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From September, The City of Liverpool College will be rolling out T Levels across our campuses, spanning industries and careers including digital, construction and education.
T Level are a new, high quality technical qualifications for people aged 16-19, which combine classroom learning with a 45-day work placement. They have been designed to help young people develop the skills and knowledge needed to go on to employment or higher education, such as university.
Still in the early days of the roll out process, we’re debunking some of the misconceptions and myths around T Levels so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next steps.
T levels are for anyone who wants to get the skills they need to get a job in a variety of interesting and exciting industries.
T Levels still involve a large portion of academic study similarly to A Levels, however with T Levels, you’ll also gain real life experience of the industry you’re preparing for! Each module has been designed to reflect what is happening in your chosen industry right now and predicts trends for the future – equipping you with everything you need to enter the working world after your studies.
While T Levels are replacing certain BTEC courses in some colleges and schools, there are significant differences between T levels and BTECs. The purpose is very similar, in that T Levels are designed to help you gain the skills needed for your chosen career, but they also have a much greater focus on work experience – like in an apprenticeship.
Effectively, T-Levels are the bridge between the two.
T Levels also differ from BTECs as they have been designed and developed with the help of industry professionals and crafted to the specific requirements of the industry. This means you will gain detailed and relevant information and insight that, once again, primes you for your first working day after graduation.
False. T Levels prepare you to progress into a skilled job, but they also provide you with the qualifications needed if you wish to pursue further education such as a degree or a Higher Apprenticeship.
One T Level is equivalent to three A-Levels, and granted you get the points needed for your chosen university, there is nothing stopping you from progressing into further education.
Quite the opposite, in fact! T Levels are designed to meet the current and future needs of the job market, so having a T Level can actually make you more employable. As part of your T Level, you’ll spend 45 days (a total of nine weeks) with a business, gaining valuable industry experience alongside seasoned professionals, building your industry connections and networking with potential employers, further increasing your chances of employability post-study.
The placement allows you to put into practice the things you have learnt in the classroom and gives you the opportunity to further develop your skills and knowledge, take part in meaningful projects and business activities, and try out your potential career path. Having this hands-on experience will be highly attractive to many employers as the future world of work needs people with industry experience and knowledge.
T Levels provide a pathway into many more careers than you’d expect – and not just in trades. For example, from September, the College will offer T Levels in Science, Adult Nursing , Digital Production Design and Development, Education and Childcare and Digital Support Services – alongside its trade offerings such as Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.
Not to mention the long list of additional T Levels due to be released as the roll out phase continues, including Accounting, Management and Administration, Animal Care and Management, Lega Services and many more!
To browse our T Levels and start an application, click here.
College To Host Major Careers Fair With A Variety Of Jobs On OfferThe City of Liverpool College is set to embark on a major recruitment drive and will be hosting a careers fair next month to help fill the numerous jobs on offer.
After a year of significant growth, the College has a number of opportunities available to help build its pool of bank workers ahead of what is expected to be another thriving academic year.
Various lecturing roles will be presented at the careers fair on June 8th, which span all subject fields, along with opportunities in business support roles, including admin, progress leaders, learning support and catering assistant vacancies.
Subject areas recruiting at the event for bank lecturers include: Expressive Arts & Media, Digital, Sustainable Construction and Building Services, Academic Studies, ESOL, Health, Social Care, Sport & Public Services, Hair, Beauty & Aesthetics and Engineering, Green Technologies & Logistics.
Experience and qualifications required for the vacancies will be role-dependant, however people of all backgrounds and skillsets are encouraged to come along.
The careers event offers those who are seeking a new role, considering a job change or looking to get back into work an exciting opportunity to secure a position at the College at a time of significant progression and growth.
The fair is being hosted by the College’s HR team who will be available on the day to answer any questions and offer information and support regarding the bank hiring process.
There will also be a range of the College’s academic and support management staff available to talk through the specific roles with those who attend.
