School: Queen Katherine School

Current occupation: Co-owner of Bayfit Ltd. Gym

What did you do after college?
• Professional contracts in Australia, Romania and Germany
• Competed in 4 European Championships
• Competed in 2011/12 World League
• Competed at London Olympic Games
• Won Gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games
• Become a Personal Trainer and Co-owner of BayFit Ltd

What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being able to use my personal experiences as an athlete to help others achieve their own personal goals in life.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
LMC had the best reputation for sports courses in the area.

What were the best bits about your course?
Having the flexibility to allow myself to continue with my sports and still be able to complete my college work. The tutors were incredibly supportive.

Why did you choose your course?
Sport at LMC was most suitable course for what I wanted to do after school.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
Go for it! You learn a great deal of all aspects with fitness industry, sports, activities and running events.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
I always struggled at school but managed to excel much greater at college. The environment and support allowed me to be the best version of myself.

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Current Occupation: Personal Trainer & Swimming Instructor

What did you do after college?
I started working at Castle Green Hotel in Kendal as a Fitness Instructor, where I successfully completed a variety of courses enabling me to work towards becoming a Personal Trainer. I also trained as a Swimming Instructor and taught a lot of different classes including Boxercise, Aqua Aerobics, Circuits and others.

I am now working as a Self-Employed Swimming Teacher & Personal Trainer.

How did you get into your career?
After spending time using different gyms and realising how much of a rewarding career can be had in the fitness industry, I decided to apply for jobs in Leisure Clubs so I could gain some experience and begin my fitness career.

What were the best bits about your course?
The course covers a vast variety of subjects, which in turn increased my understanding of many different aspects of sport & fitness. The best part of the course for me was the amount of practical work it incurred. This was so important as it helped me to gain appropriate knowledge and skills to confidently coach large groups of people. These skills helped me to progress in my career after college.

I was part of the Development Football team which was really enjoyable; being able to train every day and receive fantastic training sessions from experienced coaches really helped me to improve both my fitness and footballing skills.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose LMC because I wanted to focus totally on a Sports course as I knew this is was the career I wanted to pursue. After looking around the college and seeing what the course had to offer, I knew it was going to be right for me.

How did LMC help you get where you are today?
The knowledge and experience I reaped from all the different subjects helped me gain important skills that I have been able to use to progress in my career.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
The course covers many subjects associated with sport and fitness, which helps to give more of an idea which part of the industry you may wish to work in. You will also get the chance to meet new people who share the same interest which helps make your time at the college more enjoyable.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
There was always a friendly atmosphere around the sports centre, everyone got on well including students and staff. The college organised some fantastic trips including a stay at Club La Santa in Lanzarote, I went twice and it was a brilliant experience both times. It allowed me to meet people from different courses.

Going to college was the best decision I made, the whole experience was great and it has helped me get to where I am today.

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Current occupation: Communication Specialist in the British Army

What did you do after college?
I decided to travel around Australia for a year to gain experience of other countries cultures and lifestyles. On my return to the UK, I applied to join the Army.

How did you get into your career?
Even from my college days I always knew that I wanted to do something physical and challenging for a career. I could never see myself sat behind a desk working 9-5. I had also carried out work experience with the Army through LMC so I decided I wanted to explore the Army pathway. Six months later I was on a train heading to Pirbright to start my basic training.

What were the best bits about your course?
The best bit for me was 100% being able to play football every day. I made some friends for life at LMC who have made me the person I am today. They made my time at LMC unforgettable with the times we spent on and off the pitch and for me, they were some of the most memorable days of my life. Even now 10 years on, I still reminisce about my LMC days, and what I would give to go back even just for a week. The tutors were so influential and my football coaches were excellent. I did not realise at the time, but the coaches wanted nothing more than to see success for their students. They would always do anything in their power to make sure we developed and succeeded which was great.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I did not do as well as I hoped in my GCSEs and the Army initially turned me away for being too small. LMC gave me an opportunity to do something worthwhile which appealed to me and made me realise I still had other career options to explore.

