DCG Success Stories

Recruitment consultant Josh Winfield says going to Derby College inspired him to think independently and differently.

Josh – who at 23 is Syntax Consultancy’s youngest ever senior recruitment consultant – chose not to head for university like his schoolfriends but instead enrolled on DCG’s level 3 Advanced Extended Diploma in Business.

He said: “I took AS levels but wasn’t really enjoying the subjects, so at the end of year one, I had two choices; stay on at school, complete my A, levels and get the UCAS points I needed for uni or go to Derby College and try something different.

“I was one of just five people from my year group of around 260 at my school who decided not to go to university.

“I liked my course. The teachers were great and so knowledgeable. The knowledge I gained from them helps me on a daily basis in my recruitment job. Entrepreneurs came into college to talk to us. That was really cool too.”

And Josh loved the opportunity college gave him to mix with new people and experience a completely new environment.

He added: “I’d grown up and gone to primary and secondary school with the same people and been in a bubble with them for 17 years.

“At college I met people from other areas, from other backgrounds and from other religions and cultures. It blew my mind. It was so interesting.”

Josh, who has worked for Syntax since October 2017, strongly believes in following your own path. He has dyslexia but doesn’t let it hold him back, instead embracing it as his own unique selling point (USP).

He added: “I’ve always believed that if you’re old enough and good enough, then go for it. You don’t have to wait until you’re in your 30s and 40s for that chance.

“I’d tell current students not to be afraid to try things. Derby College inspired me to think independently and differently.

“You don’t have to take the same route as everyone around you. You’re young, you’ve got time, so gain experience and create a career that works for you.”