Meet our students

David Butler  -  Dry Stone Walling Level 2

In September 2008, David enrolled on a Level 2, part-time, Dry Stone Walling course which he attended one day a week, for 16 weeks, before qualifying. “There were only 12 students on my course which meant we had plenty of time for individual attention from our tutor Stuart, who was excellent.  Dry Stone Walling is a very practical course and I was determined to make a go of it which meant putting in a lot of extra practice in my own time but its well worth it when you qualify.”

Setting up on your own

“I’d always worked for big organisations before branching out on my own as an independent Dry Stone Waller.  Setting up on your own, as a sole trader is a big step to take but it gives you a great sense of achievement to run your own business and I haven’t looked back once.”

 Liz MacGregor - Dog Grooming Level 2

Rescuing ‘Teddy’, an American Cocker Spaniel, turned out to be the unexpected catalyst for a complete change of career for Liz MacGregor (47), when she couldn’t find a local dog groomer to accommodate the new dog’s needs.

Liz, a mother of two, from Tufton, Hampshire, had successfully worked as a Mortgage Broker and Banker for almost 18 years but with the arrival of Teddy, decided it was time to set up her own business.  The one proviso was that her business had to fit in with the many demands of family life.

“I’ve always been an animal lover but I’m especially fond of dogs, so when I couldn’t find a local dog groomer to take Teddy on, I decided to learn how to do it professionally myself, and embarked upon a whole new career path.”

 “I researched all the dog grooming courses on offer nearby but chose the course at Abingdon and Witney College because it was the only one that offered a recognised industry qualification at the end. I believe that it’s really important to be able to say to clients that I’m properly qualified and it’s a boost to my confidence as well.”

“There were only six of us on my course so we received a lot of individual attention and expert one-to-one guidance from our course leader, Ellie Timberlake, who was very encouraging and an inspiration to us all.”

Wendy Campbell - Beauty Therapy  Level 2

Wendy Campbell (37), a single mother of two living in the village of Steventon, Oxfordshire and working part-time as a Weight Watchers Leader, dreamt of a new career in the beauty therapy industry.  Wendy realistically decided the only way to succeed, was to go back to college in order to gain new skills and qualifications. She enrolled on an NVQ Lv2 Beauty Therapy course at Abingdon and Witney College in September 2007.

“It’s not easy working and studying at the same time but I would encourage everyone who isn’t already qualified to come back to college.  It’s very fulfilling to learn new skills but you need to be organised and know how to prioritise.” 

“Take time to sit down with your kids and explain what lies ahead, they will need to pull their weight when the pressure is on but they’ll benefit too, in the long run.”

Geraldine Southgate - Improve your English and Maths

Geraldine Southgate (53), lives in Carterton, Oxfordshire, where she has raised five children, worked full-time but still found time to go back to college to gain new skills and richly deserved qualifications.  She left school at 14 with no formal qualifications and initially went to work in an insurance office. 

“I looked at Abingdon and Witney College’s prospectus and thought initially I’m too old to go to college but then I told myself, no I’m not, I’m going to do it and I’ll not stop until I’ve succeeded!”  

She has achieved Levels 1 and 2 in both Literacy and Numeracy and has completed a computer course.

“Just admitting that you have gaps in your education and then getting through the college doors are the hardest things to do.  Once you are inside, you’ll meet some fantastic tutors who are very helpful and most welcoming, as well as plenty of others in the same boat as you.”

“I was encouraged every step of the way by my tutors and really enjoyed learning new skills.  I’ve got a lot of pleasure out of my achievements and its done wonders for my self-confidence too.”

Lance Corporal John Shaw - Improve your English and Maths

At the age of twenty, John joined the Army as a Private soldier in the Catering Corps., and after eight years as a chef, transferred over to the Transport Division.  Based at Dalton Barracks, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, John recently passed his Level 2 exams in both literacy and numeracy and has four years of service left.

 “Nobody gets promoted in the Army these days without being able to produce their certificates of education.  As I would like to make it to the rank of full Corporal which means more responsibility and better pay, I had to take active steps towards achieving that ambition.”

 “This was the incentive and reason why I decided to study for a Level 2 in both numeracy and literacy because no qualifications, equals no promotion - both in the Army and on Civvie Street!”