives for the better and how it has informed their future plans.
The Mayor heard how their courses in areas such as substance misuse counselling and peer mentoring have supported them to choose a new career path and improved their lives.
Adult learner Rajinder Binji, 52, has enjoyed a new lease of life and sense of purpose after joining Northern College.
“Finding Northern College was a revelation. You meet people from different walks of life and levels of education.
“It’s a phenomenal resource because it opens up the world to you and gives you direction and the confidence to believe in yourself.
To anyone considering returning to education as an adult, Rajinder added: “You’ve got nothing to lose and the world to gain.
“Not everyone is given the same chances and opportunities in life and there can be a myriad of hurdles put in front of us. However, Northern College helps to level the playing field.”
Award-winning Northern College is the only adult residential college in the North of England and provides short community courses as well as academic and vocational qualifications.
Students can study residentially or non-residentially. Short community courses provide a stepping-stone to gain the confidence to progress to the next level qualification.
Some classes are taught during the evenings and weekends to fit around learners’ other commitments. The college is also growing its online course offer.
Most students at Northern College are from South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
The college receives funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “It is immensely rewarding to see our students develop the confidence to learn and achieve.
“We provide a supportive environment that inspires adults to achieve more than they thought possible enabling them to gain qualifications, secure employment and progress in careers.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has devolved funding responsibility for adults skills.
It has pledged to build a region of learning and creativity by delivering a wide variety of courses for both school leavers and adult learners of all ages from across the region.
This includes supporting people with basic skills like English and Maths as well as more advanced technical education, helping them secure well-paid jobs in growing industries such as the green, digital and creative sectors.
Apply now for courses starting in September.
Pictured: Northern College adult learners were amongst a group of students who met West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin earlier this year.
Northern College is a double finalist in a national awards scheme that celebrates exceptional students and the inspirational staff who teach them.
The adult education college in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has been shortlisted for two NCFE Aspiration Awards 2025. The winners are due to be announced in late June 2025.
Adult learner David Leatham is a finalist in the Against All Odds category, which recognises a student who has overcome difficult personal circumstances to achieve.
David has completed several counselling qualifications at the college including, most recently, the Counselling Diploma at Level 3.
Returning to education as an adult and studying counselling has been a positive turning point for David, prompting him to reflect on his life and place in the world.
David has been hailed by his tutors as an inspiration to other students who have difficulties in their own lives but who persevere to achieve their dreams.
Meanwhile, Paul Yates has been shortlisted in the Educator the Year category, which recognises a teacher or tutor who has gone above and beyond to support their students.
This category celebrates staff who have helped learners to overcome obstacles and flourish and surpass expectations or delivered innovative and high quality teaching.
Paul has developed and taught the new NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges qualification to support the urgent need for teaching assistants.
Teaching assistants are in high demand due to increasing pupil numbers and those who have SEND, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health and teacher shortages.
Students attend the course online via Microsoft Teams. Paul has supported 54 learners aged 19-years-plus to access employment support agencies including Restart, which help the long-term unemployed find work.
The qualification has enabled learners to study for a new career from home and achieve a qualification in a sector where there is a high demand for qualified applicants.
Paul has helped learners to develop their confidence and skills given that the majority had been out of education since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “It is never too late to learn. Our staff get that and inspire our students to overcome barriers and develop the confidence to learn and achieve. Huge congratulations to David and Paul for being shortlisted. I am incredibly proud of them.”
Northern College provides short community courses and a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications and is expanding its online offer. It is the only adult residential college in the North of England. Students can study residentially or non-residentially.
Find out more about our courses.
Pictured: Northern College tutor Paul Yates is a finalist in the NCFE Aspiration Awards.
Northern College has won a high profile award for its work supporting adults from a wide range of backgrounds from across Yorkshire and further afield to achieve their ambitions.
The college has just won the Liverpool Hope Prize; Outstanding Achievement for Social Mobility category of the Educate North Awards 2025.
The Educate North Awards recognise excellence and good practice at colleges, sixth forms and universities based across the North of England.
