Travel student wins BTEC award

A travel & tourism student’s dedication and determination has been recognised after she was awarded bronze in this year’s Pearson BTEC Awards.

Caitlin Sargeant is celebrating winning a Bronze Award in BTEC Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Learner of the Year 2020.

The 10th annual awards are internationally recognised and showcase the strength, resilience, flexibility, determination and perseverance of BTEC students, educators and learning centres.

Due to the coronavirus lockdown, this year’s awards were livestreamed so everyone could still enjoy and celebrate their achievements virtually.

Caitlin said: “It feels amazing to have won an award after studying at college for three years! It makes me feel like all of my hard work has been worthwhile and it will help me as I begin to look for a job within the travel and tourism industry.”

Caitlin earned the award after completing her Level 3 qualification with a triple distinction (D*D*D*) - the highest possible grade available.

She added: “I’ve had supportive tutors that have always been on hand to guide and support me during my three years studying travel and tourism at Highbury. Even during what has been a difficult time this year, the College has continued to support me remotely to enable me to finish my course successfully.”

Lecturer in Travel & Tourism Amy Benham said: “I nominated Caitlin because of her dedication to learning. She has been studying travel and tourism since Level 2 and has achieved consistent distinctions throughout her time with us. Caitlin is always happy to help her peers, and shares her additional research in class, adding fantastic input to our class discussions.

“Additionally, Caitlin has profound hearing loss. She uses cochlear implants and has to work twice at hard to process the information that she receives in class via lip reading and reading additional notes given at the end of the lesson. Despite what could be considered an adversity, she has shone throughout her time here at Highbury College and we are so proud of her perseverance and all that she has achieved.”

Penny Wycherley, interim principal and CEO of Highbury College, said: "Congratulations Caitlan. It’s wonderful to see Caitlin’s achievements recognised on a national stage - she is an inspiration to us all. I’m sure she faced some tough competition and she is truly a worthy winner. I’d also like to thank the organisers of the Pearson BTEC Awards who haven’t let the current Covid-19 restrictions stop us celebrating the nation’s top talent."

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