Samuel Kee

Formerly of Millthorpe School, York
Technical Certificate in Plumbing (Level 2)

"Since the beginning of secondary school I wanted to work towards learning a trade. Plumbing appealed to me and it was great to be able to come to my local college and make a new start, knowing that I was learning a skill that would make me employable.

The course is quite intense, but well balanced. There is a good mixture of practical and theory classes and by the end of my second year I will be able to completely install a bathroom, work on a simulated heating system and carry out lots of different jointing methods on lead, steel, pipe and plastic.

I didn’t know anyone on my course when I started two years ago and now I have lots of friends in college. The tutors are really good, in fact they are very helpful and can be instrumental in finding apprenticeships for students."

Rachel Daly

Formerly of Rossett School, Harrogate
National Diploma in Sport

York College student Rachel Daly shared in the pride of the nation when she played football for England’s Under 17 Ladies’ squad in the World Cup in New Zealand. At the end of the month-long tournament, after playing games against Brazil, Nigeria, Korean Republic and Japan, Rachel and her team mates did extremely well to reach the semi-finals.

Formerly of Rossett School in Harrogate, Rachel came to study at York College and play for the York College Women’s Football Development Centre.

Rachel says: “I wanted to study for a National Diploma in Sport and York College offered the Football Development Centre training, which is a real bonus. No other educational establishment could offer this combination.

I really enjoy my course, it is very engaging although the work is demanding. I think the tutors are well organised and the preparation work they put in for lessons is excellent. The training sessions at the Football Development Centre are of a particularly good standard. I hope to progress to university to study sport, ideally I would like to find a career in coaching football."

Simon Shaw

Formerly of Archbishop Holgate’s School, York
Health and Social Care

Simon came to York College from Archbishop Holgate’s School wanting to study Health and Social Care. He had an interest in social work and hoped that the college would be able to help him find out about the kind of work opportunities available.

Simon started on the Entry Level course and progressed to the Level 1 Diploma in Health and Social Care. He is now on the Level 2 Diploma in Social Care and is complimentary about the way the course is taught. He says: "It’s a ‘hands on’ course, and if you have any problems there is always someone to help. The tutors are very supportive and really nice people. They have made it easy for me to progress through the different levels. I am enjoying college life. I think York College is a good place study, I didn’t know anyone when I arrived and now I have a lot of friends."

Becki Challis

Formerly of Fulford School, York
Young Apprenticeship in Business and Administration and then NVQ 3 in Business and Administration

Whilst a pupil of Fulford School, Becki joined the Young Apprenticeship in Business and Administration course at York College where she gained a Level 2 qualification which is equivalent to four GCSEs.

During her work placement at Rolawn (a local and nationally acclaimed employer) Becki impressed the company so much she was offered a full-time job and she progressed to the NVQ Level 3 in Business and Administration and ECDL Advanced.

When asked about her experiences as an apprentice she said: "I achieved my qualifications sooner than I would have done and I was also given a taste of the work environment which led to a full-time job as a customer service coordinator for Rolawn. The apprenticeship course also enthused me to further my education and embark on a Foundation Degree in Business Management, giving me a higher level qualification."

Johnathan Clark

Formerly of All Saints Roman Catholic School, York
Diploma in Painting and Decorating

Says Johnathan: "After working for a year I was going to study Information Technology at York College, but after spending a few weeks working on site painting and decorating with my uncle I realised computers were not for me. I knew that I liked getting my hands dirty and I decided to change course to study for a Diploma in Painting and Decorating.

The Painting and Decorating facilities at the college are top class, as are the tutors. My tutor is always on hand to offer advice and talk through any problems. We talk through a task and then we just get on with it, learning as we work, while the tutors observe our work and correct us if we are making mistakes.

I’ve been accepted for an apprenticeship at Hesp and Jones, a specialist painting and decorating firm based in Beningbrough, York. They are a very prestigious firm and I feel lucky to be given this opportunity."

Sally Featherstone

Formerly of Ryedale School
Professional Cookery

"When I was at school I wanted to be a marine biologist! I soon realised that I preferred more practical subjects."

Said Sally: "I started off with a part-time waitressing job at the Blacksmith’s Arms in Lastingham, near Kirkbymoorside. On finishing my GCSEs my boss overheard me saying that I was interested in cooking and I was offered an apprenticeship. This meant I could work in the kitchens whilst taking Level 2 and then progress to the Level 3 Professional Cookery courses at college. This has worked well for me as I work four days a week at the Blacksmith’s Arms and attend college for one day. I have been very happy with the course and it has been great to earn money whilst learning.

I hope eventually to be a manager in the catering industry or a head chef. Who knows where I will work in the future but it is good to know that I have very employable skills."