Alex Goodenough’s journey with West Suffolk College began early – he joined the Hospitality Department as a 14–16 young apprentice back in 2011. That first taste of professional training set the tone for his next steps: a BTEC Extended Diploma in Hospitality from 2013 to 2015, followed by degree-level Business studies through the University of Suffolk at West Suffolk College, completed in 2018.
Now Head of Sales for the North of England at AB InBev — the second largest FMCG company in the world — Alex credits the college with helping shape his ambition and confidence. “It was the first time someone told me the sky really was the limit,” he says, “and that mindset has stayed with me ever since.”
Alongside academic support and industry-focused training, West Suffolk College also gave Alex something more personal – lifelong friendships, and even love! He met his closest friends at the college, along with his fiancée.
What kept you inspired whilst at West Suffolk College?
I was always looking for a way to get into the world of work as soon as possible. I enjoyed school studies but never resonated or was motivated by the teaching style or subjects, this led me to enroll as a young apprentice. I then enjoyed the teaching and environment so much that I stayed for another five years to continue my studies!
What has your career looked like since leaving the college?
I am currently Head of Sales for the North of England for AB InBev (2nd biggest FMCG company in the world). My time at West Suffolk College was impacted in the sense that my teachers were big on motivating me based on my career ambitions. I was (for the first time) told that the sky really was the limit and to dream big – it’s served me well so far. I was given the confidence and the tools to get to work straight away too, allowing me to earn money from an early age and gain valuable work experience.
Do you have any special memories or standout moments from your time with the college?
Definitely the people. My closest friends are those that I met whilst at college, including my fiancée. The experiences that the college provided were thoroughly enjoyable. I got the opportunity to go on a residential trip to Cheltenham Races two years on trot. Although the work was intense and tough – it really taught me the value of hard work and developing a sense of grit. We also had Thursday nights where the class would run the restaurant for members of the public. These evenings were always memorable and gave us lots of beneficial experiences we could take to the workplace.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate 100 years of our history?
Just a massive thank you to the great staff and facilities at West Suffolk College. I joined the college as a fairly lost 15-year-old with no real ambitions. I managed to leave with a very direct sense of what I wanted to achieve along with a strong sense of self-belief.
What piece of advice would you give to our students and staff at EEG?
Enjoy every day and seize every opportunity. The days I experienced at college are truly the best times you will have in your life. So, enjoy them! Also, dream big and push yourself, with the right ambition and work ethic, you can achieve more than you ever thought, and the college is a great facilitator of this. Good luck!
