Six Hyndburn students have been rewarded for their commitment to, and passion for, their studies.

The students, who attended Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC) and Nelson and Colne College (NCC), are successful applicants of the Pilkington Scholarship fund – providing a welcome cash boost to support them in pursuing their dream careers.

The fund, established in 1929, provides scholarships or grants for those aged 25 or under, who live within Hyndburn and are continuing their education through university level study. 

Awards were given for entries that demonstrate excellence, endeavour, greatest contribution, overcoming greatest obstacles and progress, following nominations for their tutors.

Four students who studied a NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care were the first to benefit.

Declan Bloomer, from Clayton-le-Moors, was nominated by tutor Cheri Fenwick.

She said: “Declan was a deserving candidate for the greatest achievement award. His outstanding academic achievements, successful completion of the Care Certificate, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and his pursuit of higher education all exemplify his commitment, dedication, and potential to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and beyond.”

Declan has gone on to study Nutritional Science at Edge Hill University.

Cheri also nominated Halima Nawaz, from Accrington.

“Halima’s outstanding academic performance, work experience at esteemed healthcare institutions, and active participation in extracurricular activities made her an exceptional candidate for the Excellence award. 

“Her achievements, dedication, and potential for success in the field of children’s nursing – which she is studying Salford University – set her apart from her peers and made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.” 

Jessica McLoughlin, from Accrington, also benefitted from the fund.

Her entry said: “Jessica’s consistently high grades, active participation in extracurricular activities, and completion of the work placement made her an ideal candidate for the Endeavor Award. Her outstanding achievements, dedication, and passion for helping others positioned her as an exemplary individual deserving of recognition and support.”

Katelyn Hodgkinson, from Accrington, was praised for “consistent progress in academic studies, coupled with her excellent work experience reports and her decision to study Adult Nursing at UCLAN.”

NCC A Level student, Charlie Boyer, from Accrington, was nominated by his tutor Kat Atherton for overcoming obstacles.

Charlie has worked incredibly hard over the past two years during his A Levels, showing excellent resilience and true grit and determination after stepping up to the challenge during the transition from GCSEs.

Kat said: “Charlie showed great resilience in the face of some challenges in year 1. He remained committed, putting in extra effort by actively participating in additional workshops for support.”

Charlie is now studying Sports Journalism at UCLAN.

Joshua Baynes, from Accrington, studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at ARC.

His nomination, submitted by tutor Michael Worthington, said: “Josh’s nomination for the category of Excellence was testament to his unwavering dedication, academic achievements, exceptional work experience, and relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.”

Josh is now studying Teacher Training at Edge Hill University and plans to become a PE Teacher.

The Pilkington Scholarship fund is one of the many ways that Accrington & Rossendale and Nelson & Colne College support learners to succeed and follow their dream career path. The courses are designed to teach technical and academic skills, supporting the people of Hyndburn to reach high value careers, and to meet the skills needs of regional employers.

Excelling in the regional SkillBuild qualifiers, Shelby Fitzakerly secured an impressive second place in the final of a national competition, which saw 78 construction trainees vying for victory in their respective trades.

19-year-old Shelby, an Accrington and Rossendale College student, part of the Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), knew she wanted to pursue a practical career where she could put her academic and technical skills to the test.

After winning her heat in the regional qualifiers of SkillBuild, Shelby, from Gisburn, went head-to-head with seven fellow apprentices in the final showdown at Milton Keynes.

Judges rigorously assessed competitors’ technical skills, knowledge, and ability to perform under pressure, evaluating tasks such as hanging wallpaper murals, freehand painting, and preparing woodwork against the clock. And Shelby emerged as a standout runner-up in the demanding painting and decorating category. An amazing achievement for a student just in the first year of training.

Shelby said: “The competition was amazing. Taking part gave me a real confidence boost and helped me improve my skills like my timing and following a plan.

“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. I was in shock! It was great getting through to the finals and I didn’t expect anything else. It was a really good experience.”

