Fabrication and Welding

Josie

Culinary Arts

I enjoyed my time at college so much - I would do it all over again without a doubt! I learned lots and was very proud to be named Chef of the Year and offered an incredible month of work experience at Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saison, Raymond Blanc’s Michelin-starred restaurant. I am now a full-time chef at The Plough in Shutlanger, where I got my first taste of the industry as a potwasher, while also launching my own cake company.

Brooke

Acting

After studying GCSE Drama, I struggled to find an A Level course that interested me, so I studied Level 3 Acting at the College, which I really enjoyed, before progressing onto HNC Acting. During my time on the course, the College invited one of the UK’s leading Applied Theatre companies, Alter Ego Creative Solutions, to talk to the group. After completing my course, I successfully auditioned for the company, and worked with them on several projects. I’m now working for the Masque Theatre company and will soon be auditioning for for Guildhall.

Benjamin

Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship

Joining Northampton College was the next step from leaving school and I responded well to being given a little more responsibility. I think you grow more in lots of ways when the ball is in your court. I’m someone who asks a lot of questions and the tutors had a lot of patience, willingness and ability to explain things. I’ve now completed the first year of a degree at Oxford Brookes University and have aspirations to set up my own construction company in the future.

Hannah

Public Services

Since joining the Cadets aged 14, I dreamed of a career in public services. I learned so much at Northampton College, but I particularly enjoyed the physical elements of my course, such as running and the assault courses. I achieved enough UCAS points to study Policing at The University of Northampton, so thanks to the College, I’m now a Police Constable with Northamptonshire Police. Anyone who wants a career in public services should go for it. My journey won’t stop here.

Matthew

Construction Multi-skills

I applied to study Civil Engineering but didn’t meet the entry requirements. The College really helped me on GCSE results day and offered me a place to study Construction Multi-skills, which I accepted so I could work hard and eventually progress onto the Civil Engineering course. Even though I was nervous at first, I enjoyed learning every trade, and the opportunity to meet new people made me more confident and independent. I’m really looking forward to the rest of my college journey!

Vince

Computing and IT

I decided to come to college because of the facilities, the course modules and the responsibility it gave me. The networking module was my favourite – it was amazing to plan and design networks and then build and put them together in the lab. Following my course, I gained a Morrisons degree apprenticeship, which includes a full-time job at a logistics depot and attending Bradford University every six weeks for lessons. At the end of the course, I will qualify as a shift manager.

Jake

Science

I completed a year of sixth form, but it didn’t suit me. I needed an alternative route to get into university, and the College suggested Level 3 Applied Science as it covers a good mix of all three sciences. I loved the practical side to the course, which prepared me well for my degree in microbiology at Nottingham Trent University. I’m now studying a master’s degree in research microbiology at the University of Nottingham and after that, I have my sights set on a PHD.

Vicky

Performing Arts

I started at Northampton College when I was 16 and I feel like I’m part of the furniture now! I'm so grateful for the amazing support I've received with my mental health - I've grown a lot as a person and I feel more capable and independent now. After moving up from Level 1 Acting to Level 3 Technical Theatre, I have secured a supported internship with The Royal and Derngate through MENCAP, and thanks to college, I feel ready to move on into the workplace.

Alexandra

HND Theatre Practice

The HND Theatre Practice course appealed to me because it was practical and gave me opportunities such as taking care of the mics and sound at the Castle Theatre in Wellingborough. My tutor encouraged me to apply to study technical theatre at the London Academy of Performing Arts and I was accepted! I’m now a composer and sound designer, creating music for stage, radio and TV. The support I received at Northampton College led me to a career I love.

Leo

Creative Media

Coming to college opened my eyes to careers within the film industry. I didn’t know what I wanted, but after hearing from people with years of industry experience, I now have a clear path in mind. The teachers really know their stuff and having access to the latest equipment has been a big help. I’d recommend Northampton College to anyone - it’s been a great experience, and as soon as I complete my course, I know I’m ready to make my way into the industry.

Simran

Business

I would definitely recommend Northampton College to anyone passionate about their future. The teachers really want you to succeed, and the course truly prepares you for university. After college, I studied accounting and finance at the University of Leicester and completed a master’s degree in finance. My classmates had no knowledge of law and accounting, whereas I had covered these subjects at college, so I definitely had a head start. I now work as a junior finance partner at the Northampton base of Mitie, managing the costs of the whole division.

