Celebrating Success 2022

The outstanding achievements of South Essex College students have been celebrated at the college’s annual awards ceremony, Celebrating Success.

The event, held at the Park Inn, Southend, saw more than 30 students from across the college’s departments and campuses receive Student of the Year awards.

The awards recognised those studying on further education and adult programmes as well as apprenticeships. Higher education students studying at University Centre South Essex were also recognised.

Students were nominated for a variety of reasons including outstanding achievements, overcoming barriers to learning and positive contributions in the classroom.

The awards were presented by guest speaker and former college student Katie Winter who excelled during her time at the college to secure fulltime employment.

Katie studied on the Supported Internship programme at the college which allows young people with an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to transition from education into the world of work by combining work placements with study at college. Katie now works at IKEA in Lakeside.

She encouraged students to ‘have a good work ethic, have a positive attitude, be on time and most importantly, to have fun!’

Luke Lambert, who studies Musical Theatre at the college’s Southend Campus, was picked from all of the departmental winners by college principal, Denise Brown, to be named as overall Student of the Year.

Luke was praised for his dedication, ambition, and commitment to study as well as pursuing his career ambitions. His tutors described him as a model student who not only pushes himself to achieve, but his peers too. 

College Principal Denise Brown added her congratulations to all award winners.

She said: "It was the first time in a few years we have  been able to hold our annual awards evening in person because of the pandemic, so it really was a special night.
“We are all extremely proud of our students’ achievements this year and wish them all the best for the future.”

For more information about courses available at the college, visit www.southessex.ac.uk

Celebrating Success 2022 winners:

Fortitude Award
Joshua Adjekukor

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Student of the Year
Angel Hara

Gateway to Vocational Learning Student of the Year 
Lubna Sahmoud

Animal Care Student of the Year
Zoe Souto

Health and Social Care Student of the Year
George Humphries

Science Student of the Year
Emma Groom

Early Years Student of the Year
Macy Sugg

Art and Design Student of the Year
Reiss Willis

Media Student of the Year
Sophie Peacock

IT Student of the year
Stefan Vijan

Performing Arts Student of the Year
Luke Lambert

Hairdressing Student of the Year
Molly Wheal

Public Services Student of the Year
Aimee Glaze

Sports Student of the Year is
Mia Riley

Travel and Tourism Student of the Year
Lucas Vale

Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year
Jamie Murphy

Building Services Student of the Year
Andy Amoako

Construction Student of the Year
Harry Wilson

Engineering Student of the Year
Joseph Carroll

Motor Vehicle Student of the Year
Maison Lundrigan

Business & Logistics Student of the Year
Chloe Wade

Apprentice of the Year
Tyler Fairman

South Essex College Student of the Year
Luke Lambert

Adult Student of the Year
Chelsea Morrison

Higher Education awards
UAL Students of the Year
Amy Slade & Sophie Wade

UEA Student of the Year
Billy Gibbons

Teaching and Learning Student of the Year
Chloe Simpson

HNC Students of the Year
Aniku-Rehman Gul & Mark Ganyu

Success stories

Chloe Wade

My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics

South Essex College Group student, Chloe Wade, has been accepted as an Apprentice Marketing Executive for the BBC in White City.

Chloe is currently studying Level 3 Interactive Digital Media. She previously studied business at the college before swapping over to the Digital Media course. Other colleges didn’t supply the course she was looking for, and she felt that South Essex College Group provided the perfect environment and location to suit her needs.

Chloe applied for the apprentice position on Boxing day in December 2022 after finding the advert on Indeed. The interview process took six months and there were six different stages of the interview. Originally, there was supposed to be only five stages, however towards the end on the interview process it was whittled down to Chloe and another candidate so the BBC added an extra interview on top. The role is for a Marketing Executive Level 4 for 18 months, as well as being full-time with one day-a-week apprentice study through the online external provider.

When asked about the support from tutors, Chloe said: “They were all so encouraging, as each stage went on I informed my tutors. Darren who teachers audience theory, was so interested and excited, he was helping me prepare for everything and teaching me certain areas such as core values to put me ahead of everyone. They were so supportive, and I don’t think I would of got this far without their help.”

Chloe enjoys the flexibility at the college and secured work experience at which she created content for a zen and holistic company. She said: “The college offers such a variety of courses and freedom. 

“The courses are structured, but you get freedom as well, for example for my final project I chose to rebrand a cosmetic palette, where as another student created a music video. You all have the same criteria but freedom too. If you are worried, try it and give it a shot, the opportunities here are so wide.” 

She added: “My confidence has boosted massively and my work is recognised here. Last year I won who wants to be an entrepreneur and student of the year in business and logistics. My work recognised given me a boost. I work really hard and I’m so proud of how far I have come. The college appreciates you as an individual and gives you praise when you do work really hard.”
Chloe hopes to have her own business one day, in marketing, doing social media and content creating. As well as hoping to study Level 5 and 6 at the BBC.
 

Ethan Khumalo

Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”

South Essex College student Ethan Khumalo, 20, from Southend on Sea has taken part in a BBC documentary series ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’, which is presented by wildlife expert Chris Packham who himself lives with autism.

Ethan studies Games Design at the college’s Centre for Digital technologies in Basildon and has progressed from a Level 2 course through to currently studying for a degree. Ethan was asked to participate through his involvement in the Anna Kennedy Online charity which aims to raise autism awareness.

Ethan said that he enjoyed the whole filming process and that Chris Packham was really down-to-earth. He commented: “I learned a lot about how TV crews work and really got along with Chris. I am really excited about the show.”

 

Talking of his autism, Ethan explained that he prepared in advance before attempting his studies. He said: “With autism and other mental health issues preparation makes you feel more comfortable and you have to make the best of your abilities. You have good days and bad days the same as anyone but personally, If I have moments where it doesn’t go so well, music helps me.”

Ethan’s tutor, Rama Maccha said: Ethan is a dedicated and committed student who never misses a deadline. He is wonderful with sound and has helped younger students with their projects.”

Rathi Raman, the Head Basildon Town Centre Campus (BTC) would like to thank all the staff and students who volunteered to take part in this filming, and to the Estates team at Basildon Campus for providing hospitality to Chris Peckham and the BBC crew on the day of filming.

Ethan hopes to produce music in games production as a career and performs rap and hip hop as well as his studio work. His final message to anyone struggling with autism or any mental health issue is: “Remember it’s okay to be not okay.”

To watch the episode, follow the below link:

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001jgbw/inside-our-autistic-minds-series-1-episode-2

For more information on the Anna Kennedy charity, visit the below:

www.annakennedyonline.com

Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan

Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan

Course studied

Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 3 Diploma

It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.

Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.

The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams. 

He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.

Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.

He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’

He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.

“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”

Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.

His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”