Go west, young man: The college years
‘Go west, young man’ is a saying best known for inspiring Americans in the nineteenth century to migrate and explore opportunities in the frontier.
At Power Gems HQ in rainy Manchester, owner Phil Ellams could be heard advising two of our team – Michal Nazarewski and Des Ferguson – to do the same. Though he was referring to Warrington, some 10 miles to the west, considerably closer than our premises in Hollywood.
Why? Well, Warrington & Vale Royal College is enrolling for courses starting in September 2019.
Both Michal and Des will be signing up for the new term, for college studies sponsored by Power Gems. Traditionally we’ve favoured Trafford College, but Warrington has an impressive range of technical courses and is the same distance to travel, but in the opposite direction.
For Des (below left), who starts a part-time HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, it’ll be a new experience. He’s been with us for nearly a year as an Electrical & Electronics Assembler/Packing Assistant, and as a keen gym member we know he’s got the discipline to combine work with study.
Whilst Michal (right), who recently graduated with an HNC from Trafford, needs to remember to go the other way, for the next two years to complete an HND. Over the last three years, he has progressed from a BTEC Level 3 Diploma to degree-level, gradually spending less time in ballast assembly and more in product testing, applying his new skills.
Warrington is one of the best general further education colleges in the country and has celebrated another year of superb vocational results. So, no pressure on Des and Michal to keep up the good work!
