After completing her A Levels Hannah decided university wasn’t an option and wanted a complete change in setting from school. She had always considered taking up a trade so enrolled on the woodwork course at the College. Now working toward her final project Hannah is hoping to continue onto an Apprenticeship after gaining her qualification.
“I knew several people from school who had gone on to study at City College after GCSEs and they had really flourished. I was keen to take a path other than university and discovered I could get funding to study a practical trade at the College, so I jumped at the opportunity.
“Studying at the College has not only prepared me to quickly progress into a job but has given me the foundations on which I can build a career. I have been given practical advice on the industry and my tutor is always on hand to offer guidance when it comes to buying tools and starting our own projects.
“We are able to advance at our own pace which has really aided me in progressing through the course. This independent way of studying has allowed me to pack in as much as possible and I have become self-motivated; wanting to push myself to achieve.
“I also love the social side of College; it is so different to school. Everyone here puts a huge emphasis on each person being equal, students and staff alike, so it feels like one bit community.
“I aim to move onto an Apprenticeship in joinery and then return to take a qualification in Site Carpentry. I don’t want to limit myself to one skillset and the College offers the capacity to be a jack-of-all-trades, so to speak.
“It’s funny to think I debated whether to turn up on my first day as now I can’t imagine not being at the College. Despite the fact that when I started I couldn’t even use a saw I have learnt so much and love what I do. Just a few months into the course and it has exceeded all expectations and I can’t believe how far I’ve come. I am currently working towards a really complex competition piece. Everyone on the course is doing so well even those like me with no prior knowledge at all, so if you are considering studying at the College I say just give it a go!”
