Cheshire College – South & West learner, Jake Smith, has proven to be a true inspiration as his record featured on BBC Radio 1. 

Jake, aged 20, from Northwich is currently studying a full-time Level 1 IT course at Cheshire College’s Crewe Campus. Jake has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user but since he began to DJ at the age of 10, Jake has not let his disability hinder his motivation to have a full-time career producing music in the future. 

Jake’s record, ‘So Real’, was played on BBC Radio 1 earlier this year and he excitedly commented: “I listen to Radio 1 every week and it was an honour to have a track broadcast on one of the biggest radio stations in the world.  

“I won’t ever forget my first-ever play on Radio 1; the buzz will stay with me for a while. This just proves that if you have a disability, you can still achieve anything like anyone else!” 

The dedication and passion for his art, not to mention his talent and skill, is clear as Jake boasts over five thousand followers on Instagram. He has already had numerous mixes played on KISS FM and releases a monthly mix on his SoundCloud account. 

Jake has also enjoyed success DJing not only in England, but in Ibiza also. Nightclub owner, Wayne Lineker, has recognised Jake’s extraordinary talent and promoted his skills in both London and Ibiza last summer. 

Looking to the future, Jake adds: “I plan on progressing on to a Level 2 Music Technology course at Cheshire College so that I can eventually become a full-time music producer and DJ.”  

Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, Dhesi, commented: “It’s fantastic that Jake’s talent has been recognised on such a big platform as BBC Radio 1. We are committed to supporting our learners to have high aspirations and achieve their goals, and are looking forward to supporting Jake continue to achieve great things and gain recognition within the industry.”