Grimsby Institute Students spill the tea on T-Levels.
Introducing Grimsby Institute T Levels: a new series on some of their students experiences.
Hi, my name is Maya Holmes,
I attended Tollbar Academy & am currently in my second year of studying T level Health. My career aspiration is to do general adult nursing.
What I like most about Health T level is that we have the opportunity to put theory into practice. We practice our clinical skills on mannequins with the equipment at college, and have experience of working on placement at Grimsby hospital. Its been so useful to put my classroom skills into practice in a work setting.
I have gained skills such as better communication that helps me talk to patients and learnt the skills of applying the correct PPE to ensure infection control when performing procedures which is so important.
During my first few months of placement, I had the opportunity to visit a variety of different wards which has given me lots of experience in different areas. My allocated ward is B7 surgical trauma where I witness elective day case patients arrive, get them situated on the ward, and answer any questions they may have. As I have been able to do observations, blood sugars and wound care under supervision here, that’s helped me gain confidence and improved my communication skills.
I’ve also had experience on other wards, which has let me experience other sides of nursing that has really heightened my interest, including on the neo-natal and recovery wards which I wouldn’t normally get. These experiences have really helped me understand the patient journey. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my experience at the hospital and have been able to witness a variety of different skills from different healthcare professionals.
The best thing about my experience was going to the theatre as it was an amazing opportunity that few student nurses have the chance to witness. It was hugely different to the other areas I have been in and was interesting to see how surgeons work and the anaesthetic procedure.
Clark is a student at Grimsby Institue on the T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare Programme. The aim of the Technical Qualification is to ensure students have the knowledge, skills and behaviors needed to progress into skilled employment or higher-level study in the education and childcare sector. The T Level programme is completed over two years and is equivalent to three A Levels.
Clark has always had an ambition to work in the early years and it was during a careers talk at his secondary school that Clark learned of the T Level programme.
“Once I learned about the T Level programme, I knew that it could help me towards my goal of becoming an early years teacher. Especially, when I found out about the work placement aspect, as this would give me hands-on experience”
Placement Provider:
Rainbow Corner Day Nursery - Providing childcare from three months to age eleven.
A requirement of the programme is 320 placement hours per academic year, which Clark completed at Rainbow Corner Day Nursery. Clark alternates his time on placement with his time in college – one week in placement, one week in college.
Feedback from Rainbow Corner Day Nursery and Grimsby Institue states that
“Clark has had excellent attendance and model behavior throughout his studies”
The placement hours have enabled Clark to put his learning, knowledge and skills into practice in a real workplace environment.
“My placement at Rainbow Corner has helped me to understand what I have learned in college and given me a better understanding of childcare. I can link my classroom coursework into practice, which deepens my knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. For example, in college I have learned about the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Prime Areas, including developing all children's communication and language. During my placement I support the children's communication and language by using Makaton and picture cards. Without the placement side I feel I would not have the In-depth understanding that I have gained. It has developed my confidence being in a real-life setting”
Upon completion of the T Level programme, Clark's career path has many options including nursery work, childminding or into a role as a special educational needs teaching assistant. Additionally, Clark could consider university and step into qualified teaching programmes.
“I have enrolled at the University Centre Grimsby on the FdEd Early Childhood Studies programme. I have chosen this university as I like the style of teaching and the campus, and it is close to home. I have chosen Early Childhood Studies because the T Level programme and the placement have confirmed my passion to teach in the early years. I enjoy planning and building positive relationships with the children, this helps to achieve positive outcomes. I hope that my further studies at University Centre Grimsby will further develop me as an early years educator”
Find out more about T-Levels here.
Fong out more about Grimsby Institute here.