A Nelson and Colne College student has scooped two national accolades at the tenth annual BTEC Learner of the Year Awards.

Vocational Business student Marium Shafique, 21, from Nelson, was named winner of the BTEC Business and Enterprise Learner of the Year Award and the BTEC Adult Learner of the Year Award 2020 during the virtual ceremony on Thursday.

Ms Shafique was recognised by judges as a "stand-out leader" in her peer group and was praised for her "ambition and focus".

Her work outside the classroom was also acknowledged, including voluntarily supporting elderly people to improve their IT skills.

After arriving in the UK as a 16-year-old from Italy, with limited spoken and no written English, she has since achieved an English as a Second Language qualification (ESOL), GCSE and Level 1 qualifications and is set to achieve a Triple Distinction* in her Level 3 BTEC Business – the highest possible grade.

Ms Shafique said: “I’m thrilled to win these awards. Achieving this is a huge accomplishment for me because it reflects my hard work throughout my years at College and the passion that I have for Business.

“Studying a BTEC has developed me personally and professionally in so many ways. Learning business language has developed my wider English skills and it has raised my aspirations and reshaped my career goals.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities the course has given me and hopefully my success will open new doors for me in the future.”

She added that after going to university, she plans to work in the banking and finance sector.

Marium’s tutor, Keren Morley, said: “Marium is unlike any other student I have ever taught, and is way beyond her years.

"She is so charismatic and confident, and she maximises every opportunity she gets. Her interpersonal skills are remarkable and she stands out from peers for her independence, professionalism, leadership and maturity.

“Marium understands the importance of risk and being open to new opportunities, and these, combined with her many other key qualities, will serve her well in the business world.

"I have no doubt that she will be a high achiever and enjoy a successful career.”