Diane Lawson, Assistant Principal for Student Experience, Northern College, said: “Winning this award fills us with immense pride. It’s a powerful testament to the strength, determination and achievements of our students and the wonderful staff who support them.
“We understand how daunting it can be to return to education as an adult. It is a privilege to witness the life changing impact on our learners who show great courage, commitment and perseverance in overcoming significant obstacles and who inspire us every day.”
Based at Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley, Northern College is the only adult residential college in the North of England and provides short community courses as well as academic and vocational qualifications.
Students can study residentially or non-residentially. The starting point for many learners is the short community courses, which provide a stepping-stone to gain the confidence to progress to the next level qualification.
Some classes are taught during the evenings and weekends to fit around learners’ other commitments. The college is also growing its online course offer.
Most students are from South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. The college receives funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
A significant proportion of learners overcome barriers to develop their skills and confidence and progress to further or higher education or employment after their studies.
During the last academic year 2023/24, 78% of learners were unemployed when they joined the college and 56% had no qualifications above Level 1.
However, 90% of learners progressed to a positive destination in 2023/24 such as continuing in education, starting paid employment, becoming self-employed or doing voluntary work.
Case study – Melissa Hall
Student Melissa Hall, aged 46, from Sheffield, is completing the Access to Higher Education in Healthcare Professions.
Access courses prepare adult learners, who do not have traditional academic qualifications such as A Levels, for study at degree level.
Melissa first heard about Northern College when she was living in a hostel, having previously been homeless for three months.
Melissa said: “Going to Northern College has completely turned my life around. It’s given me a sense of purpose and something to get up for, which is so far from where I used to be.
“Before I started at Northern College, my life was a mess. Now I’ve got a new social circle and made some great friends. It’s really boosted my confidence and given me a much more positive outlook on life.”
Melissa studied several courses at Northern College working her way up from Level 1 and Level 2. Melissa’s goal is to go to university to study a Degree in Social Policy. She currently has three university offers.
She explained: “Doing the shorter courses was a good stepping stone, which built my confidence, and got me back into learning because I had been out of education for so long.
“Having been through turmoil and stress including a period of homelessness, my life wasn’t going the way that I wanted and I thought it would be too late to change it.
“Now I study in the most beautiful surroundings where I can walk and think. It’s such a lovely place, very peaceful and quiet.
“It is great to be surrounded by adults who are keen to learn. The staff are lovely and supportive. It’s like one big family at Northern College. I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Case study – Rajinder Binji
Rajinder Binji has a new lease of life and sense of purpose after joining Northern College.
The 52-year-old from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was struggling after becoming dependent on alcohol following a family bereavement.
Rajinder, a former sales executive, explained: “I was a carer for my father for 20 years, which was a blessing as I felt like I was making a difference.
“I previously worked in sales. My employer was really good. I was able to work flexibly and from home whilst managing my caring responsibilities, which was very fortunate.
“But when my dad sadly passed away in 2022, it had a devastating effect on my mental wellbeing. The day he died, I turned to alcohol as I felt very low. It was a coping strategy and not a very good one.
“Things spiralled and led to a period of alcohol dependency. Once you’re in that darkness it’s difficult to get out of it and you feel very isolated.”
Rajinder sought help from his GP in 2024 and chose to attend a rehabilitation centre run by St Anne’s Community Services. “It’s the best decision I have ever made. I’ve been alcohol free for over a year,” he said.
Rajinder found out about Northern College after attending a wellbeing talk there, organised for people recovering from alcohol dependency.
He recalled: “I fell in love with the place. It’s beautiful, absolutely stunning. I was completely in awe of it and immediately felt at home.”
Rajinder is completing the Counselling Certificate Level 3 qualification, which he started in September 2024, and plans to progress to the Level 4 course.
“It was a big step for me. Although I do have A Levels and a Degree in Economics and Sociology, I had not engaged in classroom education for the last 30 years,” he explained.
As a residential student, Rajinder alternates between staying overnight one or two nights a week at the college. The course costs are also covered by the college.
