Fashion student Jenny Payne has been elected as the first paid president of City of Bath College’s Students’ Union.
What was previously a voluntary role has been re-launched as a paid job to meet the needs of students at the college.
From July 1st, Jenny will be paid a basic wage to work four days a week as the go-between between the college and students.
The 18-year-old was elected by her peers to help step up the role of the Students’ Union by liaising with course representatives, launching new clubs and committees and joining several expert panels.
Jenny is currently in the last few weeks of her Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Fashion and Clothing.
She believes her year-long job will stand her in good stead with its administrative, social and political aspects helping to boost her future career prospects.
Jenny said: “I’m really, really excited about this role.
“The elections were quite nerve-racking, but now they are over I can look forward to the year ahead.
“It’s going to be a very varied year as there is a lot to be done.
“It is going to be a great way to get a broad experience of working life. I expect to be doing everything from sitting on committees to organising events so all the variety will look great on my CV.”
City of Bath College Student Engagement Officer Scarlett Mosnier said Jenny’s role will help to boost the learning experience for students.
She said: “We are raising the profile of the Students’ Union and Jenny will be the main representative for everything we are doing.
“She will make sure that all matters affecting students are seen to and that all union decisions are acted upon.
“It’s all about putting the students first.”
Students had two weeks to vote in the Students’ Union elections with ballot boxes around the college.
Election candidates campaigned in several ways, including posting videos on social media sites and handing out flyers.
The other newly-elected 2013/14 members of the Students Union executive committee are volunteers.
They are Devante Charles as Vice President, Dan Templer as Activities Officer, Carlos O’Brien as Treasurer and Joshua Stuart as Communications Officer.