Jada

Acting

My Acting course at college was the perfect preparation for what life is like in my industry. The experience my teachers had was invaluable – that extra bit of insight meant that when I went for auditions, I knew what to expect. They went above and beyond to help us and created a brilliant atmosphere in class. I’d recommend Northampton College to anyone, as it’s such a good way of learning your trade and perfecting your skills while learning from the best.

Malgorzata

Travel and Tourism

I enjoyed every minute of my time at college. Even though I couldn’t speak English when I moved to Northampton from Poland, my teachers helped me progress from Level 1 to Level 3, and always took time to make things easy to understand. My lessons were always interesting – we even went on trips to Paris and on a cruise ship to gain experience of the industry. I now work as BA Cabin Crew and my time at college definitely helped me get the job.

Louis

Music

I started at Northampton College studying Level 3 Music Technology, which was phenomenal. The teachers had lots of industry experience and explained things in class so well. It’s a great environment to be in – you meet students with common interests and benefit from amazing facilities, such as music studios and The Underground performing space. I’m on the autistic spectrum, so I had a mentor, which really helped. College gave me the confidence to do my own thing, and I’ve now progressed to study HNC Music Production.

William

HND Theatre Practice

I joined Northampton College after completing a Theatre Production apprenticeship at the Royal Theatre. Compared to school, there is a higher level of self-directed learning in a more practical environment, which helped me realise my potential. After completing my HND, I studied a degree in Technical and Production Management at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. I joined in the second year of the course, which I couldn't have done without the College's help to build my skills and prepare for university. I now work as a freelance theatre technician and stage manager.

Bizma

Business

My college experience has been amazing. I started off with a Level 2 IT qualification and progressed on to Level 3 business, with the help of my supportive teachers who helped me learn new skills and guided me to achieve my goals. I am still at the College, currently working towards a Level 5 Higher National qualification in Business, which I hope will help me secure a job in the business world. After gaining some experience, I would eventually like to run my own business.

Kelvin

Motor Vehicle Engineering

Northampton College was my first taste of education in the UK when I moved here from Ghana, and the College pastoral team really helped me to settle in on a Foundation course. After that, I progressed through Levels 1, 2 and 3 in Motor Vehicle Engineering, and the support I received from my teachers throughout was amazing. The facilities are incredible, and the industry knowledge I have gained has prepared me for the world of work.

Lily

Health and Social Care

I liked that my course involved work experience placements – it’s because of these placements that I am where I am now! I had placements in two care homes and at Northampton General Hospital, where I got to see first-hand what happens in each department. It was a valuable experience and helped me decide which path to take. The course helped me to gain a physiotherapy assistant job at Kettering General Hospital and a place at The University of Leicester to study physiotherapy.

Skyelynda

T Level Health (Adult Nursing)

I decided to do a T Level course because it provides me with everything I need to become a nurse and includes an industry placement, so I can gain valuable healthcare experience.

The facilities at college are amazing, including top of the range resources used in real clinical settings and responsive mannequins so we can put our skills into practice. The T Level course has given me the core components I need to succeed in a nursing career, and has helped me improve my people skills so I am ready for future patients.

Stacie

Hairdressing Apprentice

Getting into hairdressing is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My teachers have been amazing – they helped me achieve my maths GCSE and supported me with my dyslexia. I’ve learnt so much from college and from the team at Paul Watts in Kettering, who allow me to be creative and push me to see what I can do. I’m excited to learn more about bridal hair, barbering and hair extensions, and I’d really love to own a salon one day!

Ethan

Art and Design

"I enrolled at Northampton College in September 2017 to study Art and Design Level 2, before progressing to a two-year Art and Design Level 3 course. I also attended BTEC and GCSE maths and English to improve my skills and earn a grade 4. I'm now pursuing an Illustration course at the University of Northampton."

Adrianna

Sport

I moved to the UK from Swaziland in Africa in 2017 and started on a foundation course at Northampton College, which allowed me to move on and study sport. I was nervous starting college, but I was given so much support and as my confidence grew, I became an award-winning student ambassador! My time at college has been great and will definitely help me to become a sports physiotherapist. I hope to continue my learning journey with an apprenticeship or a degree at university.