STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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SUMMER’S HERE! Rugby stars drop in for a chat e is because college lifit e what you mak
Competition time! Benefits of regular physical activity
ENRICHMENT H FINDING A JOB H SPORTING EVENTS H AND MUCH MORE!
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STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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Welcome
Hello and welcome to Leeds College of Building (LCB). My name is Denis Metcalf and I’m the College’s Student Liaison Officer, working alongside me is Kat Towler, College Sport Maker. Together we are responsible for co-ordinating the College’s Enrichment Programme and managing the Students’ Union.
Welcome to the summer issue of the Students’ Union newsletter. We’ve had a busy year so far with lots of activities taking place and many students enjoying the variety of activities available on the enrichment programme.
So far, 450 students have participated in one or more sporting and non-sporting activities. We hope that you find this edition an interesting read. If you have any ideas for future articles, please let us know.
Denis Metcalf Student Liaison Officer Tel: 0113 222 6078 dmetcalf@lcb.ac.uk
Kat Towler Sport Maker Tel: 0113 222 6078 ktowler@lcb.ac.uk
If you are interested in joining the enrichment programme or would like to find out more about the Students’ Union then please come and see us, either at the Students’ Union office (room E30, North Street campus, just outside the Refectory) or when we are at the other campuses. We hope to see you soon!
Students’ Union The Students’ Union (SU) has two roles at LCB • It acts as a channel of communication to represent your opinions and views and aims to provide support to you if you need representation • It manages the enrichment, sport and social activity programme The SU organises various activities including sporting events, social functions, outdoor pursuits and fundraising events. It also offers advice on various aspects of College life, health and wellbeing.
Improve Your Employability: Get involved with your Students’ Union Getting involved with your Students’ Union is arguably one of the best things you can do to maximise your employability potential whilst studying. Leeds College of Building has over 7,000 students and you could be one of just a handful of people who are responsible for the entire student body, fighting for student rights, dealing with the local community and essentially ensuring that every student has as happy college experience as possible.
STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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NUS Extra Card and
Democracy Card
‘NO WHITE FLAG’ TALKS Former England Rugby League captain Jamie Peacock and Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan delivered motivational talks at North Street to over 150 students. Jamie Peacock is considered to be one of the best players of his generation and was recently awarded an MBE. He holds the world record for the most Grand Final wins with a total of eight; five with Leeds Rhinos and three with Bradford Bulls. He has also won numerous other team and individual awards, domestically and internationally, twice winning
the International Forward of the Year award. Jamie JonesBuchanan has also won many honours in the game including the treble in 2015, and is still ever present in the Leeds Rhinos team. Their talks focused on leadership, self-belief, goal setting and attitude and really hit the mark with students and staff alike. After the talks Jamie JonesBuchanan took the time to meet everybody and was more than happy to chat and mingle and have his picture taken with trophies won by Leeds Rhinos.
A Democracy Card is a free card that holds no discounts. Your Democracy Card is your local Students’ Union membership card that can be used for access and/or voting purposes and receiving campaign material and other NUS information.
NUS Extra is a student discount card which will cost from £12. The NUS Extra card will get you exclusive discounts available on the High Street and online, in many cases the discount is 10%. On average, students save over £500 a year by using their Extra card. For more information about the discounts available and how to purchase your NUS Extra Card please visit the Students’ Union office at the North Street campus or visit the NUS website www.nus.org.uk.
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STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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STUDENT REP MEETINGS During this year’s student rep meetings plenty of points were raised, both positive and areas with room for improvement. It’s great to see all of the students taking an active role. If you have something you wish to raise, see your student rep!
Positive Comments Practical sessions are very good Good teaching and support Teachers are helpful at all times with both practical and theory work The food is good Enrichment is good; a variety of activities are offered by the Students’ Union Good library facilities with up to date technology
Room for Improvement YOU SAID: The pool tables and table tennis tables are in poor condition WE DID: The pool tables have been re-covered and two new table tennis tables have been purchased for the Hunslet campus. New table tennis tables will be purchased in the summer for Millwright Street and North Street
YOU SAID: The lockers at Millwright Street need repairing /replacing and we need more at the Hunslet campus WE DID: Lockers have been repaired/replaced as appropriate YOU SAID: A cash machine and smoking shelter are needed at the Hunslet campus WE DID: This has been passed on to the management team; we will keep you informed on the progress
YOU SAID: More sweeping brushes are needed for the brickwork workshop WE DID: £100 has been spent on new sweeping brushes YOU SAID: We would like radios in the workshops WE DID: £150 has been spent on new radios YOU SAID: We would like days out as a team building exercise for groups WE DID: All groups are offered team building trips throughout the year, for example, to Herd Farm Activity Centre and go karting
YOU SAID: Can we have LCD TVs at the Hunslet campus? WE DID: The College has agreed to install more TVs in the reception area
EURO 2016 If you’re a fan of football, rejoice, because EURO 2016 is imminent. Once again Leeds’ Millennium Square will be bouncing as some of Europe’s best teams battle it out. Keep an eye out for the big games,
including England versus Wales on Thursday 16 June - it’ll be a cracker! EURO 2016 will be screened at Millennium Square from Friday 10 June until Sunday 10 July.
STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
Enrichment Round Up Table Tennis Currently there are two tables at Hunslet, one at Millwright Street and two at North Street. Simply ask in Student Services/Students’ Union for the equipment. Throughout the year we hold regular tournaments with £20 JD Sports gift vouchers for the winners!
Football
This has been a challenging season, playing some very good college teams. Each week we have always had a full team to select from with many different players being used throughout the season. Though results may not have been as good as hoped, the players who have been involved have taken a lot from the season in terms of teamwork, fitness and hard work.
DJ Club The DJ Club has been a great success this year with many students dropping in to learn the tricks of the trade! If you fancy giving it a go, please come along to the student common room on Wednesdays from 12:30pm until 1:30pm.
Rugby League
LCB Hawks started the season with a bang! All members of the team were fully committed to the task in hand and represented the College in fine style. The team gelled well from the start of the season (even though they had never played together) playing some very competitive matches, the best of which was a derby match versus Leeds City College on home turf at South Leeds Stadium! Unfortunately Leeds City College beat us by just two points. Huge thanks go to the entire team for remaining dedicated throughout the season.
Gym and Fitness Sessions at Virgin Active, Kirkstall This year we have offered a range of activities to keep the sessions interesting. Students have learned about setting goals to improve fitness, exercises to target various muscle groups and also the difference between training for strength and training for fitness. As part of Healthy
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College Week students were advised on how to measure their own health and fitness levels. Some students chose to sign up following the Healthy College Week sessions. All students have been encouraged to take part in the treadmill based warm up exercises. These are great not only for preparing you for your gym session but also for keeping track of your progress by comparing your results each week. The enrichment team aim to develop anyone choosing to attend these gym sessions to the point where they are confident to use gym facilities in their own time. We are delighted that a number of students have joined a gym as a result of attending the enrichment sessions. In addition to the brand new gym facilities at Virgin Active there is also a swimming pool, steam room and sauna so you can relax and recover after a hard workout. These facilities are all free to Leeds College of Building students who have signed up to the enrichment programme every Wednesday and Thursday from 1:00pm until 4:30pm.
What the students say... The gym motivates me to keep fit and lose weight. It also gives me more energy for my studies and gives me more confidence. The gym has motivated me to lose weight. The coaching at the gym is excellent and I can do more physically now because of my gym experience. The banter’s good, the coaching’s good; come down! Going to the gym through College has got me really keen to work on my fitness and it has become a hobby. It keeps me in a much more positive state of mind. Going to the gym helped to motivate me in many different ways such as improving fitness and weight loss. The coaching staff are helpful and friendly and give you all the support needed. The facilities are second to none; if you’ve got a free afternoon on a Wednesday or Thursday, get down!
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STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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BENEFITS OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY You know exercise is good for you, but do you know how good? From boosting your fitness to improving your mood, find out how exercise can improve your life. Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore and the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability. Need more convincing to exercise? Here are just some of the ways that exercise can improve your life.
Exercise influences weight Exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don’t need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise
to reap the benefits. If you can’t do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways - by taking the stairs instead of the lift or revving up your household tasks.
range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.
Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
Exercise improves mood
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight is, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide
Need an emotional lift or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30 minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
Exercise boosts energy Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you
have more energy to go about your daily tasks.
Exercise promotes better sleep Struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energised to fall asleep!
The bottom line on exercise Exercise and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you haven’t exercised for a long time, have chronic health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, or you have any concerns.
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Case Study BETHANY HOLROYD Former Student Please briefly describe your current role I am a Civil Engineering Technician for Moray Council. I work in the structures section and my role includes carrying out bridge inspections, project managing various bridge repairs and supervising construction sites. Last year I also took on the role of Harbours Asset Manager, looking after the six council run harbours in Moray. This work varies daily.
Please provide a brief outline of your career so far After school I enrolled at Leeds College of Building (LCB) to
study a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering over a period of two years. However, after the first year I decided the best way to progress was to enrol on an Apprenticeship. I managed to secure an Apprenticeship at Halcrow Group and completed the last year of my BTEC course part-time. I then stayed with the company as a Civil Engineering Technician for two years before joining Moray Council, also as a Civil Engineering Technician.