Elaine Bowker, Principal of The City of Liverpool College, said:
“We are excited to showcase the many exciting opportunities we have on offer at the College as we bring this event to the heart of the city.
“We are delighted that the College has seen such a significant increase in its enrolments, allowing us to provide employment and skills opportunities for all people of various backgrounds. There has never been a more exciting time to join our team.
“With so many different roles opening up, we’re calling out to all jobseekers, whether they’re people in work and looking for a change, or those out of work hoping to kick-start their career, to come along.
“We’re anticipating a huge turnout on the day and look forward to welcoming locals to our thriving institute and showcase why the College is a great place to work.”
The careers fair is taking place on Wednesday, June 8th, between 4.30pm and 7.30pm at the Learning Exchange (the LEX) building on Roscoe Street.
Anyone interested in attending the fair, or knows anyone who is, can simply turn up on the day with no registration or ticket needed.
For further information about the event, email: recruitment@liv-coll.ac.uk
College student becomes St John Ambulance Regional Representative“My name is Lauren, I’m 17 years old and a student at the College. I’m currently studying my Level 3 Health and Social Care Technical Diploma and have been with St John Ambulance since I was 14. I decided to join as I always aspired to become a paramedic.
“I love the course in college – I am surrounded by the best people and have made really good friends. Our tutors push us for us to succeed and it has really benefited me as I recently got my exam grade back and got a merit. We had our professional discussion one week ago and had to talk for 45 minutes to link our placement in with our course.
“Being a St John’s Ambulance cadet is an amazing experience as I am allowed to go to all kinds of events such as Liverpool and Everton football matches, the Grand National and many others. I’ve treated over 30 casualties across a range of major and minor incidents. It has really improved my confidence as I have to talk to a range of different people all with different conditions. No day is the same working with St John Ambulance, and I would really recommend it to so many young people.
“I recently got nominated by my unit to go for ‘cadet of the year’. I went to the competition and actually came out with a different role rather than cadet of the year. My new role is just as important – I am now the North Regional representative for Cheshire and Merseyside – this means I am our youth voice as a district, and I meet with other representatives from all over the North to discuss how our youth can have better opportunities. If there are any problems in our district, then I will be the one to come to and I will bring them up with the rest of the North to see how their districts compare.
“Being the North Regional representative for Cheshire and Merseyside means I can help to give our youth a voice and get our opinions heard. Having this role makes me feel proud of myself as I know that I can make a difference at St John Ambulance and be the solution to any problems.”
If, like Lauren, you’re interested in starting a career in Health and Social Care then take a look at our courses for September, all of which are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your field. Find out more here.
The College welcomes jazz legends for a unique two-day student experienceThe City of Liverpool College will be opening its doors to share live music with the community once again this month, when it welcomes jazz trio Charged Particles with tenor saxophonist Tod Dickow at The Arts Centre.
As part of a two-day event, The City of Liverpool College has invited the US-based jazz group to the College, where they will run musical workshops with students before hosting a concert open to the general public.
Based in California and soon to be celebrating their 30th anniversary, Charged Particles crosses stylistic boundaries and blends multiple traditions to create multifaceted jazz.
Arriving at the College on Wednesday 23rd March, the critically acclaimed trio will host an afternoon of jazz-related workshops to the COLC students that bring to life the fun of America’s original musical style: jazz.
In the educational workshops, which the group have been running across the world for a number of years, students will have the chance to learn about the four building blocks of jazz, as well as experience first-hand through a demonstration by the group, how a world-famous melody can sound very different if accompanied by different harmonies or if played over different rhythmic grooves.
Charged Particles’ educational presentations showcase the unusual instruments played in the world of jazz, including those manufactured by themselves, as well tell the story of their journey into the world of jazz. The band members include full-time educators, one of which is a university professor, who use the workshops to inform students the benefits of merging a career in musical performance with other professional work.
