Over 150 young people have celebrated another successful year at YMCA Plymouth’s Discovery College, after completing a range of vocational courses from public services to childcare.
After achieving the best exam results in the nine years since it was founded, Discovery College students celebrated at their annual presentation day held at Plymouth Albion.
Students received certificates and awards in recognition of their hard work and are now looking ahead to studying at top Universities across the country or starting careers and apprenticeships.
Despite being one of the smaller 16-19 providers in the city, the Honicknowle based college has earned a strong reputation for enabling young people to thrive in its supportive and inspiring environment.
Completing a Level 3 Sports Diploma on the day, Ben Yeoman said: “The tutors are like pals, always by your side and there to help you get where you want to be.”
For him, that place to be was a career as a PE teacher, something he’ll now be starting with an apprenticeship at a local primary school this September.
Many students graduating from the college cite the community feel and togetherness of the college which makes it a unique place that gets the best out of them.
Graduating with a level 3 BTEC in Business, and moving onto study Business Management at Plymouth University, Louisa Morgan said: “It’s like a second home – It’s not too big, nobody is left out and tutors have time for everyone.”
Beth Halligan, who graduated in Health & Social Care said: “My tutor was there for me even when I struggled and thought I was going to give up, but they were behind me telling me I could do it. It was that motivation that pushed me to complete my course, and I’m now moving onto study Nursing at University”.
Completing her Level 2 Travel & Tourism course Angel Scott said: “Discovery College motivated me and had a faith in me that I’d never experienced in school or another college. They helped me grow in confidence when I had none when I started out – for that I can’t thank them enough.” Angel is now looking ahead to continuing her path to become a train driver for GWR.
Discovery College is still accepting places for students wanting to start in September 2019 with courses in Business, Childcare, Health & Social Care, Public Services, Sport and Travel & Tourism. Start your journey today by visiting www.discoverycollege.org.uk
