Coleg Powys is holding an Equine Open Day at Fronlas Farm, Newtown on Thursday 9th September between 11am and 2pm.

If you would like to learn about horse management or improve your existing skills come and find out about the British Horse Society Horse Knowledge and Care course that we offer at stages 1 to 3.  The course starts in September and is one day a week.   It will cover safety in the workplace, equine field checks, the tack room and equine yard duties.  Other topics include feeding, horse health and first aid, clipping and plaiting, horse psychology and lunging/long reining.

For further information contact Liz Ashton or Suzanne Davies on 0845 4086 245 or email liz.ashton@coleg-powys.ac.uk or suzie.davies@coleg-powys.ac.uk. Alternatively visit www.coleg-powys.ac.uk.

Agricultural Engineering Apprentice Luke Wear has been awarded the Teme Valley Land Based Service Engineering Award.  It is a new award that has been sponsored by Teme Valley Tractors of Welshpool, a local Agricultural Engineering dealership.

Luke is doing his apprenticeship at Western Farm Service Knighton.  Partners of the firm Roger Wilding and Ian Milles are delighted for Luke.  Roger said: “Luke winning this award reflects the hard work and effort he has put into his training.  Luke is a valuable member of our team.”

Luke was presented with the shield by Jonathan Benbow of Teme Valley Tractors.  Jonathan said: “Supporting agricultural engineering and the whole of the agricultural sector is something we at Teme Valley are totally dedicated to.  We see the annual award as being very important in showing our commitment to the sector.”

In addition to receiving the award Luke was given a £25 gift voucher for tools.

Agriculture lecturer at Coleg Powys Mike Lewis said: “It’s really great that we have companies that want to play an active role in supporting the college and the students that come here.  We are very grateful for the support that we receive.”

Coleg Powys is holding Adult & Community Course Bookings Evenings to allow those that would like to do a part time course in the Autumn term to sign up or get further information about courses they are interested in.

The course bookings evenings are on Monday 6th September at Newtown and Llandrindod, and Tuesday 7th September at Brecon and Ystradgynlais, all from 5.30pm to 8.00pm.

A wide range of courses are on offer including Getting Your Business on the Web, Pottery, ECDL, Chinese Language and Culture, Aromatherapy/Indian Head Massage, Flower Painting, Counselling, Belly Dancing, Life Coaching, Sage, Seasonal Cookery and much more.

If you would like to find out what courses are on offer in your area you can download the Adult & Community Education prospectus at www.coleg-powys.ac.uk or telephone 0845 4086 299 to request a prospectus.

Coleg Powys is working with NIACE to develop a new ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision for local Gurkha communities.

The project, which is called the Gurkha Resettlement Education and Training (GREAT) project, is being funded by the European Integration Fund (EIF).  It is being managed by NIACE who are working with Coleg Powys, Greenwich Community College, Barnet College, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

The project will be encouraging Gurkhas and their families to take up ESOL courses.  NIACE will also be conducting a national research project to determine the language needs of, and the existing ESOL provision for, the Gurkha community.  This will be the first research of its kind.

The aim of the project is to engage Gurkha spouses, their families and retired Gurkhas to improve their English language levels and ensure that they are better equipped to integrate into mainstream society.

Assistant Head of Faculty South Anne Evans said: “We are really honoured to be chosen to work on this project with NIACE and the other partners.  The College already works closely with the Gurkha Company (Mandalay) of Brecon, which is based at Dering Lines, but this will allow us to further develop this relationship and help the Gurkhas to settle into the local community.”

Coleg Powys offers a huge range of courses and innovative ways to study.  One such way is through distance learning where students study from home whilst being supported by a College based tutor.  As part of the distance learning provision, the College offers a wide range of AS and A level courses.

This year we are delighted with the superb achievements of our AS and A level distance learners. 4% of learners achieved the new A*, whilst 61% achieved an A – C grade.

Distance learning is a great way of studying for those that need flexibility due to work and home commitments.  It allows you to work at your own pace, time and convenience.

For further details about the flexi-study courses that the College offers go to www.coleg-powys.ac.uk or telephone 0845 4086 299.