Higher Education

Programme Leader for Technical Theatre

The Centre is always buzzing with energy and creativity so you can understand why it’s an exciting place to work and study.

Jennifer, you’ve described the Centre for Music and Performing Arts as exciting. What makes it so exciting?

We’re lucky here at Colchester Institute to have such a diverse Centre. It’s a rare and special sight (and sound) when you can combine dance, musical theatre and acting alongside classical pop, rock and jazz music. The Centre is always buzzing with energy and creativity so you can understand why it’s an exciting place to work and study.

How did you get involved in technical theatre, presumably you trained and worked in the industry?

I have a BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Technology from Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and a PGCE teaching qualification from the University of Essex. Work experience has been in a variety of areas including lighting and stage management. I was also, prior to joining Colchester Institute, a technician in another college running numerous events and productions.

As a tutor what do you look for in potential students?

I look first for the enthusiasm to work and learn in the area of technical theatre, whether that be sound, lighting or stage management. Secondly some previous experience is vital and an end employment goal to look forward to when they complete the course. I enjoy watching my students learn and develop, whilst they are with me. There’s no better incentive to teach than to see them grow in their knowledge and skills and become more confident to move out into the industry.

So what can graduates from your course expect, in terms of a career? What opportunities are out there?

Our graduating students have gone on to a wide variety of jobs including; working at the Ministry of Sound; producing shows on cruise liners and working at regional theatres in technical and stage management departments. A number of our students have also gone on to work as self employed technicians and designers and set up their own businesses within the industry supplying technical support for productions and events.

Lecturer in Hospitality and Business

I have a passion for hospitality, if I am able to share my knowledge and that of others, alongside helping individuals to achieve their own career aspirations, then I am happy!

You joined Colchester Institute in 2010. Tell us about your journey and how you got to where you are now.

I graduated in 2002 with an HND in Hospitality Management (and Licensed Retail). Then completed the BA (Hons) in International Hospitality Business Management the following year. I complemented my studies by working at the Hilton and Crowne Plaza which gave me valuable experience within my chosen industry. Following graduation, I went travelling around Australia and New Zealand, working within various hotel and restaurant operations and gaining vital experience within the overseas hospitality industry. Since returning to the UK I have worked for leading hotels and brewers, including Inntel and, in 2011, I embarked on a part-time PGCE course to help me to develop my teaching skills and abilities and hope to graduate in 2013.

It’s a tough industry Jenny, what should potential students expect whilst studying for a degree.

They need to have passion, a drive to succeed and the desire to progress. It definitely helps to be a people person too. Hospitality students will often have a strong work ethic and some even work alongside their studies.

What opportunities are available within the industry?

Hospitality is a huge industry; basically wherever food or drink is sold there will always be somewhere to work! There are opportunities to work within sports grounds, leisure and events, outside catering, hotels, food stalls, festivals and concerts, travel, sales and marketing, event planning and more! There are ample opportunities to work and travel abroad and experience the life that is hospitality - a very social one!

What drives you to teach?

I have a passion for hospitality, if I am able to share my knowledge and that of others, alongside helping individuals to achieve their own career aspirations, then I am happy!

Lecturer in Engineering

I’m very proud of our Centre and being part of a strong, friendly and supportive team.

What did you do before you joined Colchester Institute?

I began my engineering career 18 years ago as an apprentice, which was a great introduction into the industry and where I gained my City & Guilds qualifications. Since then, I’ve worked on all aspects of commercial and domestic electrical installations, ranging from designing and installation of power networks for hospital services, to managing a 24 hour maintenance company. Alongside my career, I have continued my education and I hold a Certificate in Education and an MA in Teaching and Learning. I haven’t stopped there either, as I’m currently studying for a PhD, so I have a lot of experience to share with students.

What is it like working for the Centre for Engineering?

I’m very proud of our Centre and being part of a strong, friendly and supportive team. This obviously forms the firm foundation of an excellent student centred learning environment, where specialist knowledge and experience of staff provide what I consider to be one of the best engineering centres in the country.

Engineering is such a crucial industry for the development of our country. What can graduates expect when they finish their HNCs/HNDs?

