A former student is stepping into the shoes of his teacher at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
Cameron Wren, once a student in Steve Sowerby’s class, will now take over as lecturer after Steve’s retirement this December, highlighting the College’s commitment to transforming lives through education.
Steve, during his 34 years of service, remembers Cameron well.
He said: “The thing that made Cameron really stand out was his no-fuss approach. He consistently did what was asked of him without needing much help or encouragement.”
After completing his BTEC Extended Diploma in IT at Hartlepool College, Cameron pursued his passion for technology by earning a first-class honours degree in computer games design from Teesside University.
He further honed his skills through internships in the games industry and at the university, where he helped develop cutting-edge software using technology like the Microsoft HoloLens.
The 23-year-old has now returned to Hartlepool College as a graduate lecturer, a role that initially felt ‘quite weird while I was shadowing the same lecturers that taught me,’ he quipped.
Cameron soon adapted and has brought his industry experience and enthusiasm to the classroom.
Steve thinks passing the baton to a former student is particularly special. He said: “It feels good to be passing the baton on to someone whose development I’ve observed and had some part in.
And Steve is now planning to dedicate more time to his hobbies, such as playing musical instruments, fell walking in the Lake District and developing interests in astronomy and photography.
Steve said: “One of the most gratifying things is receiving emails from former students telling me what they’re now doing in the computer industry. I am, though, really looking forward to enjoying more free time having spent more than three decades teaching.”
The handover in the classroom perfectly illustrates Hartlepool College’s mission to transform lives through education.
Gary Riches, Vice Principal, said: “Steve has been a fantastic asset to the College for many years. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
“We are very proud of our history of 175 and we would love to see more people passing on the baton.”
Hartlepool College Principal Darren Hankey regularly recites these words of Irish playwright and political activist George Bernard Shaw: ‘Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.’
Those words seem fitting in this master and apprentice story and the College is delighted Cameron is now holding this particular candle.
Gary added: “It’s inspiring to see a former student return as a lecturer. Cameron’s experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable to our students.”
*For further information please visit www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk or call 01429 295000 for course enquiries.