Students can book onto the limited-space workshops free of charge when they purchase a ticket for the concert taking place on Thursday night.
On the second day of their Liverpool visit, Charged Particles will combine their concert rehearsals with an educational experience that gives students a first-hand look into the preparation that takes place ahead of a music event. Students enrolled onto the College’s production course will be asked to take part in the band’s technical run, while journalism students will get the opportunity to interview the group.
As part of the night’s events, Charging Particles have encouraged student participation during the concert, so anyone interested in getting musically involved is encouraged to attend the open rehearsal in G2 between 1-4pm on the day to get more acquainted with the band and their tunes.
Kickstarting the evening’s events with a talk will be American jazz critic and journalist Bill Molkowski, one of the most recognised jazz artists to date, before Charged Particles take centre stage at 8:30pm, performing music from their new CD, “Live at the Baked Potato!”, featuring compositions of jazz superstar Michael Brecker.
Tickets for Charged Particles concert are between £8-10, and can be purchased here.
Rebecca Gooch, Head of School Expressive Arts and Media Academy at The City of Liverpool College, said:
“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Charging Particles and Tod Dickow to the College this month and having the pleasure to be part of their UK tour.
“This is a unique opportunity that we’re thrilled to be bringing to the students. Charged Particles along with Tod Dickow are among the leading names of jazz and play such an important part in inspiring the new generation of musicians. I look forward to seeing our students getting involved in the unique workshops the group are hosting and hope some will take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the group on stage during their concert which is open to the general public.”
Doors open at 7pm and attendees must show proof of a negative Covid-19 lateral flow test on arrival.
To purchase a ticket for the event, click here.
Career Coach mentors inspire students to chase their dreams
The City of Liverpool College is set to launch an exciting new initiative that will partner COLC University Centre undergraduates with current 16-18 year old students, with the aim of inspiring and developing their ambitions around higher level study or employment.
The six new recruits for the Career Coach positions will undertake a week of intensive training, ready to take on their roles after the February 28 2022 launch. Armed with experience and knowledge in a range of subjects, the group will provide students with on-the-ground support around careers and employability activities in either one-to-one or small group settings. These include job vacancy searches, CV writing sessions, support with applications for jobs and apprenticeships, and UCAS personal statements.
Alex Sherlock, Deputy Careers Leader at the College said: “I read about the benefits to students of peer-to-peer careers and employability support and discussed the potential of recruiting current HE students with our Head of HE, Katherine Davey. We felt this would not only provide our HE students with valuable work experience, but also present other students with a positive role model to encourage progression towards their ultimate goals.
“We were very pleased with the standard of applicants who spanned the range of HE courses in the college curriculum. The successful candidates all had a great mix of skills, knowledge and life experiences and will each bring something very positive to their Career Coach role.”
This pilot project is the first of its kind in the region and received financial backing from Shaping Futures, the organisation working to boost HE participation rates in the most disadvantaged areas of England.
Katherine Davey, Head of Higher Education at the College said: “We’re excited to launch this innovative scheme in partnership with Shaping Futures to ensure learners across the College, and elsewhere in the city, have access to positive and enthusiastic role models from college-based Higher Education. Our Career Coaches are great advocates for studying at degree-level in a Further Education College and how our personalised and highly supportive learning environment provides individuals with the skills, confidence and expertise needed for their next steps in work or further study.”
In the future, the college intends to review the impact of the Career Coaches project against current potential and hopes to develop the scheme as an ongoing programme.
This week, 7th-13th February, marks National Apprenticeships Week 2022, which aims to highlight the positive impact that apprenticeships can make to businesses, individuals, and the wider economy.
This year’s theme is ‘Build the Future’, focusing on how individuals can develop the skillset needed for a rewarding career, and highlighting how businesses can nurture and create a talented workforce to suit future-ready skills.
“Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for people of all ages to earn whilst they learn. The College works with over 1000 employers to give our learners the highest quality Apprenticeships.”
