02.01.07
First class Newquay business graduate steps up to a new career

Newquay graduate, Helen Le Marechal, has been awarded the 'Student of the Year' prize as a result of receiving a first class grade in her BA (Hons) Business Administration at Cornwall College.

Helen excelled throughout her BA (Hons) Business Administration degree which led on to her current role. She is halfway through her training as a District Manager with Lidl supermarkets, a highly competitive graduate scheme that would not have been possible without her fantastic degree result.

"I regretted not having continued my education, so did a part-time business A-level in Newquay which gave me a taste for the business world and set me up for the degree," she said. "I thought it would be a good qualification to enable me to have more options for where my career could go."

Helen left school after her GCSEs to begin work in the catering industry where she gradually progressed into management. "The College was fantastic. I was really surprised to be able to study at degree level and to find the course I wanted without having to travel out of the county. There is a real community feel at the College and a supportive, friendly atmosphere."

Helen is delighted with her new position – not only because she has tripled her old salary and has been given an executive company car, but also because of the challenges and prospects involved.

"The role is that of an area manager of a district's stores, with an emphasis on maintaining standards, controlling accounts and recruiting and developing employees. I am using many of the skills I learnt through my degree in my day to day work. The job is fast paced and challenging and the rewards are great. The degree at Cornwall College has turned my life around and opened doors for me. It got me out of my career rut; it was the best decision I ever made and I had a brilliant time at College," she added.

Almost 3,000 students have now accessed wonderful new career opportunities through completing university courses at Cornwall College since the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative started. The Objective One (EU) funded project has brought millions of pounds of investment in new facilities, courses and buildings for university students in Cornwall.

John Latham, CEO and Principal of Cornwall College said: "Congratulations to Helen and all those who graduated with Cornwall College this year. We are delighted to be able to provide students like Helen with a chance to develop academically and personally. I wish her the very best of luck in her new role."

Cornwall College is a partner of the University of Plymouth, which approves many of its courses.

For further information contact Maria Walton of Cornwall College on 01209 616100.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Cornwall College and University of Plymouth are partners of the CUC.

Editor's notes:

Cornwall College has 7 sites across Cornwall, including Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School and offers the widest range of high quality academic & vocational training in Cornwall.

Cornwall College is the only College in the South West to hold 4 'Centre of Vocational Excellence Awards':

Centre of Vocational Excellence – Tourism, Customer Care
Centre of Vocational Excellence – IT Systems
Centre of Vocational Excellence – Marine Engineering & Technology
Centre of Vocational Excellence – Food & Drink Technology

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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