Meet our students

BMET Students

16-19

	Maryam Farooq is on her way to Cambridge University to study medicine after achieving two A*s and a Grade A in Mathematics, Biology and chemistry. “I was so relieved when I received my results and very grateful to all those who have helped me, especially my teachers,” she said. “I’m interested in the non-traditional sides of medicine when I graduate such as research.”
	Ayomide Olaoye The University of Birmingham is where Ayomide Olaoye headed after he achieved an A* in Business Studies and grade As in Accounting and Economics. “Being at BMET taught me a lot; including how to become more independent as both a student and an individual. I got better at achieving academic and personal targets because my teachers encouraged us all to find things out for ourselves instead of relying on them to tell us everything. “I’ll be studying accounting and finance at university and feel completely prepared for learning at this higher level.”
	Kirstie Lennox Following her grade A’s in Law, Drama and English Literature, Kirstie is going on to Manchester University to study Law, with a view to becoming a solicitor. “I had a great time at the College,” she said. “Studying at BMET was the best decision I could have made as I’ve had some fantastic teachers and made some great friends.”
	Michael Elledge After completing A Levels in English Literature, Art and Design and Drama and Theatre Studies, Michael decided to take a gap year to gain more acting experience before applying to drama schools. He is currently working with the Oddments Theatre Company through their Year Out programme. He is touring schools, prisons, churches and theatres across England with a wide variety of productions.

Vocational

	Lauren Corcoran achieved a triple Distinction grade in her BTEC Music Performance course. As part of the College’s own record label, Forerunner Records she gained professional experience of writing, recording and performing original material, as well as promoting and distributing work. “I’ve learned so much about writing and recording with others and developing the confidence to perform my own work,” she said. “I’ve also been able to perform at major venues like the LG Arena where I was part of an act that opened for Leona Lewis and McFly. I wouldn’t have enjoyed experiences like this anywhere else and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.”
	Umair Yaquoob IT student, Umair is heading to Nottingham University to study Computer Science. “I’ve had a really good time at the College,” he said. “IT has been a passion of mine from my early schooldays and my College courses were brilliant at helping me put my knowledge and skills into a professional context. “I picked up a lot of programming skills, learned how to create functions databases and developed software techniques that will help me progress towards a career in website development. “I’d definitely recommend the College to others.”
	Jessica Beeson “As a Business Studies student and member of the Met Academy of Business and Enterprise, I pretty much gained every skill I possibly could. “While my course taught me business principles, the Academy taught me how to execute business strategies. My experiences and achievements led to me being offered a position as an accounts executive at a marketing agency. It’s a job I love, so I’m grateful to everyone at the College who helped me reach this stage in my career.”
	Pearl Patel Health and social care student, Pearl used her qualification to help support her in her role as a healthcare assistant at Heartlands Hospital. "When you have been out of education for such a long time, like I have, it is very daunting to begin with, but I was determined put my head down and get on with things. "My two assessors from the college were fantastic and really inspirational.”
	Lorraine Sparks Lorraine returned to education after a nine-year gap and has now gained a place at university to complete a teaching degree after embarking on an Early Years foundation degree which was preceded by level 2 and 3 CACHE teaching assistant qualifications. “Although I went straight into employment once I’d finished my GCSE’s, I still had high hopes of training as a teacher. However before I knew it, time had gone by and I had spent a few years working in cleaning, catering and administration. “At the age of 25, I realised enough was enough and that I’d apply to study part-time and see where it would lead me.” “Working with children has been my career ambition for as long as I can remember, so I’m thrilled to be another step closer to reaching my goal.”
	Chresant Rusagra From being an ESOL student, Rwanda-born Chresant stayed on at the College as an access to health student. He achieved Distinction grades in his anatomy and physiology work and over 90% in his maths module tests. “I understand how important it is to support people who have experienced traumas and difficulties in their lives, so I’m going to study mental health nursing at University and hope to become a nurse in the future. I’ve had some great support from the College lecturers and have really enjoyed the time I spent here.”

Apprentices

	Jonathan Wheeler Hairdressing apprentice, Syer Hair and Beauty Salon "I decided I would follow an Apprenticeship because I would be earning money. The Apprenticeship is better than university because I am not getting myself into debt, and I am going to come out with skills that I can use elsewhere. "And, having also completed a BTEC business studies qualification, it means I might be able to own my own salon one day."
	Naveen Kanwal Customer service apprentice, G F Tomlinson “My Apprenticeship is ideal for me because it provides me with a good mix of training which I can then put into practice straightaway. The support I’ve received from everyone in the organisation also motivates me to work hard and be ambitious about what I can achieve in the future.”
	James Rubes, IT apprentice Service Birmingham “I’ve enjoyed learning new skills and gaining more experience in the IT field. The whole experience has boosted my confidence and enhanced my career prospects.”
	Elyce Davies, Business Administration apprentice Weslyan Assurance Society “I wanted to find a role that would offer long-term personal development. I didn’t know a lot about Apprenticeships before I applied for my role, but once I found out what I’d be doing, I knew I was building the right foundations for my future career.”

Higher Education

Matt Raden

“Studying a BSc Podiatry degree was intensive at times, but I’m now putting into practice everything I’ve learned and it’s very rewarding,” said Matt who secured a graduate podiatric position with Buckinghamshire hospital. “The college environment and atmosphere was always superb and made all the study worthwhile.”

Wendy Sadler

Wendy returned to education on the Access Health Science/Nursing Programme and from day one was a model student who excelled in all aspects of the course. She was supportive to other students and well liked by those who taught her. She received seven distinctions and two merit grades and has progressed to university to fulfil her ambition of becoming an operating department practitioner.

Christine Mckenzie

“I was delighted with the career foundation that the CIM Diploma in Management and Leadership laid out for me,” said Christine who works as a PA to a University Associate Dean. “The college learning facilities are lovely and I had excellent support from my lecturers. Presentations made by them during lessons were great and very motivating.”