Meet Adult Student, Jack Holt
Jack Holt, 27 has recently completed his HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering whilst working full time in his role as Electrical Technician at local energy company, Viridor.
Leaving Penketh High School 6th Form at 18 with a BTEC in Sports Development, Coaching & Fitness, Jack was unsure of which career path to take, so instead took some time out - secured full time employment and then took time to travel around Australia.
Upon his return, age 21, Jack secured a 4-year, Level 3 Electrical & Electronic Engineering & Engineering Maintenance apprenticeship with Viridor. The apprenticeship allowed him to put into practice what he learnt in the classroom as he developed his knowledge and progressed through the course.
During his time as an apprentice Jack won the Alliance Learning Electrical Apprentice of the Year award and was proud to be nominated for the GTA Electrical Apprentice of the Year.
During the latter end of his apprenticeship Jack decided to study for a HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. After researching different colleges, he chose Warrington & Vale Royal College after meeting the friendly and helpful staff who teach the course.
Jack has now gone on to complete the HNC and HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and of his time studying Jack said: I have enjoyed the more practical elements of studying for a HNC/D at the college compared to my apprenticeship studies. Within industry now tools such as logistics and micro controls are used continually, so to learn about how they operate in the classroom and then see and use them in the workplace has been really useful.
Jack, who currently works at Viridor‚ Polymer Recycling Facility (PRF) in Skelmersdale has been described as a key part of the maintenance team by Plastics Reprocessing Plant Unit Manager, Matthew Dyson. Moving forward Jack is focused on progressing within the industry and is aiming to secure a role as a Maintenance Manager as the next step in her career path.
Higher National Diploma Engineering tutor Nita Rahate said: Jack is a perfect example of the type of student we often have joining us on our higher education courses having studied sport at college, but then wanting to change career paths as an adult.
There is an ever-growing demand across the engineering and manufacturing sectors as these industries continue to grow globally and need skilled and knowledgeable staff coming through the ranks. With this growth we are seeing students studying with us progressing in their careers at a much faster rate than in previous years.
Coming back into education as an adult can feel daunting, but as Jack is proving it can be a real opportunity to carve yourself a successful and rewarding career.
If you would like to read more about our higher education courses, please visit: www.wvr.ac.uk/he/