How did LMC help you get where you are today?
The time I spent at LMC made me a much more confident person! It re-opened doors for me which I thought were closed for good. LMC also introduced me to Morecambe Ladies Football Club. I honestly believe a lot of the characteristics I cherish, which have made me a better soldier over the years, were gained at LMC.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
If you want to do a course where you have a laugh every day, make friends who will be there for you through the highs and lows, push yourself into proving you can achieve more than you thought, and give yourself many opportunities for the future then stop thinking about it and get on the Sport & Public Service courses at LMC.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
In the past 6 years I have been to Brazil, America, Majorca, Sierra Leonne, Holland, Germany, mostly through playing sport for the Army. I have met Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, and the whole England team. I have done and experienced things that I would never have had the chance to do without the Army. I would never have been able to do that without the support of LMC who helped me realise what career I wanted to do.

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Current occupation: Head of Nurture at Crookhey Hall School (Teacher)

What did you do after College?

I went to UClan to top up my Sports Coaching Foundation Degree. I then decided to take another career option route working in a residential care home with young people for four years. I completed a Level 3 in Childcare qualification during my employment.

How did you get into your career?

I did a part time teaching qualification at LMC working in the Sports department. Approximately six months after finishing the PGCE qualification, I applied for a teaching position at Crookhey Hall School as a Physical Education Teacher. After two years of employment at the school, I was asked if I wanted to take on the Nurture Suite. This involved nurturing and developing the younger pupils which I still do today.

What were the best bits about your course?

The atmosphere in and around college and the friends you meet which I still have contact with today. The opportunities that are available at LMC. I was lucky enough to work in Bulgaria on a Summer Sports Camp in 2008. I also fortunate to travel to Russia to work with a grammar school and had the opportunity to travel to Slovakia on two occasions for a skiing holiday.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?

I decided from an early age I wanted to work in sport and be employed in the education sector. LMC offered me plenty of opportunities at the time, it was local and I could join the Rugby academy. The interview process put me at ease and the staff made me feel welcome.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?

I would say without a shadow of doubt to have a think about LMC. Have a visit. The opportunities available and the chances I had were life changing and it certainly broaden my horizons. Without LMC offering the variety of courses that I did, I probably would not be where I am now.

How did LMC help you get where you are today?

The support and teaching staff where so supportive and they also had the time for me. They encouraged me to do my best. I remember my tutor noticed for the first time, throughout my whole education life, that I may have dyslexia. He put me through the test and it turned out that I did have dyslexia. The support available throughout my studies at LMC was excellent. I still remain grateful for this, as I have learnt how to deal with it, and overcome this barrier.

Anything else you would like to tell us?

Thank you to Iain Parkinson for noticing that I had dyslexia. Thank you to Jayne Roper for mentoring me through my teaching qualification and then giving me a great reference which supported my application to my Career now.

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Current occupation: Gym Instructor

What did you do after college?
After completing college I originally went to Edge Hill University, but after a couple of months of being there decided that this wasn’t the way forward for me so I decided to take a big risk and leave. This thankfully worked out better than I expected and I found myself getting an apprenticeship in my local gym just 10 minutes from where I live.

How did you get into your career?
After searching online for local apprenticeships to do with sport I found my local gym was on there, so I decided to take my CV down to them and thankfully they decided to hire me.

What were the best bits about your course?
The best bit about my course...there’s lots to choose from including the friendships I made, the opportunities the course had to offer and how easy and friendly the staff were to get on with. But the best bit for me was probably how much we were able to play sports every week and how we got to try new sports like Lacrosse, Archery, Handball and many more. Opportunities I wouldn’t be able to get elsewhere.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose Lancaster & Morecambe College after listening to friends that had already gone there, the facilities they had to offer and how easy it was to get there.

How did LMC help you get where you are today?
Through completing my course at LMC it allowed me to get the grades to get into university even though I never stuck it out there. But LMC also helped me get the job I’ve got today. My current employers looked at what I had done at college and the experienced I gained there in the sports department.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
Give everything, enjoy it and go for all of the opportunities they offer. Some of my best memories are from going abroad with the college and playing football every week with the team in my first year.

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Current occupation: Lecturer in Sport at Uxbridge College 

What did you do after college?
I studied BSc Sport and Exercise Science at Edge Hill University and then PGCE Post Compulsory Education at University of Central Lancashire.

