West Suffolk College

Finance Academy Graduates

The first students have graduated on our prestigious Academy of Finance programme. They were awarded their completion certificates at a ceremony in Westminster Hall in May.

The Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families was the key note speaker.

Four students, Jonny Miller, Josephine Jennings, Lucy Harrison and Louise Byrne, travelled to London to receive the awards.

The four young people were among the first intake on the Academy of Finance programme at the College.

They have studied the BTEC National Business programme alongside the BTEC National Award in Personal and Business Finance, achieving Level 3 qualifications equivalent to 3 A levels.

“I am very proud of the students and of the staff who have supported them: Course Director, Helen Parker and lecturers Ian Mathers and Richard Taylor,” said Penny Stevens, head of school of Business, Management and Tourism. “They experienced six week internships at companies like NFU Mutual, where Lucy Harrison is now working part time, Gascoynes, accountants, and Javelin, where Louise Byrne now works.

“We have been supported by Career Academies UK.”

The Academy of Finance is actively seeking local companies with finance departments or accountants to offer six week internships next year. Baker Tilly is working with the Academy of Finance to provide mentoring and workshops to support the current cohort of students.

Career Academies UK leads and supports a national movement of employers, schools and colleges, working to raise the aspirations of 16-19 year olds who are considering a career in business.