Former Walsall College Construction student, Claire Brittain, now an assistant site manager for BAM Construction returned to the college to help celebrate the success of current students at its annual Adult Students’ Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 24th May. Claire completed an apprenticeship in Brickwork following her GCSEs and after taking time out to have her first child, she decided to build on her skills and enrolled on to a Level 3 BTEC in Construction and the Built Environment course at Walsall College as an adult student.
This helped her land the job she had always wanted with BAM, who sponsored her to complete her Level 4 Higher National Certificate. She was also recently presented with the Rising Star honour at the national 2016 Women in Construction Awards.
Claire was guest speaker at the event which celebrates the hard work and achievements of the college’s adult students. During her speech she recalled her experiences at the college and told students how they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far but should also use this to drive them on even further.
During the evening, 24 outstanding students were presented with Student of the Year Awards for achieving excellence in their area of study, along with an award for the overall Adult Student of the Year, won by Access to HE Health Professions student, Thomas Whitehouse, 25, who has received an offer to study a degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Worcester.
The VIP event, held in the college’s £11m Business and Sports Hub, was attended by around 100 guests who enjoyed a pre-drinks reception and four course meal and performances by Music students.
Taking place during the Festival of Learning month, the college’s Adult Students’ Awards Ceremony provided a high profile occasion for outstanding adult students to shine.
Jatinder Sharma OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College, said: “The Adult Students’ Awards Ceremony was an ideal opportunity for Walsall College to celebrate the fantastic achievements our students have made.
“Holding the event during the Festival of Learning is our way of supporting the initiative and demonstrates how outstanding learning really can change lives. Last year Walsall College helped thousands of adults get back into education and these exceptional students are real life examples of people who have excelled through vocational learning and are an inspiration to others.
Mr Sharma added: “We’d also like to thank Claire for being our guest speaker and returning to the college to give everyone a fascinating insight into her successful career in construction. She is a great inspiration to students as her journey demonstrates how our outstanding vocational training can put students on the right pathway for success.”
Adults looking to upskill and boost their qualifications can now take advantage of a loan scheme to cover the costs of their course.
Advanced learner loans are available to UK residents aged 19 and over looking to enrol on a Level 3 programme or above. Students aged 19 – 23 and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, will be entitled to receive free tuition and won’t need to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
The loans are not means tested or credit checked and do not have to be repaid until the individual is earning over £21,000 per year.
The college is holding an Advanced Learner Loan information event on Wednesday 8th June, 5-7pm. For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.walsallcollege.ac.uk/loansevening
