Ansford’s Own – News from our Alumni
Congratulations to Billy Barrett (Class of ’21) for qualifying as an HGV Mechanic and for passing his Class 1 HGV Driving Test.
Are you interested in becoming an HGV mechanic or driver? Here are Billy’s top tips:
“For anyone wanting to become a HGV mechanic be prepared to get your hands dirty, and be prepared to have to spend time away at college. I had to go to Derby to a Renault trucks college. The toughest part of my Apprenticeship was trying to remember everything you’ve been taught over the 3 years for when you sit your final exams. Both in the workshop and in the classroom.
You hope you get given jobs that you were taught about in the beginning to jog your memory in the lead up to your exams. The best bit is learning new skills and having the satisfaction of fixing a truck and watching it go back out on the road.
I took my class 1 HGV driving test with Yeovil driver training when I was 18, and I passed with just one minor. It means I can now drive articulated lorries. I had the best week out on the road learning, finally getting to do what I’ve always dreamt of doing, having grown up around my Grandad’s trucks! I currently work for AE George Commercials but hope to one day work for my Grandad at W Rolls Ltd driving a truck.”
Wishing you every success with your career, Billy!
Want more information? Click here.
Lilija Andrews – Class of 2023 is in the second year of her Education T level at Strode College. She explains the benefits of studying a T level…
I chose a T level because I liked the sound of practical study mixed in with theory, this also meant that some of the work and assessments would also be done practically and not be all written. Part of the course is a regular industry placement which gives a real feel of what a career would look like. Although when I started the T level I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a primary school teacher, my work placement at a primary school has confirmed this is what I want to do and is providing me with lots of real life experience which is supporting my university application and interviews.
Good luck with your University applications, Lilija!
Want to find out more about T levels? https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/.
With many of our previous students recently leaving College and taking their next steps post 18, we are happy to celebrate the success of Class of ’22 student Daniel Shettle (Yeovil College) who has recently secured a Trainee Accountant role with Max Foote Associates in Castle Cary.
Here is Daniel’s story:
After studying at Ansford I moved onto Yeovil College where I studied A levels in Business, Physics and Geography. My favourite part about the College was how helpful my lecturers were in making sure I achieved good grades and got where I wanted. Without these grades I would not have been able to achieve an Apprenticeship after College working as a Trainee Accountant where I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge in that area of business.
Well done, Daniel!
Interested in Accountancy Careers? Find out more information here.
Ansford are really proud to celebrate the amazing news of offers to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities from three of our past students who left in 2022:
George Turner (Strode College) has an offer to study Veterinary Medicine at Emmanuel College, Cambridge
Emma White (Strode College) has an offer to study Medicine at Keeble College, Oxford
George Manning (Gryphon 6th form) has an offer to study MEng in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Jesus College, Cambridge
George Turner and Emma had this advice when asked about the application experience:
- Choose A level subjects that you are interested in and keep pushing yourself to reach your full potential at College or Sixth Form
- Start work experience early and gain insights into the wider world through reading and doing a range of activities that interest you
- Don’t be intimidated by the Oxbridge reputation – they are interested in you and want to get the best from you in interviews
- Be resilient – that way you can keep going even if things don’t always go to plan
- Enjoy your learning and enjoy what you do!
Both students are grateful for the encouragement and support they received during their time at Ansford and for the teachers who helped them to achieve and inspired them to enjoy their learning.
Well done to all three of you!!
Read Emma’s full article here, and George’s here.
Have you got what it takes? Find out more about study at:
More Amazing Success!
Ansford are really proud to celebrate more amazing success from one of our Class of ’22 leavers, Hollie Wing, who has secured a Degree (Level 7) Accounting Apprenticeship with Saffery in Bournemouth.
Here’s a summary of Hollie’s story:
After GCSEs at Ansford, I went to Gryphon School to study A level subjects that interested me which were Business, Law and Spanish.
I decided the Apprenticeship route would be right for me to achieve the qualifications needed for jobs that I was interested in.
The application process may seem a scary thing but employers are super helpful throughout the whole entire journey and want you to succeed and get as much out of the process as possible. I applied to three firms but ultimately ended up choosing Saffery in Bournemouth after many interviews and meeting with people who had gone through the process at all three firms. I will be studying the level 7 ACA apprenticeship route through the ICAEW with Kaplan as the learning provider whilst working at the firm.
My top tips for apprenticeships would be to choose something that you’re interested in and do the research as even some of the most traditional fields and industries are offering apprenticeships, so if you are unsure about university take a look and see. Also do not fear the application process as employers are super supportive and helpful with the whole process and understand that it can be daunting so ask all the questions you want to ensure your picking the right path for you.
Well done Hollie!! Wishing you every success as you start out on your chosen Career.
Interested in Degree Apprenticeships? Find out more here.