Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) student Mica Mullender has been awarded the national BTEC Science Student of the Year prize.
Mica received the honour from Maryam Taher, BTEC Student of the Year 2017 and BTEC Ambassador, during a glittering ceremony at Central Hall Westminster in London.
The awards were hosted by financial journalist and TV Presenter Steph McGovern and showcased the fantastic contributions made by students and young people studying BTECs.
B&FC student representative Mica, who is now hoping to pursue a career in dentistry, said her time at B&FC had provided the perfect launch pad for a successful career.
She added: “I was surprised but delighted to win this award.
“I have enjoyed my years at College and have learned many new skills which I am sure will benefit me both at work and through my time at university.”
The 19-year-old, from Fleetwood, has been a student at B&FC for three years. She left school with excellent GCSE grades which enabled her to choose A levels or BTECs, but realised that the BTEC provision at B&FC would give her much more practical experience to prepare her for her dream career in dentistry. Throughout her time at B&FC her attendance has been 100 per cent, as has her punctuality.
The former Fleetwood High School pupil continued to work as a dental technician while attending classes. Her tutors were keen to support her in this skilled profession and shaped the content of Mica’s course to include her industry practice and enhance her studies.
An expert panel of 52 judges carefully considered each nominee before deciding upon a winner.
Sam Bentley, Head of Science at B&FC, said: “We are delighted that Mica’s efforts throughout her time at B&FC have seen her recognised as the best science student in the country.
“This award represents her enthusiasm for learning, commitment to her programme and her determination to achieve her long-term career goals. We are all very proud of her achievement.”
Pearson has delivered BTECs for more than 30 years and is dedicated to providing education and training which produces work-ready candidates with the knowledge and practical skills employers need. These hands-on vocational qualifications continue to be respected as a valuable route straight into employment, or into employment via university.
Rod Bristow, President of Pearson in the UK, added: “I want to offer my congratulations to Mica for winning this award. The judges were hugely impressed by the quality of nominations this year and this is a fantastic achievement.
“The BTEC awards are one of my favourite events of the year. They are a wonderful celebration, not just of the outstanding winners themselves, but of the value of the BTEC qualification to employers and universities around the world.”
