Engineering & Advanced Technology Success Stories
REAL results REAL success stories
Matthew Henson
Foundation Learning Vehicle Body Repair and Refinishing
Matthew started at Northampton College on the School Link programme which gave him a taste of motor vehicle repair.
“I used to come to college one day a week and I loved it so I was very keen to carry on when I left school. The Vehicle Body Repair and Refinishing course was perfect. We learnt how to restore damaged bodywork and dents. I know how to mix up fillers and prepare the vehicles so they are ready for refinishing. You learn all the basics on the course.”
Matthew was assigned additional support in the classroom which he found really helpful.
“I have Asperger’s and autism so someone was always on hand to help me with my assignments and tasks in the lessons. The teachers were also really supportive if I ever got stuck or needed help. Spray painting was probably my favourite but I loved it all really. I liked mixing up the paint and seeing the finished vehicle.”
Matthew is now studying on the Level 2 programme. “After that I think I will go on to get a job and maybe return to college on the Level 3 in the future. I will keep my options open.”
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Isenijo Bryan
Foundation Learning Electrical Installation
Isenijo wanted to follow in his Dad’s footsteps and become an electrician. “I have always had an interest in my Dad’s work and I figured this course would give me a basic understanding of electrical installation – that was what I needed and I was right. It was very hands-on and practical. We learnt about rewiring different types of wire and Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs). I thought I had a bit of knowledge about electrical installation but I found there was so much I needed to learn. Even the Health & Safety aspects were interesting and you don’t realise how important they are either. You need to know how to protect yourself on the job!”
Isenijo liked all elements of the course but was not afraid to ask for help when things got tough. “The teachers are very helpful if you ever get stuck. They have all worked as electricians too so I knew I could trust what they were saying. We had to complete a number of different assignments so the course is quite varied.”
“I am now on the Level 2 programme and will progress on to Level 3 after that before getting a job. Who knows, I might like to start my own business one day but there’s a lot to learn before that. Let’s see what happens.”
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Julie Frohawk
Julie was an outstanding learner on the BTEC National Certificate Mechanical Engineering and her hard work and determination on the course enabled her to achieve the top award of double distinction. Julie often went the extra mile in order to complete some exceptional assignments and she recently received a personal congratulation for her academic success from the Chief Executive Officer of CVG/KAB Seating where she works. She was also given a promotion as a result of her achievement.
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Thomas Spencer
Thomas is currently in the third year of a four year Apprenticeship with Corus Tubes in Corby. He studied a BTEC National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering as part of his training, showing a huge amount of determination and effort. Being a few years older then most of the learners in his group, Thomas had a very mature approach to learning and completed excellent assignments to a high level. He achieved a double distinction and is looking forward to a promising career in engineering.
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Katherine Golding
Katherine had a goal of achieving the NVQ and Technical Certificate Level 3 in Motor Vehicle Refinishing so she could pursue a career in the motor vehicle industry. She is an exemplary learner, consistently producing coursework to a high standard, always ahead of schedule and eager to complete challenging assignments. She throws herself into any test, assignment and practical task, and never complains about her workload.
She is now working at Brian Currie in Milton Keynes.