• Tue. Dec 10th, 2024

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Rising number of students moving into work and apprenticeships

Screen Shot 2016-05-24 at 15.22.12Students at Gateshead College are given the best start to a rewarding career, with the latest data showing 95 per cent of students moving on to work, university or apprenticeships after completing their studies.

Each year, the college compiles data to find out how people progress after finishing their studies. The latest results represent a 4 per cent year-on-year increase of positive outcomes.

Information collected from over 2000 students who completed their courses in 2014/15 shows that the popularity of apprenticeships is on the increase with 10 per cent choosing them as a career pathway (up 6 per cent from 2013/14 figures).

The college’s focus on preparing students for the world of work has resulted in 13 per cent going straight into employment (up 2 per cent from 2013/14 figures). And the data also shows a rising proportion moving onto higher education with 17 per cent securing a university place compared with 14 per cent in the previous year. Places secured include institutions ranked in the Russell Group (the UK’s top 24 universities).

Judith Doyle, principal and chief executive at Gateshead College said: “This is a brilliant set of results. For us as a college, creating opportunities and positive outcomes for students is the true test as to how successfully we’re delivering on our promise to give people the best start to a rewarding career.

“We’re wholly committed to putting our students in the best possible position to meet their career goals and we put in everything we’ve got to make sure our students succeed. From high quality careers advice and guidance to outstanding teaching and support coupled with strong links with businesses, we provide everything needed to ensure young people are able to move on to work, university, training or employment.

“To see all of that resulting in more people in jobs, apprenticeships or continuing in education makes me very proud and its testament to the hard work of all of the staff and students here at the college.”

Former Gateshead College student Jennie Moyse has since gone on to launch her own successful fitness business, running a variety of exercise classes and one to one specialist training across South Tyneside and Sunderland. Jennie has also teamed up with another former Gateshead College student, Steph Lamb, to deliver ‘Bikini Workout’, which includes ‘boot camp’ style classes and dietary advice for participants.

Jennie, who is 22 and from South Shields, said: “The training and support I received from Gateshead College has provided me with the skills and knowledge I needed to go on to be successful. I felt confident enough to become self-employed as soon as I left college, which I think is a big step for someone at a young age, however I felt prepared and ready because of my training and education.

“The lecturers were fantastic and always made learning interesting, helping me turn my passion into a career. The facilities available at the sports academy also gave us plenty of opportunities to further our physical training and practical knowledge.”

Gateshead College secured Ofsted’s ‘outstanding’ grading in the last academic year. It is the top performing college in the region and number six in England.

By admin