Hello! Who are you and what are you studying? 

Hi! I’m Marcia-Belle and I’m studying a Construction T Level in Design, Planning and Surveying. I’m in my second and final year of my studies. 

What motivated you to choose your course? 

I did a Construction GCSE, so I got into it through there; we had workshops, did woodwork, designs, planning and online work. My grandad also works in the construction industry, so throughout my life I would learn bits and pieces from him; my dad came here and studied some of the construction courses as well, so my family and school got me into it. 

How are you finding your studies and do you feel like you’ve made the right decision with your course? 

100% I’ve made the right choice with my course. I love it and I’ve really learned so much, but it’s the people that are the best thing about the course. It’s a very small class – only 11 of us – and we’ve all become very close, and I really do treasure the people in my class. 

Where did you do your work placement and how did you find it? 

I am doing my placement with WJ Construction where I work once a week. I do a lot of shadowing and I’ve done a lot of work with their sustainability team because that’s what I’m really interested in. 

I really enjoy it because it gives a proper real-life experience of working in a company. When I joined, they said they wanted to allow me to try a bit of everything, which I’ve managed to do. I’ve really been accepted into the company culture too. 

Have you encountered any challenge at your workplace and how did you overcome them? 

I think my biggest challenge has been opening up to new people. I’m one of the first student placements they’ve taken on, so it’s been a lot of adjustment for myself and the company. Meeting all the new people and trying to impress them because they’ve been doing their job for years and I’m obviously very new. 

But I think that’s also one of the best parts because you’re the new face and you get to have a fresh impression for everyone – and you can ask a lot of questions!

What are your highlights from your time at the College?        

There are many! I’d definitely say one highlight has been my sustainability work with the College – I’m in the Student Sustainability Committee and I took part in the Planet Earth Games and won the student prize at MK College, which was exciting. Student of the Year is another one of my top highlights – the event was the greatest thing ever and I loved how student-run it was with the Catering students working there. 

I also met my best friend in College. I think the College is a great place for making friends because it’s a very non-judgmental place. One thing I love about the college culture is how people express themselves with how they dress. 

I like being more independent with my work and I’d say the highlight of the College has been the independence in how you produce your work – you can take your own lead on it. 

Have you done other courses at the College as well? 

Yes! I participated in the “Embedding Sustainable Procurement” online class, which was part of the Planet Earth Games – I somehow managed to convince my class to come to it with me! It was really nice to share my interests with the class. 

I also did a Retrofit course, which is about how you can better old buildings. 

What are your future career aspirations? What are your plans for achieving them? 

I’ve signed up for the HNC in Construction next year which would be good because it’s one day a week and the rest of the time I would be working. I’m planning on taking the Sustainability online course as well. 

I really would love to create something as well; one of my biggest dreams is to create my own company and I’m hoping to work with a company that would give me the experience for starting my own business.

What advice would you give to someone applying for your course at Milton Keynes College today? 

I really do recommend my course, especially for those who want to go into the construction industry but aren’t sure which section of it. The College is a great opportunity to try a bit of everything. 

I’d say don’t stress it too much. I feel like for a lot of people who join the College, it’s the only thing on their minds. Do think about how much other stuff you can enjoy while you’re here, the people and the experiences. Do the work but also make time for doing what makes you happy. Have fun with it as well!

To learn more about the T Level in Construction (Design, Surveying and Planning) at Milton Keynes College, read more here and to see our full T Level offering read more here.

Faced with an ageing workforce and increasing recruitment challenges, Cerulean is tackling the skills gap head-on. Through a long-term partnership with MK College. The company has embedded apprenticeships and now T Level industry placements into its workforce strategy – and is already seeing the benefits. 

Based in Milton Keynes, Cerulean is a manufacturing company that supplies precision test and measurement equipment for the tobacco industry.  

Claire Millsop, HR Business Partner, explains that the company has worked closely with MK College for several years, particularly in the recruitment and training of apprentices, to help address the engineering skills gap. 

“We started off with apprentices. Over the last eight years, they’ve been key to our business, especially in the last five, where we’ve really focused on it. We became part of the 5% Club because we felt it was important to show our commitment to ‘earn while you learn’ schemes. This was in direct response to the reality we were facing – an ageing workforce in engineering. The average age of our engineers was 50, and it was getting harder to find the right skills externally. So, we realised we needed to invest heavily in apprenticeships. We began in engineering and have since expanded into marketing, finance, and IT.” 

