Students Progressed from Foundation Learning to IT and Gained Work Experience
Dearne Valley College students, Ryan Utley, Elliot Turner and Jacob Hunter all progressed from foundation learning courses to Level 1 IT and gained valuable work placement experience along the way.
Ryan Utley is currently studying Level 1 IT after completing a work placement with Stagecoach in Barnsley. Ryan’s duties were assisting with the bus scheduling and other administration responsibilities. “I really enjoyed my time with Stagecoach and I found the placement really interesting and enabled me to grow my skills in data input and working with other people.”
Prior to Ryan’s work placement with Stagecoach, he completed an employability module with Dearne Valley College. The employability module aims to help students gain skills in CV writing, interview preparation and good timekeeping. Ryan said “I felt it really helped me to be successful in my Stagecoach placement and has also made me more confident for entering the job market in the future.”
“I would recommend Dearne Valley College to anyone. It’s a really nice environment full of friendly staff and students. When you first arrive, it seems like a big place which can be really daunting, but before you know it, you feel completely at home and know most people you meet and pass in the corridor.
Elliot has also completed a placement with Voluntary Action Barnsley. Elliot was able to get involved with graphic design, even creating posters that were used externally. Elliot said “the employability module and then my work placement has really built up my confidence in general. Before, I would be scared to ask for help. Now, I’m really confident to ask if there’s something I don’t know and as a result I’ve been able to develop lots of new skills.”
“I would really recommend Dearne Valley College, I have made lots of new friends here and enjoy working alongside them. Learning at College, I also get the opportunity to use lots of new software and we get the freedom to apply our own interests to the projects we are working on, so it makes learning new skills really enjoyable.”
Elliot also added, “The staff are really helpful and friendly. In fact, I’m a life-long Barnsley FC supporter and had always wanted to be a mascot, but never thought this was possible due to being in a wheelchair. However, the amazing tutors and learning support assistants at Dearne Valley College made this possible for me and I spent the day as a Barnsley FC mascot. I got to meet the players in the dressing room, go onto the pitch and also watch the match from an executive box. I had the best day thanks to the staff here.”
Jacob Hunter completed his work placement with the administration team at Dearne Valley College. His duties included inputting data for new students. Jacob said “everyone is amazing at Dearne Valley College and it’s a great place to study. After working on the employability course, I feel confident I can complete all the steps needed to gain a job. These are really important skills to learn.”