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00:00:34 GMT on 10 March 2010

About the College: Student Profiles

Danielle

Carpenter, Heritage Construction Firm

My first workplace as an apprentice carpenter with Holloway White Allom was in Kensington Palace Gardens, a £40m, Grade 2 listed house. Every building we work in has history. Doing an apprenticeship plus college is great, you get to work, learn and earn money at the same time. The teachers were really supportive, as the only girl, they didn’t treat me differently but I knew if I had a problem I could talk to them.

The job gives me great experience. You meet all kinds of people from all over the world. I’m qualified after three years but I want to get more practical skills as it’s impossible to learn everything in that time. I’ll develop my skills for a couple more years, then think about the next level. I’ve already spoken to the teachers about the next course - I’ll definitely go back to Barking and Dagenham College, there’s no doubt about that.

Vicson

Foundation Degree in Graphic Design

I went to another college but got kicked out twice. I had settled here from another country, I just didn’t understand the paperwork and they didn’t help me. I applied for other colleges and didn’t get in. I didn’t know what to do - I was just sitting at home. I’d had bad experiences earlier at school and I was getting into trouble.

Then I came here, met Jon (Graphic Design head, Jon Gay) and got onto the course. It couldn’t have gone any better; I’ve learnt so much and I’m really happy. I learn new stuff every day. The teachers are really helpful, you get so much help and support that you really want to do the work and do well. I want to be a graphic designer and I’m already starting to see how the business works. Some of us are working on ideas for the design of the College’s new logo and it’s a big challenge to work on this project.

Tatiana

BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design

I lost my parents and came to this country 11 years ago with my sisters. I still have difficulties coping with my parents no longer being alive. Last year I did Photography here and although I think the teaching is great, I felt that it didn’t suit me as it doesn’t allow me to express myself in the way that I need to.

I like editing photos, I’ve always expressed myself in notes and images. It’s about yourself, your personality, there are things that you cannot forget, that don’t go away and I’ve found that graphics is one of the things I love as a form of expression. I miss not having feedback from my family but the teachers here will always give their comments when I finish a project and I take that as praise.

Adam

Painter & decorator, heritage construction firm

I’m with Holloway White Allom, a Mayfair builder, working on heritage buildings. I had worked for another company but they treated me quite badly. I was very put off painting and decorating but when I got to Holloway White Allom, I was amazed – massive offices, beautifully decorated – and everyone was polite and smartly dressed.

I’ve been coming to College for three years and it’s fine. Everyone’s quite nice, it’s friendly and has a good atmosphere. I’m here to get my skills. My employer is good for progression. Next year I’ll take the NVQ L4, then the HNC in Construction. They’re training me with a specialist paper-hanging company, working with luxury papers, pure silk – rolls that can cost £3000. In the future, I’d definitely think about teaching or becoming an NVQ assessor. I know about being an apprentice, the bad times and good times, so I’d be able to relate to the apprentices.

Dalia

I came from Lithuania five years ago, not speaking a word of English. I went to Barking Learning Centre for two and a half years. The best thing is to go there and wish – if you really want to improve, you can do it. I decided I really have to learn the language before finding work in what I want to do.

I’d really like to study more and work in child psychology. On the ESOL course, my writing and grammar was excellent but I’m not confident with speaking and the phone is the most difficult. My teacher says that speaking well will come later. I loved doing the courses, I made so many friends from different countries. I didn’t know what to do – courses, skills ¬ – but my tutor told me about voluntary work to get experience. I went to a charity shop and they took me on as a volunteer. With this work experience, I was able to get full-time paid employment and I’m now an assistant manager in a shop.

Kyrylo

I came here two years ago from Russia, having studied English at school. On the ESOL courses, I was inspired by other students and hope I inspired them; the whole group progressed together. We had great encouragement from the College staff. They told us about different aspects of British culture that we might not know, so the next time they made a joke, we understood it. I’m currently enjoying Michael McIntyre’s comedy, as humour really helps me to understand the language more fully.

I hope to go to university next year, after completing the one-year access course here at Barking and Dagenham College. I’m also in my third year in a business management degree in Russia, so I go at least twice a year to do the exams. I’m very inspired to study international relations here in London. I’ve lived in many countries and people say that they are different but I see the similarities: people discuss the same topics and have the same passions. Eventually, I would like to represent my country in the diplomatic services.

Mine

I came from Turkey five years ago. I plan to study here and return. I had to learn English first before I can study another subject. The teachers at Barking Learning Centre are so helpful, they take time to explain when you have a problem. I like their teaching. I had my exhibition at the Gallery, after my teacher heard that I draw scenery, she made an appointment for me and they gave me the exhibition. When I’ve got a problem I always draw scenery, it takes me somewhere else. It didn’t take long to learn but I’m not perfect at English, I need to get better at speaking. My reading and writing are quite good but the grammar is difficult. I’m doing Level 1 and I want to be an English teacher. I would also like to do a course to be able to teach art as well. I want to teach here first, then in Turkey. When I arrived, I cried for three months but now I see that the possibilities are very good here.

James

James is studying an NVQ3 in Plumbing, combining work with a day release at college. Amazingly James travels all the way from his home in Coulsdon, Surrey to study at Barking and Dagenham College because he says there is nowhere nearer with the facilities and first class reputation to rival Barking and Dagenham College.

Fozia

Fozia attended school in Walthamstow but it was Barking and Dagenham College's Art and Design facilities and the quality of the students' work which resulted in her choosing to study Fine Art at the College. Having passed her National Diploma she is now taking her Fine Art to a higher level by continuing at the college with an HND.

Jaker

Jaker is Deaf. Despite living in NW1 he chose the long commute to Barking and Dagenham College because the Communication support was of such a high quality (all the Communicators are qualified to level 3 in sign language). Having gained an HND in 3D Design he is now studying for a degree in Interior Design at University.

Yasmin

Yasmin studied on a full time painting and decorating course last year and as a result of the skills she learned was snapped by a decorating company and is now an apprentice decorator continuing her studies at Barking and Dagenham College on a day release basis.

Billy

When Billy joined Barking and Dagenham College he had the qualifications and skills to study an intermediate course in Art and Design. With lots of study and hard work Billy has progressed and last year completed a HND in Fine Art which resulted in him being accepted to study at the Norwich School of Art and Design.

Colleen

Colleen works for a large construction company and came to Barking and Dagenham College to study for her National Award in Construction as a Day Release student. With extra study, this year Colleen is converting her National Award to a National Certificate.

John

John originally started studying at Barking and Dagenham College whilst still attending Sydney Russell School on the 'Link' scheme. He has continued to develop his skills and qualifications and is currently studying towards his Advanced award in Painting & Decorating.

Serah

Serah had little IT knowledge when she discovered the free courses available at the Barking and Dagenham College Learning Villages. Having passed several qualifications Serah had the confidence to join an Access to IT course which she passed with flying colours. She is currently studying for a HNC in Computing.

Farrah

Farrah studied a HND in photography and now is busy working as a freelance photographer.

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