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First Cohort Of Part-Time Trainee Teachers About To Graduate



The first cohort of primary school teachers who have studied part-time through the Poole-headquartered Castleman Learning Network (CLN) is about to graduate.


The network is part of the Southern Education Trust (SET) and has seen well over 60 new teachers pass through its programme. They graduate from the University of Worcester with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Some of the part-time students have already got jobs for the new term in September.


Trainee teachers work in a variety of schools during the qualification period and are taught by highly experienced professionals. Now CLN is looking for others who might wish to change career and become primary school teachers.


Lou Evans, director, said:

“This is our first cohort who have been through the part-time course and they qualify in July. It takes five terms or about 18 months and enables them to continue working and to better juggle family life. Our trainees spend two days in school and one day training with us."

“They are based in schools near their homes enabling them to join the course from across Dorset as well as parts of Wiltshire and Somerset. There is a shortage of primary school teachers in the country and we offer the only part time course in our area. It allows those in other jobs to make a career change and we welcome mature students as well as recent graduates."


“Being part of Southern Education Trust means we have great relationships with lots of schools and our students are able to take on a variety of placements. In the group about to qualify we have those who have worked as teaching assistants, in hospitality, retail, child care and administration."


“Those who study to be teachers a bit later in life often bring valuable skills and experiences to the classroom – and this benefits the schools. Our recruitment cycle is now open and we’d like to hear from anyone who would like to consider becoming a primary school teacher.”


Trainee Abi Vakatawa said:

“This course has been carefully designed to offer lots of opportunities to work alongside a wide range of inspirational experienced colleagues."

“We are constantly encouraged to stretch beyond our comfort zone but we always feel supported”.


For more information contact: info@castlemanlearning.co.uk


Photo: (l-r) Lou Evans, director, and to-be teachers Abi Vakatawa, Tuesday Phillips-Kiddle, Georgina Baker, Smanatha Cordwell, Brianda Byrne

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  • Jan 16, 2025
  • 2 min read


A Nottingham-based packaging giant has bolstered its current machinery fleet by investing in a £1.4m die-cutter.


The Bobst Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 is the latest machine to arrive on site after a massive investment programme for the Nottingham headquarters. It had to be specially built from scratch in Switzerland, before making its way to The Wilkins Group in Colwick Nottingham.


It is anticipated that the new addition will further increase productivity and efficiency in the production of folding cartons for the global brand and help deliver its full order book for 2025.


The new machine is equipped with Bobst’s latest ‘Smart Feeder 2’ technology as well as an APT logistics system.


This specialist machine die-cuts printed sheets and then strips the internal waste away and fully blanks the cartons onto the pallet, all at a tremendous 9,000 sheets per hour.


It is expected that the new Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 will handle 40 million sheets annually.


Joint managing director Justin Wilkins said:


“Equipped with a Centreline system, this new equipment will allow for quick job changeovers, enhancing our productivity and ultimately enhancing our efficiency and delivery for customers."

"It will ensure that we can maintain the quality that our customers are used to whilst adding to our order book for 2025."



The commissioned Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 includes power register 3, which automatically controls the print register, ensuring a high-quality job every time.


In addition to the ‘Smart Feeder 2’ technology, the machine boasts an independent feeder with electrical drive-shaft as well as ‘Quick Set’ and ‘Stop & Go’ functions.


The Expertcut also has an APT logistics system, which automatically changes the pallets over and does not require any operator intervention.


The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands – including Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury’s to name a few. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.


Justin added:

“We have bought many machines from Bobst over the years and this latest addition, with its enhanced features such as the APT logistics system, further expands and enhances our die-cutting capabilities. It will ensure that our ambitious plans for the future remain on track.”

The new Bobst Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 marks the latest investment in The Wilkins Group’s UK headquarters. The die-cutting department now is unrivalled in the industry and the company is super proud of its achievements in this area.

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