The company recently extended its support to include T Level industry placements, although this wasn’t originally part of the plan.  

“We’re part of the MAKE UK federation and take part in events like Manufacturing Day. We decided to open our doors to students from MK College to show them what we do. One of the attendees, Abdul, approached us afterwards to ask about a T Level placement. To be honest, we had initially rejected the idea of taking T Level students. We thought it was impractical to have someone come in just one day a week. But we liked him, he presented himself well, and we knew what he could do. So we decided to give him an opportunity.” 

The experience turned out to be overwhelmingly positive. “T Levels are a great opportunity to bring in young professionals. If you can, then go on to offer an apprenticeship at a higher level, like Level 4, it’s definitely worth considering. We’re hoping to keep Abdul on. He’s fitted in incredibly well and has been a real pleasure to have on the team. I’ve heard nothing but praise about him. One of the big differences with T Levels is the academic standard. It’s noticeably strong.” 

Beyond recruitment, the partnership also supports the company’s wider community values. 

“For us, as an employer, it’s important to give back to the community. The partnership with MK College gives us the chance to do that – whether it’s through attending careers events or helping students understand the kinds of careers we offer. We really value having that relationship with a local education organisation.” 

When asked what advice she would give to other employers, Claire said: “I think it’s essential to give the college the chance to really understand your business. We always invite people in to look around, meet key stakeholders, and get to grips with the skills we’re looking for. I highly recommend investing that time. It enables a much more successful recruitment and training process in the long term. It has to be a long-term relationship; it can’t be a quick fix. If you take that approach, you’re missing the bigger picture.” 

To find out more about offering work placements through MK College, contact the Work Experience Team at: workexperienceteam@mkcollege.ac.uk  

Milton Keynes College apprentices working in Formula One visited Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of the sport. The apprentices had the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in the sport – all as guests of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Jordan Smith, Engineering Workplace trainer at Milton Keynes College Group said it was the experience of a lifetime: “The apprentices were quite nervous at the beginning, so I asked them who they’d most like to speak to, and they said Sir Jackie Stewart, so we just walked up and said hello.”

“The apprentices are all big fans, but he was so nice to them. He told them they are the future of the motorsport industry, that they should be proud of their part in it, and he even thanked them for being involved.”

Emily Darlington, Milton Keynes Central MP, said: “What a fantastic experience for this great group of apprentices. Milton Keynes is the heart of F1 and with institutions like Milton Keynes College and the Open University in our city, it’s no surprise that so many young people in MK are making their mark. It’s also amazing to see so many more women getting involved in the sport.  I’m so glad to see everyone’s talent recognised in Downing Street.”

Miah, one of the apprentices from Milton Keynes College, was recently named as the youngest ever finalist in the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards. She said she’s it’s been a whirlwind few weeks to follow that with a visit to the Prime Minister’s home: “Visiting number 10 was an honour and a privilege. Seeing likeminded apprentices and others coming together at Downing Street to celebrate 75 years of F1 is an experience I will never forget.”

It has also been a rollercoaster ride for Jordan, who recently completed his teacher training at the College after a career in railway engineering. He said: “The College gave me the opportunity to move into teaching at just the right time, and I absolutely love it. I work with the apprentices on health and safety, electrical and fluid power, and it’s such a rewarding job.

“I’ve been able to do my own studies for my teaching qualifications alongside my work in the classroom, and it’s given me insights into different industries, visiting the apprentices at their employers in Formula One and other industries. It’s inspiring.”

Jordan says he was initially quite daunted by the idea of becoming a teacher, but he’s had brilliant support. “My Dad trained officers in the RAF, and between him and the people of the College who’ve looked after me along the way, I’ve always felt that there were people I could talk to about how to progress.

“I’ve really built my confidence in the classroom; I can put together my own lessons to make sure they’re engaging for the apprentices who are, frankly, brilliant. It’s not like school in that they’re all there because they want to be. It’s the most rewarding job you could ever do.”