“Finding Northern College was a revelation. You meet people from different walks of life and levels of education,” added Rajinder, who is also involved in voluntary work and shares his story and gives talks to organisations in West Yorkshire.
“It’s a phenomenal resource because it opens up the world to you and gives you direction and the confidence to believe in yourself. I lost that for a while. The lecturers are tremendous, you have a level relationship with them.
“I have learnt so much and I don’t regret anything that’s happened to me. I wouldn’t be who I am, and I wouldn’t have known about Northern College, unless I had been to rehabilitation.”
To anyone else considering returning to education as an adult, Rajinder added: “You’ve got nothing to lose and the world to gain.
“Not everyone is given the same chances and opportunities in life and there can be a myriad of hurdles put in front of us. However, Northern College helps to level the playing field.”
This year’s Educate North Awards was the biggest yet with more than 700 awards entries across all categories.
The winners were announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on 3rd April 2025.
Find out more about our courses.
Pictured: Diane Lawson, Assistant Principal for Student Experience, with Northern College’s Educate North Award. Photo credit: ER Photography and The ENAs 2025.
Northern College is supporting a national campaign that celebrates the positive impact of the further education sector and the achievements of students and staff.
This year’s Colleges Week is highlighting the contribution that colleges make to building brighter futures and supporting their communities
The national campaign champions the adults and young people who study and train at colleges as well as the staff who teach them and runs from 3rd to 7th March 2025.
Northern College, based at Wentworth Castle, Barnsley, specialises in adult education and provides short community courses as well as academic and vocational qualifications.
As the only adult residential college in the North of England, it serves learners across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire as well as further afield.
Students can study residentially or non-residentially. The college is also developing an online course offer.
A high proportion of students are from under-represented or disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and have additional learning needs.
During 2023/24, 78% of learners were unemployed when they joined the college and 56% had no qualifications above Level 1.
Of 976 learners last year, 90% continued in education, started paid employment or self-employment or got involved in voluntary work after finishing their studies at the college.
Adult learner Kay Fielder has fulfilled a lifelong ambition of going to university after returning to education later in life and studying at Northern College.
Kay completed an Access to Higher Education course at Northern College in 2024. She also passed a Functional Maths course.
Now the 57-year-old, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is studying for a BSc Honours Degree in Occupational Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University.
Kay said: “I have become a new person, I no longer recognise my old self. I feel so empowered. Thanks to Northern College, I have grown in confidence renewing my passion for life and learning.”
Kay decided that she needed a fresh start after going through several major life events. She explained: “I had always wanted to go to university but did not have enough qualifications. I thought it was a pipe dream and something that wouldn’t come to fruition.”
Access courses prepare adult learners, who do not have academic qualifications such as A Levels, for study at degree level. The one-year courses lead to credits and a Level 3 qualification recognised by colleges, universities and employers.
“I fell in love with Northern College the first day I walked through the door even though I was shaking like a leaf,” added Kay, who was a residential student, and heard about the college through her previous job working for a government agency for 32 years.
“I was in a new environment and way out of my comfort zone as a neurodivergent person. After being out of education for so long, I thought I would not fare that well. But the support from staff was amazing from day one.
“Staying as a residential student for a couple of nights a week was the best thing for me. When you are in that academic environment, it puts you in the right mindset for learning. The structure and routine really helped me to adapt, focus and learn.”
Kay is enjoying her degree course and looking forward to a new career in occupational therapy. She added: “Getting into university was a dream come true. You are never too old to learn. Don’t let age or any other barriers hold you back. Give yourself a chance.”
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see learners like Kay overcome barriers and develop the confidence to learn and achieve.
“We provide a supportive environment that inspires adults to achieve more than they thought possible enabling them to gain qualifications, secure employment and progress in careers.”
Find out more about our courses.
Northern College’s education courses and specialist support for adult learners have been recognised in this year’s Educate North Awards.
Based at Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, Barnsley, Northern Collegespecialises in adult education and teaches learners from across Yorkshire and further afield.
Now the college has been selected as an Educate North Awards finalist and is shortlisted in the Liverpool Hope Prize; Outstanding Achievement for Social Mobility category.
