FOUR students from the Redditch area have struck gold with a valuable award from the University of Worcester that could help them secure their dream job in the future.
Aimee Russell, aged 20, Sophie Albutt, 19, Liam Haglington, 21, and Sophie Gregory, also 20, have all achieved Gold Worcester Awards.
The Worcester Award is a University of Worcester initiative that helps students boost their employability by awarding credit for any extra activities they undertake in addition to their studies.
Aimee, from Hunt End, who has just finished the second year of her Primary Initial Teacher Education degree at the University of Worcester, secured her award with an extensive array of activities.
“I have completed more than 900 hours of activities to boost my skills and knowledge,” Aimee said. “I have done courses in basic physical education for primary school children, Dancefest – which encourages boys to dance at school, Signalong – a basic sign language course, and volunteering with the National Citizens Service – working with a group of 15 – 17 year olds on residential camps and in the local community.”
Sophie, from Bradley Green, has just completed the first year of her Primary Initial Teacher Education degree at Worcester and secured her Worcester Award with a range of activities from fundraising for Cancer Research UK to volunteering with a local Scout group and working on the committee of an award-winning student society.
Liam, from Matchborough West, who recently completed a Biochemistry degree at Worcester, also has little doubt of the value of the award.
He said: “I feel I have improved as a person through undertaking all my activities – which included everything from working as a researcher on a project looking at protein pathways for leukaemia to helping to run a successful student society. I also now feel that I have a better chance of standing out in the crowd when it comes to looking for work, because only a small percentage of students complete an award like this.”
Sophie, from Webheath, feels her award will help her secure her dream job as a primary school teacher.
“I feel proud of myself for securing the Gold award alongside studying for my Early Years Professional practice degree,” Sophie said. “Not every student can say they have completed a scheme like the Worcester Award, and I think that will help me in the future when I am applying for jobs and going for interviews.”
Ross Renton, Pro Vice Chancellor Students at the University, said: “We are so proud of all those students who have managed to achieve great things during their time here at the University of Worcester.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]
