Students from Burton and South Derbyshire College have been celebrating their successes at the college’s Further Education and Apprenticeship Awards.

Students and their families headed down to the Pirelli Stadium in the town, on Wednesday, June 28, to celebrate their achievements over the past year. They were joined by Mark O’Sullivan from Touch FM and director of the Big Happiness Experiment, Jules Mitchell.

The award categories were based around the college’s 'skills promise', to students which sees the Lichfield Street venue promise to equip youngsters with a range of skills that employers are looking for. They vary from creative thinking and communication skills to showing initiative and resilience.

The overall further education learner of the year award for 2017 went to budding software developer Michal Sidoruk.

Winner of the FE Learner of the year award, Michal Sidoruk
Compere Mark O'Sullivan, Michal Sidoruk, college principal Dawn Ward and chairman of governors Everton Burke

During his level 3 technical level IT course, he delivered an industry work experience project for South Derbyshire District Council that has the potential to make significant savings for the council.

Meanwhile, budding plumber Tayla Wileman was awarded with overall apprentice of the year for her work as an apprentice at CV Lane & Son, in Coalville. Earlier this year, she became the first female to be crowned HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year.

Principal Dawn Ward said: “It was fantastic to host a celebration of achievement and success for our students. At Burton and South Derbyshire College, we are passionate about encouraging people to reach their full potential. The event was an excellent way to celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise those learners who go above and beyond to reach their educational and career goals.”

Burton and South Derbyshire College FE Awards 2017
The trophies given to the winners at the Burton and South Derbyshire College FE Awards 2017

Local businesses and College partners supported the evening, including Toyota Manufacturing UK, Hardy Signs, St. Modwen Homes, Burton Albion Football Club, Pertemps, The Hilton at St George’s Park, The Keystone Group, The Winery and Practical Audio Visual.

The college offers further education courses in a wide variety of vocational disciplines, along with academic courses and skills development.

Anyone looking to start a course, whether full time, part time or work-based study, can contact the Learner Services Team on 01283 494400 to find out more about enrolment and funding.

All about Burton and South Derbyshire College

Burton and South Derbyshire College is a technical college for higher education students, located in Lichfield Road, Burton. The college offers more than 500 full and part-time courses, including qualifications such as A-Levels, diplomas, NVQs, HNDs, vocational training and leisure courses.

Course areas that are available at the college include, Art & Design, Business, Early Years and Care, IT & Computing, Hair and Beauty among many others. There are also basic skills and foundation programmes as well as a sixth form on site.

Notable alumni to come out of the college include Peaky Blinders actor Paddy Considine, This is England director Shane Meadows and actors Lauren and Michael Socha.