The awards recognise excellence and good practice at colleges, sixth forms and universities based across the North of England.
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “As a specialist adult-only college, we have a big impact providing life changing opportunities to hundreds of learners many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Students regularly tell us that studying at Northern College has changed their lives. It is great to see the achievements of our learners and staff recognised with this award shortlisting.”
She added: “Many of our learners overcome significant barriers to develop their skills and confidence. A significant number progress to further or higher education or employment after their studies with us. We are incredibly proud of their successes.”
Northern College provides short community courses and a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications. It is the only adult residential college in the North of England. Students can study residentially or non-residentially.
The short community courses build self-esteem and provide a stepping-stone for learners to gain the confidence to progress to the next level qualification.
Some courses include teaching on evenings and weekends to fit around learners’ other commitments. The college is also growing its online course offer.
The majority of students who study at Northern College are from South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire. During the last academic year 2023/24, 78% of learners were unemployed when they joined the college and 56% had no qualifications above Level 1.
However, 90% of learners progressed to a positive destination in 2023/24 including continuing in education, starting paid employment or becoming self-employed or getting involved in voluntary work.
They include Joanne Mellor who is fulfilling her dream and studying to become a paramedic after being one of the first people in her family to go to university.
The 38-year-old, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is completing a BSc Honours Degree in Paramedic Science at York St John University.
Her ambition is to become a critical care advanced paramedic. The role involves responding to emergencies and managing patients with life threatening injuries or illnesses.
“Going to Northern College has changed my life for the better and helped me to become a better version of myself.
“It’s been character building and boosted my self-belief, confidence and career prospects,” said Joanne, who previously worked in retail and has experience of the care and hospitality sectors.
After deciding to change careers, Joanne completed the Access to Higher Education Health Science Professions in 2024 at Northern College, which she was eligible to study for free.
Access courses prepare adult learners, who do not have traditional academic qualifications such as A Levels, for study at degree level.
Prior to thatJoanne studied several short courses, maths and English and the Pre-Access Diploma in Progression at Level 2 at the college.
She added: “The first time I stepped onto the campus, I knew I was in the right place. I fell in love with the college. There’s a lovely atmosphere, small classes and staff made me feel so at ease.
“The staff are so supportive, they want the best for you and will go above and beyond to help. It’s like being part of a family.
“As I am one of the first people in my family to go to university, I couldn’t envision what that might look like until I got support at Northern College.
“I am loving being at university. If you set your mind to something, it is never too late to follow your dreams.”
The winners of the Educate North Awards will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on 3rd April 2025 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.
Find out more about our courses.
Northern College has unveiled its first higher education course which is aimed at adults wanting the knowledge and skills for a career in counselling.
The Therapeutic Counselling Diploma at Level 4 is equivalent to the first year of a degree and is completed part time over two years.
During the course, which covers counselling theory, skills and issues, students complete a 100-hour work placement.
The qualification can help students to progress into a career in counselling in a variety of settings for example in a GP practice or working for voluntary or statutory organisations.
Students must already possess a Level 3 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills to be eligible for the Level 4 diploma.
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “We are committed to
raising aspirations to enable adults to progress in education, employment and their careers. As part of that, we are delighted to have launched our first university level course.”
Northern College is the only adult residential college in the North of England and attracts hundreds of students every year from South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and further afield.
Based at the grade 1 listed Wentworth Castle set within 60 acres of National Trust gardens, the college provides short community courses and academic and vocational qualifications.
As part of its offer, Northern College has a range of counselling courses starting at an introductory level to help students progress.
One adult learner who has benefited from the counselling course offer is Matthew Ballantyne.
Matthew decided to return to education to enhance his personal development and develop a new set of skills for the future.
The 49-year-old, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, who works in the information technology sector, studied as a residential student at Northern College.
Matthew completed the Diploma in Counselling Skills at Level 3 in 2024 over one academic year, and which was fully funded by the college.
Prior to that, Matthew studied the Introduction to Counselling at Level 1 and progressed to Level 2 at Northern College.
