An excellent year
Most recently Tresham College lecturer Steph Lee-Vae was a named as finalist in the national Pearson Teaching Awards, the overall results of which will be announced next week.
Ian thanked Northampton councillors and businesses for their support in securing funding for The Corby Sixth Form which will open September 2023 within the town’s shopping centre. Nearby the Corby Learning Centre offers free IT training to people of all ages who want to learn how to use a computer.
Funding from a variety of Government sources means that The Bedford College Group is investing FIVE TIMES what an average college is doing, thus benefitting 15,000 current, and future, students.
The Group works with 1,400 employers, delivering nearly 2,000 apprentices and a further 2,000 businesses help with other work experience opportunities.
The Group has 1,400 staff members who have delivered fantastic support to students during the past few years.
“Thank you for all playing your part in another excellent year for Tresham College,”
said Mr Pryce.
Electrifying successes
FE Student of the Year
was Brandon Turner, who has completed the City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate in Electrical Installations.
Personal Achievement Tutor Mel Sellars said:
“When Brandon first started he was very shy, but now he’s the opposite, he’s very confident with lots to contribute. He’s always so polite and punctual, undoubtedly one of our best students.”
Brandon said:
“My time at Tresham College has been amazingly different to school. I would say to anyone: ‘Don’t let a diagnosis of ADHD hold you back’ forget the past and find a the new way towards your goals.”
Apprentice of the Year
was Megan Spencer who was one of the first students in the UK to complete new ‘end point’ assessment standards in which she gained a Distinction, and she was the first female in the county to pass an apprenticeship in painting and decorating. She has now progressed to an electrical installation apprentices working for MG Electrical Services in Rothwell.
Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Business Development Debbie Houghton said:
“Megan is a great example of how people can progress across a range of subjects into sought-after apprenticeships.”
Student Participation Award winner
was Oliver Mills who is on a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production. In addition to his studies, Oliver has volunteered as a Student Representative at the college.
Direction of Governance & Clerk to the Corporation Rachel Nicol said:
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Oliver, he has been a true voice for the students on the governing body.”
Motivational HE man
Higher Education (HE) Student of the Year and overall Outstanding Student of the Year
was Catalin Mitrica who is on a BTEC HNC in Computing course. When he started studying at Tresham College he could not speak English and had to work his way through language courses. Once on a Level 2 course his progress continued with him gaining Distinction after Distinction. He hopes to get a job in network or cyber security.
Lecturer Debbie Proctor said:
“Catalin is also very good at supporting and motivating his peers, helping them to understand some of the more complex units.”
Employee/Teacher of the Year Award winner
is Natalie Murray a lecturer in Foundation Learning, Maths Specialism.
For Natalie, it is not just students gaining qualifications that is important but developing their confidence, team building skills and combatting anxiety.
Colleagues praised her saying:
“Natalie gets on with everyone, she goes out of her way to give support and encouragement and always has time to listen.”
What’s Next?
Inspirational speaker Amani Simpson said that college at 16 was a chance for young people to turn their lives around and move on from what has gone before.
Amani has a video about his challenging life experiences which has been viewed by 4 million on You Tube, and now helps young people achieve their AIMs through aspiration, information and mentors.
“Put on your destination in your sat nav and work through the process,”
said Amani.
