Meet our Students

Read what our student alumni have to say about their experiences at Carlisle College.

Alexandra Rhodes

HE Aesthetics Student

I have had many great moments this year; meeting new faces, the atmosphere was brilliant and meeting all the new tutors. I would definitely recommend Carlisle College to future students.

Christina Harrison

Access to HE Health Studies Student

I joined the Pre-access to Health course in order to gain the qualifications required to successfully enrol on the Access to HE: Health Studies Course in September 2023. As a single mum to 3 kids, I have worked hard while also balancing family life, study and work into my day-to-day life. I aspire to be a nurse and have recently been offered a place to study Adult Nursing at the University of Cumbria this September. The advice I would give to others thinking about a new career is to just believe in yourself.

Lucy-Jo Green

Access to HE Humanities and Social Sciences Student

I worked as a support worker for 6 years until I damaged my spine in 2020, then was diagnosed with Hypermobility and FND. I aspires to be a social worker. As a single mother since the age of 17, the Pre-Access to Health was the perfect programme to give me an insight into the Access to HE course which provides a route to university level courses. The pre-access course also prepped me so I felt prepared to take on a Level 3 course and get the most out of my studies. Having completed the Pre-Access course, I applied for the Access to HE: Humanities and Social Sciences course and have now been offered a place at 2 Universities. If you're determined and willing to work hard to get to where you want to be then this is the course for you.

George Swift

After successfully completing a full-time Level 2 Diploma in Bench Joinery at Carlisle College, George utilised the services of our apprenticeship team to secure a work trial at Thwaite Holme Kitchen & Bedrooms. He successfully gained employment in the Summer of 2023, and enrolled on a Level 3 Craft Joinery apprenticeship with the support of his employer. in 2024 George represented Carlisle College at the regional SkillBuild competition in Newcastle, gaining 1st place for the region and securing a place at the National Final for Joinery in Milton Keynes in November 2024. Only the week prior, George was the first apprentice nationally to attempt the newest version (1.2) of the Craft Joinery end point assessment under the awarding organisation NOCN, in which he achieved a pass in all elements at first attempt.

Asa Pegler

Level 3 Media Student

My name is Asa Pegler and I’m a filmmaker who studied Level 3 Media at Carlisle College. I had an amazing time filled with support, acceptance and laughter. I’m now perusing my love of making visual art by studying BA (Hons) Film Production at The University of Salford and I currently have my short film 'It Gets Better' officially selected for the Apex Film Awards. My advice to those who are interested in studying Media at Carlisle College is to always be open minded, open to criticism, work well with others and have the ability to evaluate yourself consistently. Take advantage of the equipment available to you and go make something outside of lessons - no matter how good or bad, you'll learn from it! Ask lots of questions as that's what the tutors are there for but most importantly have a blast! Level 3 Media is one of the most inclusive, engaging and supportive courses the college provides in my opinion.

Olivia Hammond

Level 3 Business Student

My work placement at David Allen has allowed me to gain valuable insights into financial management and taught me how to apply my skills in real-world scenarios. Each week, I am challenged with a new department that encourages me to input my skills and communicate with the people around me to reach out for help to strengthen my knowledge further.

Lisa Ellis

Lisa joined us as a Motor Vehicle apprentice and has gone from strength to strength in her studies and career, winning the well-deserved award for Best Apprentice at the InCumbria Business Awards in 2024. Lisa has achieved 100% attendance, secured her Maths & English qualifications, and consistently achieved strong pass marks. Utilising what she had learned, she secured a work trial at Halfords, which lead to her being offered a position within their workshop as an apprentice Motor Vehicle Technician and enrolling on the Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprenticeship programme with Carlisle College. Lisa has not only been promoted to Assistant Workshop Manager, but also awarded Carlisle College Technical Services Apprentice of the Year and selected by our Principal as the 2024 Carlisle College Apprentice of the Year.

Josh Edgar

I started at Carlisle College undergoing a Level 3 Business Admin Apprenticeship. I went on to complete my apprenticeship working at Carlisle Key, whilst attending college one day a week, gaining a Level 3 distinction and the Carlisle College Most Improved Apprentice Award. This distinction enabled me to progress my career as I have now moved to Galliford Try where I am currently undergoing a Trainee Quantity Surveyor Apprenticeship. I really enjoyed the blend of learning at college and on the job that an apprenticeship offers. I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to others as I believe they are the best way to get workplace experience and qualifications at the same time.