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Thanks for making Couch to College a success!

Almost one thousand future students have taken part in The Manchester College’s first ever Couch to College event.

Over the last three weeks, we’ve hosted 37 online sessions to help new students transition from school to college by meeting their Tutors, tour college campuses and explore the wide range of courses and qualifications available to them.

Our first week of events, kicked off by Principal Lisa O’Loughlin on Monday 6 July, introduced students to our brand new Industry Excellence Academy and Centres of Excellence, as well as our College’s Careers and Welfare, and Transition teams. 

Students were also advised on how to make an application and how to enrol, while Deputy Principal Rachel Curry explained how we’ll be keeping colleagues and students safe on campus when we return in September.

Week two was all about our individual curriculum areas. Students met their new Tutors and were given a taste of their chosen subject areas. They also heard more about our array of industry partners, finding out how they shape the curriculum, offer work experience opportunities and help prepare students for industry. 

For example, Masterchef UK winner and patron of The Chefs’ Forum Academy, Simon Wood, hosted our Hospitality and Catering event. Simon said: “This was such an important virtual event to promote the hospitality industry to the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals in these strange times when we can’t hold traditional open days due to COVID-19. 

As patron of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at The Manchester College, it was a pleasure to take part in the Couch to College session and talk about my career as a chef, winning MasterChef and giving advice to those considering becoming a chef or front of house professional.

"Both aspects create the dining experience and I feel the session communicated this very well indeed."

The third and final week of Couch to College focused on our student experience, with sessions on how to enrol, becoming work ready and our fantastic Duke of Edinburgh opportunities. 

Students also met our experienced Employability team, who provided top tips on using social media to find a career that suits them and boost their prospects.  

Deputy Principal, Rachel Curry, said: “Thank you to everybody who has contributed to Couch to College and made it such a success. 

"Our colleagues have worked tirelessly to deliver their presentations, showcasing all our subject areas and fantastic facilities, so it was great to see so many students take part. We hope you have got a feel for College life and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to College safely in September.”

If you missed any of the Couch to College sessions then don’t worry, they’re available to watch via our YouTube playlist.