What we love about our Health T Level programme

After completing the first year of their Health T Level, students, Lily, Emma, Eleanor and Kajus have lots to say about their  journeys so far and future ambitions.

Lily 

Lily believes her T Level course has offered her ’more of everything’.  More opportunities to work in the health sector, more opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge, along with more support from teachers.

“Having an industry placement actually in a hospital is preparing me for university and my future career,” she said.  “On placement, you’re guided through tasks I might not get to complete on another course.

“Everything I’ve learned so far will help me in my dream career as a mental health nurse.

“I have always enjoyed being able to help my friends with any personal, emotional difficulties; giving them a helping hand or some wise words to help them through whatever they were experiencing.”

Lily also values her T Level lecturers for providing extra support when she needs it.

“They share information, advice and support in the classroom and for anything to do with my placement,” Lily continued.

“My classmates are supportive too.  You’re on a course and in an environment where everyone is interested in the same area of work you are and some of these people have the same dreams as you.  We push each other to achieve our goals and to get through any work we might be struggling with.

“This is why I’d recommend the T Level to anyone my age.  It’s the right step to take before university and to help you achieve your career ambitions.”

Emma 

As with many T Level Health students, the idea of completing a 45-day industry placement in a hospital setting is what particularly appealed to Emma Bratt.

“The placement is my favourite thing about the course,” said Emma.  “I’ve gained a lot of experience I wouldn’t get on other courses.

“Being able to work on a ward with qualified, experienced NHS staff caring for patients, learning new skills and being treated like I’m one of the team is just brilliant.”

Emma also likes her T Level for being exam-based rather than a continuous run of coursework throughout her two-years of study.  In addition to this, she values the support she receives from tutors.

“We have good tutors,” she continued.  “They make sure we know sure we know all the information we need to be able to do our exams and also listen if we need to talk about anything outside of college work.”

University will be the next step for Emma with the ultimate aim of becoming a paramedic.

“You see different things every day as a paramedic,” she added.

Eleanor

Eleanor was first introduced to T Levels when a Walsall College representative visited her secondary school and talked about the course.  After a visit to the college’s website, she was ready to sign up.

 “I felt the placement in particular would give me the experience to help me excel in my career,” she said.  “I enjoy how hands on we can be, working with patients from specialised wards, assisting with personal care and working within a multidisciplinary team with many professionals who educate me within their speciality.”

She continued: “I would definitely recommend this course to 16 and 17-year olds.  At this moment it is the best possible course to gain beneficial experience, working towards your future career goals. It may include a lot of hard and intense work, however it will be worth it in the end.”

Eleanor plans to progress on to university in 2024, studying physiotherapy.

“Through the experience I have gained on placement, this role will allow me to be hands on with patients who need assistance with their mobility whilst I have the chance to continue my professional development, learning more about how the body works.”

Kajus 

The ability to work with NHS staff on a ward is what makes the Health T Level interesting and exciting for Kajus.

“My favourite thing of all about placement is seeing patients who have been on a ward for some time getting better, then being discharged,” he said.  “College is good too.  Everything you learn in class you apply for real on placement.”

Kajus discovered his course after seeing advertisements on social media and then exploring Walsall College’s website.

“It is giving me vital experience for the future, when I hope to become a paramedic,” he added.  “This is the role I have wanted since childhood.  My work placement hugely benefits this for when I come to apply for jobs.”

“I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to get into the health sector.”