Student Stories

Former Hope Academy student, Naomi has excelled on her Art & Design Level 3 course, and is now looking forward to furthering her studies at Leeds Art University.

She says: "This course has shown me that art isn't just pen on paper, it is a vast range of media and techniques that anyone can do if they set their minds to it. From painting to sculpture; I was able to find my place in the art world and finally find what I want to do in the future."

Naomi says her tutors have been instrumental to her success, saying: "My tutor makes the classes enjoyable and informative while letting us have our own independence in our work space."

Level 2 Plumbing apprentice Matthew, a former student of St. Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School, has spent the last year working with H20 Ltd, a leading supplier of a broad range of plumbing and heating solutions. Matthew has found his work to be varied and interesting: “I enjoy
meeting new people and learning new skills every day. Each day involves something different and it is exciting.”

Matthew thinks highly of the college’s facilities, saying: “The facilities and work stations are immaculate and allow you to experience real life situations. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at this college.”

Level 2 former Penketh High School student Caitlin has always had a keen interest in hairdressing and has enjoyed gaining valuable skills on the course. She has impressed her tutors so far and is looking forward to progressing onto her Level 3 course. Caitlin has been well supported throughout the year, stating: “The tutors make a continuous effort to ensure there is someone for you to talk to. They also give me lots of support with my future career.” The course has opened up a wealth of opportunities for Caitlin: “I have worked at salons for work placement and even been offered a job from it!”

Level 3 Games Design student Ross, former student of Hope Academy, has secured a place at Liverpool John Moores University to study Computer Games Development. Ross has always felt supported during his course, saying: “I feel that the best aspect of studying at Warrington & Vale Royal College is that the tutors are friendly and approachable.”

Throughout his course, Ross has developed a multitude of skills and feels prepared to take his studies to the next level. He says: “This course has helped me to prepare for going to university. I am now able to utilise different programmes which are used a lot within the industry and at universities.”

Former Wigan UTC student Lauren Rudd has passed her Level 2 Mechanical Engineering with flying colours and will be progressing onto the Level 3 in General Engineering. Whilst on her Level 2, Lauren has developed a wide range of skills including handfitting, stripping motors and electrical
maintenance. She says: “The best aspect of studying at the college is that I have gained more skills and knowledge. The PEO course was extremely interesting as there was a lot of practical work and theory involved.” Lauren has always felt supported and motivated by her tutor Jade Wilkinson,
saying: “Jade is very dedicated to pushing you to be the best that you can be.”

Caitlin had always dreamed of working with children from a young age. She believes she was fully guided and supported throughout her Childcare Level 3 course, describing her tutor Pennie Barrow as ‘amazing’ and, "she always encouraged her students to aim higher."

Caitlin has used the knowledge and experience she has gained from the course to realise her ambition of working with children and secure a permanent position as an Early Years Practitioner at Little Angels Day Nursery. Caitlin explains that the course has given her the skills to pursue a variety of different careers: "This course also enables me to go onto university if I decide to, or go on to a different career such as a teaching assistant or childminder."