Student secures £15,000 scholarship

AN aspiring accountant has won a scholarship worth more than £15,000.

George Preidt, who studies A-level accounts at Priestley College, is one of only 19 students in the country to secure the Kaplan Scholarship.

And it is the third time in four years that a student from Priestley College has secured the training fund.

“I’d never thought about an apprenticeship until I came to Priestley,” said George, who attended Woolston Community High School.

“I’ve found what I am good at and what I want to do during my time at college so everything has worked out really well.”

The 19-year-old joined Priestley three years ago uncertain of what he wanted to study so he decided to start again after the first year so that he could focus on his chosen career and is currently studying A-Levels in Accounts, Business and Maths.

The Kaplan Scholarship allows him to earn while he learns and he will receive more than £15,000 worth of accountancy training.

It gives him the chance to carry out an accountancy apprenticeship with ASC Renewables followed by further professional qualifications.

Just by applying he improved his chances of securing an apprenticeship as 53 per cent of shortlisted applicants go on to find employment through a free recruitment service.

To secure his scholarship George had to tell the selectors why he wanted it, prove his passion for numbers and solving problems.

“I just love that I can improve a company’s fortunes and help it move forward by looking at its accounts and making suggestions,” said George, who lives in Padgate.

Priestley tutor Peter Bann said George’s success proved how important it was to keep students informed about all the options that are open to them.

“George wasn’t aware that apprenticeships were an option for him before he started at Priestley,” he said.

Festival to return to park

LIVE music, fairground rides, family activities and craft stalls are at the ready for this year’s Orford Park Festival.

There will also be a 1km health walk with optional fancy dress, community stalls, a dog show, sports activities and more than 40 craft, gift and food stalls at the event on June 14 from 1pm until 5pm.

LiveWire will also officially unveil its new mascot who will join in with the health walk along with a number of other visitors including Wolfie, Iggle Piggle, Peppa Pig and Ben 10.

Jan Souness, LiveWire’s managing director, said: “We are really excited that LiveWire is able to get involved with this annual event and expand on the great work the Orford community has contributed over the last few years.

“We want to encourage families from all over Warrington to come down and join in this year’s festival extravaganza.”

For further information on the festival visit livewirewarrington.co.uk/orfordparkfestival.

Duathlon planned

A DUATHLON is being held in Orford Park.

LiveWire has partnered up with Go Tri to deliver a series of multi-sport and triathlon events that everyone can take part in regardless of ability, experience or equipment.

The Orford Jubilee Park Duathlon Stage involves a walk or run for a short distance before cyclingsaddling up on a bike to cycle a set distance before finishing the event with a walk or light jog.

The duathlon will take place on May 16 from 10am until 1pm and will be followed by an aquathlon between 4pm and 6pm.

The Orford Park Aquathlon will replace the bike ride with a short dip in the swimming pool before heading for a short walk or light run outside.

Taking part in the aquathlon costs £12 in advance or £15 on the day.

  • For more information, call Lou Shannon on 624996.

Teens' job club

A JOB club is being held for teenagers.

The club is for teenagers aged 16 to 19 and is being held at Orford Park Library, from 1pm tountil 3pm, on May 12.

It is a free drop in session run by Warrington Borough Council’s Careers for Young People team.

Call 572504 for more information.

Park funfair date

A FUNFAIR will be setting up at Orford Jubilee Park this May.

Silcocks Funfair is set to take over part of the park from May 1 to 10 and will be suitable for all ages.