DCG Success Stories

Derby College Group T Level Engineering student Samantha Rosser is on course to start a degree apprenticeship with Rolls-Royce Nuclear this September. 

Samantha, who is 19, has been offered the sought after role subject to her exam results but is cautiously optimistic she has made the grade. 

She said: “It’s a conditional offer but my teachers tell me that because of the way I work I excel at practical exams so I’m reasonably confident.” 

Samantha initially started at DCG on a level 3 Engineering course but switched to the T Level as the mixture of externally set exams and projects better suited her learning style.  

Through College, Samantha was shortlisted to undertake work experience at Rolls-Royce Nuclear and spent 315 hours with the company working on a nuclear project.  

As a nuclear engineer degree apprentice with the company, she will study part-time with the University of Derby. 

Samantha gets her love of engineering design from both her parents. Her dad was a marine engineer with Rolls-Royce and her mum is very artistic. 

She added: “I’ve always been interested in making things and looking at how they’re designed. I want to be involved in projects that make useful things that help people, combining the practical engineering and creative side.”  

Samantha enjoyed studying for her T Levels but also participated in other aspects of college life during her two years at the Roundhouse. 

As one of two female students on her course, she gave a presentation to students and staff on International Women’s Day about women’s role in engineering.  

Samantha also gave a talk to staff, students and guests at Derby College’s recently opened exhibition celebrating the contribution to Derby made by the Windrush generation. 

Through that event she met Theresa Peltier, High Sheriff for Derbyshire, who invited her to take part in her fundraiser, the ‘UnStrictly Dancing Spectacular.’  

Held at Derbyshire Cricket Club, this glittering occasion was attended by local celebrities, and Samantha, who is also a dancer, was on the winning team.  

Samantha added: “It was great to be involved in these events and meet people. I’m looking forward to training for an engineering career, but I don’t like to stick to one thing, so I’ll still be carrying on with my dancing and doing some modelling.”