Lindsey Meadows, Head of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are highly beneficial for any organisation looking to develop a diverse workplace and adapting training to meet their business needs and have proven an effective way to nurture a culture of learning within the workforce through recognising potential and developing skills. More and more businesses are recognising the positive impact that apprenticeships are adding to their workforce, with 86% of employers saying that apprenticeships helped them to develop skills relevant to the organisation.
An apprenticeship is a real job, combined with skills and training to equip you for a career in your chosen profession. They are available for anyone aged 16 and over and are available at a range of levels, from Level 2 all the way up to degree-level apprenticeships.
Here at The City of Liverpool College, we are proud to be Liverpool’s leading provider of Apprenticeships, helping hundreds of people start their careers across a range of industries, working with employers such as the NHS, Wilmott Dixon, Laing O’Rourke and Vital Energy. Our apprentices earn whilst they learn, attend College and training on the job to practice and develop their industry-level skillset.
Photo: The City of Liverpool College’s Lindsey Meadows and Lynton Perry alongside Marshall Fleet Solutions’ Mick Ward and David Darrington with the special delivery
As well as the vast range of apprenticeship job opportunities our employer partners provide, they often also go above and beyond to invest in our apprentices. One recent example was the recent donation of a T500 Over-cab Transport Refrigeration Unit from one of our employers, Marshall Fleet Solutions. Having this incredible piece of equipment at the college will give our students and apprentices access to high quality and industry current training that will further enhance their skills and improve the overall quality of their learning. We look forward to working with Marshall well into the future in the continued development of the Transport Refrigeration industry.
Managing Director of Marshall Fleet Solutions, Mark Howell, said: “I’m not aware of any other business in our sector going to these lengths to train our young and upcoming talent!”
We offer over 50 apprenticeship courses across a variety of industries. Apprentices learn in our industry standard workshops and purpose-built facilities, such as our Digital Academy, Bosch certified Gas workshops and Building Services workshops. Our apprentices are supported by our expert College tutors and experienced Skills Coaches throughout their programme, offering their knowledge and expertise to grow talent.
For the apprentices themselves, being involved in hands-on training is an exciting prospect, with apprenticeships available at multiple levels to suit individual experience in a variety of careers. In addition to developing skillsets, apprenticeships are also a fantastic way of building confidence in your career prospects.
e.g., Georgia Whalley-Smith, Safeguarding Administration Support, who is currently working at The City of Liverpool College said:
“I joined the Safeguarding Team as their Admin Support Apprentice two weeks before the Christmas break, so I’m sure you can imagine just how busy everybody was! Despite this, I was welcomed so warmly by the whole team and have been given so many opportunities to learn. My role has grown with me, which has helped me to feel settled in the role and developed my self-confidence. I’m so grateful for the constant support of my team and I can’t wait to see how my role continues to develop in the coming months!”
Photo: Social Value Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, Gill Roberts, pictured with photography competition prize-winning students
Gill Roberts – Social Value Manager, Morgan Sindall Construction:
“My name is Gill Roberts, I’m the Social Value Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction in the North West. We have been working with The City of Liverpool College for a number of years now, but this year we have finalised that partnership in an Educational Partnership.
With our Paddington Village project in the centre of Liverpool, we feel that our partnership with The City of Liverpool College has really improved. The students have been able to come over into our Knowledge Quad, which is our onsite training facility and utilise that space to be right in the centre of a construction site.”
To improve the way that we interact with students, we like to think outside of the box, so one such project has been the photography competition. We wanted people to look up and appreciate the City of Liverpool and the wonderful buildings and architecture that there are in the city.”
Winner: Daniel Cassidy – BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment:
Daniel Cassidy, a student on the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment said: “I’ve been trying to get as much work experience as I can, and the college has really supported that and given me a lot of opportunities.
