Student profiles

Natalie Beadsworth

Advanced Apprentice, EADS Astrium

I took the Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at HighburyCollege as part of my Advanced Apprenticeship with the satellite technology company EADS Astrium.

I took the course part-time, which allowed me to obtain hands-on experience at Astrium where I’ve been learning about everything from calculating how much it costs to launch a satellite to learning about the chemicals used to send it into space.

The course itself was a mix of practical work and assignments that gave me the theoretical background I needed to develop my skills in the workplace.

I studied the materials at College and then when I got back to the materials lab at work I was physically using the techniques we’d all been talking about. It all connects.

In the time my friends at school have taken to do their degrees, I’ve managed to go into education and get what I need from it, work for a brilliant company and get so much experience in different areas. And I’m not in debt.

Danielle Evemy

Distance Learning Administrator, Highbury City of Portsmouth Centre

I started off at Highbury by taking a National Certificate in Business. I live close to the College and found studying here very convenient.

I really enjoyed studying at Highbury and enrolled on the Higher National Certificate in Business in 2007. It was a full-time course and really hard work, but I found that the teachers were supportive. Class sizes were small, so you could always ask for help if you needed it.

After my HNC I enrolled on an HND ‘Top Up’. I studied for this part-time while working as an administrator for a local business. I came to College one evening a week but it was easy to access assignments and lecture notes thanks to MyCourse, which is the College’s on-line virtual learning environment.

Studying at Highbury has helped me to mature and prepared me for the workplace. In fact, I like the College so much that I actually work for it now. I plan to take a teaching course at Highbury and my long-term goal is to teach on a business related course.

William Riach

Field Engineer, Cowley Computer Solutions

I took a 2-year BTEC National Diploma in Systems Support at Highbury College and moved on to a Foundation Degree in Computer Networking.

I chose Highbury because it offers such good value. Highbury’s Foundation Degree was far more cost effective than studying at university, and I was able to stay close to home and study part-time, which made it more affordable. In addition, the Foundation Degree offered me real, hands-on work experience, unlike some courses at university.

I wanted to take a university-level course because I knew it would help me to get a better job and improve my earning potential. Also, as part of the course we had the opportunity to work towards extra qualifications, such as the CISCO Certified Network Associate certification.

Luke Stephens-Chandler

Engineering Support to Manufacture Design Engineer, EADS Astrium

I completed a Higher National Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical Manufacture) in 2005 as part of my Advanced Apprenticeship with the space company EADS Astrium Ltd.

I studied for the HNC at Highbury in five-week blocks. It was hard work, but good fun, and I picked up the essentials of engineering theory, which included Computer Aided Design, manufacturing processes and mechanical / electronic principles.

I was then able take back what I’d learned to Astrium, and because I had the theoretical knowledge I felt more confident when I was working on projects.

As an employee of Astrium I’ve been able to work abroad, including a period spent at their centre in Toulouse, France, where I led an engineering team.

Achieving an academic qualification was really important for me and I am now working towards a BSc (Hons) in Aerospace Technology with Management at the University of Hertfordshire. Both the HNC and the BSc are part-time, which means I’ve been able to study while working at Astrium.

Once I’ve finished my Degree I plan to progress to the role of Responsible Engineer and lead my own team.

Sarah-Jane Rogers

Certificate in Further and Higher Education

I’m a Corporal in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) and work at Fort Block House in Gosport, where I train Health Care Assistants for the Nursing Corps.

I already had a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) qualification before I started at Highbury and was able to go straight on to the second year of the Certificate in Further and Higher Education.

I’ve found studying at Highbury really useful. In the Army we a specific way of doing things but the Cert Ed has provided me with a fresh perspective, which is more student-centred and enables trainees to think more for themselves.

Since I’ve started the Cert Ed I’ve found that the trainees are better motivated and want to go on and learn more.

Taking the Cert Ed has given me a real taste for teaching and learning. Once I’ve finished my period of military service I’d like to study for an English Degree and teach in a primary school. 

Owen Vanderhoven

Journalist, Portsmouth News, Quay Radio

I took the two-year Foundation Degree in Professional Media Production at Highbury and graduated in 2009. Since then I’ve been working at the Portsmouth News as a sports reporter and Quay Radio as a presenter.

I already had media experience before I started at Highbury but the course helped me develop professionally and enhanced my skills further. It was fantastic and taught me a lot.

The course was pretty intensive and covered every aspect of media, from TV and radio production to online journalism and current affairs. The lecturers were very knowledgeable and provided plenty of support.

Since completing the course I feel better prepared and have a more thorough understanding of the industry. Taking the course has broadened my options and given me the skills I need to work in a variety of media sectors.