How did you come to choose this career path? At high school I was trying to decide what I wanted to do. My then boyfriend, now husband, was studying a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering when we met and it sounded great! A mixture of maths, science and engineering as a vocational course, instead of A levels, appealed to me. I applied for a place at LCB and as soon as I started I knew I
was on the right path. All the lecturers were fantastic and the lessons were a mixture of practical and academic work and prepared us well for working in industry.
Would you recommend an Apprenticeship as a way to start an engineering career? I truly believe they are the way forward. For me, doing one was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I started out in transport
Competition Time! What’s the best thing about Leeds College of Building? 10 word limit. Please submit your answers to Kat or Denis in the Students’ Union office. The winning entry will receive a £20 voucher!
planning but realised after six months that it wasn’t for me. I was seconded to a highways department and really enjoyed that work. If I hadn’t done an Apprenticeship I wouldn’t have realised this and may have studied towards something I wouldn’t ultimately enjoy. Also, I was always quite nervous speaking up at school but doing the Apprenticeship gave me a lot of confidence. Another big benefit is that at the age of 22 I’m fully qualified without debt and have five years of experience in industry.
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Healthy Recipe Idea
Fancy a healthy snack which is quick to make and won’t break the bank? Try Tomato Cups. INGREDIENTS (SERVES TWO) • 2 large tomatoes • 2 large eggs • 2 pieces of ham or bacon (cubes should be about ¼” in size) • Salt and pepper METHOD 1. Preheat oven to gas mark 4/180°C/160°C (fan oven) 2. Slice off and set aside the top third of each tomato. Scoop out the seeds 3. Place the tomatoes in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper 4. Break an egg into each tomato and add ham 5. Bake, with the sliced tops, for 10 minutes
Enjoy!
Benefits of Eating Breakfast • Increases metabolism • Helps with maintaining a healthy weight or weight loss • Enhances mood • Stimulates intelligence • Boosts immune system
STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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TIPS ON JOB HUNTING ➤ Try and get as much work experience as possible as any experience is good ➤ Always run a spell check or get someone else to check your CV or application form before you submit it as employers don’t like spelling mistakes ➤ Research the company and job before you apply. Employers like people who understand what the job is about and who are enthusiastic
➤ Be careful what you share on social media such as Facebook and Twitter as employers may check you out online ➤ Keep any documents in a safe place i.e. letters you have sent to employers or received. This will help to keep track of the jobs you have applied for ➤ Adapt your CV or covering letter to make it right for the job you’re applying for, don’t expect one CV to cover everything
➤ It may take a while to find something you’re interested in or to get an interview. Don’t let it get you down - talk to someone, a friend, a family member or your personal advisor if you’re starting to get fed up ➤ You will probably need to travel further to work than you did at school or college
Why Skills and Qualities? Applying for a job is not just about grades, many employers look out for your skills and qualities on application forms, your CV and at interviews. We pick up different skills through day to day life and in different settings such as at school or college, at home through our interests or out socialising with friends. Employers want people with the following types of key skills: ➤ Good literacy and numeracy skills ➤ Communication skills ➤ Teamwork and reliability ➤ Organisation and planning ➤ Ability to meet deadlines ➤ Initiative ➤ Problem solving ➤ IT literate
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10,500 athletes from 206 countries will compete in the first Olympic Games in South America. During 17 days there will be 306 medal events: 161 men’s, 136 women’s and 9 mixed. 42 sports will be contested with two new additions: rugby (for the first time in 92 years) and golf (for the first time in 112 years).
5-21 AUGUST 2016
2016
WILL COMPETE IN THE FIRST
10,500
ATHLETES FROM
17
DURING DAYS THERE WILL BE
Olympic Games
206
IN SOUTH AMERICA
COUNTRIES
136
306
WOMEN’S
MEDAL EVENTS
9
MIXED
161 MEN’S
DID YOU KNOW... “CITIUS, ALTIUS, FORTIUS” (“FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER”) IS THE OLYMPIC MOTTO
EXCELLENCE, FRIENDSHIP AND RESPECT ARE THE OLYMPIC VALUES
THE OLYMPIC RINGS REPRESENT THE UNION OF THE FIVE CONTINENTS
THE TORCH SYMBOLISES THE LINK BETWEEN THE ANCIENT AND MODERN GAMES
We’re on Facebook and Twitter You can access all the information from this magazine on the LCB Facebook page, you can also follow us on Twitter.
leedscollegebuilding
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THE OLYMPIAD IS THE FOUR-YEAR CYCLE BETWEEN EACH SUMMER GAMES
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STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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National Citizen Service National Citizen Service (NCS) is a fantastic programme for 15 to 17 year olds. Working through physical, personal and creative challenges, this once in a lifetime experience empowers young people to build skills and confidence to get ahead in life, whilst engaging with their local area.