He returned to education after reflecting on his future and a potential career change in the longer term.
When he arrived at Northern College, it was the first time he had been in the classroom since leaving school.
Matthew said: “I went straight from school to work and always felt that I missed out on studying for more qualifications and going to university.
“Studying as a residential student really helped me. When you are studying at home and juggling lots of other commitments, life takes over.
“Another big draw for me was being able to study at an adult only college. I have really enjoyed the course and meeting like-minded people, and the setting is phenomenal.
“It is such a lovely, peaceful and tranquil place with the opportunity to walk in the National Trust gardens that surround the college.
“Studying at Northern College has boosted my confidence and wellbeing. My long term goal is to become a fully qualified counsellor.”
Matthew added: “My advice to anyone who is thinking about going back into education is to give it a go. It is natural to feel nervous and apprehensive but the staff put me at ease.
“There’s lots of help and support available. You can always do the introductory short courses which will give you a feel of whether studying is for you.”
Find out more about counselling courses at Northern College.
Pictured: Matthew Ballantyne with Principal and Chief Executive Emma Beal. Photo credit: John Marshall.
Lord Blunkett has officially opened a £422,000 digital hub, as part of a library modernisation programme, at Northern College.
The demand for digital skills in South Yorkshire is increasing as technology becomes central to many organisations.
The library upgrade has been funded by the government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund. Next year, as part of the project, the college will also unveil an immersive digital classroom.
Immersive technology enables students to experience real world training environments across a range of industries via virtual and augmented reality.
Emma Beal, Principal and Chief Executive, Northern College, said: “We have a strong track record of raising aspirations and providing life changing education opportunities for adults.
“We are delighted to officially open our digital hub as part of a longer term project. A key aim is to ensure that under-represented groups, who are often digitally excluded, have access to high quality digital resources and support.
“Providing the latest digital training will equip our students with vital skills for new careers that employers in our region need.”
The library facilities and resources will give students, such as those studying residentially, access to digital study spaces including during the evenings and weekends.
During the official opening on 29th November 2024, dignitaries including Lord Blunkett and Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, met with staff and students and toured the college’s facilities.
Lord Blunkett, a former Secretary of State for Education and Employment, and now member of the House of Lords, said: “Lifelong learning is not just vital for the wellbeing of individuals seeking to adapt to an ever-changing world, but fundamental to the government’s agenda of enabling people to return to work after redundancy or periods of ill health.
“Modern transformational learning resources play a critical part in enabling students to connect with the technology of the future and to access sources of learning in a way which was inconceivable even a decade ago.
“Access to these facilities and educational opportunity for those most disadvantaged or previously excluded from opportunity is an essential tenet of the work of the Northern College, and this investment will facilitate achieving the outcomes desired by everyone involved.”
Staff from the Association of Colleges, Department for Education, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership, South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and West Yorkshire Combined Authority attended the event.
Students from the University of Sheffield, who have been involved in a digital project capturing the history of the college, were involved in showcasing some of the facilities.
Northern College student Sarah Porter, 38, who is completing a one year Access to Health Science Professions course, said: “It is great to see the library facilities updated. Digital skills are something that I have had to develop at the college.
“Returning to studying as an adult can be an anxious time. But the environment is inclusive and the college is set in peaceful surroundings. It’s good to study with other adults. I feel comfortable here.”
Digital skills are increasingly important in the modern economy according to a Skills England report published in September 2024. The report highlights that basic digital skills are important to the majority (92%) of employers. However, nationally around 7.5 million working age adults do not have basic digital skills.
The South Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2023 to 2026 has found that there are growing digital skills gaps regionally. Regional colleges, training providers and universities altogether secured £4.2 million from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) last year to develop digital skills.
The LSIP and LSIF are backed by Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, as well as Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, commented: “The new digital hub at Northern College is a fantastic step forward for our region, giving adults the chance to develop essential digital skills that are so important in today’s world. It’s great to see this investment helping to modernise facilities and meet the growing demand for tech expertise in South Yorkshire.
