News
Former Cadbury Finance Student Wins NHS Promotion
Former Cadbury finance student Diazan Yafai has won promotion at the NHS in just six months.
Yesterday we heard from Diazan – a successful Financial Studies, Sport & Exercise Science, and History student – who is now thriving in his role as a Senior Financial Management Assistant for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Diazan inspired current Cadbury students by sharing how he won promotion to a permanent role just six months after starting his 18-month apprenticeship, and now looks after a budget of £110 million, helping oncology and radiotherapy budget holders understand financial impacts on patient care.
He credits Cadbury with giving his career a vital headstart: “At Cadbury I was able to develop in many areas, such as communication with fellow students, keen analytical skills and responsibility. This has been carried forward into my day-to-day role where I enjoy having direct impact on patient care. This apprenticeship has given me exposure to a professional environment and I am proud of the difference I’m able to make.”
Diazan is now studying for his Level 3 AAT qualification and aims ultimately to become a chartered accountant.
Sue Lyddon, Finance Workforce Manager for NHS, says: “Diazan was able to progress quickly as he was learning day to day and had good experience in changing environments.”
Financial Apprenticeship
Diazan was in no doubt he wanted to get into an accounting career.
He explains: “I decided that an apprenticeship would be ideal due to the ability to gain experience in the field whilst gaining my qualifications. The apprenticeship gave me a head start. I did my research and looked specifically for roles in hospitals. I was very lucky to have been successful.”
As an apprentice Diazan’s key responsibilities were being in charge of the suspense code and analysing invoices, reconciliation to ledger accounts, budget holder meetings, journal posting and assisting with daily tasks.
Diazan works in a hybrid role, making patient-centred decisions and travelling between Good Hope Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Solihull Hospital sites.
He says a large proportion of his team are already chartered accountants and are always willing to help if he is struggling with any aspect of his studies.
Favourite Memory
Diazan says his favourite memory of Cadbury Sixth Form College “has to be the community and the way we were supported”.
It’s Showtime
We were thrilled to see our Performing Arts students from Cadbury Sixth Form College take the stage for their first-ever public performance, Showtime!
With an audience of around 100 people, they showcased their incredible talent through Spoken Word, Musical Theatre, and Naturalistic Drama – building confidence, creativity, and stage presence in a real-world setting.
Next, they’ll take their skills even further by creating Theatre in Education pieces to perform in local schools – an invaluable experience that enhances communication, adaptability, and performance techniques while inspiring the next generation.
We can’t wait to see what they achieve next.
Created at Cadbury: Lauren Crace
Showcasing a TV and radio career spanning over 15 years, Lauren Crace is one of our shining Cadbury alumni. We have even named our college theatre in her honour.
Since leaving Cadbury in 2004 with 4 A Levels in Media, Theatre Studies, English Literature and Geography, and going on to gain an Acting degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Lauren has worked in the Creative Arts and Media industry her entire professional life.
She has had leading roles in BBC dramas Eastenders, Sherlock, Casualty, A Room At The Top, Silk, Phoenix Rise and Holby City, and in ITV’s successful series Mr Selfridge and Vanity Fair.
Lauren became the first ever female Brummie to present the Breakfast Show after being head-hunted by Free Radio Birmingham.
She recently finished shooting series 3 and 4 of Phoenix Rise for the BBC, and continues to work as a development researcher in factual TV.
Older News & Event Articles
With Cadbury Sixth Form College Summer Talk & Tours just around the corner, now is the perfect time to kick-start your future career plans and join us this June.
Our on-campus Talk & Tours on Thursday June 15, 5-7pm, and Saturday June 17, 10am-2pm, are designed to give you all the information you need on our 50+ courses, and are the last events you can sign up for before college starts in September.
They are informal events with great opportunities to see our first-class facilities and meet some of our current student ambassadors who can accompany you around the building. You can ask them questions as you go, as they’ve got lots of insights and advice to share about life at Cadbury.
Have a further look at why this could be the perfect place for you by exploring behind the scenes and visiting our teaching spaces and social areas, libraries and learning centres. You can also see the progress of our brand new £6.6million Science City building project, where we are creating exciting digital, coding and robotics possibilities.
