Coleg Gwent is celebrating Adult Learners' Week 2018!

Coleg Gwent is celebrating Adult Learners’ Week by introducing you to some of our Adult Learner students this week.

Meet Kyle Jamie Eldridge who is a Diploma Level 3 Extended Business Year 1 student at Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone (BGLZ). Kyle has previously studied Diplomas in Skills for Further Studies and Professional Cookery (Levels 1 and 2 respectively).

Kyle’s no novice when it comes to academic education, the 21 year old from Abergavenny achieved three GCSEs at a local education centre before joining the college.

“I chose this brilliant course at Coleg Gwent because I have taken a keen interest in the subject of business for quite some time now. Whenever I see this building, I see opportunities everywhere.

“I really feel that I am learning something here at the BGLZ and I hope it will also build up my confidence to venture outside in the working world”, said student Kyle.

Kyle is autistic and two years ago, was homeless. In 2016-17 he studied GCSE maths and English along with Cookery. He achieved grade C in both and was awarded an iPad for achieving the campus’s 100% Attendance award for all lessons. His GCSE success has enabled him to study Level 3 Business at BGLZ with a view of pursuing a place at University.

As a learner with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Coleg Gwent has supported Kyle by providing him with ALN teaching assistants during his time at college. He also receives support from the Inspire 2 Achieve team, as well as the Learning Centre in BGLZ. They encourage and support him, offering skills coaching and pastoral care during his time as a student.

As well as studying the BTEC course, which is equivalent of an A level, Kyle is heavily involved in extra-curricular activities at the college.

He is a Deputy Class Representative, Secretary of the Coleg Gwent Students’ Union, and a Student Ambassador. He also volunteers in his spare time.

His advice for anyone curious about the degree, or studying at Coleg Gwent? “Do it. It’s a great course!

When you come into this building you have everything you want. There are so many opportunities here. Many people just want to do their course, but there are a diverse range of facilities on offer here. At Coleg Gwent, I have the means to advance my own future, BGLZ is a state-of-the-art campus.”