A former apprentice who had his sights set on a higher level engineering career is celebrating today after achieving a top university degree.
Furness College student John Twigden achieved his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering studied at the Channelside campus in Barrow gaining a 2:1.
He started with college on the access to university course, gained his HNC and progressed to the degree, accredited by Lancaster University, after being encouraged by his tutors.
John, who is among more than 200 Furness College students receiving their degree grades this month across all subjects, praised the support of his tutors.
“I originally wanted to just do the first year but the tutors pushed me into doing this degree – but in a good way – and I can’t thank them enough,” he said. “Having access to the excellent facilities at the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre at Furness College also helped me.
“I’m really proud and excited at getting a degree and thankful for the help.”
John, who works at Sellafield and lives in Ulverston, said he chose the course to upskill on what he had learned in his apprenticeship.
“Maths was always a struggle but I managed to get through this,” he said. “The reason I chose Furness College was because I didn’t want to travel and spend a night away studying, I wanted to stay in the area.”
Head of Area for Engineering Kate Colebourn said: “We have seen some excellent results today but I think John’s story of dedication to his studies, improving his knowledge and achieving something he thought may not ever have been possible is really inspiring. We are really proud of what he has accomplished.”
She said a number of people who are employed locally by large employers and SMEs, across a range of sectors including engineering and technology, had also successfully completed their degrees and HNC with Furness College this week and the staff were also very proud to see that nearly half the degree students had achieved first-class Honours.
