Ryan – Supported Intern Student

Since starting as a supported intern student in 2022, Ryan Robertson has made leaps and bounds in his career as a budding videographer. We caught up with him to ask some questions about why he decided to take this path and how he has found the experience to date. When did your passion for videography […]
Find out more
Ryan Robertson - Supported Intern Student

Jessica – Childcare Student

Since starting college in 2020, Jessica Chesters has advanced from Level 1 all the way through to Level 3 in her childcare course. She is now one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a foster parent. We caught up with Jessica and asked her a few questions about her career journey. When did your […]
Find out more
Jessica – Childcare Student

Dawn – Adult Learner

From being made redundant to starting up her own blossoming business, the RNN Group has changed Dawn O’Hara’s life.
Find out more
Dawn O’Hara - Adult Learner

Engineering – Niall

Niall Greensmith was nominated for the Outstanding Apprentice award in Manufacturing by his employer Pattinson Brothers, part of Europa Engineering Ltd.
Find out more
Engineering – Niall

Construction – Emma

Ellie Rose completed her Level 3 in Brickwork at the College and is now a Brickwork Technician where she supports Construction students with their projects.
Find out more
Construction – Emma

Computing – James

James is a Computing and Digital student who has progressed from Level 3 to a Higher Education course in Computing and Systems Development.
Find out more
Computing – James

Learning and Development – Diane

To gain valuable coaching training to help support the development of staff wellbeing, HR Officer Diane is doing a Learning and Development apprenticeship.
Find out more
Learning and Development – Diane

Computing – Gregor

Gregor Milligan is a Computing and Digital student that has progressed from Level 3 Computing to a degree in Computing and Systems Development
Find out more
Computing – Gregor

Accounting – David Hodgson

David chose to study a Level 2 and Level 3 course in Accountancy and has now secured his first accountancy role as Assistant Accountant for Inspire Trust.
Find out more
Accounting – David Hodgson

Games Animation – Helen and Ellie

Helen Andrzejowska and Ellie Brown are former Games Animation students studying at Rotherham College, who have since leaving their Games Design degree at university grown their young business Ocean Spark Studios, video game development studio based in Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Both Helen and Ellie chose to study Games Animation at Rotherham College after finding out more about the course in the prospectus, and attending one of the Open Events. Helen said, “When I was flicking through the Rotherham College prospectus, it was then when I saw that the Games Animation course was actually a thing, and I never actually thought that any of the skills that I had could go into making games. It was not until reading about the course and coming in to meet the tutors that I thought this is actually for me. “We were given a little tour of the facilities so we could have a look at where we would be studying and we just really liked it, really liked the environment and the way the learning was structured - we just felt it would be a great environment for us to study in.” During their time at College, Helen and Ellie had the opportunity to develop a range of skills from character development, 3D modelling and trailer cutting. Helen explained, “During my time at Rotherham College I’d say I really loved the 3D Modelling – we learned such an amazing amount of skills that we now use daily, but I have to say that 3D modelling was the most valuable to me. “We learned things like Autodesk Maya and how to texture in Maya, and those skills I found made both myself and Ellie so much more advanced than any of the students studying Games Design at university. “The course gave us a really detailed understanding in 3D modelling but it also gave us skills that I think people wouldn’t think would go into games design. For example we learned things like how to cut video, use Premiere Pro and how to put together games trailers, which has enabled us to cut our own trailers right here in the studio and do all of our own video editing.” Ellie added, “At Rotherham College you get a real insight into what goes into making a game and you have access to one-to-one support if you need it. Myself being someone who was really interested in learning more about character development, the tutors will go above and beyond to find content that will help you progress.” As Directors of their own company, they have recently expanded their team to seven, offering work experience and internships to students and graduates, as well as giving regular talks and workshops to students studying Computing and Digital courses at the College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR). The talks are often themed on Helen and Ellie’s career journeys, as well as how to break into the gaming industry establishing a career in an industry worth £86 billion. Ellie said, “The gaming industry at the moment especially in the UK is huge, with Yorkshire region being one of the main location for smaller games studios and offers plenty of opportunities for a large variety of roles within the gaming industry.” Both Helen and Ellie are big advocates for studying at Rotherham College, as well as encouraging females to pursue a career in digital. Ellie added, “I would recommend Rotherham College, because the software and facilities provided, as well as the knowledge that the tutors have and the experiences and trips you get to go on such as gaming events and networking events, they’re second to none. “I also had the opportunity to build my confidence, encouraging me to stand up in front of people and talk about the things you’ve learned through presentation, has made me a more all-rounded and confident person.”
Find out more
Games Animation – Helen and Ellie

