This year our Middlesbrough Campus launched its second Skills Builder week, a week-long array of activities for college-level students that aim to support their professional development and well-being through practical workshops and advice. The busy schedule of events focused on a range of activities including basic budgeting & financing, wellbeing, preparing for university, craft, yoga and more. The purpose of this week is to enable all students to try new activities, meet new friends, develop skills for life beyond studying and have fun.

Vice Principal of Further Education Rob Kane said “This year marks the second time we’ve delivered Skills Builder Week at the Northern School of Art. This is a dedicated week designed to give students a range of experiences that support their future aspirations. The aim is simple: to help learners build confidence, explore new interests, and gain practical knowledge that will be useful both in their next steps and in everyday life.”

“Workshops covered a broad mix of themes. From sessions focused on progression routes such as Higher Education, apprenticeships and employment, through to useful life skills including basic DIY and preparation for driving theory tests.”

“Following last year’s success, the excellent staff involved in planning the week have continued to develop and broaden the offer. This year students were able to choose from almost 30 different workshops, giving them the chance to select activities that genuinely interested them. As a creative institution, we naturally included a number of creative sessions, but it was equally important to provide opportunities that encouraged teamwork, collaboration, meeting new people and understanding activities for wellbeing.”

“The week has given us valuable insight into what our learners enjoy and what they want to develop further. This will help us shape and strengthen next year’s Skills Builder offer so it continues to be relevant and engaging.”

UAL Illustration & Animation diploma student Jade said “I found the neurodivergent art workshop quite relaxing, everyone was able to express themselves freely and contribute to a larger project, which felt rewarding.” Fellow course mate Elliott said “the marketing for social media workshop was quite insightful as it allowed us to get some feedback on what we were currently posting from other people as well as get some advice.”

Students commented positively on the opportunity to meet new people, UAL Film & TV Production diploma student Malik Mohammed said “I found skills builder very fun, my favourite session was team building games as I met new people, made a friend and I also improved my skills in chess”

Fellow film students El Seaton and Lily Owen reflected on the creative sessions and learning new skills, El commented “I enjoyed Skills Builders as it allowed me to learn new creative skills that I wouldn’t have learned in my lessons. My favourite Skills Builders session was collage as it was a nice experience to be able to make something different.” When asked if she learnt anything new from the session El said “I’d say I learned something new as I learned a way to express myself in a nice therapeutic way.”

Lily said “The Skills builders sessions were great as they encouraged learning new things which we normally wouldn’t do. My favourite session was the Shrinky Dinkies session as it allowed me to have fun with friends whilst learning a new, unexpectedly exciting hobby!”

If you are interested in studying a creative subject after school we offer a number of pathways that span the art, design, screen & stage industries including A-Levels, T-Levels, UAL Diplomas, Foundation and Access to HE, find out more here. You can also visit campus on one of our open days to find out more about our courses, tour our studios and speak to staff and students. Book your space today!