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Lauren Jordan studied BTEC Level 3 in Sport & Exercise Sciences at Yorkshire Coast College from 2005 to 2007.

Lauren said "During my time at secondary school, I really enjoyed PE and my PE theory modules at GCSE, and YCC's course content was very appealing. My BTEC was excellent as it gave me a wide range of knowledge in various areas of sport and exercise."

She added "YCC's course tutors provided a great deal of support throughout my course and were available when I needed them - helping me with personal statements and information needed for interviews."

Lauren went on to study Diagnostic Radiotherapy at University of Teesside in 2007, and intends to go straight into work before hopefully moving abroad to work and continue her training further by becoming a specialist radiographer either in MRI or Ultrasound.

Leigh Elson studied Access to Higher Education - Health & Education Social Care Diploma from 2007 to 2008.

Leigh said "I felt that I needed more from my career and in order to get ahead, I needed more qualifications. I chose Yorkshire Coast College's Access course as it not only gave me a qualification to get me into university, but it also got me back into studying and learning in a friendly environment."

She added "I really enjoyed the challenge of the Access course. I was initially concerned about the mathematical aspects and about using computers, but it wasn't a problem at all."

Leigh is now studying a Graduate Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Therapy at Leeds Metropolitan University, and intends to work part-time as a hygienist and therapist. Leigh would also like to eventually go into teaching hygiene/therapy.

Justine Impey (known as Tina)

is coming up to the end of her Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering and is loving it. Tina works for Hunprenco Engineering, Hunmanby, Near Scarborough.

Before starting her apprenticeship, Tina said "I got the impression from local firms that I wasn't being taken seriously being a female in a male dominated world, but I just kept plugging away in the hope that one day someone would employ me. I'm so grateful to Hunprenco at offering me this opportunity - I've never looked back."

A spokesperson for Hunprenco Limited, said "Tina is the first female engineer we have employed. We were very impressed by her proactive approach as she initially contacted us, which showed how determined and serious she was about working in the Engineering profession. We were delighted to welcome her onboard."

During her apprenticeship, Tina has also studied the PTLLS course (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) and would like to teach engineering at some point in the future.

Callam Burns

20, is currently studying NVQ Hospitality Supervision Level 3 after obtaining his Catering & Hospitality qualifications at Yorkshire Coast College from 2006 to 2008.

At the age of 19, Callum took over the running of a local popular café - Café Heart, Marketside, Scarborough which has been successfully trading in the Scarborough market area of the town for the past five years. Callam was initially employed by the previous owner to help with the day to day running of the business which his parents have now bought. Callam said, "I have always been interested in catering and the qualifications I obtained at College gave me a good skill base on which to work from. College also offered me the opportunity of meeting celebrity chefs at the Good Food show, which inspired me - as they are not only good chefs but also really good business people too."

He added "I'm really enjoying running the business and would like to open in the evenings too as a bistro to offer an alternative side to the café. All the ingredients I use are fresh and locally produced."

While studying at Yorkshire Coast College, Callam got the opportunity to serve Prince Charles at a recent Mutton Renaissance project in Leversham and was also encouraged to enter cooking competitions by his lecturers, Margaret Calver and Peter Steel. Peter said "When Callam came to study with us we knew straight away he was going to go on to great things. He was focused and dedicated, and loved food and cooking."

Matthew Smith

left school with few qualifications except in the subjects he was really interested in - science. He then enrolled onto a Foundation Technology course at Yorkshire Coast College where he was advised that he could have dyslexia. Despite this he went on to achieve his Level 2 qualification in Motor Vehicle with support from experienced staff, which helped to boost his confidence, something which he had been lacking since childhood.

Matthew has struggled with severe dyslexia all his life but went on to secure himself a place at university to study a Masters Degree in Biomedical Science thanks to Yorkshire Coast College's Access to Higher Education course and support from the College's experienced Learning Support team. Matthew received a full assessment for his dyslexia and was able to get the valuable support he needed in order for him to succeed.

Matthew said "I was absolutely made up at being accepted to study for a Masters in Biomedical Science at the University of Hull. All my life I have lacked the confidence to do anything about it but I always knew I could do it with the right support thanks to the College's staff."

He added "I hope my story inspires others in a similar situation - if I can do it anyone can. I hope to become a paramedic, pathologist or go into medical research - I've not quite made my mind up yet." Diane Schlabitz, Lecturer/Teacher, Access to Higher Education, said "Matthew is a very determined individual. After being turned down twice by universities at Sheffield and Leeds it was third time lucky for him. He has proven he is more than capable although his dyslexia has always held him back, but with the right support network, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Learning Support Team, he has excelled."