In the fast-moving world of today, it is essential young people have the necessary skills to keep up with the advances in modern technology and for one learner at Cheshire College, completing a computing course has changed his life.
18 year-old Nathan Wainwright joined Cheshire College instead of staying on at sixth form after his GCSEs and despite being in new surroundings with new people has thrived during his time at the College’s Ellesmere Port Campus.
As a Level 3 IT Computer Science learner, Nathan has spent two years studying at the College and, as well as developing a broad range of IT knowledge, has built upon his transferrable skills which has seen him successfully secure an offer to study Professional Policing at Edge Hill University in September.
Talking about his experience at Cheshire College, Nathan said: “I was scared at first coming to College and having to get to know new people, but all the teachers have been lovely and it’s been really nice. The course is really good and it’s been a big help in terms of getting me to university, which I didn’t think would happen.
“Coming to College has been life-changing for me! I’ve been able to attend College whilst working part-time and have completed my course to gain a place at university. In the future, I hope to finish my policing degree and become a police officer.”
From September 2021, Cheshire College’s Computing & IT courses will be based at their Chester Campus which is home to the education provider’s innovation and entrepreneurial hub and business courses.
Jacky Lowe, Assistant Principal of Business, Science and Computing & IT at Cheshire College said: “We pride ourselves on empowering people to achieve their full potential and it’s been fantastic to see Nathan thrive during his time at College. He has continued to work hard to ensure he has the skills and knowledge to succeed in ambitions of becoming a police officer and I, along with all of the tutors within the department wish him the very best of luck in his next steps.”
Cheshire College’s Computing & IT department has also introduced a new Higher Education course in Computing which would see successful learners gain a Higher National Certificate (HNC). The HNC Computing course has been designed for learners to meet the demands of employers in the computing sector, which will enable them to develop a range of specialist technical skills.
Jacky continued: “The introduction of our HNC Computing course has come at a time when digital skills are more important than ever. All modern workplaces thrive on digital skills, such as software programming, digital marketing and design, web analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine and manufacturing technology, along with computer and networking support systems to name but a few. It is a really exciting time for any learner looking to enter the industry and I am extremely pleased that we are able to help train the next generation.”
To find out more about Computing & IT or Higher Education at Cheshire College visit www.ccsw.ac.uk – there’s never been a better time to Get In, Stand Out.
