BTEC Extended Diploma in Photography - Caroline Duncan

Caroline Duncan was delighted with her acceptance onto a one year apprentice scheme as a voluntary Trainee Curator at the Site Gallery in Sheffield.

Caroline now belongs on the gallery’s judging panel helping to choose appropriate pieces of artwork for display within the venue. She also provides support at many of the art exhibitions - adding to her experience within a professional working gallery.

Media Make-Up - Laura Coates

Coming to college for Laura Coates was a chance to start afresh, meet new people and change her life for the better. Laura’s decision to study a media make-up course has not only increased her sense of independence but has placed her on the appropriate path to fulfil her life-long dream of becoming a professional make-up artist within the film industry.

The highlights of the course for Laura were the work placements she carried out for Wickersley Pantomime, Brinsworth Pantomime and Rotherham Civic Theatre. There she had the opportunity to develop her experience of the backstage environment and perfect the required make up looks on her allocated models. She was also able to benefit from a variety of beauty therapy workshops where tricks of the trade were revealed by industry professionals. Laura has secured a place at Plymouth University to study the Foundation Degree in Media Make Up in a year’s time after she taken a year out from education.

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality, Supervision & Leadership - Shaun Green

Shaun Green was recently offered full time employment as a Food and Beverage Host at the Hilton Hotel in Sheffield after completing the Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership. Shaun was able to develop his confidence and customer service skills throughout his time at College but made a strong improvement in his final year where he was given extra responsibility and a chance to shine.

His experience on the course gave him the opportunity to work at numerous College events and to also compete in the UK Barista Championships - a national competition entered by Baristas, all of whom are experts in their field. When asked to describe his college experience, Shaun explained: “It has been the best time of my life. This is where you make the key decisions that will shape your future. “ Shaun’s ultimate goal is to become the manager for an international hotel or restaurant.

BTEC National Certificate in Travel & Tourism - Amy Walker & Leah Cupitt

Both Amy Walker and Leah Cupitt made the most of their BTEC National Certificate in Travel and Tourism course and as a result secure employment within the Travel and Tourism industry.

Amy Walker now works at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham, a role she secured following a successful work placement where she was able to improve her confidence and communication skills. Amy’s goal is to develop herself within the hotel industry. Leah Cupitt is employed as a Trainee Travel Advisor for Hayes Travel, Rotherham where she will be carrying out a 2 year apprenticeship before becoming fully qualified. Leah is also undertaking an ILM Management qualification with the College in order to work her way up the career ladder within the travel industry.

Foundation Degree in Performing Arts: Music - Benjamin Halford

Benjamin Halford’s time at college ended on a high note when he was accepted into Sheffield Hallam University after completing the Foundation Degree in Performing Arts: Music. To top up his qualification to a full degree, Benjamin will be studying the BA (Hons) in Performance and Professional Practice and is looking forward to developing his skills.

Although Benjamin specialises as a rock music singer, he has learned to break free of his comfort zone in order to diversify and appreciate a range of music genres. Despite having DAMP Syndrome and living with Dyspraxia, Ben was seen as one of the top performers in his year and a true inspiration to others. Ben‘s motto for life is to follow his dream and aim high. His words of encouragement to others were; “Whatever your circumstances, don’t ever let it hold you back. The most important thing is to try and make the most of everything you can.”

Level 3 Certificate in Furniture & Cabinet Making - Thomas Mullins

Thomas Mullins recently received the annual ‘Student of the Year’ award from local organisation Maltby (Rother Valley) Lions for the fantastic progression he made throughout the Level 3 Certificate in Furniture and Cabinet Making.

Thomas began studying with the College after completing school and has made his way through Level’s 1, 2 and 3; developing his knowledge and confidence along the way. The award was also combined with a bursary cheque for £200 in order to help with the costs of study materials and equipment in preparation for his enrolment at the University of Buckingham where he will be studying Furniture Design! Thomas’ dream for the future is to open his own business producing one-off pieces of bespoke furniture

Cache Diploma in Childcare & Education - Lynette Law

After completing a work placement at the Leap Frog Nursery within Rotherham Hospital as part of the Cache Diploma in Childcare and Education, Lynette Law was offered employment as a relief worker and is expected to become a full time member of staff in the near future.

Lynette referred to her course as a “brilliant challenge” that enabled her to transform from a shy school leaver into a confident achiever with a clear career path ahead of her. Through the support of her tutors and three work placement settings, she was able to develop her knowledge and work with a variety of age ranges, helping her decide upon a chosen specialism. Lynette currently enjoys working with children who are a mixture of ages, but is keen to someday focus on working with babies within a hospital ward. Her ambitions are to progress within employment but she would consider studying a university course in the future.

National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning & Development - Faye Clarke

Faye Clarke is a perfect example of a student who has progressed through the required levels of education in order to achieve her goals.

Faye completed the National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning & Development with the College and left a fully qualified nursery nurse. She later enrolled at the University of Nottingham to study a three year Diploma in Children’s Nursing. Faye recently attended her graduation ceremony and is proud of her accomplishments. She is now employed as a Staff Nurse at Sheffield Children’s Hospital where her role involves caring for patients as they recover from general anaesthetic used within the operating theatre.

ND in Health & Social Care (Trainee Health Professionals) - Alistair Beverley

Former student Alistair Beverley looks back on his time at College with fond memories and describes the National Diploma in Health and Social Care (Trainee Health Professionals) as a significant stepping stone that guided him into a university education and also employment as a physiotherapist.

After leaving school, Alistair studied his A Levels and applied for a physiotherapy course at university. Unfortunately his application was rejected, resulting in a decision to take a vocational course at College. The course enabled him to carry out work placements within the Neurology department at Sheffield Hallam University and also the A&E department at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital. This hands on experience combined with regular assignment practice gave Alistair the knowledge and confidence he needed to gain a competitive advantage to submit a successful university application. Alistair describes his time at College as a “step up from A Levels” that gave him a “sense of independence”. Since completing the BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University, Alistair is now working as a Community Physiotherapist in Learning Disabilities for Nottingham Primary Care Trust.

HND in Computing - Dima Volgin

Dima Volgin was offered full time employment as an IT Service Engineer for the organisation Envirosoft after completing the HND in Computing.

Due to the knowledge he developed throughout his course, Dima was able to gain an understanding of the variety of career pathways available within the computing industry and now feels settled within his current role. Dima believes that his qualification gave him a competitive advantage during the recession and that his skills have allowed him to keep up to speed within the workplace.