AN older people’s friendship group have enjoyed some pampering by Bradford College students.

The group, affectionately known as “recycled teenagers”, from Sandale Trust, visited Bradford College’s salon where Level 3 hairdressing students led by Laura Fairbank welcomed the party and treated them to a cut and blow-dry.

The visitors then had coffee and cake in the College’s acclaimed Grove Restaurant.

The event gave students a valuable insight into daily salon life and the experience of working with a group of new clients. Afterwards, Sandale Trust said that the students were “an absolute credit to Bradford College.”

Sandale Trust is a registered charity based in Bradford South that supports local people to make positive changes in their communities. They work on a variety of projects involving staff, fundraisers, and volunteers and organise regular trips and events for members of the local community.

* Hairdressing - Level 3 VRQ course is a full-time course that covers all advanced aspects of hairdressing. The course helps students develop their existing hairdressing abilities, build confidence and raise their commercial skills to a higher standard.

The course is run in the David Hockney Building at the main city centre campus. Go to bradfordcollege.ac.uk

* A LEADING figure in the games industry has been inspiring students on a recent visit to the Bradford School of Art at Bradford College.

Jamie Sefton, Managing Director of Game Republic Ltd, the largest industry-led games business network in the North of England, delivered an insightful talk to students in the Lister Building. The lecture was aimed at inspiring the next generation of talent and highlight professional progression in the gaming industry.

Students studying the BA (Hons) Games & Graphic Media Design and Creative Media UAL courses at Bradford College learned about the varied careers available in this exciting field. Skills are more in demand than ever thanks to the success of titles like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite. As a result, the UK gaming market is currently estimated to be worth a record £5.7bn.

Paul Holmes, Lecturer in Games and Graphic Media at Bradford College, said: “We were delighted to have an industry expert delivering this lecture on insights into the gaming industry.

“It is vital that our students have a discourse with industry professionals and gain an understanding of the many fascinating roles involved in the development and production of game design. We’re thankful to Jamie for his time and expertise, and I hope this is the start of a mutually beneficial collaboration.”

Jamie Sefton, Managing Director of Game Republic Ltd, said: “It’s fantastic to have Bradford School of Art at Bradford College as a member of Game Republic. Students can hear about the amazing games industry in Yorkshire and ask questions directly to the industry about how to have a career in the sector.

“Final-year students at the College can also enter into our Student Showcase in June, where games companies such as Red Kite Games and Rebellion North judge projects in categories such as Game Art and Animation and Game Design, and award prizes that could lead to placements and full-time jobs.”

Bradford College’s BA (Hons) Games & Graphic Media Design degree course challenges students to explore innovation and creativity through programming concepts, game level analysis, technical design, games production and graphic media assets that reflect industry practices and emerging trends.

* To find out more, visit: bradfordcollege.ac.uk/our-courses

* STUDENTS are enjoying a new social space, thanks to support from the Students’ Union, Personal Development Team, and wider Student Services team.

The recently opened Student Common Room is a safe place for students to use and meet new friends from other courses. The space was created as a result of student feedback regarding the need for a well-appointed social area. Around £6,000 has been invested in facilities and equipment, as led by students, including a virtual pinball machine, arcade machine with 300 games, table tennis table, table football, TV, sound bar, and a large seating area.

The new space brings different groups of learners together. Plans are also underway to use the area for student pastoral and wellbeing activities, as well as allocating inclusive quiet times for students with additional needs.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford College T&A page

* SIX ‘Active in the Community’ students from Bradford College’s Community Distance Learning and Forster College recently helped run a bakery stall at Shipley market (pictured above).

Active courses are for adults with learning disabilities and are designed to improve communication, independence, employability, and wellbeing. In preparation for the market, the student group went shopping for ingredients then baked treats. With the help of social workers from Bradford Council, the students used the opportunity to practice work and community skills while raising funds for the Ukrainian crisis.

The stall made over £400. Students sold produce and visited local shops and other market stalls to promote the project and their college course.

The event was a collaboration between Bradford Council and Bradford College’s Community Distance Learning and Forster College students.