Jurate discovered Warrington & Vale Royal College through a recommendation from her partner, who suggested she explore college courses to enhance her career prospects. Reflecting on this, Jurate says: "This was good advice! I feel like coming here restarted my life – I’ve seen massive changes for the better."
When it came to her career, this began with low-level factory jobs, which Jurate found unfulfilling. She then moved on to agency work but faced difficulties due to her limited English skills. Determined to overcome this barrier, she enrolled on English courses at the college, followed by a Level 3 CIPD course. These experiences inspired her to pursue a career in HR or people management.
The Careers Team at the college played a pivotal role in her journey, assisting with her CV and providing job opportunities. She says: "The CV help was incredibly useful."
One of the highlights of studying at Warrington & Vale Royal College for Jurate is the welcoming environment. "Studying here is actually fun! I have done so many courses here because I really like it," she shares. The flexible course schedule fits well with her other commitments, allowing her to attend college one day a week and still achieve a sense of accomplishment.
Improving her English has been a liberating experience for Jurate. She says: "My English skills have freed me! They have given me the confidence to speak and I know that I will be understood. I am so proud of how far I have come."
A significant turning point in Jurate’s career came when her tutor, Sophie, recommended a job at Kinaxia. Although she initially planned to go directly into HR, she fell in love with her new role as a Transport Operator. "Every day, there is something I love at work," she says.
Warrington & Vale Royal College has become much more than an educational institution for Jurate. She says: "When I first started studying here, it was just a college. Now, it feels like home because I feel welcomed and challenged to become my best self." Jurate’s positive experience has led her to recommend the college to friends and work colleagues, sharing the transformative impact it has had on her life.
