Alice Hodgkinson, a Childcare student at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC), is paving the way for a successful career in teaching thanks to her T-level in Education and Early Years. T-Levels, equivalent to three A-Levels, offer a unique blend of classroom learning and practical workplace experience, ensuring that students like Alice are well-prepared for skilled employment, higher education, or apprenticeships. These qualifications are developed in collaboration with employers to meet industry needs and address skills shortages.
During her time at BSDC, Alice had the opportunity to participate in a variety of industry-relevant work placements, including an exciting international placement in South Korea. Reflecting on her experience, Alice shared, “I didn’t want to stay on at school and do three subjects – I wanted to do one subject that I knew I wanted to go into. As you see children develop, you’re proud of them and you can see that you’ve put in the work to support them and help them learn.”
Alice’s dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, as she was awarded an FE Award for Outstanding Contribution following her work experience trip to South Korea. Her commitment to her studies paid off, as she achieved a Distinction overall on her T-Level course. With her sights set on a career in teaching, Alice will now pursue a degree in Primary Education at York St. John University. She expressed her long-term goal, stating, “My long-term goal would be to become a primary school teacher, which I’ll be qualified to do at the end of my university degree. I would encourage other people to take this course – you get to feel like a staff member, and it gets you ready for the workplace.”
Alice’s success story has been highlighted in a video case study as part of BSDC’s ‚Your Life. Your Rules.‘ campaign, aimed at inspiring others to consider college as a post-GCSE option. The campaign features current full-time students sharing their vocational learning experiences and how it is propelling them towards their goals of university study or employment. By dispelling common myths about vocational study, the campaign aims to help potential learners and their parents better understand the options available after GCSEs.
To watch Alice’s video case study and learn more about studying at Burton and South Derbyshire College, visit https://vimeo.com/958505379 or go to www.bsdc.ac.uk/your-life-your-rules. Alice’s journey exemplifies the opportunities and success that can be achieved through vocational education, setting her on a path towards a fulfilling career in teaching.