Student Jonathan Wiltshire has been named a finalist for the AoC Student of the Year awards. He is shortlisted for the Adult Student of the Year Award, placing him among the UK’s leading further education students.
Jonathan, 22, from Hampshire, was selected from nominees at further education colleges across the UK for the national award, which recognises outstanding achievement, leadership and contributions to college life and the wider community.
Jonathan, who is a residential Retail and Enterprise student, has become a respected leader, peer mentor and advocate for students with SEND at College and nationally.
Jonathan has been elected Student Council President two years running, and has helped turn student ideas into action, including work around safer roads, accessibility and social opportunities in the local community. He is also the College Green Rep, a sports leader and a student voice ambassador, representing young people with SEND at national events including Natspec Parliament and Naidex.
Speaking about the importance of student voice, Jonathan said: “We want to share our experiences and let people know what works and what we want. It’s clear to see; we’re already achieving and thriving.”
As part of his Retail pathway, Jonathan works in the College charity shop, The Vintage Advantage, and attends a weekly work placement at a local Spar. He has supported charity sales and runs his own Vinted microbusiness, where he uses his marketing, photography and customer service skills.
Jonathan has completed his Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and is working towards Gold. He has also completed the Young Leader in Cricket programme, achieved the Youth Sport Trust “I AM Leader” Award and captains the College football team.
He is also a mentor in his residence, sharing the independence skills he has learnt with his peers and supporting their progress. Independent Living Skills Lead Liam Cartwright said: “Jonathan’s progress at college has been remarkable. He has developed significantly in both maturity and independence, while also supporting his peers in their own independence journeys. He is currently the only student at College to have successfully completed the full travel training programme.”
Sports Coordinator Steve Evans said: “Jonathan has made a significant contribution to college life through sport and extracurricular activities. He consistently shows enthusiasm, teamwork and leadership, and is a positive role model for other students.”
Reacting to the news that he’s a finalist, Jonathan said: “What a big surprise! I was not expecting that. Just thank you, everyone. I’m blown away by that. I’m sure I’ll be getting lots of questions when I get back.”
Derwen College Principal and CEO Meryl Green said: “We are not surprised at all. We are super proud of him and wanted to make sure that he realised what a big deal this is. The AoC represents further education colleges across the country – there are hundreds of them – and there is a really rigorous selection process to get to this stage. I can’t tell you how excited we are. We are so proud of you.”
Jonathan will discover whether he has won the AoC Adult Student of the Year Award at the AoC Annual Conference dinner on Tuesday 10 November.