The Sheffield College is backing a national campaign that celebrates the life transforming impact of further education on students and the vital role that staff play.
Colleges Week 2022 is focusing on the themes of staff, students and skills, and runs from October 17th to 21st.
The national campaign champions the 1000s of young people and adults who study and train at colleges and the staff who teach them.
During the week, The Sheffield College is showcasing its successes and highlighting its contribution to young people, adults and local employers.
The College is also running a series of taster events for members of the local community and staff from key institutions and partner organisations in the city. They have been invited to try a series of skills challenges, guided by students.
Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, said: “We are delighted to support this year’s national Colleges Week campaign. We want to celebrate all the brilliant things that colleges do to transform lives and inspire students to go further.”
Bilaal Ali is one of the many students who is progressing with his next steps after seeing his confidence and skills grow from studying at the College. The 19-year-old completed a Business Level 3 qualification, equivalent to A Levels, and achieved a double distinction (D, D) this summer.
Bilaal has progressed to Sheffield Hallam University to study a Degree in Accounting and Finance. He said: “The Sheffield College has helped me to overcome challenges, achieve to the highest level and boosted my confidence and independence in learning and life situations.”
Bilaal explained: “I am visually impaired and registered blind. I am grateful for the opportunities and achievements that the College has provided. I feel very happy about my results and so thankful for the support that the College has given to me.
“I would especially like to thank business teacher Andrew Haigh for his support and the time he put into making materials in the right format for me and working to my needs.”
Meanwhile, former doorman and adult learner Steven Nisbett swapped the nightlife industry for a career in conservation. The 28-year-old successfully completed an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science this summer after being out of education for 10 years.
Access courses prepare adult learners who do not have traditional academic qualifications, such as A Levels, for study at degree level. The courses last one-year and are full-time. They lead to credits recognised by colleges, universities and employers and are a Level 3 qualification.
Prior to joining the College, Steven worked as a nightclub doorman for nine years. Now he has progressed to a Degree in Zoology and Conservation at the University of Bangor.
Steven is interested in human predator interaction. He would like to work in communities abroad that suffer predator attacks to establish solutions. He said: “I have always been into animals and conservation. I wanted a complete career change. The College has been brilliant. The Access course provides a fast route to university.
“It can be challenging to fit it all in. But the tutors have been amazing. I have had a lot of support. It’s all there and you can get a lot of help if you need it. For anyone thinking of going into education or who thinks it’s too late to go to university – it’s not. It’s never too late.”
Find out more about our next open days. Follow @SheffCol @AoC_Info #LoveOurColleges #CollegesWeek.
