AN ISLE of Wight College student has won a national title ­— a prestigious engineering BTEC award.

The exceptional achievements of Caitlin Marsh Brown were recognised when she was awarded the prestigious BTEC Award for Engineering Learner of the Year, 2020.

Caitlin, who has been at the Isle of Wight College's CECAMM centre, near Whippingham, was applauded for her determination to overcome adversity, achieving success and recognition as an asset to the engineering sector.

Her hard work and dedication was celebrated at the tenth anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards, live-streamed on June 25.

"The award means so much to me, as someone with speech and language difficulties, dyspraxia, anxiety and fine and gross motor difficulties," said Caitlin.

"This shows that anyone can overcome challenges and achieve amazing things."

In her spare time, Caitlin supports the local community and has volunteered for several organisations including the Donkey Sanctuary and Girl Guides, and has raised money for Sports Relief.

Caitlin also enjoys outdoor sports such as horse riding, kayaking and surfing, and has joined the Special Olympics where she competes in multi sports including swimming, bowls and athletics.

In early February, Caitlin travelled to London to compete in a Special Olympics badminton competition where she won two silver medals.

Caitlin has become the second student attending CECAMM at the Isle of Wight College in the last two years to win the national title.

Principal of the College, Debbie Lavin said: “This is wonderful news and I am delighted for Caitlin ­— it is great to see how much she has developed and grown in confidence since joining the College in September, 2018.

"I am equally delighted that our students are recognised as being among the best in the country”.

Caitlin’s tutor, engineering curriculum lead Keri Hughes said: “I am so proud of Caitlin ­— she is an excellent example to all of us, of what can be achieved when you focus your mind, no matter what challenges you may face."