Student stories

Rebecca Shaw

Programming and Machining Advanced Apprenticeship

Rebecca is in the final year of her apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover, studying a foundation degree at Warwickshire College one day a week. 

The rest of the time, she works in the design department at the car manufacturer’s centre in Gaydon. In January 2011, Rebecca was awarded ‘Apprentice of the Year’ by the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild.

Rebecca said: “I was a fairly average student at school but with my apprenticeship, I have found my passion and I work really hard at it. I surprised myself by doing well in the academic areas of the course – I gained nine straight distinctions in the first two years - as well as succeeding with my practical skills.

“I never saw myself as a university person. I still wanted to learn, but was keen to start earning as well, so the apprenticeship route was a good option for me.  I have never looked back.”

Thomas Fragiacomo

HND in Electrical Engineering

Thomas studied for four years at the Rugby Centre. He completed a National Diploma in Engineering, then continued on to do a Higher National Diploma in Engineering - Electronics.

Thomas was employed by the college as a part-time technician for a while and now works at the large automotive and marine manufacturing company, Orscheln Europe.

Thomas says: “It was wonderful. I had done an IT course and a few other things and thought it was time I got a proper qualification. It seemed worthwhile to do electrical engineering and because I was a bit older with added confidence, it made it a lot easier. The lecturers were great and really supportive throughout the course.”