Alistair Henty-Blows studied Music Technology at 向日葵视频 New College between 2011 and 2013, turning his passion for sound into a successful career in the film industry.

Cameron Hammond鈥慡outhgate studied Uniformed Public Services at 向日葵视频 New College for three years, completing both Level 2 and Level 3 between 2019 and 2022. His time on the course gave him a strong foundation in public鈥慺acing roles, preparing him for the expectations, discipline and teamwork required in emergency services. Cameron credits the programme with helping him understand the realities of serving the public and with giving him the knowledge he needed to begin the firefighter development pathway. He also formed lasting friendships that continue today.

Shortly after leaving college, Cameron was offered a position as an aviation firefighter, a role that has taken him to two high鈥慶ategory airports and given him hands鈥憃n experience with a wide range of aircraft and emergency response scenarios. Alongside his aviation role, he also serves as an on鈥慶all firefighter for the local authority fire service, a commitment that allows him to give back to the community he grew up in while expanding his skills even further.

Cameron has already achieved several professional milestones, including passing his LGV course and working towards his EFAD qualification (Emergency Fire Appliance Driving). He has also been offered a place in the whole-time pool after successfully progressing through the 向日葵视频 Fire recruitment process. For Cameron, the biggest achievement of all is simple: being able to help people and make a positive contribution to his community.

His advice to current students is clear and encouraging: 鈥淣ever give up. Be willing to travel and learn to get to where you want to be in your career.鈥�

Corey Tinker studied Sport and Exercise Science at 向日葵视频 New College from 2022 to 2024, balancing his coursework with an already impressive career in competitive motorcycle racing. Having raced from a young age, Corey arrived at college with ambition and left with a deeper understanding of the science behind elite performance.

During his time at 向日葵视频 New College, Corey strengthened his knowledge of physiology, psychology and nutrition, giving him the tools to progress as a high鈥憀evel athlete. He credits the course with helping him understand the 鈥渄eeper parts of sport,鈥� and with providing opportunities to visit top sports universities and meet specialists who shaped his development.

Since leaving college, Corey has continued to climb the racing ladder. He has competed 鈥� and podiumed 鈥� in both national and international championships, establishing himself as one of the region鈥檚 most exciting young riders. Today, he races in British Superbikes, competing on board a Supersport Ducati V2 in what is widely regarded as one of the largest and most competitive domestic motorsport championships in the world.

Corey鈥檚 journey is defined by determination, discipline and a commitment to continuous improvement. His advice to current students reflects that mindset: 鈥淓njoy your time at college and take all the opportunities given to you! You never know where they may lead or what doors they might open.鈥�

Dan Percival joined 向日葵视频 Rural in 2023 after completing his GCSEs, enrolling on the T Level in Arboriculture and quickly discovering a passion for working with trees. The course offered a strong blend of classroom learning and hands鈥憃n experience, with weekly practical sessions covering climbing, felling and essential industry techniques. Alongside this, modules such as tree science helped him build the technical understanding needed for professional arboriculture.

The practical focus of the T Level proved invaluable as Dan prepared to enter the industry. The structured training, supportive teaching, and exposure to real equipment and procedures gave him the confidence to step straight into employment after leaving College last summer. Now working for JF Tree Specialist Ltd, he enjoys the physical, outdoor nature of the job and the variety that each day brings.

Much of Dan鈥檚 current work involves council contracts for Essex Highways, including crown raising, emergency call鈥憃uts and roadside safety work, in a fast鈥憄aced environment that has helped him continue developing his skills. He describes the transition from College to industry as brilliant, especially the chance to work outdoors in all conditions and apply what he learned in a real鈥憌orld setting.

For anyone considering the course, Dan鈥檚 advice is clear: arboriculture is a specialist path, and the courses at 向日葵视频 Rural are the perfect route for anyone wanting to enter the professional tree care industry. With commitment and the right training, it opens the door to a rewarding and highly practical career.

