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Minister visits new college campus for T Levels tour
South Essex College welcomed the new government Minister for Skills to take a tour of its T Level provision.
Alex Burghart MP visited the college’s brand new Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon town centre on Thursday 21 October 2021, to celebrate Association of College’s ‘Colleges Week.’
The Minister met with staff, students and employers to discuss the college’s new T Level courses in Digital and Construction.
T Levels are new two-year technical courses. They combine classroom study with on the job training as part of a substantial industry placement. They are an alternative study option to other existing qualifications such as A-Levels and apprenticeships.
Minister for Skills Alex Burghart said: "T Levels are the next level in qualifications, developed hand-in-hand with leading employers so students can be sure they’ll get the skills they need to succeed.
“It was fantastic to meet some of the pioneering Construction and Digital T Level students and see the brilliant facilities available to them at the new Centre for Digital Technologies.”
Nicki Kelly, Assistant Principal Curriculum and college T Levels lead, said: “It was great to show the Minister how we have implemented two new T Level courses at the college. We’re working with big employers such as MicroTill and Willmott Dixon to offer students excellent work placements alongside their classroom learning.”
David Hughes, Chief Executive of Association of Colleges said: “It’s great to see the new Apprenticeships and Skills Minister at a college during Colleges week. Colleges Week showcases exactly why further education holds the answers to some of the biggest societal issues and I’m confident that Alex Burghart will have seen the breadth of opportunities for people of all ages on his visit today.
“Colleges train the highly-skilled and well-educated workforces needed to deliver the economic recovery this government aspires to. With the government’s Comprehensive Spending Review just days away, Colleges Week is a reminder that funding colleges, training and skills is the catalyst for a stronger, fairer and more resilient society.”
To learn more about the college’s T Levels offer, with more subjects planned for 2022 intake, visit www.southessex.ac.uk/t-levels
Success stories
Celebrating Success 2022: Maison Lundrigan
Course studied
It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.
Maison Lundrigan was named Motor Vehicle Student of the Year for his dedication and the consistent hard work he put into his studies.
The 18-year-old was praised for the high quality of his work and the fact that he was the first to pass his online exams.
He has excelled during his time at the college, so much so, he is now embarking on a three-year apprenticeship programme at the college.
Maison has achieved all this despite living with additional needs.
He said it felt ‘brilliant’ to win the award and ‘it’s made me realise that I can achieve even with my disability.’
He added: “I chose the college because it offered the right course for me.
“It’s a great college, especially for people with disabilities. The support I received from my tutor Charlie was brilliant. I really enjoyed the practical, hands-on aspect of the course.”
Maison is now looking forward to his apprenticeship so he can pursue his dream of becoming a car mechanic.
His tutor said: “He is a pleasant and well-mannered young man that any college or employer would be pleased to have. Maison has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Celebrating Success 2022: Luke Lambert
Course studied
Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre) Level 3 Extended Diploma
I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Tutors really encourage their students.
Performing Arts Student of the Year, Luke Lambert, has won his award because in every respect, his development and improvement has been outstanding.
Luke said that he feels extremely proud and grateful for the recognition.
He said: “I chose to study at the college because I went to the open day with my parents. We were all really excited by the course and impressed by Richard and his ambition for his students.”
He added: “The course has been great for learning professional etiquette, as well as the actual training. I have enjoyed receiving honest feedback and having the opportunity to grow as a performer. Richard and Neil really encourage their students.”
Luke’s tutor said: “Luke is an outstanding student. The development of his skills set during his time at this college is phenomenal which has been rewarded by casting him in the lead of the cohorts FMP production of ‘Spring Awakening’. As a result of his continuous diligence and want to improve, he has achieved offers from four top London Drama Schools to study Musical Theatre, Bird College, Arts Educational, Italia Conti and Guildford Conservatoire (GSA). This is far above what was expected at the beginning of his training.
“He has demonstrated that he is highly motivated to succeed in this industry and aspires to always do his best. He is polite and well-mannered at all times to both his peers and his tutors. He is extremely well respected by his cohort. He is always supportive of them and goes out of his way to help them.
“He has become a very influential member of the group in so many positive ways. Behaviour, focus and attention to detail is impeccable and cannot be faulted. He has met every deadline for both practical and academic tasks. A faultless time at this college.”
Luke will be studying for a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre at ArtsEd in London from September and his ultimate ambition is to be performing leading roles in the West End.
Zoe Souto, 17, from Rayleigh, studied Level 2 Animal Care at the college’s Southend campus.
She was nominated for the award for her excellent attendance and attitude to college life and for completing work before deadlines to a very high standard.
Her tutor said: “Zoe is a very calming influence on the group. She keeps up-to-date with all work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
“Zoe may be hearing impaired but she never lets that act as a barrier to her learning and does everything to a great standard. I often have to set her work from level 3 to keep her ticking over.”
Zoe said: “I feel so proud of myself and surprised as I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone win. I enjoyed all the support that was given during my course and have always been made to feel at home at the college.”
Zoe’s ambition for the future is to run her own pet services business or run her own cattery.
