[F]urness College is opening its doors to enable students to experience university degrees on their doorstep at a taster evening this month.
The college is holding a Higher Education Taster Evening at the Channelside campus on June 14th from 6pm.
Staff will be on hand to showcase the wide range of courses available including IT, engineering, health and social care, business, construction, art and teaching degrees.
There will be advice on finance and also information about the college’s access to university courses for those who want to study degrees but have few formal qualifications.
Jo Anson, director of Higher Education at Furness College, said: “Many people do not realise that you can study a degree right here in Barrow,” she said.
“The courses are accredited by universities so you graduate in their colours but teaching is available on the doorstep so there is less travel time.
“Also, you don’t have to give up your career to do a degree – you can still work in industry as there is a more flexible approach to study to fit round people who work full-time or part time.
She said the college was well-known for its specialism in engineering but that hundreds of people had been able to progress up the career ladder after securing qualifications in a broad range of areas.
Heidi McKenzie, who is studying a foundation degree in business with project management, said her experience had given her the confidence to apply for a promotion.
“At first I thought I was too old to do a course at the age of 52 and worried that I would be the only older student there,” she said. “The majority are younger but I don’t feel out of place. We have a good group and they are all very friendly and fun.
“I have also learnt things at college that I have been able to use in my role. Recently I had an interview for a job I really wanted and there were questions on Excel and self-development. I was able to talk about these subjects with confidence and I got the job.”
Dominic Miller, a plant engineer at GSK, is studying a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.
He said: “The course offered me the chance to study part-time for a prestigious Lancaster University engineering degree, without the need to travel further than a mile from home. The engineering courses offer you the chance to design, manufacture and test an infinite number of products thanks to the advanced technologies in the new Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre. This includes laser cutting, CNC machining and even 3D printing.”
The taster event takes place on Wednesday 14th June from 6pm and 8pm at Furness College and is for adults and students aged 17 and above. More information is on the website www.furness.ac.uk/tasters
