Case studies

Hannah Dexter - Gardener

Hannah Dexter has been pottering around in the family garden for as long as she can remember. Find out how Hannah turned her hobby in to a blossoming career.


Michael Wilde - Pastry Chef and Chocolatier

For 22-year-old Michael Wilde, a City & Guilds in Confectionery and Baking led to a career at one of the country's leading patisseries.

Howard Kidd - Railway Enforcement Officer

Howard Kidd, a former special constable and manufacturing manager, decided on a career change. His City & Guilds Certificate for the Security Practitioner enabled him to secure a job as a Railway Enforcement Officer.



Lee Doughty - Dental Nurse

By completing the level 3 NVQ in Dental Nursing and Radiography Lee has discovered a whole range of career possibilities in the Dental profession.



Koyer Ahmed - Learning Support Worker and Lecturer

Koyer Ahmed found that a City & Guilds qualification was the key to a glowing career in education. 



Richard Gates - Electrician

A former BBC employee, Richard Gates made a 'shocking' career U-turn when he decided to retrain as an electrician.



Mike Westlake - Mechanical Engineering

Representing the UK at WorldSkills 2007 and his many CAD qualifications has enabled Mike to develop a career in mechanical engineering.



Suhail Pasta - Company Director and IT Specialist

Suhail Pasta was named Further Education Sector Learner of the Year at the 2006 Lion Awards, despite the fact that he's hearing impaired and English is not his first language.  Since completing his Advanced Diploma in IT, Suhail has returned to his native Kenya and become the director of a family business.


Katrina Ireland - Legal Secretary

Katrina Ireland always knew she wanted to be a secretary, but a word from a helpful teacher introduced her to the idea of specialising in the legal profession. Katrina is now a legal secretary for a major law firm.


Andrew Skinner - Warehouse Operative

Andrew Skinner, 19, works in the warehouse for City Electrical Factors, one of the fastest growing electrical wholesalers in the UK. With a warehousing space larger than 30 football stadiums, it's enough to keep him pretty busy.


Marlon McFarlane - Construction Worker

With a family tradition of working in the construction industry, 25 year-old Marlon McFarlane says that a wide-ranging course of study has enabled him to pick and choose the section of the industry he'd like to work in - and where.


Ross McLachlan - Motor Mechanic

Ross McLachlan, 20, has been working at Brooklands Auto in Reading since leaving school. His position as a motor mechanic means that he has plenty of opportunity to indulge his love of cars - and to get his hands dirty.


Laura Scally - Tour Operator Employee

Try picturing 22-year old Laura Scally on the warm beaches of the Sandals resort in Jamaica. That's where she recently spent a week after winning a company prize at Thomas Cook Holidays, where she's a customer services manager.


Rebecca Basford - Hairdresser and Beauty Therapist

Twice named UK Hairdressing Student of the Year, Rebecca has worked in top name salons and currently manages a shop that sells perfume and skincare supplies, with big plans for a glowing future in the hair and beauty industry.


Lucy Wilson - Jeweller Designer

When Lucy Wilson, 34, was fired from her first job in jewellery design, it gave her the impetus to start her own business. Her City & Guilds in Creative Techniques gave her the skills to succeed, and she now enjoys a fulfilling life in self-employment.


Stephen Wylde - Commercial and Business specialist

A City & Guilds in Retail Operations helped Stephen Wylde transform a weekend job at a car dealership into a lucrative career.



Katy O'hara - Veterinary Nurse

Katy works as a veterinary nurse at The Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Victoria, London - the oldest hospital of its kind in the UK and a registered charity. An animal lover since childhood, she spends her days providing the best care and treatment for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.