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Naomi Bird
Businesswoman and Hair Stylist. Graduated: 2010
After completing an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing, Naomi Bird went into the hairdressing industry, she now runs her own business in East Yorkshire.
“College was completely different to school, I preferred it more because I enjoyed studying something I'd chosen to do. My tutors were very helpful throughout the course, they treated me more like an adult and less like a pupil, and there was also more one to one time with my tutors if I needed it.
“I am now running my own salon and the help from York College has got me where I need to be in terms of skills and qualifications, I am very grateful to my tutors for motivating me to finish my course. I feel that because tutors treated me more like an adult I was able to mature whi prepared me to start full time work and go on to run my own business.
“Since leaving college I have opened my own salon, Pink Hair, in Pocklington. I have no doubt that without York College I wouldn't be where I am now.”
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Adam Clawson
Graduated: 2003
Studied: A Level Art, Design and Technology, Resistant Materials, and Maths.
Since graduating at York College Adam read for a degree in Mechatronics at the City of Leeds University where he won the Farnell Awards for his '24 degrees of freedom' hand.
Having progressed to his Masters in Engineering, Adam is studying for his PhD in Bioengineering at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering which is part of the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Canada, working on upper limb prosthetic research.
Adam is currently one of the main engineers involved in a multi-million dollar advanced hand prosthesis research project. He also lectures to 60 students.
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Nick Britten
Midlands' correspondent, The Daily Telegraph. Graduated: 1989.
Studied: A Level English Literature, French and Spanish.
Nick joined York College in 1987 immediately after relocating to York from his home town of London. After graduating in 1989 he studied journalism at Napier Polytechnic in Edinburgh and is now the Midlands' correspondent for the Daily Telegraph.
“Having moved the week before I started from a strict, fee-paying, boys only school in south London, it was something of an eye-opener! No uniforms, no orders, a far more relaxed atmosphere and mixed classes.
“In terms of education it was a new, less autocratic way of learning which suited me. There was far more pupil involvement than at my previous school and as such the lessons were more interesting, I still remember the English lessons with Mr George; what a great bloke he was!
“The whole process was a more university-style teaching than my secondary school. Quality of life at the college was good, with a friendly and inclusive culture.
“Moving from London as a teenager to somewhere like York was a challenge but I was lucky to fall in with a group of friends with whom I remain very close to this day so I count myself very fortunate in that respect.
“Not long after graduating from York College I realised that my career interests lay in journalism, it was something I'd flirted with but hadn't really explored previously. I enrolled at Napier Polytechnic in Edinburgh - in those days only one of three or so institutions that offered journalism. It was a vocational, two-year HND and I loved it. Luckily I was offered a job just as I was finishing the course, freelancing for a news agency. Having done that for three years, I did four years on the Daily Record in Edinburgh before joining the Daily Telegraph 11 years ago, covering politics and the new Scottish Parliament. In 2001 the paper's Midlands' correspondent returned and I took that job, where I've been ever since.
“My two years at York College, has played an instrumental part in my life, as much socially as educationally, and I look back at my time there with great fondness.”
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Alan Murphy
Freelance graphic illustrator. Graduated: 1995.
Studied A Level English Language, Psychology, Sociology, Art 1993 - 1995
Since graduating from York College in the mid-90s, Alan went on to study at the Liverpool School of Art, graduating in 1999. He's worked as a freelance graphic illustrator ever since. He tells us how York College played a key role in his successful career.
“Since 1999 I have worked for a wide variety of clients and exhibited work in London, LA, Sydney and Berlin. After gaining recognition through these shows I established myself as a full time illustrator with clients ranging from The Guardian, MTV, Coca Cola, Orange, Vodafone and Adidas, and in 2005 I took part in the award winning re-branding of the Paramount Comedy Channel, followed by a multi-award winning campaign to re-brand Perrier in North America in 2006. In 2008/09 I worked on a campaign for Marmite which took numerous Design and Advertising awards. All of this stems back to my time at York Sixth Form college!
“My recollections of York College are extremely fond, both in terms of the education I received and the quality of life I had. It was a great stepping stone between the formality of school and the self discipline required at a university. I recall committed, caring tutors who worked hard to provide the best opportunities for us but also nurtured the understanding that it was our responsibility to commit ourselves to our studies if we wanted to progress.
“As well as our chosen subjects I recall that we had to bolster our timetable with extra studies , the Xtra Curricular programme, which was both useful and enjoyable. Options included film studies, art history and even yoga! I absolutely loved these lessons which provided a ‘bonus' education to the subjects I had signed up for.
“Finally, the college was a fantastic place to develop new friendships. Some of my best friends today were made during my time at the college. The social area was a great place to spend time and new bands were forever being formed there, their posters advertising gigs covering the college walls. I remember all of this with huge affection.
“Make no mistake, studying at the college was a serious business. I was required to pass at least three ‘A' Levels before I could apply to do a BTEC Foundation in Art which I required in order to apply for a BA in Graphic Arts. As I mentioned earlier, the important learning curve for me which I gained at the college was that the responsibility to succeed fell to me, and that understanding carried right the way through my time at university and even now as a self-employed artist.”
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Charlotte Barker
Fashion Designer and Maker and businesswoman. Graduated: 2008.
Studied National Diploma and HND in Fashion Design.
After graduating in 2008 Charlotte set up her own business making bespoke bridesmaids' dresses and ladies occasion wear from her home in North Yorkshire.
“I studied a National Diploma in fashion design at the old college then a Higher National Diploma at the new college in 2007, graduating in July 2008.
“The education I received was excellent, the tutors had experience in the working environment so had real understanding to offer each student.
