Bath College students celebrate success at Employability and Volunteering Awards

Students from Bath College shared their success stories at an awards ceremony celebrating work experience and volunteering.

Young people across the college spend hundreds of hours volunteering at home and abroad, securing references and paid work as a result.

The event, organised by the Bath College Futures team and the Student Participation team, was held in recognition of their hard work.

Student Anne-Marie Caws volunteers at the Bath RUH every week making cups of tea and speaking to patients on the ward.

The 19-year-old, from Dilton Marsh, studies public services and has a place to study adult nursing at Plymouth University in September.

She said: “I’ve been getting to know patients and how to communicate with them. Quite a lot of them don’t have visitors. I think they like seeing young people on the wards and a nice friendly face.”

Six students received a mug and a certificate from the student participation team after being chosen as volunteer of the month

Bath in Fashion volunteer Emily Perry, peer mentor Sophie Wainright, and George Ormond, who cycled from Devon to Paris for charity, all collected certificates.

The Futures Team, which works to secure work experience and job opportunities for students, also handed out employability awards based on tutor nominations.

Award winners included fashion diploma student Jessica Hartrey, 17, who shadowed fashion stylists working on the Financial Times Magazine.

She said: “They printed my name in the magazine, so that was really good to see. Getting work experience has really spurred me on. I’m going to do a degree in fashion styling at Southampton University in September.”

Catering student Oliver Dunn was chosen to for an employability award after being offered a job at the five-star Royal Crescent Hotel.

Oliver, from Keynsham, impressed head chef David Campbell when he volunteered at a function for the Bath Food Awards.

The 17-year-old said: “He messaged me and asked if I wanted a job, it was quite an achievement. I’ve always wanted to be the best I could be and do fine dining.

“It’s really rewarding when you see your food plated up and going out to customers. Going to college has really set me up and given me a basis for the future.”

Bath College Principal Matt Atkinson said: “If anyone says ‘what is college about?’ this is what college is about. It’s about working with people to secure them good quality jobs for the future.

“There are some fantastic things going on across the college. We’re lucky to have some fantastic relationships with local employers, and now local employers are looking to use to secure their future workforce.”