A GROUP of students who were unable to secure a place on a college course this academic year have been given a second chance.

Worcester College of Technology introduced a range of short courses aiming to give 16 to 18-year-olds an opportunity to further their skills and continue with their education.

Enterprise Level 2 was the first course offered by the college and lasted 10 weeks.

Completing the course, students working in small teams developed ideas for a new phone and presented them to a panel of judges which included Matt Lloyd and Ben Barnes who are former students at the college and are now managing directors of Ninety Five Creative – a web and print design agency in Foregate Street, Worcester.

Awarding the winning team £100 HMV vouchers, Mr Lloyd said: “The presentations by the students were absolutely fantastic and showed a lot of creativity. I think their hard work really shows and it would have been a great waste of talent if the college hadn’t given them opportunity to further their education.”

Talking about the course, student Laura Phillips, aged 16, said: “The course was very varied and gave me a lot of practical skills.

“I think the course has given everyone a lot more confidence to carry on with their education.”

Miss Phillips is now hoping to go on to do a course in hair and beauty.

She said: “If it wasn’t for coming back to do this course I definitely wouldn’t be staying on at college.”

Worcester College of Technology is offering short courses in a variety of subjects including construction and hair and beauty.

For more information about the courses go online and visit wortech.ac.uk or call the course enquiry line on 01905 743456.