Case studies
Here are a number of 'case studies' from learners (and past learners) on vocational programmes at Progress South Central's partner institutions who have given their time to talk to us about their experiences of education and their HE journey. They serve as real-life examples of vocational progression, often in the face of challenges.
Lorna Ashton-Scott, Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Bucks New University
"Go for your dream. It will change your life and transform and empower you. It's worth it."
Lewis Csizmazia, Foundation Degree in Graphic Design, Amersham & Wycombe College
"I really love the course, we get people in the industry come in to meet us as part of the lessons"
Vicky Donnelly, playcentre manager and part-time teaching practitioner at Abingdon & Witney College
""I thoroughly enjoyed the Foundation degree and the lecture times helped me fit in family and work commitments"
Jan Eedle-Wells, Foundation Degree in Community Development, Bucks New University
"The course has given me the tools that I need to make the breakthroughs necessary to 'make a difference'."
Arabella Elsey, Foundation Degree in Television Production, Amersham & Wycombe College
"During my GCSEs it was clear to me that the traditional A-level route wasn't going to be for me."
Emma Eastham, BSc (Hons) Animal Science, University of Reading
Susan Ginn, BSc (Hons) Nursing; previously at Amersham & Wycombe College
Josephine Hanney, Stop Smoking Advisor on the Work Health Trainer pilot project, part of 'Slough Working Better'
"You should not be afraid to look in a different direction at any point in your career."
Susan Hughes, Foundation Degree in Graphic Design, Amersham & Wycombe College
"When I've finished the Foundation Degree my plan is to stay on at Amersham, and continue on their BA top-up in Graphic Design. I know the college well, and enjoy it here as well as knowing I could fit the top-up around my other commitments."
Chris Humphrey, Apprentice at The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
Chris is undertaking an Apprenticeship initiated by Creative & Cultural Skills' Museums, Libraries and Archive Council and funded by Progress South Central
Jayne Johns, Foundation Degree in Communication in Organisations, Abingdon & Witney College
"Before, I regarded higher education as exclusively for the privileged"
David Keen, Trainee Contracts Manager at Overbury plc
"The rewards have been excellent and I would not be able to achieve what I have done without the opportunity to study in Higher Education"
Douglas Phillips and Jonathan Kempsell, Foundation Degree in Motorsports - Automotive and Performance Technology, Oxford & Cherwell Valley College
"The personal tutor system and small class means that you get more out of the course."
Lauren Reeves, Foundation Degree in Television Production, Amersham & Wycombe College
"When I left school I didn't really know what I wanted to do, I assumed I would just take the traditional route, mostly because I wasn't aware that there were alternatives available."
NEW! Since we first spoke to her in 2008, Lauren has gone on to even greater things - read her updated story at www.creativeportal.co.uk!
Hayley Sach, Foundation Degree in Working with Children and Young People, Bucks New University
Andy Sparke, 'Geek Squad Agent' at the Carphone Warehouse
"I wish I had done it years before."