T-Level Education and Childcare learners have been reflecting on their two years on the course, as members of the first cohort at the College to make use of the new, state-of-the-art T-Levels Centre which opened in 2022.
After completing their industry placements, learners Maddie, Aimee, Aimee-Leigh, and Paige are sharing their thoughts on their course and what the future holds with their new skills.
Paige had heard positive things about the College before applying to the course, “I was looking at different courses, and preferred the T-Level offering here at Loughborough College. I knew about the college before, and had heard from people who had also had good experiences here.”
Aimee agreed, adding, “It’s been challenging at times, but I really have enjoyed the course and am glad I chose to come to Loughborough College. The tutors are a great group, and the lessons are a mix of practical and theory which has been really valuable experience.”
T-Levels are a unique new qualification for students to develop their skills ready to get into work. Working in collaboration with local employers, T-Levels are designed to prepare students for industry experience, and for the Education and Childcare learners, this has been an important part of their development.
“Our placements get you used to working in industry, and build your confidence, independence, and ability to think on the spot,” said Paige, “They’re a great way to prepare for life after college.”
Aimee-Leigh agreed, “It was really challenging, some days were hard. I’ve had times where I’ve doubted myself, but it has been so rewarding working in a real-life placement, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of our tutors here at Loughborough College.”
Tutors Kate Storr, and Charlotte Saunders-Pallett have worked with the learners throughout their course and have spent time understanding their approaches to work in order to best support the learners.
Maddie continued, “They really do listen and understand. They have given us the opportunity to learn in a way that works for us, and apply our feedback to the lessons. They have been so adaptable, and I think that’s why we have been successful.”
Looking ahead, all of the learners on the Education and Childcare T-Level have been offered opportunities after their studies, reflecting the outstanding success of the course and its unique approach.
“I will continue to work at the nursery that I did my placement with for two years, and then I want to go to university to become a play therapist, which is a career that has always had a place in my heart” Paige shared.
The paths for all the learners will continue to be varied as Aimee added, “I was offered an apprenticeship with my placement school, but I’m not quite ready yet. I want to continue learning first and gain all the knowledge I can before I go in to work.”
With a variety of T-Level courses available at Loughborough College, more students than ever will have a chance to explore more flexible learning with the same level of high-quality teaching.
Aimee concluded, “I really would recommend Loughborough College and the T-Level course. There are so many opportunities, placements, trips, and experiences to get involved in. The learning aspect is a good mix of theory and interaction, and we have enjoyed being in this great new building with amazing facilities.
“The experience and qualifications you come away from the course with are really worth it. In one word, it’s been unforgettable.”