Staff and students at QE are celebrating after a number of second year students have been successful in acquiring prestigious degree apprenticeships. Supported by the College’s Job Coach, Emma Hurry, the students have taken part in rigorous interview processes and obtained positions in both local and national companies which will see them make their mark across the country. 18-year-old Joe Mulroy, who studies A Level Geography, PE and Psychology at QE, has secured a foundation degree in Professional Golf associated with the University of Birmingham. The three-year programme will see Joe study modules in key industry skills, equipment technology and applied custom fitting, whilst playing professional golf at Blackwell Grange Golf Club under the supervision of Peter Raine, who has coached at the club for fifteen years and competed on the 2016 Europo Tour. Darlington teenager Joe is excited to get started. He says: ‘By the end of the degree, I will be a fully trained PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) professional and will be able to work in the golfing industry both in the UK and overseas.’
18-year-old Ben Curtis, a student of A Level History, Law and Politics at QE, is looking forward to launching his career at Clive Owen LLP and Newcastle University as a Trainee Chartered Accountant, working from levels three to seven. Ben, from Stockton-on-Tees, discovered the vacancy on the Government’s apprenticeship website and took part in several tests before learning that he was the successful applicant. He is incredibly grateful for the College’s support, adding: ‘I couldn’t have done it without the help from QE.’
Abbie Pocklington, who is enrolled on A Level Business, PE and Applied Science, will begin a degree apprenticeship in Civil Engineering at JBA Consulting and Teesside University this September. The 18-year-old, from Bedale, applied for the course following a week of work experience at the engineering firm who specialise in supporting clients to adapt to climate change. Abbie explains: ‘Following my work experience, the company asked me to apply for the apprenticeship vacancy and I secured the job.’ When asked about advice for future students, she adds: ‘You must take every opportunity that comes to you!’
Luxury car manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, has gained a new recruit in 18-year-old Daniel Wileman, from Crook. Daniel, who studies A Level Chemistry, Maths and Physics at QE, has acquired a degree apprenticeship in Nuclear Engineering and will complete his studies with the University of Derby. As part of the application process, Daniel attended a virtual assessment centre involving a 45-minute interview, 15-minute technical presentation and 30-minute case study which tested his problem-solving skills. Daniel enthuses: ‘If you set high targets and work hard, you will go far!’
18-year-old Tamar Pink, from Leyburn, will join accounting giants Ernst and Young (EY) with a degree apprenticeship in Business Leadership and Management in Consulting, in association with Northumbria University. A student of A Level History, Politics and Psychology at QE, Tamar will work towards a professional qualification from the Chartered Management Institute and assist clients on a range of projects. She is also thankful for the guidance providing by the College. She says: ‘I’m so grateful for the support I received from QE’s careers team who helped prepared me for the application process and interviews. I am very excited to start at EY in September!’
Entering the legal sector as a Trainee Solicitor is 19-year-old Lewis Austin, from Darlington, who will undertake a degree apprenticeship also with Northumbria University, along with Watson Woodhouse Solicitors, located in Middlesbrough. Lewis, who is enrolled on A Level Business and Creative Media Practice and who has already achieved A Levels in Law and Politics, will spend one day per week attending lectures and four days obtaining hands on experience within the business. He comments: ‘A degree apprenticeship is modern and forward thinking, encompassing professional learning with academic studies. It may well be the way of the future.’
Emma Hurry, Job Coach at QE, concludes: ‘It’s truly wonderful that we have had so many successful applications to degree apprenticeships this year. More and more students are considering this option, which allows you to study towards a degree whilst working, and it’s great that we have been able to provide support. I cannot wait to hear how the students get on and hope that they will return to the College in future to share their stories and inspire others. I wish them nothing but absolute success.’
