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Student Success

Your story

Everyone who completes a course of study has a unique story to tell and South Essex Colleges Group wants to hear yours. Did you achieve your qualification under difficult circumstances? Have you gone on to a career that uses your qualification or did you follow a different pathway? What are you doing now?

Explore the success stories below and discover where learning can take you.

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RWP 8898 Ebuzer Akdogan Copy

Celebrating Success 2026: ESOL Student of the Year – Ebuzer Akdogan

Honestly, I can’t explain, I’m so excited and happy. This is my first award and it’s been so hard for me. I study in Basildon and the most important thing is English. I have to improve my English; it’s a life rule for me. I’m originally from Turkey and I’m most proud of winning this award. I would 100% recommend the college. When I go into the classroom, I feel confident in myself and that’s because of the tutors.

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Celebrating Success 2026: Engineering Student of the Year – Alfie Kent

I wasn’t expecting the award, but I’m very happy. I enjoy that you always get to learn something new, and marine engineering is such a vast industry and getting to see all the different parts of it is great. Go for it; there are lots of opportunities, not just in engineering but in leisure and cruise ships too. I want to be a marine engineer in the leisure industry, working on superyachts. 

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Celebrating Success 2026: Construction Student of the Year - Ronnie Cooper

I enjoyed everything. It was well organised and has prepared me for my career and the real world.

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Vinne Sweeting Copy

Celebrating Success 2026: Building Services Student of the Year - Vinnie Sweetingham

The course has made me confident in what I want to do. I’d definitely recommend it as a starting point into plumbing. I want to be self‑employed as a plumber and follow in my grandad’s footsteps.

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RWP 8817 Tomas Agg SQR

Celebrating Success 2026: Apprentice of the Year – Tomas Agg

Motor Vehicle Services and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship Level 3

It was the only college in the area offering motor vehicle courses, which really appealed to me, especially with the excellent facilities. What I enjoy most is that the staff are incredibly helpful, the workshops are well equipped, and the tutors are extremely knowledgeable. I love that it’s a hands‑on course.

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My Story web Template Joe Coward

Joe Coward

Level 3 Maritime Engineering Technician apprenticeship

My time at college has given me the opportunity to learn essential skills to be able to work in the maritime industry. I feel like I can take my knowledge straight into the workplace, and develop them further. 

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Phil Steed

Phil Steed

Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Seeing the quality and variety of work showcased at the final exhibition convinced me that this was a course that encouraged creativity and experimentation rather than restricting it.

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Thumb My Story Circle Icon Template Holly Pearce

Holly Pearce

Level 2 and Level 3 Professional Patisserie and Confectionery

When I met my tutor, Sasha, she made a huge impact. Her passion for both the practical elements and the food science aspect of it really inspired me, and I knew it was the right course for me. The combination of hands-on learning and understanding the theory behind ingredients gave me a strong foundation that I still use every day.

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