Dream It, Do It.

Name: Dan Jones
Course: Hospitality & Catering
Career: Head Chef at Sticky Walnut, Chester

Head chef, entrepreneur and amazing alumnus are all ways to describe Dan Jones, who left the college with an incredible qualification and impressive industry experience ready to pursue his dream career just a few short years ago.

Not only has Dan achieved the fantastic title of head chef at one of Chester’s premier award-winning restaurants, Sticky Walnut, but he has also used his culinary prowess and entrepreneurial flair to launch his own line of delicious hot sauces.

While at Wellington High School, Dan originally aspired to become a physiotherapist but, on a whim, had paid a visit to the college’s highly regarded catering department and rosette-winning training restaurant Buckley’s. He witnessed the hands-on nature of the course and was hooked on the fast-paced, professional environment the college offered. At that moment, Dan decided to aim for a career as a chef and Warrington & Vale Royal College was his first choice to help him achieve this dream.

It was during one of the college’s frequent guest chef masterclasses that Dan met the owner of Sticky Walnut and his current manager, Gary Usher, and formed a professional connection which would prove to be instrumental in kickstarting Dan’s stellar career. He was offered a placement at Kala Bistro in Manchester which led to his first full-time role in the industry, and the rest, Dan says, “is history!"

“The course has helped to set me up for a successful career, preparing me for the realities of what can, at times, be a cut-throat sector. Not only did I learn the basics that every chef needs for their career, but I also was given creative freedom to experiment and showcase what I was capable of in competitions. The course was just what was necessary to build my confidence and has, in part, led me to where I am today!”

Name: Chelsea Holman
Course: Accounting
Career: Assistant Trust Manager at DSG Chartered Accountants

When Chelsea Holman left Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic & C of E High School (formerly St Chads), she knew that her dream career was within the finance sector, and she found the perfect course to fulfil her aspirations by studying accountancy at Warrington & Vale Royal College.

Once at the college, Chelsea got stuck into every opportunity offered to her, visiting the global financial centre on an incredible trip to New York as well as enjoying the college’s packed enrichment offer alongside her course. In class, her natural aptitude for all things business quickly came to the forefront, and she was able to complete her AAT qualification which was her first step towards becoming a successful accountant.

Chelsea stayed with the college to achieve her higher-level professional qualification in accountancy & business and was then able to transition seamlessly into employment as an Accounts Assistant at DSG Chartered Accountants. Now, Chelsea is an Assistant Trust Manager, and she continues to build on her already impressive skillset.

Thinking back on her experience at college, she said: “My time at Warrington & Vale Royal College sincerely gave me some of the best years of my life. The course offered me so many opportunities and set me up to succeed, not only in my exams, but in life.”

Name: Nathan Hawkins
Course: Sport
Career: Gym Instructor at PureGym

Meet Nathan Hawkins, a shining example of passion, perseverance, and what Warrington & Vale Royal College means by “careers not courses”.

Just like many high school students, Nathan found his calling early on, having always enjoyed sport and physical activity while at Padgate Academy. He could clearly envision a future for himself helping others to do the same. Inspired by the college’s Curriculum Manager of Sport, Matt Bold, Nathan was captivated by the job possibilities awaiting him upon completion of the Level 3 Sport course and decided that it would make the perfect starting point for his career.

While at college, he enjoyed a huge variety of opportunities, from industry placements and projects with local gyms, to visits to top sporting destinations in the UK like the Sheffield Velodrome. With a world of possibilities open to him, Nathan decided that he would like to work for himself and so began to pursue a career as a personal trainer, as well as continuing onto higher education at Warrington & Vale Royal College.

Nathan has recently completed both his HNC and HND in Sport & Exercise Science, which are equivalent to the first two years of a degree, achieved outstanding results, and celebrated winning the ‘Craig Atherton Higher Education Sporting Excellence Award’ at the college’s graduation ceremony last month. Testament to his dedication and hard work, alongside all of this he also he also secured employment at PureGym as a successful personal trainer. He says:

“I started working for PureGym as a gym instructor after my tutors recommended it to me, and I truly love my job, so I am very grateful. My job is so fun and seeing people progress mentally and physically over time is a feeling like no other. I have so much respect for the tutors at the college, who always had my best interests in mind and would go above and beyond to support me and my career goals. I am so glad I chose Warrington & Vale Royal College.”

