Join the Stoke on Trent College Alumni Network
Your journey doesn’t stop when you leave College. We want to hear about how you’re getting on since you finished your course at Stoke. Perhaps you’ve found employment at a local business, gone on to study at university? Whatever you’re doing, we’d love to stay in touch!
Made at Stoke on Trent College
We’ve launched a new alumni campaign to celebrate the achievements of former students and to inspire current students and members of the community.
The campaign ‘Made at Stoke on Trent College’ places the College firmly at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent. As a city of makers, craftsmanship and creativity – the campaign celebrates the journey and success of those who have studied at the College over the years. Aligning itself to the famous Stoke-on-Trent backstamp found on ceramic ware across the globe.
Those joining the alumni programme can choose how they’d like to get involved in championing the work of the College. Opportunities include: receiving a quarterly newsletter, guest speaker slots, networking events, providing work experience and many other activities.
As part of the campaign, members of the community and those who have studied at the college over the years are asked to share their memories of the time at the College.
If you have any questions about the ‘Made at Stoke on Trent College‘ alumni programme, you can e-mail alumni@stokecoll.ac.uk.
All you need to do is sign up by filling in this form.
Joining our Alumni Network means you can:
- Stay connected with staff and former students
- Get invites to events and networking opportunities
- Become a guest speaker
- Receive Stoke on Trent College updates
- Find out about new opportunities
- Learn more about Apprenticeship opportunities
Join our alumni community and sign up today!
Meet Our Alumni
Aaron Mitchell – Great Britain Goalball Coach
Former Sports Coaching and Exercise student Aaron Mitchell, recently represented Great Britain at the European Paralympic Youth Games in Finland!
He now combines his studies at York University with coaching the under-19’s Great Britain Goalball Team. A phenomenal achievement at only 19.
Aaron said: “The extra qualifications I gained whilst at the College helped me to standout.”
The practical elements of the course, combined with work experience, gave him the chance to work within disability coaching.
James Greaves – Chef Lecturer
James Greaves began his Stoke on Trent College journey in 2013 studying Level 2 and Level 3 Catering where he combined his studies with an apprenticeship at Alton Towers and remained there for 5 years! Upon the successful completion of his studies, James went on to become a Chef at the Secret Garden Restaurant within the Alton Towers Complex.
As a local boy, James has always had a vested interest in being a part of the growth of the Hospitality industry within Stoke on Trent. After leaving Alton Towers, he began his role as Sous Chef, later to become Head Chef, at Portofino’s – a very popular restaurant in the heart of Hanley!
Jake Lowndes – Co-owner at Little Seeds Restaurant
Jake Lowndes began his Stoke on Trent College journey back in 2012 when he studied a Science Access course as a progression route into Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. Whilst at University, Jake specialised in Business Enterprise and as part of his final year, he was tasked with setting up his own business and presenting the venture in a Dragons Den style format.
These experiences fed into Jake’s natural entrepreneurial spirit which eventually led him to start up his own restaurant business in 2016 – Little Seeds! Prior to this, Jake gained his 8 years of industry experience through working at several rosette restaurants! Little Seeds is a fine dining restaurant based in the foodie market town of Stone in Staffordshire.
Molly Gould – Sponsorship, Promotions & Interactive Coordinator at Signal Radio
Thanks to the course at Stoke on Trent College, Molly got the skills she needed to launch a successful media career. Molly is now employed as the Sponsorship, Promotions & Interactive Coordinator at Signal 1 Radio, which has over 795,000 listeners across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Molly said: “I learnt a lot about the radio industry which I found helpful when it came to getting a job in the industry.
The Radio Production course was exactly what I was looking for and also had a good
reputation. As part of the course, I got to go to The Radio Academy’s ‘Foot in the Door’ event where I got to meet Industry Professionals. Stoke on Trent College helped me gain valuable experience and knowledge along with skills needed to meet Industry Standards. It has without doubt helped me start my career in Radio!
Rachel Shenton – TV Actress
Since leaving Stoke on Trent College, Rachel landed cameos in a number of TV shows including Holby City, Waterloo Road and Doctors. In 2010 Rachel landed a lead role in the hit TV show, Hollyoaks playing Mitzee Minniver.
More recently, Rachel made her television debut in the United States as Lilly Summers in Switched at Birth; the highest-rated show on the ABC Family network to date.
Shenton started her career at Edinburgh fringe festival, where her play received critical acclaim. In 2018 Shenton won the Academy Award® for Best Live Action short film, for The Silent Child that she both wrote, produced and starred in.
Andrea Gordon – WorldSkills Champion in Nail Art
Andrea joined Stoke on Trent College to help land her dream job. Since then, Andrea’s creativity and talents have wowed judges and seen her be crowned the UK champion for nail art.
Andrea said: “I’d always worked in dead-end jobs, but all the time I had the ambition to do more. Now I love my job. My clients are all sorts of ages,” she explains, “the eldest is in her 80s. It
doesn’t matter what age you are, women will always want lovely-looking nails. I like it because no two days are the same. I get to display my arty side. It’s good to follow your passion because you never know where it will lead.” Andrea, who now runs her own business, recently won 1st place at the WorldSkills UK competition.
