Melissa Butcher

I really enjoyed how it was a lot less strict than school, the tutors were amazing and friendly and they made the lessons fun and interesting.

Melissa first came to LMC in 2016 to follow her dream of entering into Public Services, after discovering her local Sixth Form didn't offer courses to support that.

After completing her first year of Sixth Form study, Melissa always knew she wanted to work in the forces in some shape or form and first set her sights on becoming a Police Officer. This guided her choice to start her Public Services journey with LMC, starting with the Level 3 course in 2016.

I completed my Level 3 course then went on to complete my HND at Level 5. This then helped me get into UCLAN University where I was able to achieve my degree.

Whilst completing her courses here at LMC, Melissa was able to get a better understanding of the role of a Police Officer and other roles within the industry. She really enjoyed how it was a lot less strict than school and told us that the tutors were amazing and friendly and made the lessons fun whilst still interesting. We asked Melissa which were her favourite parts about the courses she studied,

I enjoyed the different lessons such as fitness testing, health and nutrition and learning about all the different emergency response agencies. 

Melissa is currently employed by HM Prison Service as a Prison Officer and absolutely loves her profession. 

I deal with prisoners on a daily basis, helping aid rehabilitation and reduce reoffending. I also maintain good order of the prison and help keep the public safe. As part of our role within the service, we help signpost prisoners to recovery groups and help them get support such as with drug and alcohol/ substance misuse issues. I feel good when I help others and I want to show the world that prison officers are human behind the uniform and to breakdown stereotypes that it is ‘us vs them’ attitudes.

While she studied at LMC, Melissa learnt key skills such as how to communicate and leadership skills, something she carries with her today. Learning with LMC pushed Melissa out of her comfort zone and gave her great experiences of working with others and taking leadership roles within groups, which she now uses in her current occupation while being a positive role model. 

Melissa recently took her confidence and communication skills to the next level when she entered into the Miss England competition for 2024 to raise awareness of gender stereotypes, body dysmorphia and body positivity. 

People often say to me ‘you do not look like a prison officer’ and I want to show that you do not have to look a certain way to do this career. I am hoping that with taking part in Miss England I will help breakdown the stereotypes and inspire young women and girls like myself to take the risk like I did and join these careers, putting the stereotypes to one side and putting ourselves out of our comfort zones.

Miss England.

Gaining authorisation from the Govenor, Melissa has been making her way round local schools and colleges to educate others on the topic of stereotyping and the career paths available within the prison service. She recently came to LMC and spoke to our current Public Services students and they were all really inspired by her determination and knowledge. We asked Melissa, what has been her biggest accomplishment since leaving the College and she said,

Inspiring other young women like myself to work in a male dominated industry and getting to the Final of Miss England 2024.

Beyond Radio recently featured Melissa in their news article as an inspiration for local women who might have never heard of the competition. The final of Miss England 2024 will be held in Wolverhampton on 16 and 17 May 2024, more information can be found here. The winner will be taking part in Miss World next Spring, 2025.

All of LMC wish Melissa the best of luck in the final. We are cheering you on all the way!