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New Basildon campus to hold virtual open event
South Essex College is holding a virtual open event for its brand new Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon town centre.
The event will take place on Tuesday 9 February from 5-8pm. It will include live talks from course leaders and a virtual tour of the building, giving attendees the first look of the high tech campus.
The college hasn’t been able to officially welcome students on site yet because of Covid-19 restrictions so this event will allow applicants and parents a chance to see where they could be studying in September.
The Centre for Digital Technologies houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for students on courses with a tech focus including IT networking, app development, games design and animation.The three-storey project has been built on the previous market site thanks to a partnership between Basildon Council, Homes England and South Essex College.
Areas of the building have been modelled on tech sector offices, giving that innovative ‘Google’ feel to a lot of the open plan spaces. Students will be able to experience working in this kind of modern environment, preparing them to enter the industry.
Angela O’Donoghue, Principal and Chief Executive at South Essex College, said: “We are extremely excited to finally show off our new digital centre in Basildon. It’s been a long journey but local young people will soon be able to benefit from the excellent facilities on offer, students learning here will make up the technology workforce of the future.”
Leader of Basildon Council, Cllr Gavin Callaghan said: “It’s great to see that the state-of-the-art digital and technology campus in the heart of our town centre is ready to welcome students once restrictions allow. The college offers courses that will complement the skills gap we have in Basildon and equip our young people so they can seize opportunities for work on their own doorstep.”
For more information about the event and to register to attend, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/events/south-essex-college-virtual-open-event-centre-for-digital-technologies
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
