Shabana Yeasmin

Bangladesh-born Shabana moved to Britain eight years ago. She first came to college on a part-time ESOL course and progressed to the full time CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Childcare, for which she achieved an A. ‘I was a full-time housewife before and was
really keen to gain qualifications. As an adult learner, starting college was a massive change and a bit daunting, but everyone in my class was friendly, and the teachers were great – they’d always take extra time to spend with me if I didn’t understand something.’ Shabana has secured a job as a Teaching Assistant in a local school, and in the future would like to return to college to complete a teaching qualification. ‘Coming to College has changed my life. A few years ago I found it difficult understanding
English, and now I’m contemplating a career in teaching!’

Rebecca Hawes

Rebecca completed a childcare course at the College in Daventry before progressing onto the BTEC National Diploma in Healthcare. ‘I have always wanted to be a nurse ever since I was little but I didn’t have the grades I needed to go straight onto the BTEC – the childcare course enabled me to progress up the ladder. I love caring for people and the course has helped me gain lots of valuable skills which will benefit me in my career. The work placements we did as part of the course will also really help me when I start work.’

During her time at college, Rebecca’s father became very ill and she had to take time off to look after her younger brother. ‘My teachers were really supportive and helped me through the tough times. They understood if I couldn’t make lecturers and helped me make the work up. I got two merits and a pass which is better then I was expecting. I am really chuffed.’

Rebecca is going to take a year out before starting a degree in nursing at the University of Northampton.

Rekha Karsan

Rekha says her time at college has been life changing and has given her the opportunity and confidence to make something of herself and provide a stable life for her and her young daughter.

‘I moved to the UK from India to get away from a violent relationship so it has been very difficult to settle into my new life. I wanted to become a better parent, which was the main reason I started the course, but I’ve actually gained a lot of confidence and I am really interested in childcare. I now want to continue studying to improve my Maths and English skills enough to go onto university. I never thought this would ever be possible.’

Rekha thrived at college and despite a shaky start trying to keep up with her studies, she completed the course with a Distinction.

‘The teachers were so supportive. I feel like they have opened so many doors for me and helped me overcome my personal issues. When I moved to Britain I just wanted to make sure my daughter had a good life. College has given me the confidence to believe I can achieve whatever I want to.’

Rowan Taylor

Rowan always gave one hundred percent effort on the BTEC National Diploma Early Years programme at Daventry and her work placement reports were consistently exceptional throughout the two years. Despite having to care for her mother who suffers from a severe allergy, Rowan stayed very positive and was a valued member of the class amongst her peers and tutors. Rowan has now begun a degree in Social Work at Lincoln University.

Sima Salamat

Sima did not speak any English when she first came to the UK from Iran in 1999. However, determined to communicate and fit in to her new way of life, Sima completed an NVQ at another local college and progressed on to the BTEC National Certificate in Health Studies at Northampton College. She was dedicated to her studies and, despite having to overcome some health issues, became the first person in the group to pass the course in one year.

Sima is now studying dental nursing while working as a volunteer at Milton Keynes Hospital.