AN aspiring accountant is the first student to take advantage of the new opportunities offered under a new merged college.

Furness College and Barrow Sixth Form College merged in August with to offer unrivalled subject choice for learners over its two campuses.

The first student to take advantage of the flexible study programme opportunities is Ioan Hayes.

The 17-year-old is studying A-Levels in accounting and business at the Rating Lane campus and the AAT level three diploma in accounting at Channelside.

The former Dowdales student took the decision to specialise at the end of his first year as he wants a career in accounting or business administration.

Ioan said: “I really enjoy accounting and I’m aiming to get a higher apprenticeship at BAE. At the end of my first year I was looking at dropping a couple of subjects but I really enjoyed accounting. I knew about the merger and spoke to staff to find out if it would be possible to combine the academic and professional courses so I can get where I want to be.”

Ioan, who is also part of the Furness Raiders rugby league academy which was established as a result of the merger, said he is enjoying his time on both campuses. He studies for his AAT on Thursday mornings and an evening class to make up his hours.

Ioan said: “At Rating Lane studying A-Levels I’m with other young people and when I go to Channelside they are already working and go at a fast pace. Both are good and I can see the advantages of doing both so I hope the skills combination will help me in my higher apprenticeship application.”