STUDENTS from Trafford College are celebrating after success at this year’s annual BTEC Awards, with winners in Creative Media and Engineering proving it’s not just A-Levels that lead to university.

Ahmed Darouache showed a hearing impairment is no barrier to success by scooping silver in BTEC Engineering at Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards, which were hosted online on 25 June 2020 at 2pm. After taking his GCSEs at Trafford College just five years ago, Ahmed has rapidly risen through the ranks and now holds offers to study a degree in architecture.

Creative Media silver winner Yasmin Lee was recognised by tutors and peers for the extra effort she put into her learning, applying each new skill to her voluntary role with the Scouts. Yasmin is now studying Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University in Fine Art, and plans to work in animation.

Principal of The Trafford College Group, Lesley Davies, OBE said: “We're all hugely proud of everything Ahmed and Yasmin have achieved at Trafford College. It’s inspiring to see how much these students have got out of all their hard work and how they have supported their peers. We’re delighted they have both decided to continue their studies at university.”

The 2020 BTEC Awards comprised of 17 categories and was hosted by presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, with awards presented by Double Olympic Gold medallist Max Whitlock as well as actress and former BTEC Drama student at The BRIT School, Kellie Shirley. The expert panel of judges made up of Pearson’s senior leadership team, journalists and external experts, carefully considered the nominees before deciding on the winners. 

Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeship, said: “This year I’ve been over-whelmed by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received and I am delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year. Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen how the current pandemic has highlighted the critical role of key workers and individuals who are likely to have followed a vocational educational pathway such as BTEC.”

Pearson has overseen BTEC qualifications for over 30 years and during this time the qualifications have equipped millions of learners with the knowledge and practical skills that employers need.

The recently launched BTEC qualification in esports, in partnership with the British Esports Association, is a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry both in the UK and internationally. Esports are forecast grow by 20 percent in 2020 alone – reaching a value of $1.1bn and an audience nearly 500m people. In addition, Pearson's BTEC partnership with Liverpool Football Club, announced earlier this month, will enable learners in international markets to acquire the expertise, skills and knowledge required for careers in the rapidly expanding global sports sector.