During my studies, I travelled across South East Asia (including Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam), Australia and New Zealand. During my stay in New Zealand I had a wonderful experience watching the Rugby World Cup 2011, staying in the England team hotel whilst watching England vs. France and New Zealand vs. Argentina, both in the Quarter Finals.

How did you get into your career?
Initially, having applied to various clubs in various sports I was unsuccessful in applying for a sports scientist role. As a result, it was a friend who discussed the option of teaching and undertaking my PGCE.

Having applied for jobs all over the country I received my first job at Wiltshire College in Salisbury on a fixed term 0.5 contract for 9 months. This then led me to other short term posts at East Surrey College and City of Westminster College. This gave me valuable experience as I felt I wasn’t quite ready for full time teaching. I was then very fortunate to receive a full-time post at Uxbridge College as a Lecturer in Sport where I have worked and developed over the last 4 years.

What were the best bits about your course?
Lots and lots of sport! Which is what a sport course is all about in my opinion. Also the help I received to achieve my FA Level 1 and FA Level 2 Football Coaching qualifications as well as other additional qualifications including a Sports Leaders Award. I had a good relationship with a number of tutors which ensured I progressed well and had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Why did you choose Lancaster and Morecambe College?
Personally, I lived locally to LMC so It was a very convenient choice. The football academy was a big pull as football was a very big part of my life and at the time I had still hoped there was a professional football career in the waiting. I was also aware of the nature of the course due to friends who had previously attended the course and then gone on to bigger and better things.

How did LMC help you get where you are today?
The tutors and course enabled me to achieve a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport qualification. The qualification provided me with a platform to move forward with my education. The staff at LMC supported me with the UCAS application process for my career progression. Tutors and staff also provided additional coaching and assisted me with the relevant skills and qualities required to be successful when working with other people in a sporting environment.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
Work hard, you get out what you put in. The level 3 provides the opportunity for lots of different pathways and opens lots of doors. The more you apply yourself to the course, the more fun you will have and the more successful you will be.

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School: Morecambe High School 

What did you do after college?
I went straight to Leeds Beckett University studying BA Hons Sport Development. This summer I will be working abroad in America teaching Horse Riding and Volleyball, I was fortunate enough to gain references from the Sport staff at LMC. This will be a great opportunity to further my career and I am excited to look to the future.

How did you get into your career?
After studying at college and completing a lot of work placements and assisting in events I knew I wanted to be a PE teacher. My grades weren’t great, and I worried I wouldn’t get into University, but with help from the tutors at LMC, I boosted my grades and thus I received full unconditional offers at all the Universities I applied to and am now studying to fulfil my aspirations.

What were the best bits about your course?
Studying two courses at LMC allowed me to really define where I want to go and what I want to do in the future. For me studying the Sport Development module in
(Level 3 Sport) really opened my eyes to the vast barriers of sport to the nation. These courses are taught by knowledgeable staff who are supportive and always want you to achieve the best grades you are capable of. During my time at college I was fortunate to go on many trips, my favourite being Club La Santa training camp.

I was fortunate enough to be able to complete several extra coaching courses through my course such as FA level 1, which was also an added incentive to pursue a career in sport.

Why did you choose Lancaster and Morecambe College?
I knew sixth form wasn’t for me as I don’t do well with exams, however a friend introduced to me to LMC and I knew that I would excel studying here. The open evening I attended was important to me as it gave me a chance to look around the facilities and understand what college was about, through this I also joined the Lancastrians Netball team, took part in the volleyball and gained lots of new friends.

How did LMC help you get where you are today?
The 4 years that I spent at LMC really helped me to define what I wanted to do when leaving college. Fitting my education around work and placements allowed me to ensure that I wanted to get a teaching degree to work with children. I have recently completed a 160 hour placement at the college, in which they were eager to ensure that I was able to work with students of all ages/abilities in both theory and practical lessons.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
If someone were to look at either course I have studied at LMC I would say to make the most out of it! These courses allow ranges of different aspects of sport such as sport injuries, to sport development, to fitness testing. All of these modules within the courses are interesting and the less pressured setting is great for students studying at college, the friendly and approachable staff and students make it a breeze to settle in to college life/work load.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
Always try to do your best, I know it may seem a chore but believe me when you’re older you’ll be thankful for gaining experience, knowledge and a good education.

