Students from across Lancashire gained top honours at Blackburn College’s Further Education Star Award. 

The FE Star Awards rewarded over 100 students from a variety of programmes including A-Levels, Business; Digital; Music; Health and Social Care; Law; Construction and Motor Vehicle.

Those who achieved top grades and had secured a coveted place at top universities were also recognised, in addition to students who had progressed directly into employment or had triumphed against adversity.

Sameer Ali aged 17, a former student at Pleckgate High School said, “Blackburn College gave me a great opportunity by finding me a six-week work placement at Euro Garages. 

“After 6 weeks I was offered a permanent job at Euro Garages.

“Whereas before I was confused about what I wanted to do, the placement helped prepare me for what I had coming. 

Sameer’s tutors nominated him for the award saying:  “Sameer came to Blackburn College with no idea what he wanted to do.

“Our Traineeship Employment Co-ordinator secured a work placement as part of the Traineeship study programme at Euro Garages where he had the opportunity to experience different job roles. 

“On completion of the programme, Euro Garages were so impressed with Sameer that he was offered a paid job with them as an Operations Executive. 

“He is still in post and keeps in touch. Sameer had 100% attendance, was always on time and is described as a very proactive and supportive member of the group.”

Asian Image:

Meanwhile, Anita Afzal, aged 19  picked up the Early Years award.

Anita said: “Blackburn College was a brilliant place to study. Whilst I was on my last placement during Level 3 I was offered a job in the same nursery I was doing my placement in. 

“I am working there at the moment and I love it. That’s thanks to Blackburn College.”