The College Group is currently looking for teachers in a whole range of subjects. While we are keen to hear from experienced professionals, we are also searching for people coming from industry like Jordan, and recent graduates with up-to-date knowledge of their subjects. The right candidates will be put through their teacher training while they begin their careers.

For more information on becoming a teacher at MK College Group read more here.

Around 20 veterans attended the Armed Forces breakfast at Milton Keynes College’s The Brasserie, where they were joined by some of our staff who are part of the Armed Forces community. Celebrating Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day – and topping off Armed Forces Week – the breakfast provided an opportunity for Forces staff and veterans to network and share their experiences.

For the event on Friday 27th June, The Brasserie was decorated with bunting, banners and flags. Level 3 Catering students prepared the breakfast for the event with Hospitality students helping in the restaurant. The guests enjoyed a selection of breakfast foods, including sausage and bacon rolls, yoghurt, fruit and granola pots, fresh fruit platters, and ham and cheese croissants. The students received positive feedback from the guests.

The College Group supports colleagues who are part of the Armed Forces community and their families by offering additional leave for training for cadet volunteers and reservists, hosting discussions and training to encourage better understanding to support Armed Forces colleagues and advertising vacancies on specialist Armed Forces job boards for leavers and veterans.

Milton Keynes College Group received the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award in September 2023, recognising the Group’s promise that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Richie Carter, Workplace Trainer for Commis Chefs at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “As an ex-serviceman myself, these occasions are extraordinary. They provide a fantastic opportunity to help and support the Armed Forces community, where we can ‘pull up a sandbag’, and talk. It was wonderful observing people get together, introduce each other and make new acquaintances.

“It is important we remember – sharing is caring. Standing together, we are stronger together.”

Ben Burton, Recruitment Resourcer at Milton Keynes College Group, said: “Richie and his team at The Brasserie knocked it out the park again! Also thank you to my colleagues Pez Ryan, Peter Goodwin and Tina Leigh McDonald who are always championing our Armed Forces network and the Armed Forces Covenant. They remind us of what it’s about and why we have days for Reservists, Remembrance, VE and VJ days and weeks celebrating the work and sacrifice by all in our Armed Forces Family.

“This Armed Forces Day we thank all for their service; we thank all for their support, and we remember those who have served, and show support to those who still serve.”

You can learn more about MK College’Group’s Armed Forces Covenant here.

Teachers and managers from Milton Keynes College Group have been graded Good by Ofsted for their work with offenders at Fosse Way Prison; one of only 7% of establishments across England to obtain a Good grade.  This is an incredible achievement for all at HMP Fosse Way following a challenging period for prisons in recent years.  

It’s especially satisfying for the staff involved because they launched the education service at Fosse Way when it opened two years ago.  Rob Hawkins, the College Group’s Contract Manager for Prison Services was part of the initial team who mobilised HMP Fosse Way.  He says, “It’s really emotional for the colleagues here, because for a long time HMP Fosse Way has been a big part of our lives.  We were responsible for how everything, from how many tables and chairs do we need in which rooms and what pens and paper to buy, right the way up to designing and running the curriculum for our Learners, for us to get a good grade here is really such a boost for everyone in recognition for their hard work.” 

The College Group’s Lead Director for Prison Services, Claire Atkins, says, “The achievement is all the greater when you bear in mind that Fosse Way is a really big prison, which can make effective education a lot harder to achieve.  We’ve got more than 70 staff here spread across two different areas.  Some of them had never worked in education before they came here, and some had never been inside a prison, so we have to thank each and every one of them for getting to grips with the job as well as they have.” 

Rob and Claire are also full of praise for SERCO, the private company that runs Fosse Way.  “You’ve got to have a stable and secure prison before you can hope to make education work,” Rob says, “and they deserve huge credit for that.” 

The Ofsted inspectors praised the team for providing a wide curriculum from entry level courses up to Master’s degrees.  They also said there were good links with employers, helping create courses that would help offenders into work when they finished their sentences, writing that the, “range of academic and vocational pathways reflected both labour market gaps and priorities, as well as prisoners’ interests and job aspirations.” 

