I didn't know anything about car mechanics before I came to City College. These were the comments from Coral when asked how she was progressing at City Horizons. My family tried to talk me out of doing this type of course, they said it wasn't the career for me, but, it's nice to prove them wrong!. I am loving it here and I look forward to coming to College.

This can be proved by Coral’s impressive 100% attendance record since she started in September 2011. Asked why things were going so well for Coral she replied It's not like being at school, I didn’t enjoy my time there, despite getting my GCSE's, I wanted to be out in the real world and get qualifications relating to the motor vehicle trade.

The City Horizons programme is good because you do a mixture of subjects, such a practical, theory and Maths and English and don’t get bored. My Tutor, Russell Mercier has been really supportive and gives us lots of support. Everyone gets on really well and we are all going onto Level 2 next September which is brilliant. I hope one day to set up my own business and be able to run a garage with my friend, who is also doing the same course as me. I would recommend this programme to other people, who like me are practically minded and want to get qualifications which will help them to get jobs. Going to City College and doing the City Horizons motor vehicle course was definitely the best thing for me.

Claire also has a part time job as a general assistant in a garage based in Freemantle. This helps her earn some extra money as well as gain an understanding of what it is like to work for an employer. I really enjoy my course at City College, the support from the staff is great and we are all learning new things every day. I am doing something which I love and this programme has helped me build up my skills and confidence.

When I first started my knowledge was quite low but I can now identify parts of the engine and even do a basic service on a car. Russel is great, I couldn't ask for a better Tutor. He makes the course interesting, even the bits like theory which can be a bit boring. It's not like school, it's like being in a real working garage, which is great and helps people to get used to what it will be like when we leave to get jobs.

Reece had heard good things about the College from his brother and decided to enrol on the Motor Vehicle Level 1 programme. Reece has a keen interest in cars and engines and wanted to increase his understanding and skills so that he will have a better chance of joining the Army in 2 or 3 years.

The best thing about City College is the fact that you are treated with respect from staff, it's not like being back at school, which I didn't enoy. I have also enjoyed being part of a big group and making new friends. Everyone gets on really well and there is good team spirit in the Motor Vehicle workshop.

The Diploma and Certificate students all work really well together and we all support each other. It's good to be doing a mixture of practical and theory and I don't mind doing Maths and English, they make it interesting. The staff are good at explaining things, especially how engines work and my knowledge has definitely increased since I started. I would definitely recommend this course to other people who are interested in car mechanics.

Asked about the benefits of attending PX2, Andrew stated It made me think about how I am going to plan my life, I didn't really have any thoughts on this before I started, but, now I am much clearer on what I want to do and how I am going to achieve this. I also heard about the CHATs (City Horizons Action Theatre) and as I am interested in singing and acting this made it really appealing to me.

Since starting on the City Horizons programme, Andrew has enrolled onto the Art and Design programme, Work Skills Certificate and is doing Maths and English. He is also taken on the lead role as Oliver in the Musgrave Murder, which the CHATS are performing on Friday 1st July in The Hub Theatre. Since coming to City College, my confidence has been rebuilt and I am really enjoying my time here. My aim is to pass my Maths and English so that I can go onto a Performing Arts programme and achieve my ambition of being a singer and actor.

Kristine Erminasa achieved a distinction grade for the BTEC Foundation Art & Design Diploma and is now studying a BA in Fine Art at Southampton Solent University

Selina had an interest in make up and hairdressing and decided that this programme met her needs.

Selina enjoys the practical element of the programme and since starting with us has gained experience in areas such as: facials, manicure, pedicure, massage and waxing. ‘ We get the opportunity of practising on other students, staff and even people from outside. This gives everyone the chance to build our confidence and skills and it is very beneficial’.

The theory part of the programme can be quite challenging and we have to learn aspects about the body including dealing with people who have allergies or other health problems.

‘ The skills I have built up will help me to progress onto becoming a beautician’. My ambition is to go on to do a Level 2 but I need to continue to work on my English.

Not long after starting the Early Years programme, Billy Ray was placed with the Trees Day Care nursery for a one week placement .  Billy's employer  was very impressed with his attitude, commitment and  how he engaged with staff and children during the week.

"On the first day I was really nervous and I was not sure what I had to do or what I would be told to do. As soon as I got in there the kids looked at me as much to say who is this?

After one approached me and asked me to do something the rest of them really welcomed me and made me feel comfortable.

By the end of the week, I wanted to stay there and not come back to college! It made me really want to be out there and work and it also made me want to aim higher with my career' 

Billy’s advice to other young people who are embarking on a period of work experience is ‘Be confident, and just enjoy it and don’t think of it as a chore but as something you want to do and what you will be doing in the future and really just do what you want to do and aim higher!’

Vicky had been told that it was a really good College and that the programme was allowing her friend to gain extra qualifications whilst waiting for her Level 2 course to start in September.

Vicky eventually wants to progress onto the Level 3 Performing Arts course and then gain a place with a Drama Academy in London. From here she hopes to make it big in the Movies! The City Horizons Programme has helped me realise what I want to achieve in life and what I need to do to get there' said Vicky.

Vicky joined the Work skills programme in early March and very quickly worked her way through units on writing CVs, job searching, interview techniques, enterprise and Health and safety in the workplace. Alongside this she joined City Horizons Action Theatre (CHATs) and got the part of The Singer in the debut production of 'The Musgrave Murder.' Vicky’s determination and willingness to work hard, has resulted in her being offered a place on the Level 2 Performing Arts programme in September. 'It was well worth coming onto the programme in March.

I have really enjoyed meeting new friends and being part of the CHATS theatre team. I never imagined that I would be playing a key role in the play and I have loved every minute of this experience. My confidence and understanding of what is required to be an actor has increased. Being offered a place on the Level 2 performing arts course has always been my aim and I am so happy and proud that I have achieved this'.