Harrogate students look to the future after results day success
Harrogate College learners have been celebrating their final results and sharing their plans for the future.
Thanks to their commitment and perseverance, many learners have achieved excellent grades and are now progressing to university, apprenticeships and skilled employment, opening the door to exciting new opportunities.
Finding the right support
One of those students is Carmen Ronda Perez, 19, who achieved a Merit in Education and Childcare and is progressing to Bradford College to study Primary Education.
During the pandemic, Carmen faced challenges at school due to her autism, along with her responsibilities as a young carer, and felt that her individual needs were not being fully supported. However, after joining Harrogate College, Carmen found the support she needed and went on to flourish whilst studying her T Level.
Carmen said: “The support on my course has been amazing. I am really grateful to the staff here for everything they’ve done for me during my time at college.”
Overcoming challenges
Fellow T Level student Jasmine Barrett, 20, achieved a distinction in her T Level in Education and Childcare.
Despite her achievement, Jasmine’s path to success has not been straightforward. She left school at 14 after experiencing mental health challenges that made it difficult to continue in mainstream education. After exploring her options, Jasmine found that a T Level course gave her the opportunity to return to education and pursue her ambition of becoming an educator.
Jasmine said: “The best thing about studying at Harrogate College was being able to find a course that suited my interests. Not everywhere offers T Levels, and I think they’re a fantastic option for people who want to go into a specific vocation or continue studying in that area.”
This September, Jasmine will begin an Education Studies degree at Leeds Beckett University. She hopes to go on to complete a master’s degree specialising in conservation and sustainability education before pursuing a career as a conservation educator.
Looking to the future
Joe Quinaguano, 20, moved to the UK from Ecuador in 2022 without speaking English.
He began his studies at Harrogate College on an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course before completing his Level 1 and Level 2 Electrical Installation qualifications in consecutive years. Joe has now passed his Level 3 qualification and is looking forward to the future.
Joe said: “I’m really happy with what I’ve managed to achieve and can’t thank my teachers enough. I’m now looking for an apprenticeship or a full-time role to gain valuable industry experience while earning money. I considered university, but I feel this is the best route for where I want to take my career.”
Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved through their hard work, determination and commitment. These results are a testament not only to their dedication, but also to the unwavering support of our staff and the transformative power of technical education.
“They demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to learners across the region and highlight the positive impact that these pathways can have on individuals, local communities and employers alike.”