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School attended: Queen Elizabeth School 

What are you doing after College?
I am undecided at the moment whether or not to go away to university or to look into employment. I would like to go to UCLan but I’m also really keen to start using what I have learnt at College.

What were the best bits about your course?
The opportunities that I have had for volunteering have been amazing. There has been plenty of chances for me to use the skills that I have accumulated on my course in a real work environment. I also had the chance to go to Bulgaria to coach children which was an amazing experience. I have also had an amazing opportunity to organise a Netball event for primary school children.

Why did you choose your course?
I have already finished the Sports Coaching Level 3 at LMC, and rather than going straight into university, I wanted to continue studying here. It is local for me and I know all the tutors really well so it made sense for me to stay.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I had heard really good things about the Sports department at LMC which is why I came to study the Level 3, but the facilities and staff were so good that I couldn’t think of any reasons that I would want to study somewhere else!

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
Make sure that you can be dedicated to the course. The workload requires a lot of time, including any home study. You really need strong motivation to work at the Higher Education level.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
I have also had the opportunity to go to Bulgaria on a work experience trip to coach Bulgarian children which was an amazing experience.

Take a look at Sport

School attended: Queen Katherine School 

What are you doing after College?
I am hoping to go into personal training.

What were the best bits about your course?
The practical aspect of the course is the best bit. Sport is a practical subject, so it’s all well and good learning the content but getting to put what I’ve learnt into practice is fantastic.

The tutors are all really helpful as well. I feel like I can approach them with any problem. My class is brilliant, I have made new friends and we can all have a laugh together.

Why did you choose your course?
I chose this course because I have always loved sports and the outdoors. I could never imagine working indoors for the rest of my life, so I wanted to do something where I could spend lots of time outside and doing things.

The course also offers a really good foundation for going into personal training.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
When I came to have a look around the college, I had a really good feeling. Everyone that I spoke to said good things about the college, whether I was speaking to staff or other students. Having access to a free bus is also really beneficial to helping me to access LMC.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would definitely recommend LMC to anyone, whether it’s the sport course, or any other subject.

Anything else you would like to tell us?
Get involved with as many activities at the College as well. I have been selected to play for Great Britain through the Association of College Hockey team because of contacts I have made through LMC.

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School: The Lakes School 

What are the best things about your course?
I really enjoy the practical elements of this course they have really helped me develop as a coach. Alongside coursework related study, we had the opportunity to work with Steve Pemberton, a Cricket Development Officer in Lancashire. With help from Steve and LMC, I was able to participate in a Cricket Activator course. This involved helping run Quick Cricket competitions for the local primary schools and has given me an insight as to what it would be like to coach cricket. I am looking into coaching cricket when I leave college, so I now coach at Windermere Cricket Club under 10s section.

Why did you choose your course?
I was originally going to choose to study the Personal Training Course. However, at the Open Day a helpful member of staff explained that the HND Sports Coaching would be better as I had already completed my A levels and the Sports Coaching course has more opportunities to do a wider range of careers in the future, rather than just based in a gym.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
The facilities are some of the best in the region, no other college had a fully functioning gym or 3G pitches. LMC also has fantastic learning facilities too. I feel the tutor support at LMC is greater than what I would have got at the same level in university, the tutors are also a great help with emotional support not only with assignments.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would fully recommend the course and would say that the tutors are very supportive and help you wherever they can. You are treated like an adult and are expected to do some independent work at home.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
I went on the college ski trip and learnt how to ski which was a big accomplishment. Moreover, getting a place to participate in a work placement to Slovakia has been my biggest accomplishment so far. To get chosen for the trip to Slovakia, you need to show good leadership skills which you can prove to your tutors throughout the year, also have good attendance and be up to date with all of your coursework.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed this course?
When I leave college, I will have the opportunity to finish my qualification at The University of Canterbury in New Zealand. I would hope to coach women’s cricket at a high level in either New Zealand or England. I am also looking at the idea of coaching women’s football. To pursue this career I will use a lot of knowledge gained from the cricket activating course with Steve and from the coaching lessons we do at college. To get into university, I need to finish my college course with a minimum of a merit and I strongly believe with the tutor support, I will achieve this.