Name: Thomas Dixon
Course: Computing & IT
Career: Data Analyst at United Utilities

Alumnus Thomas Dixon had a passion for IT even while studying at Padgate Academy, realising early on that his dream career would be something in the diverse and ever evolving digital sector, though he was not set on exactly what.

For this reason, the varied Level 3 Computing & IT course at Warrington & Vale Royal College was his first choice, as he wanted to explore as many specialisms as possible before dedicating himself to pursuing a particular career. While on his course, Thomas covered all the fundamentals of IT and got to grips with the latest software, ensuring he was fully prepared for whichever career path he most wanted to pursue.

Thinking back to his time at college, Thomas said, “I went to the interviews and open days at the college and it was like a breath of fresh air! The teachers were so invested and seemed like they genuinely wanted me to succeed. Once I had been to just a couple of the days I was hooked and I really couldn’t have made a better decision!”

Upon leaving the college, there was a world of opportunities open to Thomas, and he decided to seek out an apprenticeship where he could continue to develop his education alongside gaining a wage. He secured an impressive Data Analyst apprenticeship from United Utilities, which has taken him all over the UK, seeing how different parts of the business operate and developing transferrable skills which he hopes will one day allow him to achieve his ultimate goal of working for a major tech company in America.

Name: Ryan Bostock
Course: Sport
Career: Referee Development Officer at Cheshire FA

Meet Referee Development Officer and Warrington & Vale Royal College alumnus, Ryan Bostock, who is instrumental in encouraging football-fanatic students at the college to consider lesser known roles in the fast-paced world professional football!

Ryan enrolled at the college in 2014, having decided that his younger ambition of becoming a teacher could be effectively combined with his passion for football by pursuing a career as a coach. He chose the college’s renowned Level 3 Sport course to kick-off his career journey course and, through the college’s connections to premier league football, he also had the opportunity to combine this with Manchester United’s Soccer Schools programme. Despite being a staunch Manchester City fan, the chance to get a prestigious coaching and refereeing badge from this world-leading team was too great for Ryan pass up, giving him his first real taste of his future in football!

From Portugal to Malta, Ryan’s course saw him playing, refereeing and coaching football across the continent, fuelling his determination to fulfil his ultimate goal of coaching for a Premier League team. Moreover, these invaluable work experiences would eventually allow him to stand out as a committed and talented coach to a range of football associations.

Ryan left college and went straight into the industry, working part-time as a football coach for schools, colleges and football clubs, but always with one eye on the prize; working for the team he loves. Before long, Ryan had his chance and took it, eventually scoring his dream role of coaching for Manchester City.

This experience acted as a catalyst for his career, leading him to his current specialist role with Cheshire FA, heading up their Referee Development Programme. Ryan manages over 1000 referees, from lower leagues right up to the Premier League, focusing on delivering training and continued professional development. The other half of his role involves scouting out the next generation of referees and coaches, supporting students in school and colleges to gain their refereeing qualifications just like he did during his time at college.

He says, “Working with students at the college feels almost like a full-circle moment in my career. I feel like my course at college got me exactly to where I wanted to go and want to inspire other students to do the same. I do what I love every day, helping people to progress and achieve their own goals, just like I did!”

Name: Lauren Rudd
Course: Engineering
Career: Advanced Engineering Apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover

From a very young age, former Level 3 General Engineering student Lauren Rudd had felt that she enjoyed learning in more creative, hands on way, and had wanted to go into a career where this would be an advantage. While studying at UTC Wigan, Lauren took an interest in engineering, having researched careers at Jaguar Land Rover and setting her goals solidly on achieving a career within this prestigious organisation.

