“Derwen College has made me into an independent person and it helped me to be more confident.
“Derwen College has helped me with some skills to help to get a job. I am working at a hotel in Suffolk doing housekeeping. I make beds on my own without any help which I am very proud of. I have also improved on my running. Thanks to Steve Evans (Sports & Leisure Co-ordinator) I now run a 5k between 25 minutes and 29 minutes which I am also very proud of.”
As part of our support for Natspec’s The Power of Specialist Further Education campaign, we’re sharing the journeys of students and graduates whose lives have been transformed thanks to their time at College, including William’s story.
William, who graduated from our Hospitality and Food pathway in 2021, sends us regular updates about his achievements. As well as completing regular running challenges such as half marathons, and volunteering at over 100 parkrun events, William has also been to Buckingham Palace to receive his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – a journey he began when he started his Bronze Award at Derwen College.
During his time on our Hospitality and Food Pathway he learnt key skills and also undertook work experience in our on-site restaurant, The Orangery, before moving on to work experience in Premier Inn.
William is proud to be working at the The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa in Suffolk, where he has worked for almost two years.
In his latest update, William says “My job is going on great. I still working at the Swan in Lavenham but I’m now part of the housekeeping team which is going on fantastic. I’ve used some skills that I learnt from my time at Derwen and I now make beds on my own without any help which is excellent. “
As we get ready for #ThePowerofSpecialistFE awareness week, 1–5 December, we will be sharing more about how our work as a specialist FE college transforms lives.