The NCS summer programme: STAGE ONE: Four nights and five days at an activity centre in the UK where students do outdoor team activities such as climbing, canoeing and zip wiring.
STAGE TWO: Four nights and five days residential (often at university halls). Students learn a new skill (photography, sports, enterprise, music, drama or media) as well as life skills like budgeting and cooking.
Locations:
STAGE THREE: Eight days (including a break) nonresidential. Students work with a local charity to complete a social action project. Students take ownership of the project - they pitch it to successful people in the community (Dragons’ Den style) for support and funding.
Price:
Dates: The whole programme takes approximately three weeks and two days and there are 12 different start dates throughout June to August.
Student Services The Student Services office is situated on the ground floor at North Street, near the Library and is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday.
• Admissions
If you require assistance with any matter at any time during your course, you should contact Student Services initially. The specially trained staff are your first point of contact at the College and can offer you advice, information and practical help on a wide variety of issues including:
• Confidential counselling to help with personal problems and difficulties
• Bursary Fund • Careers Information and Guidance
• Equality and Diversity • Job Search • Learner Support Fund
If you study at one of the other campuses, you can speak to the personal advisor based there.
No matter where you go in the UK on NCS you meet locally in Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield. All transport is included in the price.
NCS never costs more than £50 for the whole programme and they do a special offer of £35 for Leeds College of Building students. NCS don’t want the cost to be a barrier to anyone signing up to the programme. You can request financial assistance when signing up or by speaking to Linda Allinson (see below).
Sign up today! To sign up, visit www.ncsthechallenge.org or contact Linda Allinson (NCS Engagement Coordinator) on 07341 563889 / linda.allinson@the-challenge.org.
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Case Study JOHN FARRAR
Current Student What course do you study? General Construction Operations
What made you decide to pursue a career in General Construction Operations? I was looking for a stable job in this country as I wanted to start a family with my girlfriend. I was born and bred in Leeds but moved to work on a yacht in Italy.
How did it come about and what other jobs have you had? I previously passed the ‘competent crew’ award which enabled me to go down the sailing lifestyle. I found this
easy to achieve as I have been into yachting from an early age with my family. I was fortunate enough to get a job as a skipper on board a £40million luxury yacht! This was privately owned and was birthed in Genoa, Northern Italy. My job role was to test/trial new equipment and navigation tools and the day to day duties included preparing scuba equipment, the boat ready for voyage and anything else that the Captain needed doing.
and he encourages me to work hard to a challenging standard.
What hobbies and interests do you have?
What have you learnt on your course?
Yachting, gym, socialising and learning new skills.
What do you enjoy about your course? I enjoy everything about my course. My practical skills and knowledge have vastly improved. I like the College environment and where it is located. I have a good working relationship with all the staff and find my tutor very knowledgeable, approachable
I am now good at bricklaying, paving, concreting and setting out. Before the course I had a limited skills and knowledge level. The course has pushed me hard.
Have you got any advice for students starting out? Don’t be afraid to push yourself, dedication to the course is vital. Relax and enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
Student Ambassador Programme Attend an open event, spread the word about your experiences at Leeds College of Building to potential new students and receive a £20 gift voucher for your help. What’s not to like? For more information email Claire Stow: cstow@lcb.ac.uk.
What are your plans for the future? To become qualified and start my own building company, then hopefully I can own a yacht like the ones in the photos!
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STUDENTS’ UNION MAGAZINE ISSUE 2: SUMMER 2016
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Enrichment
Because college life is what you make it
72%
74%
50%
OF STUDENTS SAID ENRICHMENT ENHANCED THEIR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
OF STUDENTS SAID ENRICHMENT MADE THEM ATTEND COLLEGE MORE OFTEN
OF STUDENTS SAID PARTICIPATING IN ENRICHMENT IMPROVED THEIR STANDARD OF COLLEGE WORK
32%
79%
60%
OF STUDENTS WHO APPLIED TO LCB DID SO BECAUSE OF THE OFFER OF ENRICHMENT
OF STUDENTS STRONGLY AGREED THAT PARTICIPATING IN SPORT IMPROVES THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
OF STUDENTS SAID TAKING PART IN ENRICHMENT HAS HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON EMPLOYABILITY
Creativity
Character
Connection
Confidence
Competence
Taking part in team sports builds:
Core values of enrichment:
Discipline Teamwork Respect Personal Development “Sport has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can” NELSON MANDELA