A NEW series of short videos released by Bradford College highlight the specialist degrees on offer right here in the city.

Each video follows a different student on a professional degree pathway. These include Katie Martin studying BA (Hons) Make-up with Special Effects; Naved Gardezi a BSc (Hons) Top Up Civil Engineering Project Management degree; Elena Timpu a BA Early Years Practice: The Whole Child degree; and Carys Marshall an FDA in Music for the Creative Industries.

The films aim to showcase some of the more unusual, bespoke, or unexpected degree courses on offer locally at Bradford College that can lead to successful and rewarding careers across diverse industries.

Civil engineering student Naved Gardezi said: “The best bits for me are coming to college and doing the work I love, learning mathematics and structural design...the way the tutors teach is specifically for you, and if you need any one-to-one help you can book support. My dream job is to be a civil engineer or structural engineer - I want to do something what benefits people around the world.”

Foundation degree student Carys Marshall said: “I really enjoy the course - I think it can be really challenging at times but that is good for career progression. The tutors go above and beyond. Once I have graduated, I want to do the Level 6 Music for Creative Industries top-up degree at Bradford College so I have a full degree and then move on to starting my own events management and promotion business.”

At Bradford College, higher-level courses are available to those finishing A Levels. As many students come to university to study later in life, many College courses can also be studied part-time, fitting around work and family commitments to help spread the cost.

Hands-on Higher National (HNC/HND) qualifications are another alternative and economical option. A third-year ‘top up’ is available for BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) degrees at various universities, meaning students can gain a full degree at a much-reduced cost.

Find out more about Degrees, Higher Professional, and Technical Qualifications at Bradford College by visiting the website - www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Peter Hodgson has artwork on display the BRIPeter Hodgson has artwork on display the BRI

* A MATURE student at Bradford College has been appointed Artist in Residence at Bradford Royal Infirmary, after producing free artwork for the hospital.

Peter Hodgson, who uses art to support his mental health, has donated four pieces, inspired by the world around him, including the impact of the pandemic. He said: “I decided to enrol in an art course at Bradford College. I had no idea if I'd complete it, but I got great results. The following year I enrolled on the next art course, and got distinctions.” Peter is now doing a part-time BA (Hons) Art & Design degree and has ambitions for a solo exhibition.

Helen Sutcliffe, Head of Corporate Affairs at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Peter has such skill and vision and has totally embraced the Trust’s theme of kindness to produce such beautiful pieces. We look forward to displaying more work from Peter.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Naz Shah MP with some of the college leadership team Naz Shah MP with some of the college leadership team

* THE Bradford College David Hockney building hosted a recent visit by MP Naz Shah.

The Labour MP for Bradford West and Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention met with senior managers, including College CEO Chris Webb, Chair of Governors Cath Orange, and Alina Khan, Bradford College Vice Principal for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Various initiatives were discussed such as the ESOL 16-18 Global Learning Project.

Naz said: “It was great to meet with the leadership of Bradford College. By being awarded the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, Sanctuary College Status, and working closely with local communities and organisations, it is clear the college is passionate about the city and its people.”

Naz Shah MP helped to lobby for Department for Education (DfE) funding on behalf of Bradford College during the pandemic.

Many disadvantaged learners aged 16-18 were struggling to access online tuition at this time. With the MP's support, the College received more than 800 student laptops to help combat digital poverty.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Find out what apprenticeships are on offerFind out what apprenticeships are on offer

* BRADFORD College is to host an Apprenticeship Open Day designed for students collecting their GCSEs this month.

On Friday, August 26 (the day after GCSE results are released), the event will be open from 10am to 4pm for all would-be apprentices.

The College - which offers apprenticeships in healthcare, professional services, construction, engineering, dental, motor vehicle, early years, teaching and more - has over 30 years of experience delivering apprenticeships and works closely with over 700 employers within Bradford and the wider Leeds City Region. Using high-quality training facilities, industry-specialist staff offer in-demand hands-on vocational training.

College staff will be on hand to offer guidance and explain the application process for apprenticeship vacancies. Applicants should bring GCSE results if they collect them the day before.