Newsletter – March 2023
Welcome
It’s been a really busy few months for everyone here at Telford College, with outstanding success stories and enrichment activities both on and off campus. We’ve been showcasing our fantastic links with local employers during National Apprenticeship Week, introduced a brand-new education programme in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, and also relaunched our Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme to offer invaluable and life-changing experiences for young people.
What is in this edition?
T Levels
T Levels are coming! In September we will be launching a new series of courses which offer a more practical alternative to A Levels.
What are they? They’re two-year courses which offer a fresh option to students after their GCSEs.
Each T level will be equivalent to three A levels, and feature a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience.
There will be at least 45 days of industry placement, focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for your chosen career.
We’re building up some exciting links with outstanding local employers to help us deliver this.
When the programme is fully rolled out, there will be more than 20 different T Level options with something for everyone, from agriculture to catering, engineering to finance.
But initially, Telford College will be focusing on three key areas . . . Digital, Health and Science.
So, how exactly does it all work?
When you pass your T Level, you will get a nationally-recognised certificate showing the overall grade you achieved – pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.
Your T Level will be worth UCAS points – a distinction* is the same as 3 A levels at A* – and will be recognised by universities and other education providers so you can choose to continue studying if you wish.
Like A levels, there are no tuition fees if you start before you are 19. Speak to us if you’d like to find out more about entry requirements.
T Levels will give students valuable experience in the workplace; and allow employers to get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
Students will typically spend 80% of the course in the classroom, and the other 20% in a meaningful industry placement, where they put their newly-learned skills into action.
It’s a hands-on way of learning, with involvement from some of the area’s biggest and best known employers.
Apprenticeships
If you like the idea of earning and learning at the same time, Apprenticeships are the way to go.
With an apprenticeship, you’re on a clear career route. There’s a plan in place and a pathway for you to take – and you’ll earn your salary from your very first day on the job.
Our employer engagement team is now working with around 300 local employers, sourcing and training apprentices from entry level all the way up to degree level.
During National Apprenticeship Week, we highlighted some of the fantastic partnerships we have with employers across a range of sectors, including:
Iconsys
Our latest apprentice at the industrial automation business is 19-year-old Ben Morris-Jones, who says: “There are many progression opportunities for me which could include advancing into different departments and functions, where I can learn new skills such as CAD, which is of interest to me.”
Connexis
Daniel Tattersall is the fourth apprentice the communications company has employed through us – the company’s very first one, Joe Newton, has risen through the ranks to become technical director! He says Dan has fitted in perfectly with the rest of the team.
Pickstock
The Hortonwood company supplies British beef products to retailers, butchers and food service professionals across Europe. Two of our apprentices – Bradley Lunn and Alfie Cole – appeared on BBC Shropshire talking about how much they are enjoying their apprenticeship.
Bespoke Computing
Harvey Taylor, from Randlay, is on an information communication technology apprenticeship, responsible for taking client calls. He has also been able to expand into other areas, such as preparing client equipment for dispatch.
Sirane
The food packaging specialist has been employing apprentices through Telford College for around a decade – and says the partnership is a great success. It currently has four of our apprentices, including Rheon Paul and Nathan Stubbs who are studying mechatronics.
Revision time
The countdown towards Easter is on, and for many students, that means revision time! It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the prospect of exam revision – so we’ve compiled some of the top tips to help stay focused, and calm.
BE CONFIDENT
The power of positivity can do wonders. Tackle your revision head on and be confident going into your exam
GET PLANNING
Use a planner so you can schedule revision around your exams and don’t forget to plan in some me time too
PRIORITISE ENGLISH & MATHS
Whether you’re going to college, sixth form or going into work after you finish school these qualifications are absolutely vital for your next steps
POST-IT TRAIL
Lots of our students say post-it notes are easy to memorise. Stick them up around the house where you walk about on your morning and evening routines
EARLY START
Don’t put things off. Take any pressure off by starting early with your revision
TAKE A BREAK
Don’t forget to break up your revision into manageable sections. Take short breaks, but not too many! About 10 minutes every hour will help keep your brain fresh and engaged
MUSCLE MEMORY
Don’t just read your notes, write them down too – by doing this, you’ll give your brain another opportunity to remember what you’re revising
REVISION ZONE
Create an area at home where you can keep your books out and focus on your work, free from distractions
HEALTHY LIVING
Look after yourself – eat healthy food, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly to keep you in tip-top condition for revising
FIND A REVISION FRIEND
Revising together can be a big help. Ask some friends over so you can help each other out and test each other
Inspiration and aspiration
We give students the chance to learn from the best in the business. Over the past few weeks we have welcomed onto campus:
- Sean Anthony Sherwood from SAS Who Dares Wins, who gave a series of talks. How can you face and overcome your fears? How do you remain positive if you’re stuck in a negative mindset? And what’s the best way of dealing with life’s biggest challenges? He provided the answers.
- Hollywood stunt performer Justin Pearson, who spoke about the importance of staying focused, calm and organised when working on the sets of big movies like Star Wars, James Bond, Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean
- The team from Positively You, who help to empower and inspire learners, visited campus to share some valuable exam stress-busting tips.
- Music industry experts, including performers, producers and studio executives, who attended our Music Industry Day and worked one-to-one with students to help with their compositions.
Did you know
We run the ‘One Million Mentors’ programme on campus, connecting business mentors from all industry sectors and backgrounds to students, providing life changing experiences and aspirational career paths.
We have specialist automotive workshops and MOT test bays on campus, giving you chance to gain hands-on experience.
Our Orange Tree restaurant is a fully functioning training kitchen, allowing students to prepare and serve meals and buffets for the public.
Sign up for a hair and beauty course at Telford College, and you get chance to take part in national competitions.
We have a Student Council at Telford College to ensure everyone receives the support they need, and their voice is heard.
Our virtual and augmented reality suite takes technology-led learning to a new level with simulators, headsets, a VR cave, and much more.
The college’s Creative Hub is equipped with high-spec Apple Macs, media suites, print and dark rooms, and gallery space.
You can learn to build walls, lay foundations, and build roads in our fully functioning construction and groundworks area.
Coming soon...
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The programme offers valuable, life-changing experiences. We’re working closely with the Duke of Edinburgh programme’s operations officer to create a scheme which ‘boosts the employability and workplace readiness’ of everyone who takes part.
More bus routes
We are making travel to college easier than ever by expanding our public transport options.
Sweet Success
Our fabulous foundation students are soon going to be launching a brand-new shop on campus, packed with a range of sweet treats.
High Sheriff's Awards
We are hosting the annual celebration of young people’s achievement at our Wellington campus on March 8.
Apprenticeship, Employment and Skills Show
Come and try out some ‘have-a-go’ activities, and see the Marches Education Partnership’s mobile training unit, on our stand at Telford International Centre on March 16.
Open event
our next open event is on March 22, from 5pm to 7.30pm. Tour our university-standard facilities, get a real flavour of life on campus, speak to students, find out more about the curriculum choices, and chat with our expert staff. Register your interest by clicking here.
