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Burnley College’s investment in advanced equipment via the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT) has played a crucial role in shaping the skills and career paths of its students, particularly in the field of automation.
One shining example of this success is the journey of Igor Dolgan, an apprentice whose experience with the IoT equipment has propelled him to national recognition in the WorldSkills UK competition.
Igor, 20, was first introduced to the IoT equipment during his Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechatronics at Burnley College – one of the IoT’s leading academic partners, which he undertook in the first year of his apprenticeship at chemical technologies specialist Johnson Matthey.
The exposure to this advanced technology allowed him to develop a deeper understanding of automation and hone his technical skills. As he grew more proficient, he was encouraged to take part in the prestigious WorldSkills UK competition in the automation category.
Determined to perform at his best, he committed to rigorous training – spending at least two evenings per week at Burnley College, staying until closing time to practice using past competition challenges.
This relentless commitment paid off, enabling him to compete at a high level and refine this automation expertise.
Igor, now in the third year of his four-year apprenticeship, is described as an exceptional apprentice, referred to as “one in a million” by his employers Johnson Matthey.
When he first started college, he began studying mechanical engineering but switched to electrical halfway through. Despite this transition, he completed 20 units in his BTEC — significantly more than the average 12 units — achieving distinctions in every single one.
His dedication was evident as he balanced full-time college studies, practical skills training, and later full-time work while maintaining his outstanding academic record.
Igor’s drive and determination set him apart. Burnley College played a crucial role in harnessing Igor’s potential. The college’s advanced training facilities and investment in high-quality equipment has enabled Igor to actively seek out challenges and learning opportunities using industry-leading equipment.
Igor is now considered an ambassador for the college, attending open events to share his experiences and inspire new students. His success story highlights the importance of investment in education, industry-aligned training, and the right support system to help ambitious apprentices thrive.
Igor’s academic journey at Burnley College includes completing an HNC in Mechatronics and a Level 3 BTEC in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. These courses provided him with the technical foundation necessary to pursue a career in automation.
“The Mechatronics HNC pointed me in the direction that I had been searching for,” Igor explained. “This course was an entry window into the world of automation. The highlight of the course was discovering the WorldSkills automation competition.
“The combined experience and knowledge gained from the course and the competition have set my eyes on developing into an automation role at my workplace, Johnson Matthey.”
This support was instrumental in preparing him for the World Skills competition. Without access to the cutting-edge technology and dedicated training at the college, he would not have been able to compete at such a high level.
Burnley College’s involvement as a key partner in the Lancashire and Cumbria IoT underscores its commitment to providing students with access to cutting-edge technology. The IoT network aims to enhance technical education by connecting students with industry-leading resources, ensuring they are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the workforce.
Thanks to the support, equipment, and training opportunities at Burnley College, Igor now has a clear career path in automation. His aspirations include advancing his role at Johnson Matthey and further developing his expertise in the field.
His success story highlights the impact of high-quality education and access to industry-standard equipment in shaping the next generation of engineers and automation specialists.
Burnley College’s dedication to excellence, combined with its involvement in initiatives like WorldSkills UK and the IoT network, continues to provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in their chosen industries.