“Morgan Sindall did an online work experience for a week at the college where there were experts from the industry; Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Engineers that gave talks on their roles in the industry and gave us some information on how we can be engaged.
“I completed the week of Virtual Work Experience, and I was approached about a work experience placement at one of Morgan Sindall’s sites at Paddington Village. I really enjoyed it – there was so much information and insight into the industry. I got to spend time with all the different disciplines on the site; the quantity surveyors, project managers, site engineers and the site managers. It was great to experience what they did day-to-day in the industry, how they manage the site, and how they impacted the project and to learn as much as I could from them.”
For more info on NAW, click here:
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/what-is-naw-2022
To find out more and apply for an apprenticeship, please visit The City of Liverpool College’s page:
https://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/apprenticeships/
The City of Liverpool College has launched its state of the art Expressive Arts and Media Academy, offering industry-led courses to students and opening brand new commercial spaces.
The launch sees the College releasing a new brand for the Academy, following significant investment in the refurbishment of its spaces, including a new theatre, TV gallery and motion capture suite.
From journalism to performing arts, set design to music performance and production, students will have the opportunity to study with industry experts, on courses that have been designed with industry in mind, offering various career pathways. With partnerships with the likes of Sound City, Everyman, Liverpool Film Office and the Royal Court, the courses offer students real world experience, giving them the opportunity to manage and run live performances, as well as producing, directing and editing content, helping prepare them for the world of work.
The Expressive Arts and Media Academy boasts first-rate specialist facilities, including dedicated dance, acting, music, studios and media suites. The recently refurbished multi-purpose venue has been kitted out with the latest equipment including state of the art sound systems and lighting, a TV Gallery with 4k cameras, plus an acoustically treated recording studio fitted with the latest recording equipment.
Rebecca Gooch, Head of The City of Liverpool College Expressive Arts and Media Academy, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to have launched our Expressive Arts and Media Academy, which will give us the opportunity to showcase all of the ways in which our courses stand out from the rest. As part of our investment, all of our equipment and software have been carefully selected to reflect what our students will encounter in the professional world. Through inspirational study programmes, they will gain real-world skills, and industry knowledge, ready to set them on the road to the career they’ve always dreamed of.
“Whether it’s performing onstage, producing a masterpiece, perfecting the art of storytelling, or mastering the view from either side of a camera, the Expressive Arts and Media Academy will provide students with the very best chance to succeed.”
Find out more about The City of Liverpool College Expressive Arts and Media Academy, here
The City of Liverpool College Partners with Northwest Education and Training to Tackle the Driver ShortageThe City of Liverpool College is set to deliver free Skills Bootcamps in HGV driving in partnership with Northwest Education and Training Ltd (NWEAT), as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee. The bootcamps have been designed to help bridge the HGV driver skills gap, with each trainee offered a guaranteed interview with an employer on completion of the course.
Skills Bootcamps in HGV driving have been produced by the Department for Education to support with the training and licencing of HGV drivers, in a quick response to the national shortage in the road haulage industry. According to reports, there is now an estimated shortage of more than 30,000 qualified HGV drivers in the UK, seeing salaries increase to attract new drivers, with typical wages now between £35,000 and £50,000.
The Skills Bootcamps are part of The City of Liverpool College’s work towards addressing the needs of employers and the wider economy, delivering targeted interventions to meet demands to fill vacancies and drive productivity.
Working in partnership with Northwest Education and Training Ltd, the College will provide high quality training to give people the knowledge and skills to pass industry tests. Through the course, which will run for up to 16 weeks, participants will also acquire the appropriate licences to work as an HGV driver, or for qualified HGV drivers to acquire specialist HGV qualifications.
Elaine Bowker, Principal and Chief Executive at The City of Liverpool College, said:
“It’s great to be able to deliver this training in a sector that needs support, especially with the shortages this vital sector is currently facing. It is incredibly important to us that we play our role in getting people the skills they need to be ready for the world of work, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to provide this opportunity.
