Rhona Named Engineering Student of the Year at Prize Giving
Twenty-three-year-old Rhona Marr-Wheatley has been named our Engineering Student of the Year due to her skill shown throughout her studies at Edinburgh College and her outstanding qualities as an apprentice with L&I Eaton in Leith.
Rhona first became a full-time student in 2016 and then achieved IMI Level 1 Diploma in Vehicle Accident Repair. She then progressed to IMI Level 2 Diploma in Classic Vehicle Restoration in 2017. In 2018, she specialised in IMI Diploma in Accident Repair Paint Principles and quickly thrived within this area of the trade and was seen as a mentor to other learners within her class.
Due to the skills and qualities she demonstrated in this programme, Rhona was encouraged to participate in work experience at L&I Eaton in Leith. The management at L&I Eaton quickly recognised her skills and recruited her as an apprentice in August 2019 where her skills continue to go from strength to strength. Rhona has successfully managed all this while studying as a single parent.
Here’s what Rhona’s lecturers had to say about her success.
We also asked Rhona some quickfire questions about her experience at Edinburgh College.
What has been the best thing so far about studying at Edinburgh College? Any highlights?
Everything, I enjoyed my whole college experience.
Have you faced any challenges, either before starting or during your studies? How did you overcome them?
I had unstable mental health and childcare problems, which managed to be resolved through Student Services. I couldn’t have done my studies without the funding and support I was given.
If you could give one piece of advice to a student starting at the college now, what would it be?
Don’t let barriers get in your way there is always a solution to a problem.
What are your plans for the future? Are you going on to further study after college or into employment? What is your end goal?
I am an apprentice at L&I Eaton, where I really enjoy my work and I’m looking forward to progressing more and see what the future holds for me in this industry.
Do you have any messages for the lecturers?
A massive thank you to all my lecturers, especially Colin Walker and Steven Frampton who were a massive support for me and helped me overcome many obstacles.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently?
Get help with my dyslexia sooner than I did.
What are you most proud of that you have achieved while studying at Edinburgh College?
Being given an Apprenticeship.
Describe your Edinburgh College experience in three words.
Life-changing, rollercoaster, fun!
