Stephen a former pupil of Dunluce School enrolled on to the BTEC National Business course in September in 2012 with a strong GCSE profile and finished with an overall achievement of straight distinctions, the equivalent of three A grades at ‘A’ level. He worked solidly and consistently over the two years, going from strength to strength to achieve this outstanding profile.
Stephen always believed that the Level 3 course would give him the knowledge and skills he needed to progress and find a career in the business world. He always remained focused on his main objective which was to go to University and study Property Management at a higher level.
During the 2nd year of the course Stephen became a volunteer for one of the local charities in Coleraine. He found this invaluable, not only from the point of view of helping people in need but he found that working in a business environment gave him more confidence working with others and also an important insight into the world of work. Also last year Stephen entered his business idea, which he researched as part of his Level 3 Diploma, into a competition - Coleraine Test Town, a UK event with only 5 towns selected. His idea was a health drink smoothie, made with oats, the oats were mixed with fresh fruit and milk to create a healthy protein breakfast drink. Stephen got through to the final of the competition which ran for 6 days at the end of June 2014, he was given training with local business mentors for four days and on the Friday and Saturday he had to sell his product to customers in the Diamond Centre, Coleraine. With the help of a friend Stephen made a small profit and although he was not chosen as the winner he had a great experience which he can take with him as he progresses through University.
His Tutors are very proud of his overall achievement and wish him well in his studies at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, where he is currently studying for a MSCI in Planning and Property Development.
Other business awards presented at the Coleraine campus last week include,
DR STEVENSON PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP
Janice Miskelly
Janice enrolled on to the BTEC National course from Dunluce School in September 2012 with an excellent GCSE profile. She worked conscientiously over the two years and achieved the highest three grades of straight distinctions, the equivalent of three ‘A’ grades at A level.
The quality of her work never disappointed. It was always of an exceptionally high standard and very professionally presented. Janice always had the capability of being able to connect theory and practice and her scripts were a pleasure to mark and grade. She was one of the most dependable, reliable students in that year, she was always there and knew exactly what she had to do and by when. Janice was a very welcome addition to the class, she took everything in her stride and was always a very steady and calming influence.
She is currently studying on the HND Business programme at NRC. The Team are extremely pleased that she decided to stay on at NRC and are very happy with her progress, they wish her well in her future.
ELIZABETH THOMPSON ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Clare Gibson
Clare enrolled on to the BTEC National course in September 2012 from Cross & Passion College. She worked tirelessly to ensure a final outstanding achievement of straight distinctions which is the equivalent of three ‘A’ grades at ‘A’ level.
During the two years of the course Clare remained committed to producing outstanding coursework for each of the 18 units. This was made more difficult for Clare as she was a full-time mum of two young girls.
At times Clare was not able to make it to class because of her home responsibilities but her desire to fulfil her educational obligations never waivered. She often sent through assignment work in the wee small hours, a time which she had obviously set aside for herself to fulfil her own personal interests and aspirations.
Clare is one of those people who gives her all, nothing less will do. She has made the decision to take a break from studying at the moment to concentrate more on the girls, but she remains eager to pick up where she left off when she has more time to devote to study. The Team wish her well bringing up her young family and hope to see her return to education in the not too distant future.
SPRINGWELL CUP
Karina Henry
Karina enrolled on to the BTEC National Diploma in Business course in September 2012 from Cross & Passion College, after successfully completing the BTEC First Diploma course in June 2012. The Level 3 course has not only given her an excellent final profile of two distinctions and a merit but the opportunity for her to continue her studies here at NRC.
Karina had a lot to prove to herself, she had a real desire and determination to succeed and she showed everyone that with the right attitude and work ethic you could indeed be successful. Karina worked extremely hard during her three years at NRC, she showed a willingness and eagerness to produce the best work she could, as everything fell into place she became more confident in her abilities and she gained even more faith in her capabilities.
At the moment Karina is studying on the Level 5 HND Business course, part-time, and is already well on her way to a good Year 1 profile. Her Tutors are very proud of her achievements so far and sincerely hope that Karina continues to believe in her abilities and is successful in everything she does.