Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form was pleased to welcome a former student, Sarah Hey, as she carried out professional ground investigations for the campus’ new building project!
The College has recently invested in an ambitious regeneration of its current facilities, including a new high-tech all weather sports pitch, renovated STEM Centre and link buildings. It was therefore thrilled to discover that one of the professional geologists working on the project is a former student, Sarah Hey, who returned to the campus with her employers to carry out ground investigations for the site.
Sarah, who is a former A Level student, was delighted to tell the College all about her life since she left. In particular, highlighting how her experience on the College’s Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award inspired her as an adult to work towards her Mountain Leader award, with the aim of being able to lead Duke of Edinburgh groups herself!
After leaving the College with excellent A level grades, Sarah progressed to the University of Leicester to study Geology MGeol, a four year course designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of geoscience. The course involved a variety of field work opportunities, and Sarah was able to visit Spain, Scotland, Wales and the Alps! Sarah did her work experience in the Solomon Islands, spending five week conducting research and fieldwork for her fourth year Masters Project.
In August 2013, Sarah spent six months working as an intern with GRM Development Solutions in Burton on Trent, a civil engineering, geotechnical and geoenvironmental company. After her internship, Sarah was offered a permanent position, and she is now an Assistant Geologist there.
Sarah said, “The diverse range of subjects offered by Nelson and Colne College gave me the opportunity to learn interesting subjects such as Geology and Environmental Science; subjects which are not always available to study at A Level. Without studying Geology I don’t think I would have progressed to university to study it and I wouldn’t be where I am today. I had a fantastic time at College, with the most memorable moment in my studies being the field trip to Arran, which was when I knew I wanted to be a geologist.”
The College is always proud to hear of the achievements of its former students, as although they may have left some time ago, they remain part of the college’s alumni family. Former students are often keen to stay in touch and in the past, have returned to the College in their spare time to speak to current students in short lectures or workshops. Everyone who has studied at the College is encouraged to keep in touch as their stories can be very inspiring for current students who see what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
If you are a former student who would to share your story, please contact the College’s Marketing Team Leader Sarah Forrest on 01282 440371 or email s.forrest@nelsongroup.ac.uk! Alternatively, find the College’s alumni Facebook page by searching for Nelson and Colne College Alumni.