The College is committed to building fairer futures for all learners.  Its Information, Advice and Guidance team and Employment Coordinators work with Serco and other partners to provide learners with opportunities both during their time at Fosse Way and on release.  HMIP inspectors noted that “a range of committed and experienced staff and partners supported resettlement work… The combined efforts of these teams had led to many positive outcomes for prisoners.”  

Claire says, “Prisoners will say to you, ‘when I’m in the education areas it doesn’t feel like I’m in prison,’ which is really lovely.  The library and classrooms and workshops have a real Further Education feel to them, almost as if we’re working in just another campus of Milton Keynes College.” 

Prisoners can choose from an extraordinary range of qualifications, including employability, skills, business, teacher training, art, warehousing, plastering, painting and decorating, carpentry, brick laying, finance and many more. 

Claire and Rob say their greatest satisfaction comes when they receive letters from former learners who have finished their sentences and are out in the world, in jobs, living better lives.  “That’s when you see the passion of the staff being repaid,” Claire says.  “They can see they’ve made a real difference to someone, and there’s just no better feeling.” 

To find out more about prison services from MK College Group, visit Prison Services – MK College 

20 Level 1 Painting & Decorating students from Milton Keynes College recently took part in a bench refurbishment project at MK University Hospital. 

The students were inspired to take on the refurbishment project after finding out about the opportunity during the College in the Community Day on 2nd April. Given the substantial workload of the project, it was agreed that the collaboration would take place as an end-of-term activity. The project was planned and supported by Adrian Bujorean, Course Team Leader for Construction at Milton Keynes College. 

For their project, the students refurbished a total of five wooden benches on the hospital grounds. Successfully sanding off old paint and applying three coats of exterior wood stain to protect and preserve the wood for outdoor use, the students transformed the benches while putting their learning to practice. 

For many of the students, this was the first time using oil-based paint and exterior varnish, making this a valuable hands-on learning experience beyond the classroom. With a mix of ability-levels, the students were keen to help one another and took pride in their work. While working, they received thanks from hospital staff and positive feedback from passers-by and patients. 

Kelly Errington, Community Fundraiser at Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you and well done to Adrian and the students – they all worked so hard during the hottest week of the year!  The benches look absolutely great and will make such a difference to the patients and their families who use the garden areas.” 

Issac, a Level 1 Painting & Decorating student who participated in the project, said: “Despite the hot weather, I really enjoyed the work experience and project being outside of college. I was able to improve my skills and had a great time working with my group throughout the week. I’m hoping for more work experiences like this in the future.” 

Jamie-Bradley, another participating Level 1 Painting & Decorating student, said: “I think it was a fun week where we did something good for people. It was also a good opportunity to experience working on something new.” 

Adrian Bujorean, Course Team Leader for Construction at Milton Keynes College, said: “After a fun, sunny week, our students have done a fantastic job bringing several old benches back to life – ready to serve for many more years to come. 

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone involved: students, staff, and the Hospital Charity team. Your support, hard work, and positivity made this project truly special. I’m incredibly proud of the students for their effort, teamwork, and commitment.” 

To learn more about Painting & Decorating at Milton Keynes College, read more here.

Studying an Access to HE Health Professions course, Jay spoke about what his college experience has been like and what he’s learned along the way, with insights and tips for college life and confidence as an adult learner. Read on to find out more. 

Hello! Who are you and what are you studying? 

Hi! I’m Jay and I’m studying Access to HE Health Professions. 

You’re receiving an award for Access to Higher Education tonight – congratulations! Are you happy that you chose this path? 

I am, yes! It was a surprise that I was nominated, let alone winning the award. Out of everyone on the Access course, I didn’t think that I was going to be that was going to be the winner. I’m very excited and very happy to be here. 

What are your highlights from your time at the College? 

There are so many of them. Every day going to college has been fun, it’s something that I look forward to week in and week out, meeting all my colleagues and my work in class as well. It’s a great environment to work in so I’ve really enjoyed that. 

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced during your time at the College and how did you overcome it? 

The biggest challenge I had was that I’d been out of education for so long, I left school when I was 16 and I’m not 16 anymore! Coming back into education was quite a challenge, I didn’t think I could do it, so I had that self-doubt. But being welcomed in and being able to show what I can do has been something that I wasn’t expecting – it brought me out of my shell I suppose. 

How did you find the social life and study environment at the College? 

It’s a really nice environment to study in. The facilities there are great – whether we are in the classroom or library, it’s brilliant. 

In terms of the social side of things, being an Access student, a lot of the other colleagues on the course are a little bit older, so we do other jobs or working and so on. Social-wise, we try to stay in contact and organise events when we can. 

What achievement are you most proud of during your time at the College? 

The achievement that I’m most proud of is that to date, all my assignments I’ve achieved were distinction, which I wasn’t expecting at all. One would’ve been great but to achieve all of them to date is fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for any more. 

What are your future career aspirations? What are your plans for achieving them? 

I’m going to university in September to study mental health nursing, which was my main driver for going into an Access course. I’ve been accepted at my preferred university already, so I’m all ready to go in September and in three years’ time I should be out there working within the NHS. 

What advice would you give to someone applying for your course at Milton Keynes College today? 

Put aside any apprehension and self-doubt that you might have. I thought I was going to be the oldest person on my course and I’m not. Don’t put barriers in your way; don’t think that you can’t do it because you haven’t been in education for a long time. Just give it a go, really!

If you’re interested in studying Access to Higher Education courses at Milton Keynes College, you can learn more here.

Sometimes, the path back to learning begins with the basics – English, maths and a fresh perspective. We spoke to Stella, a Level 2 Adult English & maths student navigating the challenges and triumphs of re-engaging with education later in life. From overcoming self-doubt to celebrating the wins, Stella offers and perspective to those considering a return to education.

Read on to find out more.

Hello. Who are you and what are you studying?

Hi, I’m Stella and I’m currently studying Level 2 Maths. I did my Level 1 English and maths last year, and I just finished my Level 2 English.

What made you choose your course?

I opted for English and maths because I have a degree in Health and Social Care but I didn’t want to do nursing. I have children and I wanted to do something that can help me with the kids. I looked for a job but I didn’t know what to do, so I decided to top up on my English and maths skills because I hadn’t studied them in about 20 years.

Within me, I didn’t have the confidence because I’d been living in Italy for about 13 years and struggled with English. In Italy, I was doing translation and sort of lost my English because it was all in Italian. When I got back here, doing my degree at university was challenging for me. I thought it would be good for me to come back to refresh my memory with English and maths.

How are you finding your studies?

It’s been amazing. First, I couldn’t even join people in conversations despite having English background, but then I realised that the more you speak it, the more it comes to you naturally. In Italy, you didn’t get a lot of people to speak in English with, so I lost my skills. I had an A Level certificate, but I couldn’t express myself very well and I found that difficult in university.

I’m finding the courses very helpful to me. I’ve seen massive improvement especially at work in my role as a Support Worker. You have incident reports, you need to write reports about what the day activities have been, and at a point you get stuck when you can’t make the writing flow. Recently, I’ve seen a change. I’m writing more, sometimes they ask me, “Why are you writing an essay?” It’s coming naturally now; the course has helped me a lot. I’m enjoying it.

Did you encounter any challenges during your studies? How did you overcome them?

Initially I found some things difficult to understand, especially the assessments. I think sometimes assessments are not the best way to assess people. I knew I could do better, but you know when you’re sat in front of a computer – sometimes things can happen and maybe you skipped something.

I also experienced some challenges initially with PowerPoint presentations. I hadn’t done these types of presentations before university. If I knew I would be well-supported with them here, I would’ve come here first, and this would’ve helped me at university. I’ve gained a lot of new skills here.

What are some highlights from your time at the College?

It’s the communication skills I’ve gained because you get to meet people: you get to talk to people and people come to you sometimes, maybe because of the way you contribute in class. You get to make new friends and people are encouraging.

Sometimes people say, “You come from the university, why are you here then?” Having a degree doesn’t mean you can’t come back and do some refreshment courses. You need your English and maths to open job opportunities for you.

My English teacher has been very helpful. The way she teaches, she adapts to people’s unique ways of learning. She takes the fear off you – she helps and guides you, it’s very encouraging.

What are your future career aspirations? What are your plans for achieving them?

I intend to go into teaching, and I feel like I’m getting ready for it. From here I’ll start applying for teaching assistant roles.

What advice would you give to someone applying for your course at MK College today?

