Newbury College is marking Colleges Week 2026 by sharing student stories across its social media channels, showing how vocational and technical learning is helping people build skills, confidence and a clear route into work.
Colleges Week runs from 2 to 6 March and the national theme is Skills for all, celebrating the role colleges play for young people, adult learners, apprentices and higher education students.
The College has been speaking to students about their journeys as part of its purpose of creating opportunities to transform lives, and its careers, not courses approach.
Real stories from the classroom to the workplace
Health and Social Care student Saria Dance is in her second year of Level 3 study and says the course has helped her feel safe to contribute, build confidence, and take steps towards a career in care. Saria’s placement experience has already led to paid work, as she now works part time in a care home alongside her studies.
“Work experience has definitely helped me grow my confidence around talking to people,” said Saria. “I used to barely put myself out there, and now I’m trying new things.”
Music Technology student Elliott Taylor is also in his second year of Level 3 study and values the hands-on nature of the programme and building experience in live settings.
“It’s more practical work,” he explains. “There’s less exams and less stress on that one week where you have to be perfect.”
Elliott has supported the town’s Christmas production with Newbury BID and is already thinking about his next step into an apprenticeship or straight into work.
“We’ve had sessions on setting up a music business,” Elliott says. “I’ve also asked my tutor directly. He is very helpful, and he has his connections.”
Apprenticeships that grow talent, and employers who back them
Newbury College has also been spotlighting apprentices of all ages who bring skills to life at work while continuing their learning in the classroom.
Degree apprentice Ike Shackleton joined Westek Technology in 2016 as a computer support apprentice and has progressed through the business into a Research and Development Engineer role. He is now studying the Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer degree apprenticeship through University Centre Newbury (UCN), working towards a BEng (Hons) awarded by Bournemouth University.
“It’s building on the foundational skills that I’d already built through working at the company,” said Ike.
Westek Technology, which develops rugged IT for extreme environments, says apprenticeships help build the niche skills needed for innovation and long-term growth.
“We are passionate about investing in people and about everybody being able to have the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Wendy Dorkin, Head of Human Resources at Westek Technology.
Something for everyone, at every stage
During Colleges Week, Newbury College is also highlighting adult learners returning to education, from career changers to lifelong learners, and the value of flexible, community-focused routes. This includes Study Online programmes designed to fit around work and family life: newbury-college.ac.uk/studyonline.
For those looking to progress further, UCN offers higher education routes at Level 4 and above, including technical qualifications and degree apprenticeships that support progression without needing to relocate.
Visit the College at the next Open Event
People can find out more at Newbury College’s Open Event on Wednesday 11 March. The event is a chance to see facilities, meet staff, and explore how vocational education prepares young people for the workplace and supports adults to progress in their careers.
To book, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/openday