Brockenhurst College students are celebrating after being named ‘Amazing People’ at this year's Solent EBP awards.
The awards were hosted by the Solent Education Business Partnership (Solent EBP), in collaboration with Southampton and Hampshire Local Authorities and community and business sponsors, to celebrate young people’s preparation for adult life and work, many of whom may have overcome personal barriers to achieve success.
Rachel Holland, who is studying a Level 3 BTEC in Sport & Exercise Science at Brock, won the award for ‘A student who has maximised his/her work experience placement to best effect,’ after completing a placement with Dr Tim Holder, Applied Sport Psychologist at the University of Chichester. During the placement she had the opportunity to work with Team GB's synchronised swimmers. Rachel was thrilled to be chosen, and said: “I am so pleased to have been awarded this prize and really enjoyed the placement with the University.”
In the category for ‘Amazing people who have overcome personal barriers to achieve vocational qualifications’, Brock student Tiffany Dale won the top prize.
Tiffany has been part of the College’s Flexibrock programme, a scheme that aims to support students who may not otherwise have had access to college education.
The flexible and personalised nature of the programme enabled Tiffany to study Functional Skills and undertake a vocational Level 1 Childcare course, with support from the Skills Development team, as well as undertaking relevant work experience at Brock’s Highwood Nursery. Jacquie Maguire, Brock’s Network Partnership Operations Co-ordinator, said: “Despite personal difficulties, Tiffany has remained focused and engaged in her education and will be progressing on to a Level 2 Health & Social Care course from September.” Tiffany’s ultimate aim after finishing College is to pursue a social work career so she can support young people with difficulties and unstable backgrounds.
Another Brock student, James Wells, was also highly commended in this category at the awards ceremony. James has shown great determination and committment to his BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, despite suffering the after-effects of treatment for a serious illness. James said: “I appreciate the recognition for what I have achieved under my unfortunate circumstances. I am hoping to go to university and study sport & exercise science and eventually work within a sport science department at a professional sports club.”
Victoria Green, Rachel and James’ personal tutor, attended the awards to cheer them on. She said: “The awards event was an inspiring occasion in which many students and adults were acknowledged for their achievements within education and business ventures. I’m delighted that Brock students had their efforts and on-going hard work recognised so highly.”