Bradford College becomes Yorkshire's first College of Sanctuary

This is the first time a college in Yorkshire has received this status from the City of Sanctuary UK.

This well-respected title recognises the exceptional level of assistance provided by the College - and especially the Adult and Community department - to some of the most vulnerable learners seeking sanctuary in the city. The team works extremely hard to ensure an outstanding wrap-around support package is always available.

Help on offer includes ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, support for those who have experienced trauma, coaching to help students overcome specific barriers to learning, as well as helping individuals to develop the skills and confidence to apply for jobs, take part in job interviews, and succeed in the workplace.

Alina Khan, Vice Principal - Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Bradford College, said: “We are thrilled to have been notified about achieving the award, especially given that it’s Refugee Week and with World Refugee Day taking place on June 20.

“Refugee Week is a national festival which celebrates and acknowledges the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

“Refugee Week’s vision is for refugees and asylum seekers to be able to live safely within inclusive and resilient communities, where they can continue to make a valuable contribution. The College feels extremely privileged to be partnered with such an amazing organisation and to be recognised in this way.”

This success follows news that Bradford College is supporting up to 40 Ukrainian refugees who found sanctuary in Bradford. The refugees attend three classes to support language and employment skills.

The project is a result of a partnership between Bradford Council, Bradford College, and the Ukrainian Club on Legrams Lane. The already well-established Ukrainian community in Bradford has helped identify the individual needs of newly-arrived refugees.

Ukrainian refugees are also benefitting from training in specialisms like health and social care and hospitality. The College’s Jo Cox Sanctuary Café provides a venue for refugees from around the world to experience the preparation of fresh food to sell to the public while gaining qualifications and social skills.

* TRAVEL and Tourism students from Bradford College have experienced working abroad after a special trip to Eurocamp in Holland.

This was the first trip abroad for the College course since the pandemic.

A mixture of Year 1 and 2 students from the Level 3 Travel, Hospitality, Aviation & Events course visited the Duinrell campsite for additional work experience. This complemented their barista, hospitality, and hotel work experience undertaken in the UK.

Work on site was extremely varied - from cleaning caravans, helping with maintenance, to practising customer service skills at the reception desk. On days off, students enjoyed a canal cruise in Amsterdam and a bike ride to the beach.

Sarah O'Connell, Travel & Tourism Course Leader at Bradford College, said: “Overseas work experience builds confidence and helps forge relationships, encourages teamwork, and gives something to aspire to in the future.

"Living in a foreign country puts you in situations that nurture vital skills in versatility and readiness for the world of work.”

The College’s partnership with Eurocamp began in 2019, and the Duinrell campsite is just one of over 140 Eurocamp parks throughout Europe.

Travel & Tourism students at Bradford College

* COME to the next Degree Courses Open Evening at Bradford College on June 30, 5-7pm, and find out how to turn a passion into a profession. Courses include HNCs, HNDs and Foundation degrees, Honours degrees and postgraduate study. Tutors and students will discuss subjects, course levels, ways of studying (part-time and full-time) and how to apply. Support teams will offer information on fees and finance, learning support and careers advice.

Bradford College has excellent on-site facilities and industry-expert tutors. Bradford School of Art provides a range of degrees. The School of Allied Health offers degree-level pathways to ophthalmic, pharmacy and dental careers. The Digital Academy provides tech qualifications such as cyber security and software development and the McMillan School of Education takes you into primary and secondary teaching careers.

Bradford College offers a range of degree courses

* A SPECIALIST online event on July 7, from 4.30-5.30pm, will provide guidance to school managers and leaders for developing staff into teachers.

The Margaret McMillan School of Education at Bradford College has a range of options to support staff development, including work-based degrees that can directly feed School Direct Schemes once staff have graduated. The college also offers Assessment Only qualifications and Teaching Apprenticeships training. There are many different routes into teaching, and this event is an opportunity to speak to tan expert team and discuss the best training options for your organisation.

Help is at hand for teacher training

The Margaret McMillan School of Education has provided an extensive range of Higher Education courses for over 35 years. Find out how these training programmes could help to enhance the work of your school and staff.