ICT wizard Gert discovers passion for learning

Award-winning student Gert Burger has his sights on setting up his own computing business after discovering a passion for learning at Bradford College.

Gert, 16, was Student of the Year for Progression to Learning and Work Entry 3 at the Bradford College FE and Apprenticeship Student Awards. This was a special event celebrating the achievements of students throughout the past academic year.

His tutors put him forward for demonstrating “excellent attendance and punctuality and a very positive attitude towards learning.”

The start of his learning journey

It is an exceptional start to his learning journey, just two years after settling in Bradford from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Gert’s interest in computers began at a very young age. He said: “It was through my mum, who had an online business. I used to help her with it.”

However, school life was difficult for Gert, who said he wasn’t educated in the subject at school and was even subject to poor treatment by his tutors. He said: “There were no opportunities there to learn.

Determined to succeed

“It made me determined to succeed in ICT and computing. I always wanted to get a good education.”

His family moved to Bradford in 2019, having left Johannesburg due to race-related violence.

Upon arrival in Bradford, Gert attended Carlton Bolling School. While there, pupils went on a tour of Bradford College, where Gert decided to apply for an Entry 3 Award in ICT and Business course.

The course included learning about IT safety as well as developing business skills and creating a strong CV. Gert explained: “We also had to create presentations, which was something I enjoyed a lot!”

Big on business

He is now determined to continue his studies at Bradford College, continuing his current course before moving on to study computer science and computer graphics the following year. Eventually, he is hoping to go to university and in the future set up his own computing business. He said: “I hope to go big on business!

“I would like to thank my teachers for pushing me to learn. They have been brilliant. I would like to thank Bradford College as well.”

Computing and ICT at Bradford College

Bradford College’s computing and ICT courses offer a wide range of ways to study and progress into an exciting career in this sector. Students can develop the skills they need for their chosen areas – whether that’s Computer Science, IT or Gaming.

Bradford College has state-of-the-art IT rooms and games workshops with the same kit the professionals use. There is a variety of opportunities available to students at the college including participation events and competitions such as Worldskills. Find out more at https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/computing-and-ict/