Spotlight on Talent : Sammey Ahmed

Studied: Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Business, Level 2 Business Administration, Level 3 Diploma in Business
Progression: Business and Accounting at Birmingham City University

Aspiring accountant, Sammey credits his success as a student to the college’s Deaf Academy team.

“I had all the support I needed thanks to them, including access to an interpreter and a note-taker,” he said.  “The support workers also available to me had a real understanding of all the challenges I might face in and outside the classroom and how I could handle these.”

Sammey’s four years at college culminated in Merit grades in his business course and a place at university.

“Maths was always my favourite school subject.  It still is,” said Sammey.  “I think SAGE software is one of the best pieces of software available to us.

“It looks like a simple system, but it analyses even the most complex data really well.

“I find it useful to combine analytical maths and ICT skills.  It gives me confidence for when I’ll be doing this for real.”

Sammey’s advice to other deaf students thinking of joining a mainstream college it to ‘go for it’.

“You’re supported in so many ways and get to be around people of all abilities and ages, so you have a bigger friendship and social unit.”