Arrival
When you arrive on campus, you’ll be met by our friendly Meet & Greet team. They’ll sign you in and show you where you need to go next.
Talk
Here is where our senior staff will answer all your questions and explain the Cadbury experience in detail to future students and parents, from how courses are delivered, and what to expect on your first day, to how to become a successful graduate.
Tour
Ambassadors will show you around the campus facilities and different departments, so you get a real feel for where you’ll be studying and see the subject areas you’re most interested in.
Tickets
So if you are looking for some summer inspiration to start your own success story, book your Talk & Tours spot here.
*Your booking already includes spaces for your family and friends. You just need to book for yourself. Have your ticket QR code ready to reduce your waiting time.
A Level students at Cadbury Sixth Form College have been celebrating record results today, with an increase in the pass rate for the third year running.
Alongside university acceptances, the results have enabled students the chance to embark on a broad range of opportunities. These include further education, apprenticeships and work placements across the city and throughout the UK.
Excellent results were also secured for students studying T Level courses, with a 100% pass rate and 85% students achieving high grades.
Florida Lucau achieved A*AA and will be moving on to University of Birmingham to study Biochemistry
Arun Thirugnanarajah got AAA and will be studying Law at the University of Nottingham
Lucy Greetham achieved A*A*A* and is taking a planning to take a gap year before moving on to study Graphic Design
Alongside moving onto prestigious universities across the country, a number of students have secured high profile apprenticeships.
Sherika Graham achieved A*AB and will be taking up an apprenticeship with tax, audit and advisory firm Grant Thornton
Fatima Faouaz achieved BBC and will be starting as an apprentice with accountants Trevor Jones.
T Level students Lucy Webb and Jessica Cartmell both achieved Distinctions. Lucy is planning to study Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University and Jessica plans to study Counselling at Newman University.
Principal of Cadbury Sixth Form College, Julia Stevens, said: “I’d like to personally congratulate all our A Level students at Cadbury Sixth Form College; they should be incredibly proud of the results that have been achieved today. Whichever path our students choose to follow – whether it’s university, apprenticeships or work placements – I’ve no doubt that they have a bright and exciting future ahead of them.
“I’d also like to thank our dedicated team of teachers and support staff, who go above and beyond to ensure every single student receives the support and guidance they need to achieve their full potential. It’s been a hugely rewarding year at the College and I’m so pleased to see the class of 2023 secure such exceptional results.”
More than 50 different A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas and Subsidiary Diplomas are delivered by Cadbury Sixth Form College’s specialist faculty. The team is committed to not only preparing pupils for the transition to university, but also helping them to build a strong skill set for the workplace, within an enriching and supportive learning environment.
So you’ve just had your results. What’s next for you?
Whether you know where you’re heading or not, knowing about the different routes open to you is a great place to start.
There are many ways to get your dream job, and T Levels are one of your options.
If you’d like to know what a career is like while you continue to study, T Levels just might be for you.
What’s a T Level?
A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification for 16 to 19-year-olds that takes 2 years to complete. Leading businesses and employers helped design T Levels to give you the knowledge and skills you need. They’re roughly equal to 3 A Levels.
What you’ll do on a T Level course
You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a minimum 9-week placement with an employer. This means you’ll learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies.
The very first cohort of Cadbury T Level students have secured excellent results this year, with a 100% pass rate and 85% of students achieving high grades.
Lucy Webb and Jessica Cartmell both achieved Distinctions.
- Lucy is planning to study Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University
- Jessica plans to study Counselling at Newman University
Grades you need to take a T Level
To study T Levels at Cadbury you’ll need GCSE grade 4 or above in Maths and English (plus Science for the Health T Level)
Subjects you can take
Digital Design & Development
Education & Childcare
Health
After your T Level
A T Level is worth the same UCAS points as 3 A Levels. You can use UCAS points to apply to university or another type of higher education. You can also use your T Level to do a related higher level apprenticeship or start your career.
If you’d like to chat or get advice about T Levels or your future, come and see us in campus during our opening times.
