He explained: “If I wanted, I could decide to go to university in September, however I feel the course I have just completed has equipped me well for the job I have now. It is good to know that that option is there for me if I feel differently in the future.
“I currently work alongside my father in the family business – GF Joinery – and I enjoy working there a lot. I can work both in the office or being out on site.”
When reflecting on his time at Northern Regional College, James noted the support he received from his lecturers, including Chris Keating:
“Chris made learning easy. Whatever problems we faced, he was always ready and happy to help.
“He also was brilliant about being open with us about our future career options and was able to offer really beneficial career advice.”
James enjoyed most of the course but had a particular preference for the software aspects of the course.
“I found the course very well-rounded and struggle to think about an aspect that I didn’t enjoy. It was a nice mix between practical and theory.
“There was a lot of computer and drawing aspects to the course which was definitely my favourite and a key part to the construction industry and my day-to-day job,” he said.
Northern Regional College offers a range of full time and part time higher education courses.
Qualifications include Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates/Diplomas and Degrees. The College also offers an Access to University course which provides mature students with an alternative progression route to higher education.