My name is Patrik Holodnak, and I attended The Holgate Academy from 2016 to 2021, followed by the sixth form from 2021 to 2023. The lessons I learned during my time at The Holgate Academy have shaped me into the person I am today. Through all the good times, laughter, and support from great staff, I was able to mould myself into a more confident version of my past self, always striving to improve in every aspect of my life.
Like many teenagers, I began my time at Holgate with a bit of a “whatever” attitude towards subjects I didn’t find particularly appealing. However, after the first lockdown, the support and conversations I had with staff gave me a broader perspective on what I could achieve.
These eye-opening discussions helped me realise what I wanted to do after my time at Holgate. While many of my close friends moved on to other colleges to pursue their goals, I chose to continue my journey at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre and focused on my interests: maths and science.
During this time, I temporarily lost my sense of direction and how to achieve my goals. Being in a new environment, I reverted to old habits of quietness and carelessness. Fortunately, individuals around me noticed and guided me back onto the right path. With their help, I went from being an average student to one who exceeded his own expectations in every exam. Of course, this took a great deal of hard work, but without that initial push and the exposure to new possibilities, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
In my final year of sixth form, I was still uncertain about my future career. All I knew was that I wanted to pursue something that would allow me to continue exploring my passion for maths, physics, and chemistry.
Thanks to the wide variety of enrichment activities available, I discovered a local company based in Hucknall known for its significant contributions to the aerospace sector. They had visited our sixth form, and after some conversations, I made up my mind: I wanted to pursue a degree apprenticeship in aeronautical engineering.
I applied to several aerospace companies and ultimately secured a position at ITP Aero in Hucknall after passing all my exams with two As and a B in my A levels.
Joining ITP Aero as a degree apprentice in manufacturing engineering has introduced me to many exciting challenges and experiences. It has helped me grow in confidence and appreciate the significance of the path I’ve chosen.
I’ve even had the chance to return to my old sixth form multiple times—to reconnect with the teachers who supported me, and to be the kind of inspiration I would have wanted during my own time there. Even now, I continue to meet people at the company who also attended Holgate Academy and are now in senior roles. Seeing them as a source of inspiration shows me the wide range of possibilities that lie ahead—and what a Holgate student can truly achieve.
Get involved
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Made at Holgate
Please visit our dedicated alumni page, Made at Holgate, for more inspiring stories and experiences from our former students, and to learn how you can become part of our unique network.