I would encourage them to. Especially if you want to progress in life, you need English and maths – it’s very vital, very important, whichever path you take. When you come here, it opens doors for new opportunities.

If you have children, it can be helpful to do it for them. I can help my children with homework, and I know how to use dictionaries to find things for them. They look up to you when you’re able to express yourself; they have this respect for you, and it motivates them as well. When I was in university, I used to go to the library to learn. Once my child’s class came to the library and she saw me – the teacher said, “Look at your mum.” I could see the brightness in her eyes; she was happy to see me in such a place and see me learning.

I think the best way the get most of the College experience is to come on campus and work with people face-to-face. It’s not just about getting the grades; you get the communication and social aspect. In the maths class, I share a table with my friend, and it is quicker for us to do our work together than me sitting alone and racking my brain for answers.

To learn more about Adult English & maths at Milton Keynes College, read more at English for Adults – MK College and Maths for Adults – MK College.

Learners from Milton Keynes College joined in with a major incident training exercise held at the College’s Bletchley campus.  They had the invaluable opportunity to shadow and learn from the emergency services and even be part of the action in a mock car accident rescue. 

Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and Acute Ambulance & Medical Services joined forces for the simulation in the car park which even involved cutting the roof off a car. 

20 of the College’s Uniformed Public Services students watched on, with each learner shadowing the service they want to join after college, while . 18 others volunteered to be “casualties” in the exercise. Visual effects students from Aylesbury College even came along on the day to apply fake injuries and wounds to the pretend injured. 

Pete Goodwin, Course Team Leader for Uniformed Public Services at Milton Keynes College, commented on the day: “What a fantastic exercise! Our learners were able to see first hand just how much teamwork, collaboration and skill goes into supporting a major incident like this and hear directly from the emergency service personnel exactly how they approach major incidents. 

“We’re so grateful to everyone from Thames Valley Police, Bucks Fire Department and Acute Ambulance & Medical Services for providing our learners with a truly unique experience that will be invaluable for them, both during the rest of their studies at the College and when they progress into their chosen careers. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the staff and students from Aylesbury College who helped to make the incident feel as realistic as possible.” 

Kieren Gibson, Chief Executive Officer of Acute Ambulance and Medical Services, commented: “It was great to demonstrate to the students how the emergency services come together and collaborate in such a professional way, and to show how to smoothly and effectively we all deal with these kinds of situations. It was a pleasure to be a part of the exercise, and we hope the students went away with a great learning experience”. 

Watch Commander Lee Bloom from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, Operational Learning and Assurance team commented: “This was a great opportunity to give the students the chance, to see what is involved in resolving an operational incident and how the emergency services work together. Although this was a simulation, the special effects provided by the students from Aylesbury College were excellent and it made the incident feel realistic, for the crews involved and the observing students.  Collaborative opportunities like this training exercise prepare our team for when they do need to respond to real incidents, allowing us to continue to make a difference together in our community” 

Police Sergeant Steve Holmes from Thames Valley Police added: “On behalf of Thames Valley Police, I want to say a huge thank you to the staff of MK College and all the students for their excellent engagement for what turned out to be an excellent day. It was a fantastic opportunity for TVP to work in collaboration with Bucks Fire & SCAS to show case our skills when dealing with a major incident. I hope this gave the students an insight on how each individual service utilises their training, equipment and partnership working. Thank you to all who made the event possible, and we look forward to future events”. 

Student, Freya Williams said, “I was the casualty that was being cut out of the car; I had a realistic broken leg with neck and spinal pain. The fire service cut me out and put me onto a spinal board.  They had to take the roof off to get me out. I was happy that they were reassuring me on about what was going on and what they were going to do next. 

Another student, Finley Marchant added, “We were able to get an up close, detailed look, into how the different services, respond, and work together in an emergency incident. Me and a few other members of my class with the dream of joining the Fire Service, were able to watch the incident close up, alongside a firefighter, who was constantly updating us on what the firefighters were doing.  We even got a tour inside and around the Fire Engine, looking at lots of the gear they have onboard. It was such an amazing opportunity and experience to be part of, and has further inspired my passion of joining the Fire Service.”  

