ASPIRE
You will be offered a career led curriculum which responds to local economic and labour market intelligence and community needs:
- A bespoke careers programme relevant to the subject you are studying and the level of study
- Equipping you with the skills needed for your next steps in life, work and well-being
- Topics that cover current local and national issues
- Guest speakers to enhance your knowledge and understanding of personal and real life issues.
Grace Collopy
Grace is a Level 3 Health & Social Care student, pursuing her ultimate career goal of becoming a paramedic. Having first gone to another college and realising it was not the right place for her, Grace came to our college looking for supportive tutors, fantastic facilities and the opportunity to fully reach her potential. At Warrington & Vale Royal College, this is exactly what she found! She said:
“I wish I’d come here sooner! It’s a very kind environment where the tutors really want to make your future happen. I would explore anyone making their choices after high school to look at all of their options properly and make the best choice for you.”
Grace’s enthusiasm towards her qualification was quickly recognised by her tutors, and she was selected to be part of the college’s Honours Programme. With the help of her progress coach, the college’s expert careers team and the support of her fellow Honours Programme students, Grace is well on her way to an exciting future with one of the UK’s distinguished Red Brick universities.
Ellis Jones
Even at the young age of 7, former Padgate Academy pupil Ellis Jones knew that he wanted a future career as a game developer. Now, studying Level 3 Games Design at Warrington & Vale Royal College, Ellis can see that his dream job is well within his reach.
Ellis’ ultimate career goal is to create his own RPG style game, inspired by his interest in Norse mythology, and feels his course brings him closer to this achievement every day. He said: “I love this course! It is so much fun, every day is different and I feel like I am becoming a specialist in my subject. I always dreamt that I would be a games developer when I was older but I never knew how to get there. It wasn’t until I came to an Open Evening in year 11 that I found out how, and now I am well on my way and enjoying every minute!”
Ellah Merricks
Ellah came to the college with a dream of becoming a tattoo artist. Having picked the Level 3 Art & Design course to further develop her natural talent for painting, Ellah soon became enamoured with the broadness of the modules and the creative freedom it allowed her. Straying far beyond the boundaries of acrylic paint and into the realms of photography, textiles, sculpting and much more, Ellah has gained a new-found confidence in all aspects of art.
Whilst working on her industry placement, her art was purchased from a local gallery, and Ellah began to consider other pathways to a lucrative future career. With the support of the Honours Programme, Ellah will find out more about universities, higher apprenticeships and Conservatories, helping her to decide on her ultimate career goal and, then, pursue that dream. She says: “So many people are scared to do art because they love it, but they are unsure of what to do with it. The thing is, this course is so much more than just “art." I have done industry placement, had so much support and now am part of this fantastic honours programme, I am confident that I am on my way to reaching my full potential.”
Iwonka Gierek
“My name is Iwonka Gierek and I have been at the college for 16 years. I have been involved in a variety of roles and within a number of curriculum areas, all of which have involved helping our students achieve their full potential. I have worked as part of the Welfare Team and more recently I was the Progress Coach for STEM, before moving into my current role.
I really enjoy working with young people and giving them the support needed to succeed and progress."
Steve Lawrence
“Hi, I'm Steve and I have worked at the college for 16 years, fulfilling several roles which include teaching Level 1 and Level 2 Sport, then moving on to Learning Mentor and now Lead Progress Coach. This role includes supporting students through their time at college.
My passion outside of college is football. I have gained my UEFA B coaching qualification and have been lucky to work part-time at several professional clubs including Wigan Athletic, Liverpool FC and now Manchester City. The love for football came from my father who played for Liverpool FC.”
Claire Monti
"Hi, I’m Claire and I’m the lead progress coach for Adults and Apprentice learners. I have worked in a variety of roles within education for 18 years now and very much love my job! I started my career as an Apprentice in Hairdressing and then decided I enjoyed training and helping others achieve their potential, so I enrolled on a teacher training course as an adult and became a lecturer in my trade.
My favourite part of my role is being able to see learners succeed in their chosen pathway, especially after having to overcome everyday life challenges to make their dreams a reality! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring new places and attending music festivals."