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School: Ulverston Victoria High School 

What are the best things about your course?
The course offered chances to put what I’d learned into practice both locally such as Salt Ayre Sports Centre and local primary schools and internationally in exciting places like Bulgaria and Holland, where I worked with young people to help develop their sporting abilities.

Why did you choose your course?
After studying on the Level 3 Sports Science course at LMC, I decided to progress to the HND course at LMC. On a weekly basis, I worked with an Aspire group in College where I used my coaching skills to design sessions for the group. I found this challenging but rewarding as some members were reluctant to participate at first, but then developed confidence in their own skills. These experiences have given me the knowledge and experience to progress within the coaching sector.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I decided to continue my education at LMC as it by far offered the broadest range of opportunities. I was impressed by all the trips and chances to gain experience of working and visiting other countries.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would recommend it. I have received a great deal of support from all my tutors and have met some great people. I have enjoyed my time at LMC. The college helps you secure a work placement in an industry relevant to your desired career. I have gained experience in a Leisure Centre teaching sports classes to the general public, which consists of a range of ages, abilities and fitness levels.

What has been your biggest accomplishment whilst studying at LMC?
I have achieved my Football Association Level One qualification and this has really helped with my self-confidence in coaching. This has resulted in me gaining employment in the Leisure Centre at Ulverston.

What do you hope to do when you’ve completed this course?
I am going to study the last part of my qualification at the University of Central Lancashire on their Sports Coaching Degree. This means, I will be moving to Preston and will be living in shared accommodation with others from my course at LMC.

Any other comments?
A great part of the course is learning the theory side of sport in lessons and then getting many chances to put what you learn into practice in real settings. All these involvements assisted me in gaining a real understanding of what must be considered when running sports events. The trips abroad were a great way to broaden my knowledge, and test skills – definitely the best part of LMC!

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University attending after college: UCFB - University College of Football Business 

What did you do after University?
I’m now working as the Student Events and Enrichment Co-ordinator at UCFB, which is a Higher Education institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate university degrees and executive education in the football business, sport and events industries.

What were the best bits about your course?
The best bits of the course were the practical side and the support from the tutors.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose LMC because the facilities at the college are excellent, and the course suited my needs.

How did LMC help you to get to where you are today?
It gave me a good insight into sports coaching in the sport and leisure industry, and prepared me very well for university life.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
There are endless opportunities on offer at LMC and the practical experiences are fantastic.

What are your plans for the future?
I wish to continue working in the sports industry.

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School: Our Lady’s Catholic College 

University attending after college:
Football Scholarship at the University of Montevallo in Alabama USA, while studying Kinesiology. This allows me to play competitive female football at its highest standard alongside getting a degree.

What were the best bits about your course?
The best parts about Level 3 Sport were the oversea trips and the coaching opportunities. I went on two oversea trips with LMC, the first one was to Club La Santa in Lanzarote for my work experience, which gave me a great insight into the industry. My second trip was to Bulgaria for three weeks coaching foreign children in sports they may or may not have played before, and also for one hour a day we taught the children English. These opportunities gave me more confidence in leading groups of children and being able to manage a group effectively.

Why did you choose Lancaster & Morecambe College?
I chose this college because it’s local to me and had the course I wanted to enrol on. I knew someone who went to LMC and also went on a Scholarship to America so I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the same course?
It’s a great environment to be in, the staff really care about their students and will push you to get work finished and to turn up to training. It’s not a place for messing about because if you fall behind it can be hard to catch. There are so many opportunities with this course to experience some great places all over the world. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at LMC, the staff have helped me achieve my biggest goal and they can do the same for you!

How has LMC helped you to get where you are today?
All the opportunities offered to me at LMC have helped me grow as a person and gain more skills. These skills are not just appropriate for when I was at college, but skills that I can use for the next steps in my future.

Take a look at Sport