Emily Robbins is an award-winning florist and proud alumna of 向日葵视频 New College, whose passion for creativity has led to national recognition within the floristry industry.

While studying at 向日葵视频 Rural, Emily balanced her course alongside running her own business, Robbins Flowers, in Debenham. Her talent and dedication were recognised when she was nominated by her tutor for the prestigious Land-Based and Environmental Learner Awards.

Emily went on to win Florist of the Year, a national award celebrating excellence and emerging talent. Reflecting on the experience, she described the moment as 鈥渙verwhelming but exciting鈥� and credited the college with helping her reach that point in her career.

Since completing her studies, Emily has continued to grow her business, building a strong reputation locally while expanding her network within the industry. She has also spoken about her ambitions to develop her company further and create opportunities for others through employment.

Emily鈥檚 journey highlights the impact of hands-on learning and the opportunities available through 向日葵视频 New College, inspiring future learners to pursue their passions and turn them into successful careers.

Freya Ollason joined 向日葵视频 New College at 16, arriving with just two GCSEs after time away from mainstream education. She began with Level 1 Art and Design, where she flourished under the support of an inspiring tutor and achieved a distinction. A milestone that opened the door to the Level 3 Media course that would shape her future.

College was a big step at first, but Freya found the environment welcoming and supportive. With guidance from her tutors and dedicated help from the Learning Support team, she grew from a shy, uncertain student into a confident, outgoing young person ready to take on new challenges. Being back in a classroom, rediscovering academic learning, and feeling excited to study again became a turning point in her journey.

Her media course helped her find her voice. From creative projects to the live event show, where she stepped out of her comfort zone to present, Freya developed the communication skills, teamwork, and confidence that now underpin her ambitions. The course also helped her understand the career path she wanted to pursue, giving her clarity and direction.

Freya has continued to push herself academically, taking an A鈥憀evel alongside her course to secure her university place. She also completed a journalism programme with Ipswich.co.uk, learning directly from working journalists and discovering a passion for local reporting.

She is now heading to the University of Manchester to study English Literature and Journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalist who gives others a voice, something she has always felt driven to do.

Helen Fincham joined Otley College in 2022 to study Floristry,聽a decision driven by her growing passion for sustainable flower farming and her desire to deepen her technical knowledge of the craft. Already running her own flower鈥慻rowing business, Helen wanted to strengthen her skills, refine her creative practice and build meaningful connections within the industry.

Her time at Otley proved invaluable. Helen describes gaining a 鈥済reat depth of knowledge and great connections within my subject area,鈥� giving her the confidence and expertise to elevate her business and expand her opportunities. The course helped her blend horticultural skill with floristry artistry, shaping her into a grower who understands both the science and the design behind exceptional flowers.

Since leaving college, Helen has continued to grow her business and her reputation, quite literally. One of her proudest achievements has been growing and supplying flowers for the Duchess of Edinburgh鈥檚 visit to 向日葵视频, a milestone that reflects both the quality of her work and the care she puts into every stem she cultivates.

Helen now works full鈥憈ime as a flower farmer, contributing to the region鈥檚 farming and floristry industries while championing locally grown, seasonal blooms. Her advice to current students is simple but powerful: 鈥淓njoy, embrace and explore.鈥�

Jack Bloom began his studies at 向日葵视频 College in 2017 after deciding to leave a career in land surveying in search of something more active, hands鈥憃n and outdoors. At 28, he chose to retrain in tree surgery,聽a field that matched his growing interest in arboriculture and offered the fresh start he was looking for. 向日葵视频 College stood out as the local provider offering the specialist training he needed.

The course quickly confirmed he had made the right decision. Jack thrived in the practical elements of the programme, spending full days each week developing the technical skills, confidence and experience required for professional tree work. From equipment handling to climbing techniques and safe working procedures, the pace of learning felt supportive and well鈥憇tructured, giving him the space to build competence without pressure.