“Northern College does incredible work supporting adults, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to gain the skills and confidence they need to change their lives. This new hub is another brilliant example of how they’re helping to drive opportunity and growth in our community.”
Northern College has strengthened its employer links and expertise with the appointment of two new governors.
Matthew Stephens and Raymond Low have recently joined the college’s governing body with a focus on strengthening the organisation’s links to local and regional employers.
Mark Sanders, Chair of the Board of Governors, Northern College, said: “Our three-year strategy builds on a long and celebrated history of changing lives through education.
“It clearly states our ambition to ensure that Northern College meets the needs of its students, communities and the economy now and in the years ahead.
“The appointment of Matthew and Raymond will help us to achieve that and we are delighted that they have joined the governing body.
“Their expertise will enable the college to build its links with employers and boost careers and skills development opportunities for students.”
With a career spanning over 25 years, Matthew Stephens has significantly impacted property development and regeneration in South Yorkshire and Wales where he grew up.
As the Property Development Director at Castlebray Services Limited, his portfolio includes landmark projects such as the Gateway Plaza, Barnsley, former National Union of Mineworkers headquarters, Sheffield, and South Quay Residential Development, Swansea.
Matthew’s expertise covers leisure, commercial properties and the build to rent market, earning him awards such as the Insider Media South Yorkshire Property Personality of the Year 2023.
Matthew, who has lived in Yorkshire for 27 years, is President of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the Barnsley 2030 group and Barnsley Inclusive Economy board, and chairs Goldthorpe Towns Fund board.
Matthew said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to become a governor at Northern College. I have spent the past 20 years working in Barnsley and across the wider Yorkshire region and am looking forward to working with fellow governors to take the college forward. I am passionate about what the college brings to so many people and I hope that my experience can make a difference.”
Raymond Low has enjoyed a 40-year career providing technology services to the worldwide financial industry including managing teams across 30 countries. For seven of those years, he lived in Washington DC, USA.
Raymond’s expertise includes business management, strategy, growth and delivery. His experience of recruiting and managing teams around the world has given him insight into what employers are looking for when they want to expand their workforce.
Originating from London, Raymond has strong connections to the area having moved to South Yorkshire in 1984 with Midland Bank (later to become HSBC) before becoming Managing Director of Transaction Network Services UK in 1995.
He took the business from a start-up to become one of the leading providers of payment networks in the UK. After that Raymond ran their European and then global payments business.
Raymond said: “I am excited to join the team of governors at Northern College.
I look forward to working with Emma and the team to help make the college the most successful residential educational facility in the country.”
A Northern College student has been shortlisted for a regional award.
Martha Arratoonian is a finalist in the Learning for Work category of the West Yorkshire Adult Learning Awards.
The category is aimed at learners who have used adult skills courses to support them to enter or progress within employment.
This may be someone who has made a career change, taken their first steps into employment or who has upskilled.
Martha is one of 14 Northern College students who have completed a Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) at Calderdale College in Halifax, West Yorkshire, this year.
The initiative involved a partnership between Northern College, Calderdale College and Job Centre Plus.
The aim was to recruit students into a range of learning support assistant job roles based at Calderdale College in West Yorkshire.
Martha is one of 11 learners who gained permanent employment at Calderdale College after completing the SWAP programme with one participant securing a role in the Civil Service.
Martha completed a City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills and the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Safeguarding in a Learning Environment and is now employed as Personal Skills Assistant.
Martha, who has previous experience of working in health and social care, said: “It is a fantastic feeling to be a finalist in the West Yorkshire Adult Learning Awards.
“Completing the SWAP programme at Northern College has made a real difference to my career prospects. I am delighted to have secured a role working at Calderdale College.”
On the programme, students completed an intensive two-week course which covered many aspects of education including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and lifelong developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder.
The winners of the West Yorkshire Adult Learning Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Monday 24th June 2024 at Leeds Civic Hall.
The SWAP programme helps job seekers in receipt of unemployment benefit to prepare for and find jobs in different industries.
To find out more, please email referrals@northern.ac.uk.
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