Robbie says: ""I have always had a real interest in heavy vehicles and it was brilliant to be able to study them and continue to earn a wage at the same time. Taking this VQ has had a really big impact on my life - I never thought I'd win Apprentice of the Year - and I'm really looking forward to continuing my course and learning more about my subject."
Sara Pullen
BTEC Higher National Certificate and a BTEC Higher National Diploma in manufacturing engineering
Sara says: “The BTECs provided the basics for the Engineering degree I have completed and produced great foundations for my current success. I saw graduates coming into the industry after university and they just didn’t have the practical skills I’d gained whilst undertaking a BTEC.”
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Tina Collings
ILM Introduction to Team Leading, Modern Apprenticeship NVQ Level 2 Food & Drink, NVQ Level 2 Team Leading, NVQ Level 2 Business Improvement Techniques
Tina says: "I think more people should be encouraged to do VQs. You really learn from them; I got loads out of my course which has helped me to progress and achieve my goals."
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Sara Brown
NVQ 2 Hairdressing , NVQ 3 Hairdressing, D32, BA (Hons) Post Compulsory Education and Training, PGCE, BELA
Sara says: "Without my NVQs I could never have launched my career as it is today. I had two small children and found a vocational pathway practical. I progressed onto my CERT ED. and BA (Hons) PCET and became a Tutor/Lecturer and Learning Coach to 14-16 year old students attending College part time to gain their vocational qualifications. I am a great believer that with the correct learning pathway you can achieve anything and NVQs for me did just that."
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David Gough
AAT Intermediate NVQ Level 3
David says: "I work in Accounts Payable and the AAT scheme has really helped me with VAT queries with invoices. I'm moving to the VAT section of the company soon and I'm confident that my studies will assist me more."
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Jeanette Pearce
AAT Technician NVQ Level 4
Jeanette says: "The AAT qualification has given me so much more confidence. I feel like I have really achieved something that I can be proud of. I would definitely recommend it to other people."
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Paul Buzzard
AAT Technician NVQ Level 4, Accountancy Levels 3 & 4, Payroll Level 2 & 3, Bookkeeping Level 2
Paul says: "I had been a teacher until I was forced to give up work to care full time for my daughter. AAT provided me with fantastic training and support throughout, and now I'm setting up independently to fit around my carer role."
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Colin Whittaker
HND Public Services
Colin says: "Whilst pursuing a career in the Fire Service, I decided to study for a BTEC HND in Public Services in order to raise my skills and show I was serious about the job. Unfortunately, I was injured whilst at work so decided to use my vocational qualification for the benefit of young people and began teaching Public Services courses. I am now the Vocational Qualifications coordinator at Priestley College in Warrington as well as being the Lead Verifier for BTECs in Public Services. Vocational Qualifications offer learners the chance to develop a wide breadth of experience, providing both the required knowledge and the practical skills to apply that knowledge in the workplace - something which is invaluable to employers around the UK."
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Craig Wolfe
NVQ in Business and Finance, AAT Technician NVQ Level 4
Craig says: "It was my Nan who found an ad in the local paper for a Youth Training Scheme whereby I could work, earn money and spend one day at college studying, which is how I got my NVQ. Later I studied for the AAT at part-time evening classes. When I qualified with the AAT I went on to become a full member and having the MAAT letters after my name has given me a great sense of achievement in my life.
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Taj Atwal
National Award qualification in Dance, National Diploma in Acting
Taj says: "Going to York College stopped me going off the rails. Just when I felt all was lost, the tutors believed in me and totally encouraged me to carry on. Being invited to the House of Lords to collect my Helena Kennedy Foundation Award was a real turning point for me, it made me realise that I had a chance to really make something of myself."
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Abbie Arnull
BTEC National Certificate in Public Services, HND in Public Services
Abbie says: "There were a lot of aspects I enjoyed. I never thought I'd go to university. I think the courses are highly beneficial for people considering a career in the public services, but it doesn't limit you as you have opportunities across other sectors, government, finance and leadership – you get a really good understanding of everything."
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Samantha O’Grady
HND in Animal Welfare
Samantha says: "I was working in a bank before so I had a total change. There were lots of different things I liked about the course, practical mixed with theory and the college is a lovely place to come. I am topping up to a degree now and want to work with animals eventually."
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Nigel O’Connor
Certificate in Further Education Teaching
Nigel says: "Trying to do a job and teaching qualification is very challenging, so I was delighted to be awarded a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence in 2007."
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Tracey Davies
Level 3 teacher training qualification
Tracey says: "I came from industry having worked for BA as a trainer – I feel I am a teacher now as opposed to an expert from industry. It's been hard, working and bringing up children, but I feel I can see the difference in the classroom as well."
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Lisa Wilson
OCR Nationals Level 3 in health and social care
Lisa says: "Because I knew I wanted to work in midwifery, I was looking for a course that provided me with plenty of practical hand on experience. This was the appeal of OCR Nationals. I was able to undertake a number of work experience placements at a holiday camp for disabled people and at a nursery. This meant I got to grips with practical aspects of the course as well as the theory. This combination will stand me in great stead for my degree and future career."
