Learners from Harrogate College are celebrating their Level 3 results, with many achieving top marks in their technical qualifications.
T Level student Carmen Ronda Perez, 19, achieved a merit in Education and Childcare and is progressing to Bradford College to study Primary Education.
During the pandemic, Carmen faced challenges at school due to her autism and her responsibilities as a young carer and she felt that her individual needs were not being fully supported. However, after joining Harrogate College, Carmen found the support she needed and went on to flourish whilst studying her T Level.
Carmen said:
I had quite a few challenges before coming to college and I’ve always struggled with learning due to my additional needs. My autism meant that I struggled to find a place where I enjoyed learning, and I’m so glad Harrogate College could be that place.
Fellow T Level student Jasmine Barrett, 20, achieved a distinction in her T Level in Education and Childcare, the first-ever Harrogate College student to achieve this grade in this subject.
Jasmine left school at 14 after experiencing mental health challenges and after exploring her options, she found that a T Level course gave her the opportunity to return to education and pursue her ambition of becoming an educator.
Jasmine said:
The best thing about studying at Harrogate College was being able to find a course that suited my interests. Not everywhere offers T Levels, and I think they’re a fantastic option for people who want to go into a specific vocation or continue studying in that area.
Jasmine will begin an Education Studies degree at Leeds Beckett University this September and plans to go on to complete a master’s degree specialising in conservation and sustainability education.
Joe Quinaguano, 20, moved to the UK from Ecuador in 2022 without speaking English.
He began his studies at Harrogate College on an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course before completing his Level 1 and Level 2 Electrical Installation qualifications in consecutive years. Joe has now passed his Level 3 qualification and is looking forward to the future.
Joe said:
I’m really happy with what I’ve managed to achieve and can’t thank my teachers enough. I’m now looking for an apprenticeship or a full-time role to gain valuable industry experience while earning money. I considered university, but I feel this is the best route for where I want to take my career.
Danny Wild, Principal of Harrogate College, said:
We are incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved through their hard work, determination and commitment. These results are a testament not only to their dedication, but also to the unwavering support of our staff and the transformative power of technical education.
They demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to learners across the region and highlight the positive impact that these pathways can have on individuals, local communities and employers alike.
Vocational and technical qualifications, including T Levels, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for students, allowing them to progress onto the next stage of their careers by providing an opportunity to mix classroom learning with on-the-job experience.
