"I got all the advice I needed to pick the right course for me"

Ahmed Abdalla first came to the College when he was only 15, as part of the ‘Accelerate’ programme. Three years later, he’s well on his way to a place at University – with plenty of help from the the College's Careers Service. 

“I came to the UK from Sudan in 2005, and I was in one of the College’s first ‘Accelerate’ groups for 14-16s. It was a bit difficult at first because everyone else in college was older than me, but it was better than being at school – I was treated like an adult and I think that’s made me much more responsible.”

“The Accelerate programme was a chance to learn about lots of different things and to decide what we most wanted to do. I was interested in accounting, and I got all the advice I needed to pick the right GCSEs for me. Now I’m doing an AAT Accounting Level 3 course, together with GCSE English. I passed all of my exams last year, and I’m working hard to do the same at the end of this year.”

“I always felt more at home with numbers than words, and I really enjoy the mathematical side of accounting. My teacher at CONEL will always find the time to sit with me and go over something again if I need that.”

“I’m also working as a mentor to other students here at the College – I feel that every time I needed help here with anything I got it, so it just seems right for me to give other people some help where I can – plus it’s going to look good on my CV and help me in life generally. I’m even running for president of the Student Union this year – my tutor nominated me – I think it will be a good chance to get involved and help other students.”