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CAE Student Scholarship Winner Announced

Alan Merchant from Nescot College has been announced as the winner of the 2011 CAE Annual Student Scholarship Scheme. The announcement was formally made to Alan Merchant as he was awarded the winning prize with a visit to Nescot College. The award was presented by CAE Managing Director, Justin Harling and CAE Education Sales Manager, Robert Groves.

The scheme, whose aim is ‘to provide college students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and learn key skills required to progress within the IT industry’, was won by learner Alan Merchant, a 1st year Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma student who produced a 1000 word report documenting how he uses technology on a daily basis to assist his studies. Alan’s winning report also described how the technologies he uses could help a commercial business operate daily, along with his career plans for the future.

Alan managed to beat 1000 other competitors from around the UK to win the Scheme.

At a presentation at the college, CAE Managing Director Justin Harling and Education Sales Manager Rob Groves, awarded Alan a laptop, Webcam, Email, Microsoft Office and 12 months’ mobile internet access, along with a glass trophy as a memento of the learner’s achievement.

‘I’m incredibly excited and proud to have won the award,’ said a delighted Alan. ‘I hope CAE will be able to help me get some strong industry contacts, gain some work experience or even get an apprenticeship so I can build a successful career in the IT industry. Ideally, I’d like to eventually work as an IT consultant and travel around the world as part of my work.’

Having completed his first year at Level 3, Alan has been fast-tracked to the Computing Level 5 HNC course rather than continue on to the second year of his Level 3 studies, though he will complete the remaining modules over the summer with the support of the Computing and IT staff.

At the presentation, CAE Managing Director Justin Harling explained the role of CAE in helping colleges and students with their prospective careers:

“As a company we have a vested interest in the best IT talent in the country. We hope our involvement with Nescot and other colleges helps identify, and hopefully sparks, talent as well, and in turn bridges the gap between theory and practical skills. Congratulations to Alan, who thoroughly deserved the award, which we hope will help set him up for a long and successful career in IT.”

CAE Education Sales Manager Rob Groves continued:

“My role is to enhance credibility in the sector. However, the success of my role will always depend on qualified, skilled IT staff being available to help with this. The strengths of someone like Alan bode very well for the future.”

Sage Lal, Head of Computing, CISCO and Business, added:

“Technology Champions, such as CAE, provide opportunities for students to be the best they can be and compete on the world stage. We welcome the work they do and hope that Nescot and CAE continue to work together in the future.”

CAE have truly been inspired by the enthusiasm, creativity and initiative shown by the students and would like thank all of the students that entered. We look forward to working with Alan and hope to provide him with an opportunity to develop and learn new skills.

For further information regarding the CAE scholarship Scheme, please either email marketing@caeuk.com or visit the CAE website www.caeuk.com/scholarship