Ahmed engineers a brighter future
FIVE years ago, Ahmed Haji moved to the UK from Yemen for further education.
The 23- year- old, who now lives in Southampton, arrived with qualifications that were not recognised in this country.
Although English was not his first language, Ahmed was not deterred and it gave him the drive to focus on his education.
He initially enrolled on basic skills classes at City College Southampton and went on to complete English and maths GCSEs, gaining B and C grades respectively.
Ahmed also progressed through engineering qualifications, achieving a level 1 BTEC in the subject and an NVQ level 2 in Performing Engineering operations (PEO).
More recently, he gained a level 4 Engineering HNC.
While studying at the college, Ahmed gained a work experience placement at Southampton General Hospital where he helped service and maintain life- saving radiotherapy machines.
He says the experience opened his eyes ‘to how an engineer can play a pivotal role in making a real difference to people’s lives’.
Ahmed, who is now working for a telecommunications company, eventually hopes to study for a degree in engineering.
He says: ‘I want to help my family as much as possible and make them proud. Getting qualifications is important to me. No matter what age you are, it’s still beneficial.’
City College Southampton principal Sarah Stannard says: ‘Ahmed has worked hard to succeed and made an outstanding contribution to college life.
‘He has developed technical and social skills that will help him throughout his life.’
Ahmed was named a regional winner in the Festival of learning’s national awards in 2017.
The annual event is the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England. It is led by the learning & Work Institute and supported by the department for Education.
Meanwhile, lesley Reece, 49, from Chadderton, Greater Manchester, has also proved that learning is lifelong. Attending courses in arts and crafts, first aid, mentoring and mental health awareness through oldham lifelong Service has reawakened her ‘love of learning’.
She says: ‘I hope to continue with my learning and to eventually have a job making a difference to other people’s lives.’
For details about City College Southampton go to southampton-city.ac.uk.