January – April 2024

Student of The Year Award

Motor Vehicle student Aaron Linsey was nominated for the ‘Institute of the Motor Industry Full-time Student of the Year Award’. 

Following his nomination, Aaron was successfully shortlisted for the award and went on to win the award in March. 

Aaron started his journey at Colchester Institute in September 2021 and has since completed his Level 1 in Automotive Maintenance before progressing onto the Level 2 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. He is now studying the Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. 

Throughout his time here, Aaron has actively sought practical experiences through work placements with a local vehicle workshop, a kit car manufacturer restorer, and an auto centre.   

Congratulations Aaron, for winning this outstanding award!  

Aaron Linsey

Business and Management Degree students collaborate with Odisee University in Brussels

University Centre Colchester BA (Hons) Business and Management degree students successfully completed their degree collaborative module ‘International Business and Globalisation.’ 

This module involved our Business and Management Degree students working with Odisee University in Brussels to create a business plan for a Japanese business start-up. 

We hosted the Belgium students and staff here at University Centre Colchester on Thursday 18th April, for collaborative presentations and final assessment, reciprocating the hospitality of our Odisee counterparts.   

Mark Cherry, Head of Applied Technologies, added: “It was our pleasure to host Odisee University staff and students on their return visit, working collaboratively with Business Management Degree students. It was so pleasing to witness how well students worked together, completing their assessed presentations. We look forward to continuing our special relationship with our Belgium counterparts.”  

Business and Management Degree students working with Odisee University in Brussels
Business and Management Degree students working with Odisee University in Brussels
Business and Management Degree students working with Odisee University in Brussels

Emergency first aid training session for Electrical Installations students

10 students from the Level 2 and Level 3 Electrical Installations course completed their Emergency first aid training session with Tony Johnson from T J Training. 

Student engagement manager Emma was looking to help the students build their CVs further to help them gain an apprenticeship or work within the industry.  

The students said it was a good day and a great way to end the term. They learnt a lot from the course and were glad they had the opportunity to gain a First Aid qualification to add to their CV. 

Building Futures through Apprenticeships

During National Apprenticeship Week Dean Wingfield, a former student, visited our Colchester Campus to speak to our Wood Occupations students. 

His presentation covered a range of topics, from women in construction to potential career paths and the importance of health and safety.  

He shared his journey from being a student to becoming an industry professional, encouraging them to explore their opportunities in the construction industry.  

Christopher Coe, Area Head for Wood Occupations at Colchester Institute said; ”Dean’s presentation was both enlightening and inspiring. It offered valuable insights into the diverse aspects of the construction industry, and to see it create a spark amongst our students has been truly rewarding.”  

Dean expressed gratitude for the chance to give back and ignite a passion for construction in the next generation. “Having graduated from Colchester Institute myself, returning to inspire the students felt like coming full circle. It was a privilege to share my journey and impart the valuable insights I gained along the way.”  

We are extremely grateful to Dean Wingfield and Taylor Wimpey for hosting their thought-provoking talk for our students during National Apprenticeship Week.