Apprenticeships

Rhys’ first experience in a teaching environment was at college, having spent his entire life homeschooled. Whilst studying his Digital IT Apprenticeship and getting used to college life, he has also been working on his GCSEs and functional skills. He won the ‘Overcoming Adversity’ Apprenticeship award in the most recent National Apprenticeship Week, and has been flourishing since starting at East Surrey College. Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?  I chose an Apprenticeship because I wanted to gain real, hands-on experience rather than just learning theory in a classroom. The idea of earning an income whilst learning appealed to me, as […]

After growing up on building sites alongside his Dad, Daniel knew he wanted a course that prioritises hands-on learning. He found an apprenticeship with Pyramid, one of the biggest Bricklaying subcontractors in London, and fell in love with the structure almost immediately. Daniel found his time at East Surrey College very beneficial for his apprenticeship, as his tutors support and the excellent Bricklaying facilities helped him finish his course earlier than expected. Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?  Sitting in a classroom all day didn’t appeal to me as I’m very hands-on. Luckily, my Dad works in construction and I often accompanied him on my days off from school. Therefore, I felt like an […]

Wanting a chance to gain first-hand experience as soon as possible, Cyrus decided to apply for an Apprenticeship in the IT industry. Having now completed his Apprenticeship, he enjoyed working with a small team during his placement, and found the support at the College really helpful. He enjoys building and working with computers and is continuing his career in the Digital and IT industry. Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?  An Apprenticeship appealed to me because I would prefer to study something that isn’t focused on exams, as well as Apprenticeship’s involving less debt as opposed to university. Apprenticeships also give you a good head start in […]

What brought you to ESC?  I wanted to pursue a career in ICT and computing, so I was suggested East Surrey College by the careers team at Royal Alexandera and Albert School. I started a course in BTEC Computing Level 3 before eventually starting an ICT Apprenticeship with the college. I chose ESC because staying close to home was a priority and the course was suited to my interests.  How did you find your apprenticeship? Where did you look, what did the application process involve?  Whilst I was a student, I started working over the summer as a Summer Administrator which I […]

Jose first enrolled on Travel & Tourism Level 2, to get a first taste of the industry, and then began studying our Cabin Crew qualification. He chose ESC after hearing positive things from former students, and knew which subjects he wanted to study:  “People who were attending ESC told me about the college and how great it was! I chose the courses because they were the areas I dreamed of studying and working in.” Whilst on the course, he particularly enjoyed the customer service units and enjoyed learning from his tutor, Nigel Tostevin, who was able to bring his own industry […]

Louis joined ESC from De Stafford School and has achieved a Level 3 in Business, Level 1 in Supported Internship, and is currently in his first year of an Apprenticeship with Client Services at ESC. Why did you decide to study at ESC? There is a great support system at East Surrey College, the staff are very friendly and there is always a positive environment. I also had a number of friends apply and attend with me for the Business course. What led you to choosing your courses? For me, I really enjoyed doing Business in secondary school, as I […]

Past education and experiences? I completed my GCSEs with strong grades in History, DT, Spanish, and IT. I did not have any prior experience in accounting but have always had a keen interest in the field. Why did you decide to study at ESC? I wanted to pursue Accounting from Year 11 but there was no course specifically available. I found the idea of studying Business too broad when I already knew I wanted to study Accounting specifically. Coming to East Surrey College I could choose a single course to focus all my attention on. Why did you choose to do […]

Pictured above: Lily’s 3D piece in situ in the office of Jayne Dickinson, Chief Executive Lily enjoyed technical subjects at school but initially started her FE journey at Merrist Wood College, studying Dog Grooming. After finishing this course, she decided to return to Art to start exploring more areas.  “I really really enjoyed 3D so wanted to explore this more and the art course looked like it offered a lot more range” She joined us straight on Level 3, and has particularly enjoyed working on architectural and 3D projects – “I love learning about installation and art, and particularly art based […]

Aeronautical Engineering Level 3 student Billy made a positive impression at his work experience interview and was subsequently offered a five-day placement with the Gatwick Hangar 6 Programme with British Airways. Billy was able to experience working within the Avionic Maintenance and Aircraft Maintenance teams over the week, getting involved with projects. It was a great opportunity to observe the maintenance and repair of an aircraft’s electronic and computer systems as well as all aspects of aircraft maintenance including changing an aircraft’s tyres – not a small task! Billy said of his week at Gatwick: “I enjoyed all aspects of my […]

James joined ESC after completing his GCSEs and was drawn to a Full-time qualification in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. After attending an employer talk from Bucher Municipal during his first year of studies he decided to move into an Apprenticeship. How did you find your apprenticeship? Where did you look, what did the application process involve? Bucher Municipal visited the College to give a talk about their company and the work placement opportunities available. It seemed really interesting, so I decided to apply. It was really easy to apply, I dropped them an email with my CV, and they got back to me […]