“These Bootcamps will support our economy to address the skills gap, raising aspirations and supporting social mobility, as well as helping to reduce the impact of this shortage on the wider economy.”
Cheryl Denny, Owner of NWEAT, added:
“Northwest Education and Training is proud to partner with The City of Liverpool College on the HGV Bootcamps North West. NWEAT has been the strategic lead on many successful projects, moving people and goods both regionally and nationally, and we are looking forward to forming new partnerships and training drivers to achieve a successful professional driving career.”
The Bootcamps are available for individuals who have no, or limited, prior experience. Training will include CPC training and verification, theory, hazard perception and case studies, practical training and a guaranteed interview on completion of the course.
To find out more about the The City of Liverpool College HGV driver bootcamp, click here.
The Merseyside & Cheshire Navajo 2021 Awards return to celebrate LGBTQIA+ community championsBy George Hughes
The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre played host to the 10th Navajo Merseyside & Cheshire Chartermark Awards on Friday 1st October.
The Navajo partnership, which launched in 2010 provides more than 60 cross-sector partners and over 30 different organisations with standards for good practice, commitment and knowledge and support for LGBTQIA+ employees and service users.
Key-note speakers at the award ceremony included: Dr Antonia Galbraith, Vice Principal of the University of Chester, and Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Serena Kennedy who said the awards “sends a strong message to the LGBTQIA community that Merseyside Police are an inclusive work force.”
There were three award winners on the night. Aisla Houghton-Foster was awarded Navajo Champion, Alexander Sallery was named the Navajo Next Generation award winner, while Tasha Lewis picked up the Imogen Christie & Non-Binary Visibility Award.
Tony Griffin, chairperson of the In-Trust which sponsored the event spoke about the benefits of having Navajo Chartermark status, he said: “It ensures organisations are compliant with the equalities and human rights legislation and creates a network for them to share ideas that supports the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring good practice.”
The award ceremony had added poignancy being the first to take place in two years due to the Corona Virus pandemic. It was also the last awards event to be hosted by Tony Griffin as he steps down in place for Andi Herring, co-founder, and CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, to whom he imparted good wishes.
“The Navajo Partnership will move forward to bigger and better things under Andi’s helm.”
Navajo Awards Promise For a Diverse And Inclusive Future For MerseysideBy Emilia Lodge
The City Of Liverpool College had the pleasure of hosting the Navajo Awards on Friday 1st October. An afternoon in celebration of the LGBTIQA+ community, the awards recognise the commitment of organisations and individuals who advocate for equality and strive to ensure that no one feels ashamed to be themselves.
Since 2012, The Navajo Merseyside Consultative Partnership has been awarding companies the Navajo Charter Mark, signifying their efforts in creating an inclusive environment for the LGBTIQA+ community. The City Of Liverpool College is proudly one of these organisations to achieve Navajo standards. We spoke to another Navajo Charter Mark holder, Paula Hulme, representing Barnardo’s Action with Young Carers Liverpool: ‘We wanted Navajo to assess our services to make sure that we were LGBTQIA+ friendly, that we had the right resources and training for our work with young people.’
This year, Barnardo’s presented the Next Generation Award. Described as ‘recognising tomorrow’s change makers, today’, it was awarded to Alexander Sallery. He spoke of accepting more than just an award as he learnt to also accept himself and now, through his volunteer work with Navajo, helps others do the same.
‘With my body finally beginning to feel like my own, and knowing I was supported by a community that was like myself, I wanted to spend my time giving something back.’
From the New Generation Award to University of Chester’s plans to develop their LGBTQIA+ student support, the ceremony proved it vital that young people feel seen and accepted.
Navajo chairperson, Tony Griffin said: ‘I’m a trans man and when I was young, I felt I was on my own. Trans wasn’t even conceived as a word when I was growing up. So to young people, I say hang on in there because there are people out there like you. You may think you’re alone but you’re not.’
