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South Essex College selected to deliver free professional driver qualifications
Please note, these courses have now reached capacity and we are unfortunately unable to accept any further applications at this time.
South Essex College has been selected to deliver a series of free professional driver qualifications through the government’s HGV Bootcamp initiative.
The courses, which last up to 16 weeks, are suitable for those new to heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driving, or those returning to driving. Those wanting to upgrade their licence or qualifications can also apply.
The courses are free and are available to those who are 19 years of age or older who hold a full category B (car) licence with no penalty points.
The courses will be run from the college’s Basildon Luckyn lane and Thurrock, Grays High Street campuses. Excellent rail and bus links to the campuses not only make these courses accessible to local people, but those from further afield too.
The college has also been working with its range of partners to guarantee everyone who successfully completes their course an interview with a local employer seeking class 2 or C class licence holders.
As part of the programme, students will undertake a medical and learn the theory side of driving a commercial vehicle, before embarking on a week of practical driver training. Once the driver training is complete, students will undertake their class 2 driving test before receiving guidance to develop employability skills and prepare them for interview.
Mark Bentley, Logistics Operations Director, said the courses were key to addressing the current driver shortage.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for people to gain the skills needed to provide an essential service.
“As the courses are free, there has never been a better time for people to upskill or take on a completely new qualification.”
Please note, these courses have now reached capacity and we are unfortunately unable to accept any further applications at this time.
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Joe Carroll
Course studied
I would recommend South Essex College because the timetable is great for someone to get a part time job outside of college.
Engineering Student of the Year, Joe Carroll started the year as a shy student lacking confidence, however, his commitment to the course and excellent attitude towards learning has seen him start to develop into an excellent student, both in the academic areas and socially.
Joe said: “It was a good feeling to receive the award because it felt nice for my hard work to be recognised.
“The thing I like most about my course is that it's assignment based, there is a lot less stress because I know it all doesn't come down to one big exam.
“My biggest achievement so far has to be achieving a merit in my engineering principles exam.”
Joe’s tutor said: “Joe’s attitude towards learning is to be applauded and he always takes on board the feedback given to him. Joe is highly motivated and works well individually and as part of a team within the class. Joe’s attendance and punctuality is exemplary. He achieved a well-earned merit in the external exam in January 2022 and all assignment work is submitted ahead of time and to a high standard. Joe has developed from a quiet student to a potentially skilled future engineer whose values and approach to his studies are an example to his fellow students.”
Joe said: “I would recommend South Essex College because the timetable is great for someone to get a part time job outside of college. My plan is to get an apprenticeship at British Rail as an engineer.”
Learning is ageless and I’ve really enjoyed being a student again and pushing myself to reach my potential
Mark Ganyu, from Stanford-le-Hope, studied HNC General Engineering at University Centre South Essex.
He was nominated for being a motivated, punctual, well-mannered, hardworking individual and for consistently maintaining his high standard performance since in his level 3 part-time engineering course four years ago.
His tutor said: “Mark’s work and performance have been exemplary and has exceeded expectations in the last four years whilst tending to family commitments, changing jobs and overcoming a language barrier. He has been an asset to this programme and we wish him all the success.”
Mark would recommend University Centre South Essex as a mature student as it helped him in many scenarios and was very flexible and supportive.
Mark commented on his nomination and said: “It was a complete surprise to be winning an award and makes me feel good. Learning is ageless and I’ve really enjoyed being a student again and pushing myself to reach my potential.”
“It’s a kind gesture from the awarding bodies and tutors to recognise my efforts and would like to thank them all for their dedication during my time at the university centre.”
Mark has aspirations of studying for a higher education degree course but may take his knowledge and skills to his current company, where he can continue accepting new challenges and opportunities.
I would highly recommended the university centre for its variety of different courses, professional and expert tutors, it is extremely well organised and student orientated.”
Aniku has carried off the HNC/HND Student of the Year award because of his excellent attitude towards learning.
He said: “It is an absolute honour to win this award and I'm humbled that my mentors/teachers think of me so highly.”
Aniku said he chose to study at University Centre South Essex because it is one of the only higher education institutions that offer the course he wanted study - electro-mechanical engineering. Being employed as a multi-disciplined engineer, this was the perfect course for him.
His tutor commented: “Aniku is motivated, punctual, well-mannered, committed, hardworking, and an excellent collaborator. He is very thorough in implementing given feedback and is improving his work consistently.
“Aniku’s distance travelled in such a brief time since he joined L4 HNC programme in September 2021 is remarkable. He has flourished from a quiet student to an accomplished confident team member not hesitating to offer his assistance to his peers and tutors. He is an asset to his programme of study.
Aniku added: “It is an extremely well organised course. Considering my course is part-time it can get intense. Having a course that’s organised so well just makes everything, especially the learning part, easier to digest.
“I like that the different aspects of engineering are covered well and taught in a professional and easily digestible manner.
“My greatest achievement so far has been gaining promotion from maintenance technician to regional reliability engineer. I would highly recommended the university centre for its variety of different courses, professional and expert tutors, it is extremely well organised and student orientated.”
Aniku said that he would really like to continue his education and get a degree in Electromechanical Engineering. His future ambition is to take up a Chartered Engineering role or become a senior consultant.