“The fashion course was great as it dealt with all of the processes in fashion design, pattern and construction. It measures up well in comparison to other courses which are more specific, I preferred the more general approach, it meant you had more skills in the entire area. I did receive the qualifications I wanted, but it was through sheer hard work!
“York College did absolutely help me grow as an adult. Mixing with different people, and in environments you're not used to, opens you up to so many more opportunities in life.
“Since leaving college I became a finalist in Yorkshire Fashion Idol 2008, I've travelled to Australia and New Zealand and I'm now running my own business making bespoke bridesmaids' dresses and ladies occasion wear. All that I learned at college has prepared me for my chosen career path and I honestly don't honestly feel I would of gained this elsewhere.”
For more information on Charlotte's design services contact her on contactme@charlotte-lucy.co.uk
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Taj Atwal
Actress. Graduated 2007.
After graduating from the National Diploma Acting in 2007, Taj Atwal headed to London to study for a career in acting. She's been treading the boards ever since.
“York College have been so supportive and encouraging. Through some of the most difficult times in my life the student services' team guided me in the right direction and pushed me to reach my potential, at the same time allowing me to make mistakes so I could learn from them.
“When my tutors realised my potential in acting they suggested I apply to a drama school to continue my training. I had no idea what a drama school was and never thought I would gain a place at one of the top leading institutes! I would not have been in a position to do this without the funding York College gave me. They paid for all my audition fees, my travel and accommodation expenses for every school I applied to.
“And their support didn't end there. I was living independently at the age of 16 and sometimes struggled to cope. York College put me in touch with student services where I received weekly support from my tutors. This provided me with emotional support and any problem I had in and out of York College to ensure I maintained a healthy balanced lifestyle whilst studying.
“I received a double distinction and merit in Acting and a distinction in dance grades I never thought I could achieve! York College let me grow as an adult by allowing for mistakes and guiding me towards a better future. Since graduating this year with a BA(Hons) 2:1 I went straight into playing the leading actress in a classical piece, Don Juan in Love and Mole in Toad Hall in The Scoop Open Air theatre in London.
“I'm now about to go on to play Puss in the Christmas musical Puss in Boots at the Guildhall theatre! Being a working actress is something I worked hard for and dreamed of becoming my whole life. York College was the biggest stepping stone to my success and for this I credit them highly.”
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Phil Mead
Builder and Businessman. Graduated 2000.
After graduating in 2000 Phil worked for a local builder until he set up his own firm, Northmead Developments, in 2003. In 2010 Northmead Developments was named Master Builder of the Year.
“I first started at York College in September 1985 enrolling on a two year course in Carpentry and Joinery on a Youth Training Scheme, attending on a block-release basis whilst working full-time. I stayed at York College for a further three years achieving a HND in Building in July 1990, again on a part-time basis.
“I returned to York College in 1995 to study a part-time degree and graduated in June 2000 with a First Class Honours Degree in Building (Conservation Management).
“Going to College for the first time was like a breath of fresh air compared to going to school for me. Although I enjoyed my time at school, by the time I was 16 I'd had enough of the education system; I wanted to start earning money and continue my education in a subject I was interested in and wanted to do, rather than had to do!
“College life was brilliant. You were among people with the same interests from all backgrounds. The staff were mostly ex-industry and had a wealth of knowledge and experience which they shared with the students especially regarding what avenues and opportunities were available within the construction industry.
“I managed to achieve all the qualifications I needed, and several more, during my time at York College, and also matured from a ‘schoolboy' to an ‘adult' without realising it. College life is very good at bringing out confidence in young people and York College treats everyone as an adult. What you get out of College is directly linked to what you put into it.
“With the balance of work experience and all the relevant qualifications, I was able to progress through the ranks and hold senior positions within various companies before setting up my own house building and contracting firm in September 2003. York College definitely equipped me with the knowledge and qualifications that enabled me to progress in my working life and get where I am today.”
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Tom Cantrell
Cambridge graduate, author and lecturer at York University. Graduated 2001.
After graduating in 2001 Tom continued to study drama and completed his doctorate in 2010. He now lectures in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television at the University of York and has recently published his first book titled ‘Playing for Real'.
“I studied English, Theatre Studies and History A Levels from 1999-2001. My tutors were Martin Peel and Sue Skirrow for English and Theatre, and Mrs Black, Geoff Stewart and Andy Gwinnett for History.
“I had a fantastic two years at York College. Academically, all my courses were run with enthusiasm and dedication by the staff. Central to my experience was a sense of fun. My theatre studies tutors exposed us to a huge range of writing and theory which further inspired my love of theatre. The mixture of analytical study and practical experimentation is a teaching model I have developed in my own work at York University. The old Portakabin, half class room, half studio, brings back very happy memories, though the potential for students in the new building looks rather more impressive!
“The quality of life at the college was also very high. To be treated as an adult, both socially and academically, led to an independence which is vital.
“My qualifications from the courses allowed me to study at Cambridge University - a thought that had not even crossed my mind when I started. This was due to the infectious enthusiasm of the staff, whose passion for the subject was handed down to the students.
“Being surrounded by other young people with similar interests was also inspiring. I have kept in contact with many friends I met in my two years at the College, and recently wrote and performed two plays at York Theatre Royal with Michael Lightfoot, now a close friend who I met in my Theatre Studies class.
“Since leaving York College I have continued to study drama at undergraduate and postgraduate level, completing my doctorate last year. I now lecture in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television at the University of York. I have recently published my first book, Playing for Real, co-edited with Professor Mary Luckhurst. My interest in theatre, particularly writing about it, was a product of my time at York College.”
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