Beyond school, Lauren continued to have a laser focus on her career aspirations, choosing Warrington & Vale Royal College for the renowned engineering courses offered at its state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Academy. From day one, she immersed herself in hands-on practical work within the workshops, enjoying every moment of it. However, it was the theory work that really ignited her passion. She found herself delving deep into the intricacies of engineering concepts, feeling like an expert in the field even before landing her first job, thanks to the comprehensive nature of the course.

When looking at her next steps, Lauren was confident that her time at the college had equipped her to move straight into industry and would allow her to stand out from the crowd when applying for her dream entry role with Jaguar Land Rover. She was correct, seeing her hard work and commitment to achieving her goals come to fruition when she was offered her apprenticeship.

On top of Lauren’s impressive drive and aptitude for engineering, the support and belief of her tutors Arthur and Jade, she believes, were instrumental in her success. She said, “Jade was such a role model for me and always has faith in me to succeed. My tutors always made lessons so enjoyable and fascinating, which helped to keep me motivated towards my goal. Now, I can see that my hard work has truly paid off and I’m enjoying every minute of my apprenticeship. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me within Jaguar Land Rover.”

Name: Che Thomas
Course: Science
Career: Flow Moisture Point Technician at Alfred H Knight

Che Thomas, former Rainhill High School pupil, had many inspirations which compelled him to pursue a scientific career. Coming from a family of those working in both medical and industrial scientific fields, Che originally wanted to combine his passion for aquatic animals with passion for science, aspiring to one day become a marine biologist. Now, Che is specialist Flow Moisture Point Technician which is a job he loves but would never have considered without his time at Warrington & Vale Royal College.

When choosing the right college for him, it had to be somewhere that Che could work practically and would have access to the facilities and equipment that could give him a head start in his career. Our college, therefore, was his natural choice, with its broad and highly applied science course giving him the opportunity to explore different scientific fields as well as doing industry placements in a range of laboratory settings.

Here, Che met his tutor, who he now considers his main inspiration. As well as sharing over 40 years of industry experience with Che, his tutor also pointed out the lucrative career opportunities that Che’s natural aptitude and attention to detail would make him an ideal candidate for, eventually leading him to his role with Alfred H Knight.

Che said, “My tutor was a really important person in my career journey and I have always wanted to make him proud for all the time he invested in me. That why it feels so special that I now work for Alfred H Knight, which is an opportunity I would never have considered if it weren’t for his advice.”

Che’s career is quickly progressing, having began in a laboratory role working with precious metals to determine moisture limits and levels of bulk on cargo ships. Now, he has moved into an even more specialised role as a Flow Moisture Point technician, which has exciting overseas opportunities to further advance career.

Thinking back to his time at college, Che said, “I had the best time of my life there and made so many friends I still stay in contact with. It really flew by. I’m glad my hard work paid off and am so thankful for the support I received. My qualification has really made the difference in my career.”

Name: Chloe Watts
Course: Art & Design
Career: Freelance Artist

Wondering if your artistic dreams could become reality? Look no further than Chloe Watts for inspiration! From Warrington & Vale Royal College student to Royal College of Art graduate, Chloe is proof that hard work and passion will lead to success. Having collaborated with brands like Gap UK and IKEA, she is an inspiration to aspiring creatives and testament to where a qualification from our college can lead you.

Despite a tough few years regarding her health, Chloe remained as determined as ever to pursue her education and dream career as an artist, and joined college’s Level 3 Art & Design Foundation Year as her gateway to higher education. As well as allowing Chloe opportunities to advance her existing creative talents, she was encouraged to try a variety of different techniques like textiles, graphics and printmaking, all strengthening her portfolio and university applications.

While at the college, Chloe also took part in a valuable week-long industry placement, which then led to a job working as a Display Manager alongside completing her qualification. From here, Chloe and her business ‘Chloe Watts Illustration’ have gone from strength to strength, with this talented artist securing her place at the UK’s leading university for art, as well as working freelance on incredible projects for the likes of Lucy & Yak and the United Nations.

Looking back on her career so far, Chloe said: “Creating art makes me happier than anything else so to be able to do it for a living is the best thing ever. I am really glad I chose the art course at the college to get started on my journey. My advice to other young artists is simple: keep on making. If you love what you do, it will get you further than any exam mark will!”