Still in the first year of her three-year apprenticeship working for former Accrington and Rossendale College student Chris Penny, she plans to become a painter and decorator once qualified.

NCCG’s apprenticeship initiatives are strategically crafted often in collaboration with employers, ensuring the perfect alignment with the ever-evolving needs of modern industries. We take pride in addressing the most current skills gaps, providing businesses with a pipeline of ambitious talent armed with the latest industry knowledge.

Accrington and Rossendale College is a beacon for technical excellence, with strong employer links and unrivalled, tailored, tutor support. This is evident in Shelby’s success, not only within this competition, but within her Apprenticeship as well. 

Partnering with NCCG means tapping into a resource that tailors education to employer’s specific needs.

If you’re eager to boost your workforce with skilled professionals, reach out today. Discover how our apprenticeship programs can elevate your business by shaping a workforce that meets your industry’s demands.

Six Hyndburn students have been rewarded for their commitment to, and passion for, their studies.

The students, who attended Accrington and Rossendale College (ARC) and Nelson and Colne College (NCC), are successful applicants of the Pilkington Scholarship fund – providing a welcome cash boost to support them in pursuing their dream careers.

The fund, established in 1929, provides scholarships or grants for those aged 25 or under, who live within Hyndburn and are continuing their education through university level study. 

Awards were given for entries that demonstrate excellence, endeavour, greatest contribution, overcoming greatest obstacles and progress, following nominations for their tutors.

Four students who studied a NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care were the first to benefit.

Declan Bloomer, from Clayton-le-Moors, was nominated by tutor Cheri Fenwick.

She said: “Declan was a deserving candidate for the greatest achievement award. His outstanding academic achievements, successful completion of the Care Certificate, active involvement in extracurricular activities, and his pursuit of higher education all exemplify his commitment, dedication, and potential to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and beyond.”

Declan has gone on to study Nutritional Science at Edge Hill University.

Cheri also nominated Halima Nawaz, from Accrington.

“Halima’s outstanding academic performance, work experience at esteemed healthcare institutions, and active participation in extracurricular activities made her an exceptional candidate for the Excellence award. 

“Her achievements, dedication, and potential for success in the field of children’s nursing – which she is studying Salford University – set her apart from her peers and made her a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition.” 

Jessica McLoughlin, from Accrington, also benefitted from the fund.

Her entry said: “Jessica’s consistently high grades, active participation in extracurricular activities, and completion of the work placement made her an ideal candidate for the Endeavor Award. Her outstanding achievements, dedication, and passion for helping others positioned her as an exemplary individual deserving of recognition and support.”

Katelyn Hodgkinson, from Accrington, was praised for “consistent progress in academic studies, coupled with her excellent work experience reports and her decision to study Adult Nursing at UCLAN.”

NCC A Level student, Charlie Boyer, from Accrington, was nominated by his tutor Kat Atherton for overcoming obstacles.

Charlie has worked incredibly hard over the past two years during his A Levels, showing excellent resilience and true grit and determination after stepping up to the challenge during the transition from GCSEs.

Kat said: “Charlie showed great resilience in the face of some challenges in year 1. He remained committed, putting in extra effort by actively participating in additional workshops for support.”

Charlie is now studying Sports Journalism at UCLAN.

Joshua Baynes, from Accrington, studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at ARC.

His nomination, submitted by tutor Michael Worthington, said: “Josh’s nomination for the category of Excellence was testament to his unwavering dedication, academic achievements, exceptional work experience, and relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.”

Josh is now studying Teacher Training at Edge Hill University and plans to become a PE Teacher.

The Pilkington Scholarship fund is one of the many ways that Accrington & Rossendale and Nelson & Colne College support learners to succeed and follow their dream career path. The courses are designed to teach technical and academic skills, supporting the people of Hyndburn to reach high value careers, and to meet the skills needs of regional employers.