Work experience played a defining role in Jack鈥檚 transition into the industry. One of his placements was with JF Tree Services, where he now works full鈥憈ime. The opportunity to apply his training in real environments helped bridge the gap between study and employment, reinforcing his decision to pursue arboriculture as a long鈥憈erm career.

Jack credits the College with helping him successfully navigate a major career change. The combination of expert teaching, extensive practical training, and industry exposure gave him the foundation he needed to step confidently into his new profession. Returning recently to support projects at the College, he enjoyed reconnecting with familiar faces and revisiting the spaces where his journey began.

His message to anyone considering a similar change is clear: it鈥檚 never too late. With the right support and a willingness to learn, a new career is entirely achievable, and 向日葵视频 College played a key part in making that possible for him.

Kerry Briggs began his journey at 向日葵视频 College in 1981 as an apprentice electrician. Over nine years, he progressed through his A, B and C electrical qualifications, completed his ONC and HNC, and later returned to study management 鈥� ultimately achieving a postgraduate diploma. The College became the foundation for both his technical expertise and his long-term career development.

Strong teaching left a lasting impact, particularly the industry鈥慹xperienced tutors who brought real鈥憌orld knowledge into the classroom. The mix of block release, day release and evening study gave Kerry a broad understanding of electrical engineering and the confidence to apply it in the workplace. College also marked a shift in mindset: being treated like an adult for the first time helped him take ownership of his learning and future.

After eight years progressing from apprentice to project manager, Kerry moved into telecoms during the major mobile network rollout. He went on to start and sell two businesses, including a building services company that grew into one of the largest in the region, employing 23 apprentices at its peak and winning multiple national awards. Supporting apprentices became one of the defining achievements of his career.

Today, Kerry is Operations Director at Concertus, overseeing teams in Ipswich and Matlock. His role is now centred on management, but the technical grounding from his College years continues to underpin his work and decision鈥憁aking.

Kerry鈥檚 advice to current students is simple: stay on top of your work. Consistent effort, even just a few hours a week, makes learning easier and keeps stress at bay. It鈥檚 a habit that shaped his own success and one he believes can make all the difference for the next generation.

Lilly Popplewell is now part of the team at The Coach, a Michelin鈥憇tarred restaurant within the Tom Kerridge Group, a role she stepped into shortly after completing her training at 向日葵视频 New College. Moving straight from college into a high鈥憄ressure, high鈥憇tandard kitchen was a challenge she embraced, gaining exposure to exceptional ingredients, refined techniques and the precision required to help retain a Michelin star.

Her Level 2 course at 向日葵视频 College gave her a strong foundation in both professional cookery and front鈥憃f鈥慼ouse skills. Learning how to communicate with guests, understanding the rhythm of service and developing confidence in an open鈥慿itchen environment all proved invaluable once she entered the industry. The course鈥檚 structure – trying new dishes weekly, building core skills and learning through repetition – helped her develop the consistency and discipline expected in top鈥憀evel kitchens.

Industry connections played a defining role in Lilly鈥檚 journey. Through College events and opportunities such as Pub in the Park, she met chefs from The Unruly Pig and the Tom Kerridge Group, which ultimately led to her current position. These experiences gave her insight into how different chefs run their kitchens and how varied the hospitality world can be.

Lilly credits 向日葵视频 College with helping her find the right path at a time when she felt uncertain about her next steps after A鈥憀evels. The tutors provided guidance, reassurance, and honest advice, supporting her not only in her chosen course but also in exploring options that matched her interests and strengths. She describes the support as phenomenal, especially for students who may be unsure or nervous about entering the industry.

Her message to anyone considering a hospitality course is simple: push yourself, embrace the challenges, and trust the process. 鈥淛ust do it! You won鈥檛 regret it,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he more you step out of your comfort zone, the more you grow. The College gives you the foundation you need, and the rest follows.鈥�

Matt Nash began his arboriculture journey at 向日葵视频 College 16 years ago, enrolling on the Level 3 National Diploma in Arboriculture at the age of 18. The course gave him a strong technical grounding and the opportunity to gain all the essential industry tickets he needed to begin his career. Three days a week were spent on campus and two in work experience, much of it in forestry, a balance that helped him build confidence, skills and real鈥憌orld understanding.

