AN entrepreneur is giving Wigan & Leigh College students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

Michael Boffey, aged 23 from Bryn, is a director of Lamp Media, a new digital agency based in Wigan that specialises in bespoke web development, graphic design and app development.

He is offering a number of traineeships to students on the college’s higher level computing courses.

Michael said: “When I was at the college a local business owner came in and offered us the chance to undertake work experience, it was so invaluable that I promised myself I would do the same when I was in a position to do so.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the college, and found the standard of teaching to be very high, so by taking students from there, I know I’m going to get hard workers who are able to hit the ground running.”

Michael graduated from Wigan & Leigh College with a first class honours top up degree in BSc Computing after also studying an HND and a National Diploma in computing.

While paying a recent visit to the college he spoke to the students about his experiences and about the traineeships that are on offer with a view to them beginning in January.

Paul Molyneux, computing tutor at Wigan & Leigh College said: “It was great to see Michael again and have him speak to our current learners about the prospects they face in the future.

“Fostering close relationships with local businesses is the key for us as it opens up the door of opportunity for our students. To be able to secure placements like these really helps to prepare them for the world of work.”