For this month’s influencer campaign, we are celebrating diversity. Diversity is something we encourage at college. We want a diverse community for people to feel supported and learn from. Diversity brings great things, ideas, acceptance and opportunity.
We see diversity as a positive thing and something to be proud of at college—diversity of gender within subjects, diversity of abilities, diversity of culture and so much more.
This month we will be sharing some of our student’s stories that fit under this category. We aim to influence you to step outside your comfort zone, face a challenge or/and be more accepting and welcoming of others.
Our Influencers
Our first influencer is Holly-Mae Buckland. Holly moved from Malta last year for her education. She was influenced by her family member’s careers to step into the world of auto. She told us how it is a very male-dominated industry but she doesn’t let that bother her. She even changed the perception of some of the male students on the course.
Read Holly’s story here.
Wesley Merchant is a current Health and Social Care student. He is standing up to gender norms but also encouraging students and staff to learn British Sign Language. He said he wanted to do this so other deaf learners feel more understood and can communicate better with their peers and tutors.
Read Wesley’s story here.
Jen Hatfield spoke to us back in 2021 about her graphic design career. She talks about how graphic design is a vast industry but not a diverse one. The company she is working for are passionate about changing this. She explains the steps they are taking to make the shift.
Read Jen’s story here.
Jamie Dunn, one of our former professional construction students is another one of this month’s influencers. He highlights how autism and dyspraxia are no barriers towards success.
Jamie’s mum and tutor also spoke to us about how the college adapted their teaching and assessments to showcase Jamie’s skills. The support and adaptations made allowed Jamie to get the grades to progress to university.
Read Jamie’s story here.
Jessica York is a current performing arts student. She spoke to us about the group’s latest performance, all about the transgender community. It’s important for our students, staff and apprentices to learn about diversity, inclusivity and celebrating difference. Tackling bullying and transphobia in class allows the students to explore these subjects in an educational way, whilst raising awareness.
Read Jess’s story here.
Jessica Peprah was one of our former hairdressing students. She moved from Amsterdam to the UK knowing little to no English. Jessica started her business because she felt like there was a gap in the local market. Jessica works with afro Caribbean, Ethiopian and curly hair. She set up her business so people wouldn’t have to travel to major cities to get their beauty treatments. Jessica is passionate about teaching hairdressers so they can add more diversity to their client base.
Read Jessica’s story here.