Budding engineer Ben Butterworth has gone from being NEET to a having a career in Engineering after completing his studies with Nelson and Colne College.

Ben’s progress is a fantastic story and is the result of a combination of talent and hard work.

Due to health issues at secondary school, Ben left without qualifications and found himself not in education, employment or training (NEET). He joined Nelson and Colne College’s Foundation Learning department with the ambition of working in the Engineering sector – and the rest is history.

He achieved his Functional Skills qualifications in English and Mathematics before scoring a remarkable Grade 9 in his English Language GCSE and a Grade 8 in his Mathematics GCSE in 2019, while completing his Level 1 Engineering course.

Two years later, Ben, 20, has achieved Triple Distinction* in his Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering – the highest possible grade – and is progressing into employment. He will move down to Oxfordshire to work for Fido Tech Ltd in the role of a Mechanical Development Technician.

Ben said: “Thanks to the expert tuition on offer from the teaching staff at College, I have achieved Triple Distinction* in Engineering and I’m very happy with my achievements.

“Also, as part of the course, I was given the opportunity to complete an industry placement at Fido Tech, and this has led to a full-time position at the company which makes it a brilliant result all round.

“I would recommend Nelson and Colne College to anyone looking for a welcoming and supportive study environment, where students are able to achieve their full potential. I made lots of new friends and really got on with the tutors.”

Nelson and Colne College is the number one college in the country for students satisfaction, and is one of the leading colleges nationally across a range of academic measures.