Engineering – Patrick

Former Engineering student Patrick O’Connor studied a Level 3 course in Manufacturing Engineering followed by a HNC in Mechanical Engineering, both at Rotherham College. Patrick is now an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at Nikken Kosakusho Europe, a manufacturer of tool holders and attachments based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.
Find out more
Engineering – Patrick

Travel and Tourism – Chris

Former student Chris Harcombe studied a Level 3 course in Travel and Tourism. Chris is now the Aviation Development Director for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, part of the senior management team at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and responsible for growing the business from an aviation perspective.
Find out more
Travel and Tourism – Chris

Performing Arts – Laura

Former student Laura Judge studied a Level 3 course in Performing Arts. Laura has since built an impressive career as an actress – with numerous roles in theatre, film and television – as well as teaching drama for a casting agency and launching her own theatre and education company.
Find out more
Performing Arts – Laura

Construction – Joel Wade

Joel chose to study Furniture Craft Level 1, 2 and 3, as well as Site Joinery and also progressed on to become a Woodwork Technician for a period of time.
Find out more
Construction – Joel Wade

Performing Arts – Ellie-Mae Royal

Ellie-Mae first found her feet on the Performing Arts Dance course and has since completed a degree in the area, now studying for her PGCE at University Centre Rotherham (UCR).
Find out more
Performing Arts – Ellie-Mae Royal

Construction – Ellie Rose Tizard

Ellie Rose completed her Level 3 in Brickwork at the College and is now a Brickwork Technician where she supports Construction students with their projects.
Find out more
Construction – Ellie Rose Tizard

ESOL – Badriya Mohammed

Badriya Mohammed, mother of three came to the UK in 2005 not knowing any English however since starting the ESOL course has become more confident in herself and her ability to communicate with others.
Find out more
ESOL – Badriya Mohammed

ESOL – Mansour Shishehgarzadeh

When arriving from his home country, Iran, Mansour found it tough to find employment however after improving his English through the ESOL course he is now more confident in communicating with others and has since secured employment.
Find out more
ESOL – Mansour Shishehgarzadeh

Art and Design – Emma Scully

After encountering a career-ending injury, Emma refocused her energy and discovered a new passion and, with a little help from the tutors at Rotherham College, she’s now very excited for what’s to come.
Find out more
Art and Design – Emma Scully

Maths and English – Magdalena Marnowska

After some big changes in her life, Magdalena chose to take a leap and improve her career prospects by studying Maths and English part-time alongside her current job at Aldi.
Find out more
Maths and English – Magdalena Marnowska

Hair and Beauty – Jade Walton

After working in jobs she had little interest in for many years, Jade, aged 30, decided to return to College to pursue something she was truly passionate about.
Find out more
Hair and Beauty – Jade Walton

Hair and Beauty – Jessica Bloor

Ever since a young age, Karolina realised that a career in hairdressing was something for her and decided to apply for an apprenticeship.
Find out more
Hair and Beauty – Jessica Bloor

Hair and Beauty – Joanne Redfearne

Joanne had worked in retail for many years, but when the pandemic struck and affected her working hours she had to rethink her career options. She joined the Level 2 Beauty course last year and hasn’t looked back ever since.
Find out more
Hair and Beauty – Joanne Redfearne

Hairdressing Apprentice – Karolina Lewandowska

Ever since a young age, Karolina realised that a career in hairdressing was something for her and decided to apply for an apprenticeship.
Find out more
Hairdressing Apprentice – Karolina Lewandowska

Media Make-up- Jessie Roberts

After GCSE's, Jessie was unsure on what route to go down. After experimenting with makeup during lockdown, they decided to study Media Make-up at college.
Find out more
Media Make-up- Jessie Roberts