The Isle of Wight College is proud to announce the grand opening of its new department dedicated to the T Level BSE (Building Services Engineering) course, which began running last September. This initiative aims to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the construction industry, with a strong focus on plumbing with low-carbon and sustainable solutions.
To celebrate and officially open the new facilities, the college was honoured to welcome Master Plumber David Adams, Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon, and High Sheriff Graham Biss BEM DL for a tour. The dignitaries also presented awards at the college’s Technical Trades Ceremony on Thursday 20th June.
Master Plumber David Adams was visiting the Island as part of ‘The Master’s Break’, an annual trip organised by the Master Plumber in tenure each year. The event provided a valuable networking opportunity, with many local industry experts in attendance, fostering collaboration between the Worshipful Company of Plumbers group from the mainland and our local Island plumbing community.
Students and colleagues recognised at the ceremony included (words by Curriculum Manager for Technical Trades, Craig Goldsmith):
Level 1:Taron O’Brien – Piping Pioneer
Taron has worked extremely hard during his first year here at the college, he has demonstrated consistently good work that listens very well in sessions and has passed all exams without re-sit. Taron continues to demonstrate values and skills that an employer would appreciate, value and look for in an employee. His hand skills and pipe fitting have been of a very high standard.
Level 1: Charlie Smith – Plumbing excellence
Charlie is a highly respected and valued member of the level 1 group, Charlie displays the skills, motivation and leadership qualities that will hold him in good stead for the future. His work ethic, continued dedication and excellence in plumbing is an example to others and a representation of the values the college instills in its learners.
On a recent trip to Malaga to be part of a sustainability program, Charlie received compliment and praise for being polite, trustworthy and as showing off the college in a good light.
Level 2: Zoe Duke – Piping Pioneer
Zoe has been a leading light in attitude and skill in the Plumbing department, now as a level 2 learner, Zoe is showing that she is highly regarded and possesses a huge amount of hand skills for pipework and installation work. Zoe exudes employability and skills that will see her do well in the Plumbing industry. She is showing learners that the female representation in plumbing and other trades is growing, is strong and are highly motivated. Zoe’s distinctive and innovative solutions to draining down heating systems will live on in legend.
Level 2: Archie Higgs – Plumbing excellence
Archie has shown that he can produce work of a very high standard and quite naturally. His work level, standard, quality and production are exemplary.
Archie has gone on in level 2 to attend well, to pass exams and assessments and set the bar for his peers.
Archie has all the qualities that an employer would look for so it’s no surprise that he has already secured an apprenticeship and will hopefully start onto level 3 this September. In Archie, the college is represented for all its values as a rounded, confident asset to industry.
Level 3: Harri Catania - Plumbing Excellence
Harri is a story that is aspirational to all other learners. On Level 1 & 2, Harri was shall we say, less than enthusiastic about the plumbing industry and his part within it, unable to see what his future may look like. Then at Level 3, things changed, attitude to work improved and the learner that had been put in front of the head of department at level 2 is now one of the first to complete his Independent Summative Assessment (ISA) for Gas at Level 3.
His determination and attitude have grown as has the man he has become. Lastly his excuses on time keeping regarding “dogs on the road” are now the stuff of legend.
Level 3: Kurtis Whale – Piping Pioneer
Kurtis consistently demonstrates the skills and working knowledge of plumbing systems that allows him to demonstrate, talk about and install high quality systems. Kurtis works to a high standard producing work that reflects his commitment and expanding knowledge of the Plumbing industry and is raising the standards of his own professional practice. A true asset to his employer, Kurtis begins his final year of the level 3 in September.
Staff Awards
Wayne Scott – Wayne has worked at the college for more than 15 years, in this time Wayne has worked across Level 1 & 2 with curriculum and apprentice learners. Wayne’s contribution to the plumbing industry on the Isle of Wight through the development of new plumbers into work and other aspects of the trade can be measured into the hundreds of people.
Alongside the years of dedication to the college, Wayne has ensured that quality of learning has remained at the highest standard. Waynes trophy is representative of change and how tutors have had to alter and grow to suit industry.
Andrew Davey – Andy has worked at the college for over 6 years and has gone from Technician, to part time tutor to full time tutor coordinating the Level 1 cohorts. Andy’s resourcefulness and can-do attitude has resulted in the department, prior to the build having many facilities, with Andy practicing sustainability and recycling to its maximum potential.
Now as a tutor, he continues to provide the introductory formative years to the plumbing learners as they begin their journey into industry. Andy will always say if something is working or not and allows the department to become better through this.
Andy’s trophy represents the ability to fit into many different aspects and provide the best fit for the learner, hence the adjustable spanner trophy.
New Facilities at the Construction Centre
Located at the Construction Centre (J Block of the Isle of Wight College), the newly-fitted department will offer students access to the latest technologies and innovations designed to support the decarbonisation of our economy and society. The Net Zero/BSE Centre is equipped with cutting-edge resources, including:
- Gas Engineering room: Students will learn to design, install, and maintain heating systems while minimising energy consumption and environmental impact.
- Plumbing and Gas Engineering Workshop: This facility will enable students to design, install, and maintain plumbing and gas systems that adhere to safety and quality standards.
Hands-On Industry Experience
The T Level BSE course features a comprehensive two-year program, equivalent to three A-levels, and is tailored for those aspiring to careers in construction. Students will have the opportunity to complete an industry placement of at least 315 hours, collaborating with local employers and partners in the construction sector. This hands-on experience will allow students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios, enhancing their employability and professional skills.
Invitation to Explore Our New Facilities
We are thrilled to invite you to explore our state-of-the-art plumbing and gas facilities at the college. Join us for a tour of our newly refurbished plumbing department, showcasing sustainable solutions and innovative practices aligned with industry standards on:
A Levels and T Levels Results day: 15th August 9am – 1pm
GCSE Results day: 22nd August 9am – 1pm
Get Inspired, Get Started Open Event: 28th August 10am – 2pm
All upcoming events are listed here: iwcollege.ac.uk/events
We look forward to welcoming you to our campus and sharing insights into the future of plumbing and gas services and the wider curriculum. For more information or to apply for the T Level BSE course or any other courses, please visit our website or contact us at info@iwcollege.ac.uk.