There are massive opportunities in industry for promising careers in all areas of engineering, especially electrical and power as, fortunately, it has been formally recognised by the government that the promotion of engineering technologies will be key in pulling the country out of the current financial climate. Graduates could find themselves in facilitation management, electrical design and consultation, commercial power distribution and management, domestic and commercial maintenance, and rail network engineering, or even teaching like me!

Course tutor and lecturer in Early Years

I think it’s important, particularly in my job, to never stop learning.

You are a role model for education, Olivia. Tell us more about your background.

I have over 10 years’ experience working in early years settings and primary schools. I have worked with 0-8 year olds in pre-schools, nursery, day care and as a qualified teacher in children’s centres and primary schools. My previous role was a Local Authority Early Years Advisor, where I provided support for: Day care, childminders, children centres, pre-schools and primary schools. I am an elected Early Education Trustee which is responsible for producing the revised national framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2012).

You haven’t stopped learning, have you?

I think it’s important, particularly in my job, to never stop learning. My undergraduate degree is BSc in Psychology, it was whilst studying that I developed a strong interest in children’s learning and development. I then completed an early years specialism Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Qualified Teacher Status, at the University of Cambridge. I am currently completing my dissertation on perceptions of disability for my Masters in Education.

With so much experience, you must have a good eye for what to look for in potential students. What do you expect?

You have to be prepared to put a lot of hard work in and you can’t underestimate the commitment needed, so it’s important to have enthusiasm for the subject. Last, but not least, I look for students who put the children’s interests first.

Once all the hard work and commitment has come to an end, what opportunities are available within the industry?

There are many avenues open to graduates in early years. One route could be teacher training, whether it is early years and primary or life-long learning. Another path could be play therapy, or becoming a social worker. Whatever pathway they choose, working with children will be a rewarding career!

Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care

_{Self-discipline, motivation, commitment and the desire and potential to go beyond what you’ve learned so far is a recipe for success...}

You’ve worked in higher education for 15 years and you’re also an ex Chair of The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Clinical Physiology group. This background must help in your role as Curriculum Manager?

It certainly does! A large part of my role is to ensure that the teaching and learning at the Centre meet the required quality standards for the College, awarding bodies and relevant professional bodies. I believe that every student has the potential for success. This potential is so exciting – and when each student learns a new concept through my help, well that’s an exhilarating feeling.

What skills do you look for in potential students?

We assess everyone individually, which means we look at - and for - different things in  different people for different courses. Self-discipline, motivation, commitment and the desire and potential to go beyond what you’ve learned so far is a recipe for success and a student will go far with these qualities.

There are plenty of opportunities out there for graduates from your Centre. Can you name a few?

The health care industry is becoming broader every day. In addition to nursing or health aides, there is also a need for highly skilled scientists to develop new drugs, treatments. Some positions will grow at a faster pace than others, but there are really no health care fields that are saturated at this point. For sports graduates, working as a personal trainer fitness instructor, sports psychologist, health promotion specialist or leisure centre manager are all popular pathways.

Lecturer in Professional and Technician Studies

The centre has a very relaxed and informal atmosphere, where the small class sizes mean that I get to know the students really well.

Your background in historic building refurbishment clearly shows how varied construction work can be.

That’s right, the construction industry brings together many different people from all walks of life with wide ranging skills. It’s an enormous industry that suits those with artistic flair and others with organisational or numerical talents. For instance, I have a BA (Hons) in History and am currently working towards an MSc in Building Construction. It has been great to be able to combine my love of history with a very practical industry to help preserve the past.

So what made you come to Colchester Institute and teach?

I love construction, but I also like helping people learn and develop their knowledge and skills. Moving from site to classroom was an easy move for me to make and I enjoy my role as a lecturer immensely. The centre has a very relaxed and informal atmosphere, where the small class sizes mean that I get to know the students really well. I also enjoy working with my fellow lecturers, as we all have something different to offer our degree students.

As a tutor what do you look for in potential students?

Aside from the entry requirements to qualify for the course, it’s always good to see enthusiasm and interest for the subject. Many of our students are part-time and already working in construction. Former and current students work as architectural technologists, contracts managers, site managers, building surveyors and quantity surveyors, and by using their experiences we can keep the course relevant as well as generate some very interesting class discussions.

Lecturer in Network and IT systems

... with this industry things change rapidly so I keep my finger on the pulse now by practising with new technologies as they come out. It’s an exciting industry to be involved in.

