BTEC successes at the South Cheshire College are "way above the national average".

The vocational qualifications rarely enjoy the kind of nationwide press coverage that A levels and degrees get but this year local students have had their own Results Day.

"The excellent achievements of these students usually go unrecognised. But the college results are outstanding and the students deserve recognition for their hard work and commitment," said Co-ordinator Alma Jones.

The BTEC courses include First Certificates and Diplomas, National Certificates and Diplomas, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas and GNVQs.

"As well as providing an alternative route to university, these courses are also designed to provide students with a broad understanding of particular employment sectors and can lead to jobs and further training in education," said Miss Jones.

The South Cheshire College successes include mature student and single parent, John Warburton from Sandbach. He has completed his HNC Building Studies in a year. He was working in industry as an excavator operator. With his new qualification he is now heading for the Staffordshire University.

Shane Travis from Crewe gained a Distinction for his GNVQ in Building Studies. He has managed to gain employment architects at Nantwich. He intends to return to the college to do his HNC part-time.

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