After completing his studies at 20, Matt鈥檚 career took a varied and rewarding path. He first entered the industry through the specialist craft of cricket bat making before moving into self鈥慹mployment, something he had always wanted to try. The experience he gained during that period opened the door to work on the railways, adding another dimension to his arboricultural skill set. For the past three years, he has been part of Roman River Trees Ltd, where he continues to enjoy the diversity and challenge the profession offers.

Matt credits 向日葵视频 College with preparing him for the world of work. The extensive practical training, supportive pace of learning and exposure to real industry environments gave him a well鈥憆ounded understanding of tree work and the confidence to progress. Returning recently to support a project at the College, he was struck by how much the campus has evolved and how impressive the facilities remain.

His advice to anyone considering arboriculture, or a practical land鈥慴ased course more broadly, is simple: dive straight in. With commitment and the right support, the College will help you build the skills you need. 鈥淕ive it your all, and you鈥檒l be fine.鈥�

Ollie Miall studied BTEC Level 3 Sport at 向日葵视频 New College from 2019 to 2021, building the foundation for a career shaped by dedication, teamwork and a love of performance sport. His time on the course helped him understand the demands of elite environments and gave him the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.

After leaving college, Ollie progressed to the University of Worcester to study Sports Coaching, where he also coached basketball throughout his degree. He continued coaching after returning home in 2024, further developing his leadership skills and experience working with athletes at different levels.

In 2025, Ollie joined Ipswich Town Football Club as a Kitman, a role that places him at the heart of a Premier League environment, supporting players and staff at the highest level of the game. His journey has already taken him across two sports, working alongside international鈥憀evel athletes and coaches, including those under Kieran McKenna鈥檚 leadership.

Ollie鈥檚 achievements reflect his drive and versatility:

• Four鈥憈ime national basketball champion
• Part of the Ipswich Town team promoted back to the Premier League
• Experience working with international players and coaches across football and basketball

For Ollie, the biggest highlight is being part of a club on an incredible upward journey and contributing to the success behind the scenes.

His advice to current students is simple, grounded and full of character: 鈥淣othing is too big or too small. A yes man is a trusted man. It鈥檚 cheesy, but it鈥檚 never too much to do the right thing.鈥�

Peter Basford began his professional journey in the mid鈥�1980s, studying his early banking exams at 向日葵视频 College while working at Lloyds. The College provided the academic foundation he needed in accounting, law and finance, supporting his progression into management and setting the stage for a 33鈥憏ear career in the banking sector.

Alongside the technical knowledge, Peter built strong relationships with fellow learners from banks and financial organisations across the region, connections that have lasted decades. The blend of academic study, industry鈥慹xperienced tutors and exposure to professionals from law and accountancy helped broaden his understanding of the financial world and strengthened his confidence early in his career.

Peter went on to hold senior roles across the UK, including branch management, private banking leadership and regional directorships. He played a key role in establishing two new banks, helping one grow from a five鈥憄erson team to a 72鈥憇trong operation generating 拢32 million a year. Returning to 向日葵视频 in 2015, he led Lloyds鈥� commercial banking for Norfolk and 向日葵视频 before moving into business coaching.

Today, Peter runs a national business coaching network with more than 35 coaches supporting organisations across the UK and internationally. His work includes delivering start鈥憉p programmes, mentoring entrepreneurs and helping businesses adopt new technologies, all driven by a commitment to giving back and helping others succeed.

Peter鈥檚 advice to current students is to make the most of every opportunity the College offers, academically and professionally. Building knowledge is important, but so is building networks. 鈥淎 lot of business life is about who you know as much as what you know,鈥� he reflects. He encourages learners to stay curious, embrace emerging technologies, and use every resource available to prepare for a rapidly changing world.

