A STUDENT is on course to fulfil his dream of becoming a police officer after a "life-changing" two years at an Ellesmere Port college campus.

Nathan Wainwright, 18, joined Cheshire College instead of staying on at sixth form after his GCSEs and despite being "scared" about his new surroundings has thrived during his time there.

As a Level 3 IT Computer Science learner, he has developing a broad range of IT knowledge and built upon his transferable skills to successfully secure an offer to study Professional Policing at Ormskirk's Edge Hill University in September.

Talking about his experience at Cheshire College, Nathan said: "I was scared at first coming to college and having to get to know new people, but all the teachers have been lovely and it’s been really nice.

"The course is really good and it’s been a big help in terms of getting me to university, which I didn’t think would happen.

"Coming to College has been life-changing for me! I’ve been able to attend college whilst working part-time and have completed my course to gain a place at university.

"In the future, I hope to finish my policing degree and become a police officer."

From September 2021, Cheshire College’s computing and IT courses will be based at their Chester Campus which is home to the education provider’s innovation and entrepreneurial hub and business courses.

Jacky Lowe, assistant principal of business, science and computing & IT at Cheshire College, said: “We pride ourselves on empowering people to achieve their full potential and it’s been fantastic to see Nathan thrive during his time at college.

"He has continued to work hard to ensure he has the skills and knowledge to succeed in ambitions of becoming a police officer and I, along with all of the tutors within the department wish him the very best of luck in his next steps."

Cheshire College’s computing & IT department has also introduced a new Higher Education course in computing which would see successful learners gain a Higher National Certificate (HNC).

The HNC computing course has been designed for learners to meet the demands of employers in the computing sector, which will enable them to develop a range of specialist technical skills.

Jacky added: "The introduction of our HNC Computing course has come at a time when digital skills are more important than ever.

"All modern workplaces thrive on digital skills, such as software programming, digital marketing and design, web analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine and manufacturing technology, along with computer and networking support systems to name but a few.

"It is a really exciting time for any learner looking to enter the industry and I am extremely pleased that we are able to help train the next generation."

  • To find out more about computing & IT or Higher Education at Cheshire College visit www.ccsw.ac.uk .