To find out more about Public Services at MK College, visit Public Services Intermediate – MK College 

Mechanic and graphic design students from Milton Keynes College had the trip of a lifetime around Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula® One Team’s AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone.  The visit was made possible by a collaboration between the College, the racing team, and global leader in automotive and industrial solutions, Valvoline Global Operations. 

The connection with the College began last year, when the companies supported mechanic students in refurbishing a Formula Renault racing car, with the intention of getting it back to full working order.  That work has continued this year, again with the companies’ sponsorship as part of Valvoline Global’s Mechanics Month, an annual global event celebrating those either with a career in the field or who aspire to have one.  Meanwhile, graphic design students were given the challenge of creating advertising for Valvoline Global that could be featured on the racing car’s body panels. 

Another element of the collaboration was to send a group of eighteen students to take part in an International Women’s Day event at Aston Martin Aramco Formula® One AMR Technology Campus.  Alongside 200 other young women, the students heard from inspirational speakers including Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin Aramco Formula® One Team’s driver ambassador. 

Both Aston Martin Aramco Formula® One and Valvoline Global aim to encourage more women to enter the automotive profession, and ran a half-day event for ninety girls from local schools at the College’s South Central Institute of Technology at Bletchley, where they heard from two current Milton Keynes College students, Lucy and Georgie, as well as Rebecca Moroney from Aston Martin and Kara Dunmore and Evangelia Boumpouli, both mechanics at Steven Eagell Group’s Cambridge branch. 

The graphics students who’ve been involved in the work on the Formula Renault car went to the Aston Martin Aramco Formula® One Team Technology Campus at Silverstone to present their designs to judges from the racing and lubricant companies, with the winning team looking forward to seeing their design on the Milton Keynes College car.  

At the final event, the motor vehicle mechanic students presented their team’s work to a panel of judges, including Jamal Muashsher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Valvoline Global, who selected the best three. The winning team will have the fantastic prize of a four-day work experience placement at the AMR Technology Campus, while the second and third placed teams received professional mechanics’ tool kits. 

One of the winning student mechanics, Sam Mitchell, said, “The challenge was really enjoyable and tougher than I thought it might be.  It’s taught me an improved understanding of electrical theory and application, as well as helping with my teamwork and communication skills, not just between me and Joe but with the other teams, as well a wider understanding of race car mechanics.   It was great to have the chance to talk to the Valvoline CEO and other officials and amazing to see the final car, the livery and seeing what we had done.” 

Sam’s teammate, Joe Rose, said, “We’d never worked on motorsport vehicles before so this gave us an incredible insight into how it works. It’s given me some really valuable skills and knowledge which could help start my career in the sport, which really is my ambition.” 

All the student winners said they had an amazing time at the celebratory event.  Chiamaka Ahaneku, one of the graphics students involved said, “The experience provided by Aston Martin during the presentation of the Valvoline livery was truly inspirational to my teammates and me.  All the members of my design team felt included and heard.  The opportunity we were given will stay with us forever, and we thoroughly enjoyed our day.” 

Caroline Indge, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at Milton Keynes College Group, says, “We’re so grateful to Aston Martin F1 and Valvoline for taking such an interest in the students, and for giving them the most amazing window into a world which not only excites them but which is there for them to join if they work hard.  We’re always looking out for local businesses with which to create these kinds of partnerships.  They’re great for the students, and they also give companies an insight into the calibre of skilled young people we’re training.” 

Mark Gray, Head of Build & Car Assembly at Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team, stated: “We are proud to continue supporting Valvoline’s Mechanics Month initiative. Mechanics play a crucial role in our sport – without them, racing wouldn’t be possible. It was a pleasure to welcome students from Milton Keynes College, give them a behind-the-scenes look at our work, and hopefully inspire the next generation of mechanics, whether in Formula 1 or the broader mobility industry.” 

Speaking at the event, Jamal Muashsher, CEO and President of Valvoline Global said, “By providing students with mentorship and resources, we help bridge the global skills gap and support the next generation in building successful careers.  These young mechanics will drive the future of the industry, tackle evolving challenges, and may even become elite engineers behind Aston Martin Aramco Formula One’s success.” 

To find out more about studying Motor Vehicle at MK College, visit Motor Vehicle Advanced – MK College

To find out more about studying Graphic Design at MK College, visit Graphic Design Advanced – MK College