Taking part in an innovative partnership between local secondary schools and a further education college has resulted in an unexpected career choice for a young student.

Mellisa Haigh, aged 15 from Marske took part in the Curriculum Enhancement Programme at Redcar & Cleveland College where she studied for one day a week towards a Level 2 Diploma in Engineering alongside her GCSE studies.

Her time at the college has led her to decide to take up a career in engineering and she has now enrolled on an engineering apprenticeship starting in September.

Talking about her time on the curriculum enhancement programme Mellisa, who is a student at Bydales School, said: “Coming into college for one day a week and getting hands on experience of a subject has been a real help to me in deciding what I want to do as a career.

“The course was really varied and has given me experience of lots of different aspects of engineering. It’s motivated me to look to go on to further studies and I’m eventually hoping to studying a qualification in engineering at Higher level.”

Mellisa’s achievements during her time at Redcar & Cleveland College were recognised when she was awarded the title of Best Overall Student on the Higher Diploma in Engineering course at the college’s annual Shine Awards.

Jeff Marsay, Mellisa’s tutor at Redcar & Cleveland College, said of Mellisa’s win: “Mellisa has worked hard throughout her time with the college and has developed a real interest in engineering over the course of the two years she has been with us.

“She has coped with the intense work required for the course with minimal supervision from her tutors and has constantly delivered outstanding work.

“We’re delighted that she has decided to take up a career in engineering and wish her every success in the future.”

On her award win, Mellisa said: “To win the award has been a massive surprise and it’s a real boost for me ahead of starting my apprenticeship in September.”

Principal of Redcar & Cleveland, Gary Groom, said of the winners: “We’re delighted to be recognising the achievements of all of the young people who have taken part in our Curriculum Enhancement Programme over the last year.

“All of our winners tonight have shown real commitment and enthusiasm during their studies with the college and I’m sure that they will all go on to achieve great things in their future careers.”

View and download photos from the awards ceremony. 

Other winners and nominees on the night were: