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When it comes to showing enthusiasm and determination in his studies there are few that can compete with Daniel.

The former Redcar & Cleveland College student is a true advocate of the benefits of higher education. In fact, his can-do attitude even secured him a prestigious scholarship, funding his way through a part-time mechanical engineering degree.

Daniel is now planning a return visit to the College where he will share his experiences with current students.

He said: “Continuing my studies gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to progress.”

Starting his career as an apprentice at 16, Daniel explained: “I chose to take the vocational route, but always knew that I wanted to work towards the academic side as well.”

That is why, after successfully completing his level 2 apprenticeship, he chose to top up his studies by signing up to a level 3 engineering qualification at Redcar & Cleveland College and then progressed on to the HNC.

Working all the time, alongside his studies, Daniel has been reaping the benefits of practical experience at the same time as developing the theoretical knowledge.

He said: “It was brilliant. I did okay at school but I wasn’t that confident in maths. The college course helped me to progress and gave me the confidence to feel that I could go on to the HNC.”

Now working as an assistant mechanical engineer at Huntsman Polyurethanes at Wilton, and studying part-time, he said: “I wouldn’t have the job I have today if I hadn’t continued my education; it has certainly helped me professionally.”

And, he knows how lucky he is to have been selected for the Whitworth Scholarship Award, a scheme offering support to outstanding engineers with excellent academic and practical skills.

He said: “I applied on the off chance and couldn’t believe it when I was successful.”

The Whitworth Scholarship Awards aim to enable outstanding engineers, who have excellent academic and practical skills, to complete an engineering degree-level programme.

For Daniel it has also offered the opportunity to take part in networking events with fellow Whitworth reward holders.

He said: “These events have opened my mind to just how broad engineering is, there are people there from a whole range of different engineering disciplines.”

Redcar & Cleveland College offers a variety of engineering courses, including higher education opportunities in partnership with Teesside University and apprenticeships.

The College is hosting an Educating Engineers: Upskilling the Workforce event on Tuesday March 19, from 4.30pm to 6pm.

On the evening NEPIC Director Felix O’Hare will be discussing the local industry needs and skills gap within the engineering sector.

Visitors, employers and potential students, are invited to come along to find out more about the importance of the engineering industry in the Tees Valley and the training opportunities available at Redcar & Cleveland College.

To book a place visit: www.rcc-engineering.eventbrite.co.uk

External URL: www.rcc-engineering.eventbrite.co.uk