A former Aircraft Maintenance degree student from Solihull College & University Centre is flying high in his apprenticeship with Virgin Atlantic after graduating with First Class Honours and picking up a special award at graduation.
Sam Dishington has been with the College since his level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do when he left school but was keen to work with his hands and use his brain, so thought Engineering was the ideal route.
Sam comments: “I loved maths and science. I didn’t think about being an aircraft engineer until I realised I could stay at Woodlands Campus and complete my aircraft maintenance engineering degree.”
Tutor Salman Javad says Sam thoroughly deserved his Coventry University award at the College’s recent graduation ceremony. He comments: “Sam is the embodiment of an outstanding student. Throughout both his Level 3 studies and degree programme, he consistently demonstrated excellence in all aspects of his work. His work ethic, attitude, engagement, and academic performance have been exemplary, setting a benchmark for others to follow. It is rare to encounter a student for whom there are no meaningful areas for improvement – yet Sam has continually exceeded expectations and approached every challenge with maturity and determination, and I’m delighted he has secured his apprenticeship.”
Sam is now working with Virgin Atlantic for the next 18 months. He credits the College with giving him the tools he needed to secure the post: ” My tutor Salman coached me through the application process as it’s very competitive. For me, Woodlands was the best place to study. There is so much tech here to learn with, there is no better place to learn and develop using the equipment. If you want to apply yourself and do well, it’s as good as anywhere else. I am really happy with my decision to live at home and get my degree, it’s been great!”