As a lecturer, do you find it useful to draw on your own work experience?

Absolutely, it helps a lot to be able to relate my own work experience when I teach. It makes the lessons relevant for students, so I think back to my time working within the electronics engineering and computing sector, and refer to real examples. But, of course, with this industry things change rapidly so I keep my finger on the pulse now by practising with new technologies as they come out. It’s an exciting industry to be involved in.

What do you look for in potential students?

The key ingredient I look for is enthusiasm; enthusiasm in the exploration of technologies and a desire to learn. Students who have these qualities will do well because this course is all about developing and working with the latest software and systems. The student has to want to learn how these things work in order to get effective results.

What opportunities are available within the industry? What career fields have former students gone onto?

Right now, there is a shortage of computer system supports and applications developers in the UK which means graduates should do well in their chosen career. New technologies are developing rapidly and we need IT professionals to keep the industry growing.

Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles

Many of our students have gone on to be fashion, knitwear or textile designers in studios and also for large brands.

You’ve got bags of industry experience, Claudette. Tell us more!

Well, I have a BA (Hons) in Art and Design and various instructor qualifications in pattern cutting techniques. I’m also a fashion designer with over 28 years experience, with my business designing high-end ladies fashion. Oh and I have 15 years teaching experience in pattern cutting ranging from college to private tuition!

As a tutor what do you look for in potential students?

I look for passion; passion for the subject, passion for learning,passion in everything they do! A sense of commitment towhat they are learning is also vital. We offer students manyopportunities to grow and develop their skills as fashion and textile designers. Such as, exhibiting and selling print collectionsat Premier Vision Pans, taking part in live projects withcompanies like River Island and Fenwicks, also entering nationalstudent competitions and awards. These opportunities coupledwith passions, make for an enriching experience.

What are the career opportunities within the fashion and textile industry?

Many of our students have gone on to be fashion, knitwear or textile designers in studios and also for large brands. Students can also work as pattern cutters, garment technologists or buyers. Graduates can also work for themselves too, so there are many opportunities to succeed.

What drives you to teach?

What I love is the interaction with the students and being able to pass on my knowledge. This field is highly creative and new things are always being introduced whether it be new technology or new techniques. It’s a great thing to pass this knowledge on to students for them to create even more fabulous things!

BA (Hons) in Film Music and Soundtrack Production

What is great is that other Centres at the College have approached me and my fellow students to provide original music for various projects.

The course sounds fascinating Scott, why did you choose to study this?

My ultimate goal is to become a film composer as I enjoy writing music and interpreting emotions. It actually took me two years to find somewhere to study that specialised in this niche area and was delighted when I finally found Colchester Institute offered this course.

How does the course prepare you for your chosen career?

It’s primarily through experience. The more films I score and the more music I write can only improve my compositional techniques. What is great is that other Centres at the College have approached me and my fellow students to provide original music for various projects. This has helped us to accustom ourselves to quick turnarounds, meet tight deadlines for productions and also work to briefs provided by clients.

It sounds like you’re getting great experience. What has been the most worthwhile aspect of the course?

It has all been worthwhile, but I would say meeting tutors who have industry experience and knowledge that they are happy to share, as well as meeting other students who have come from a very wide selection of artistic backgrounds. That is really useful.

Foundation Degree in Management of Hospitality

The lecturers have been great and, I have to say, one of the most worthwhile aspects of my course is simply being back in education and learning new skills.

You’re back in full time education after a break. Has it been a big adjustment?

I’ve actually enjoyed the change. I spent 25 years in sales, but made a decision to change career and I haven’t looked back! The lecturers have been great and, I have to say, one of the most worthwhile aspects of my course is simply being back in education and learning new skills. I admit, I was slightly apprehensive about whether I’d be able to do it, as it had been a while since I had been in a learning environment, but those feelings quickly vanished once the course started and I got into the swing of things.

Why did you choose Colchester Institute?

My choice of study had to fit around my other commitments. As a mature student I have responsibilities that younger students may not have, such as a family. My place of study had to fit in around my life and Colchester Institute does just that. Also, my wife was already studying here when I applied so I had heard good things!

So what are your plans for the future?

Well, I already work part-time in catering management, but I’m hoping, once I graduate, that this will open up opportunities for me to forge ahead with a career in hospitality management on a full-time basis.