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Jonathan Pearson
Apprenticeship in Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations, NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading
Jonathan says: "My Apprenticeship has not only given me a great sense of wellbeing and security, but it has also given me the confidence to aim for the top." (Jonathan was Apprentice of the Year 2007)
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Robbie Wakefield
NVQ level 1 in Motor Vehicle Engineering
Robbie says: "I have always had a real interest in heavy vehicles and it was brilliant to be able to study them and continue to earn a wage at the same time. Taking this VQ has had a really big impact on my life - I never thought I'd win Apprentice of the Year - and I'm really looking forward to continuing my course and learning more about my subject.
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Leanne Williams
NVQ levels 2 & 3 in hairdressing
Leanne says: "I think that NVQs are a brilliant way to gain the qualifications that you want and to build your confidence and knowledge in the profession you decide to follow."
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Lynette Wieland
Advanced apprenticeship in business and administration
Lynette says: “I have learned how our education system can sometimes mislead young people into thinking that sixth form is the only way to succeed. I have tailored the further education system to my needs by following an NVQ programme as well as studying for an AS level in Biology through distance learning.”
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Andrew White
BTEC First Diploma in public services, Advanced GNVQ in leisure and tourism
Andrew says: “I was a typical dyslexic student who didn't suit the academic route I was shoe-horned into at school. However, following my GCSEs I completed a BTEC First Diploma and an Advanced GNVQ and then went to University where I gained a Degree in Business and Tourism. From here I completed my PGCE. I now teach and have just been nominated for a teaching award. Not everyone fits the academic model and without the vocational route I would probably be in a low-paid unskilled job. Instead I am in the best job ever."
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Kirsty Hollingshead
NVQ levels 2 & 3 in plumbing and heating
Kirsty says: "It was a perfect route for me as I could earn as I learnt. I'm fully qualified with no debt behind me and have even been able to buy my own house – what more could I want?"
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Anna Khnykina
BTEC National Diploma in multimedia
Anna says: “My course was great in getting me established in the media industry, and gave me amazing opportunities such as my work experience at the BBC. It really opened my eyes to what I want to do in life.”
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Gary Tuddenham
NVQ levels 2 & 3 in fine furniture making
Gary says: "Doing a VQ in something I love led to me being the best young cabinet maker in the world" (Gary won the UK the gold medal for cabinet making in World Skills Japan in 2007)
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Paol Kemp
BTEC National Diploma in graphic design
Paol says: "The teaching I experienced on my course was excellent – the fact that they teach part-time while still being in the industry is great. The students are really motivated because they've all chosen to be there, which creates a pleasant work atmosphere."
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Kurvil Allenyen
NVQ Level 3 in hospitality and catering
Kurvil says: “I was born in Guyana in the Caribbean and came to the UK in 2003. I passed my citizenship test in order to continue to live and study in the UK. I hope that my NVQ will enable me to progress further.”
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Maureen Romaniuk
NVQ Level 4 in information, advice and guidance
Maureen says: “When I left school I began work for the Civil Service. There were no expectations of me. It took me years to realise that I could achieve.”
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Zephan Herman
BTEC National Diploma in sports and exercise science
Zephan says: “My tutor was excellent, his classes were great and he would always offer a one-on-one session if you needed it. He was constantly encouraging us all to do better.”
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Chris Brown
NVQ level 2 in performing engineering operations, NVQ level 3 in engineering technical support
Chris says: "VQs have given me a huge depth of skills, knowledge and experience which I can use together with academic knowledge to provide better prospects for my future employment."
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Winniefred Ibiba Jones
BTEC National Diploma in applied science
Winniefred says: “I loved my time at Hammersmith & West London College – the lessons are straight forward, you get the attention you need and the teachers really listen to you.”
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Vinay Sothilingham
BTEC National Diploma for IT practitioners
Vinay says: “I started at Southall & West London College with no GCSEs on the Intro to IT course, and I went on to win a scholarship to Brunel University. I put lots of hard work into my studying, and the staff were all really helpful.”
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Usman Ahmad
BTEC National Diploma for IT practitioners
Usman says: “My BTEC led to a scholarship at Brunel University to study IT Information Systems. Southall and West London College is an incredible place – there is nowhere else like it!”
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Hayley Marie
BTEC in performing arts
Hayley says: “Doing a BTEC was a great experience. If you’re passionate about performing, a BTEC in Performing Arts is a great course to take.”
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Emyr Thomas
BTEC National Diploma for IT practitioners
Emyr says: “Doing the BTEC was one of the best decisions I ever made. I spent two years studying a subject that I really enjoy, and as I earned UCAS points as I progressed through the course I knew I had the grades for university.”
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Alexandra McLoughlin
BTEC in media production
Alexandra says: “BTEC seemed to fit in well with my abilities and my dreams of one day being a music journalist and broadcaster. I enjoyed everything about the course, especially being able to use the latest media technology.”
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