Recognising vocational achievements
Calderdale College celebrated the vocational success of students at an awards ceremony. The college’s annual VQ Awards Ceremony was held at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax. Now in its eighth year, VQ Day is a national event which recognises the value of vocational qualifications and celebrates vocational achievement.
Award nominations are selected not only in recognition of students’ success and achievement, but also for their commitment and for the positive impact that their learning experience has had on their lives and the wider community.
The evening was compered by HND business student and Student Union HE officer, Si- mon Hannah and Marketing Apprentice, Mollie Chesswas.
Tom O’ Donohoe, a level three dance student, opened the show with a solo performance from the end of year show Velocity and level three music students, Kyle Mather and Dominic Collins-Vallance captivated the crowd with an acoustic set. The evening concluded with a closing speech from vice principal Sharon Smith.
Among the award winners were former soldier, Chris Stanton, 23, of Halifax who swapped his rifle for a pair of scissors to do a level three barbering apprenticeship and become adult apprentice of the year.
He said: “I work with my tutor at a local barbering salon and to be taught by him as well is massive bonus.
“If it wasn’t for the college, I wouldn’t have been able to learn these skills or the trade. My tutors are huge role models and always willing to help me.
“I travel all over the country with my mentor and renowned barber, Erik Lander doing stage demonstrations and taking part in national competitions.
“My goal for the future is to do more stage work abroad and help educate people and eventually teach barbering.
“I would definitely recommend the college and the industry to other students. It is a great place to learn and I don’t think you will get the quality of teaching anywhere else; the college have won Barbering College of the Year for the past three years in a row.
“If you want to be a barber I would recommend an apprenticeship, try to get as much experience as you can and don’t be scared to try new things. You have to push yourself.”
Adeel Shabir, of Halifax, was named winner of significant contribution to college and community (18 plus ).
The 20-year- old, who is hearing impaired, is studying level two music at the college.
He said: “When I started I was really nervous and then I started catching up, there is never anything forced on me, everything is at my own pace.
“I like performing in front of people, making music on the Macs and having fun in the class.
“If you have any issues in class, you can just ask the tutors and they will help you straight away.
“The tutors have helped me to develop and have helped me build my confidence.
“In the future I would like to be involved with music and the deaf and help teach British Sign Language.”