Aaron claims prestigious Public Services Award

Former Barnsley College Public Services student Aaron Wood has been recognised for his achievements at a celebratory award ceremony.

The prestigious Johnston Award, sponsored by former Barnsley College Chair of Governors Frank Johnston, was presented to Aaron Wood, a former Level 3 Access to Higher Education in Criminal Justice and Policing student, who impressed Mr Johnston with his dedication and enthusiasm for the course and achieving his goal of being accepted onto a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship.

Aaron said: “I’m really pleased to have won the award and I was proud to be recognised for my achievements in College. I loved my time at College. My tutors have been extremely helpful and have worked with me to identify the steps on my journey towards my goal of joining the Police.”

The College’s former Chair of Governors Frank Johnston has continued his links with the College by sponsoring the award. Having been brought up in a military family, Frank served in the Merchant Navy, followed by ten years’ service in the Royal Air Force. He also spent 15 years in the Royal Hong Kong Police as an Inspectorate Officer. Since settling in Barnsley, Frank has been committed to the voluntary sector, was Chairman of the Citizens Advice Bureau and served as a governor of the College for ten years.

Frank Johnston added: “Aaron is an impressive gentleman whose overall performance makes him a worthy winner of this award. I wish to publicly congratulate him on winning the award. I have been impressed by what he has achieved under difficult circumstances and consider him worthy of the award. I was also impressed with all the other nominations which show how hard the students are working to achieve their ambitions.”

The College is offering an online Level 3 Access to Higher Education in Criminal Justice and Policing course, starting in September 2022. The course can be studied online and provides the flexibility to fit around home or family commitments.

Barnsley College offers a range of study programmes including full and part-time vocational courses, apprenticeships, T Levels and university-level courses.

If you’re aged 16-18 and not currently in education, employment or training, then it’s not too late to join us in January 2022. The College can create a bespoke study programme tailored to your needs. Contact our friendly team to find out how we can create you a personalised timetable. Whether it’s a mix of art, sport, digital and fashion; or construction, catering, games design and music; or anything in between, you can try the courses you want and build your skills for whatever you want to do in the future!