Blackburn College has been joined by Sky News for a celebration of both the College’s Apprenticeships and A-Level students ahead A-Level Results Day 2018.
The Sky News team have been exploring routes to career success following A-Levels or Level 3 qualifications.
Two Blackburn College students who have chosen to progress onto a new Degree Apprenticeship and an Apprenticeship with Blackburn College. The exclusive feature filmed at Blackburn College whilst the students were awaiting their results and is being played out throughout the day on Sky News.
Sky News reporter Frazer Maude spent time with Noah Belcham (19) and James Cocker (18) exploring why they decided to pursue an Apprenticeship rather than traditional undergraduate studies.
Trainee Accountant, James Cocker (18) has been selected for an Accountancy Apprenticeship with PM+M Chartered Accountants in Blackburn and has aspirations of working within Accountancy Management.
James said: “I started my Apprenticeship last week and I am really enjoying being part of a professional workplace. There are great progression opportunities for an Apprentice and having the opportunity to learn on the job whilst still having the support from Blackburn College is fantastic.
“I did wonder at first whether I would miss out on a social life not going to University but I have already started to make friends at work and feel that there are lots of opportunities locally to get involved with.”
James added: “I believe that my career will really benefit from completing an Apprenticeship rather than going to University because I will be able to gain years of practical experience that many students wouldn’t necessarily have the time to achieve.
“I know that an Apprenticeship is the perfect progression route for me and I’m really excited about the future.”
Noah Belcham (19) studied Level 3 Mechanical Engineering at Blackburn College and is due to start a prestigious Degree Apprenticeship in Engineering with luxury motor brand Rolls Royce, moving from his home in Clitheroe to work Derby within the coming weeks.
Noah said: “I am incredibly excited about starting at Rolls Royce and feel very lucky to have had this opportunity.
“I did consider applying to University but was really attracted to the fact that I can avoid student debt and earn whilst I learn, especially within such a prestigious company.”
“I feel very privileged to be part of such a fantastic company at such an early age and the fact that I can learn from Rolls Royce industry experts straight out of College is just amazing.
“Blackburn College has helped prepare me for this amazing opportunity and I am so grateful for all that have helped me achieve.”
Claire Shore, Senior Business Development Manager at Blackburn College, was also interviewed as part of the celebrations and explained that there has never been more choice students who want to continue their studies but not necessarily progress into a traditional undergraduate degree programme.