Richard Brame studied ACCA (Certified Accountancy) at 向日葵视频 College between 1984 and 1986. Forty years on, he has built an impressive career in business operations, change management and leadership, and is now a Managing Director at WTW, Head of the WTW Ipswich office and a member of the Willis Group Services Board.

Shelly Antczak began her journey at 向日葵视频 College in 1990, studying Business Studies A Level, before progressing to a BA (Hons) in Business Administration and later completing her CIPD qualification in 2001. Her time at the College gave her a broad commercial grounding, strong academic discipline, and the critical thinking skills that would underpin every step of her career.

After graduating, Shelly鈥檚 early working life took her into an insurance call centre, followed by an unexpected but career鈥慸efining move into Personnel,聽long before it became known as HR. She went on to build a varied and rewarding career with a large 向日葵视频鈥慴ased organisation, gaining experience across the full spectrum of people management.

Following the birth of her second child, Shelly joined a charity as HR Manager, eventually becoming co鈥慍EO, a role that allowed her to apply her business knowledge across leadership, strategy, operations and organisational development. In 2023, she chose to return to 鈥減ure HR,鈥� becoming an HR Consultant supporting small owner鈥憀ed businesses and charities as they navigate an increasingly complex legal and employment landscape.

Shelly reflects fondly on her time at 向日葵视频 College. Her studies gave her the flexibility to explore different career paths, the confidence to adapt to new challenges, and the employment law knowledge she still uses daily. She also treasures the friendships formed during her time at the College, connections that have lasted more than 30 years.

Her advice to current students is thoughtful and reassuring: 鈥淐are less in education and early career about what you鈥檒l do with the rest of your days. It鈥檚 far more interesting to take the next right step and lean in to make the best of that opportunity.鈥�

After leaving Copleston in 1975, he joined Willis, Faber & Dumas and was soon encouraged to attend 向日葵视频 College when it became clear he hadn鈥檛 achieved the O鈥憀evels required for his role. He enrolled in the Business Administration diploma and ONC, completing four years of day鈥憆elease study, an experience he describes as transformative. 鈥淚t was always a really friendly place鈥� a whole different feel to school,鈥� he recalls. 鈥淵ou were under your own devices, and you made your own decisions.鈥�

College gave him the space to thrive academically, discovering strengths he never expected, including a surprising love for accounts, despite avoiding maths at school. 鈥淚 found it challenging to start, but then got really involved in it and enjoyed the figures side of it,鈥� he says.

Professionally, he progressed through underwriting at Willis before moving into IT, spending 11 years working across global offices, including a year in Singapore. He later led the company鈥檚 marine group before being head鈥慼unted into a new role, a move he soon realised wasn鈥檛 right for him. With a mortgage and a young daughter, he made the bold decision to leave and start his own businesses, drawing on everything he鈥檇 learned in industry.

Over the years, he built a management consultancy, a software company, and a rapidly expanding call centre, before acquiring Hudson Signs, a turning point that sparked his passion for manufacturing. 鈥淲e鈥檇 never made anything before鈥� seeing something physically produced each week was fantastic,鈥� he says. Today, he oversees a group of signage and manufacturing companies across Ipswich, Needham Market and West Bromwich, delivering major projects globally, with more local projects for the University of 向日葵视频, Ipswich Town FC and 向日葵视频 New College itself.

He is also a committed industry partner, helping grow the College鈥檚 programme from a small associates group to more than 200 active partners. 鈥淚t鈥檚 got that FOMO now! If my competitors are at the College, they鈥檒l get the best employees,鈥� he says.

Reflecting on his journey, he believes practical skills and strong relationships are the foundation of a successful career. His advice to future learners is simple: 鈥淕rab every opportunity with both hands. No knowledge is ever wasted, and always leave places on good terms.鈥