The City of Liverpool CollegeDavid Milner, Author at The City of Liverpool College

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.

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.

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!

The 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 8^th, 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.

“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 8^th, 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.

“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 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 23^rd 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.

The City of Liverpool College Launches Expressive Arts and Media Academy

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 Shortage

The 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.”

“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 City of Liverpool College Arts Centre played host to the 10^th Navajo Merseyside & Cheshire Chartermark Awards on Friday 1^st 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.”

By Emilia Lodge

The City Of Liverpool College had the pleasure of hosting the Navajo Awards on Friday 1^st 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.’

The City of Liverpool College has introduced a brand new course, specialising in afro-textured hair, in response to a lack of knowledge across the industry and as part of the College’s work towards diversity and inclusion across its curriculum.

The course, called ‘The Artistry of Afro Textured Hair’, which has been designed by Teaching Assistant Michaela Hall, previous City of Liverpool College student, follows the news that all UK hairdressers now have to be trained in cutting and styling afro-textured hair.

Currently, many qualifications do not require students and apprentices to be trained in cutting and styling Afro and textured hair, which means some people have to seek specialist salons and stylists for a simple hair cut. Through this new course, The City of Liverpool College will provide its students with the specialist skills they need to cut and style afro-textured hair, creating more skilled hairdressers and improving inclusion across the industry.

The 12-week, Level 3 course – which has been in the making since last summer – begins in September and will teach students practical skills and theory, covering everything from the cultural, social and technological influences on the industry as well as cutting, styling and finishing.

Michaela Hall, Teaching Assistant at The City of Liverpool College, who is currently studying for her PGCE teacher training, said:

“Textured hair comes in many forms and so often hairdressers simply don’t have the skills and knowledge to be able to work with it. When I identified the need for the course, having found that nothing similar fitted the bill in the North West, the College was really supportive and allowed me to lead the project and design it from start to finish, using my knowledge and experience of what I would have wanted to gain from a course like this.

“There will be lots to learn, from the science behind the strands to the unique curl patterns. Students will gain the in-depth knowledge and skills to give them the tools they need, whether they want to work in the industry as a professional stylist in editorial, in magazines, in film and TV, own their own salon, or even just understand more to be able to do their own hair or their children’s hair.

“Leading this course gives me the opportunity to have a positive impact on our communities and make a change in our society as a whole, and I’m really excited for our students to help do the same.”

The City of Liverpool College’s Digital Academy welcomed NHS representatives to its state of the art motion capture suite this week, where students showcased the progress they have made to virtualise the radiotherapy process at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

The visit marks the next pase of The City of Liverpool College’s partnership with international engineering enterprise Laing O’Rourke and The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, one of the country’s leading cancer centres. The partnership has been designed to inspire students with the digital technologies used to develop the brand-new cancer centre and promote the modern careers now available in the construction industry, using digital design skills learnt through games development.

As part of ‘Project Innovation’, students have been collaborating with the NHS to develop a virtualisation application for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Using The City of Liverpool College’s new motion capture suite, students are developing an app to support in alleviating patient anxiety.

The partnership provides students with experience and unique insight into the construction industry, as well as having the opportunity to provide support to the brand new The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

“For our students to be given the chance to work with a multinational organisation such as Laing O’Rourke and the NHS to develop a truly innovative tool for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is an opportunity like no other. It has been incredible to see our students using our new state of the art motion capture suite, to create such an important tool that will make a difference to so many people.

“Providing our students with real world experiences is vital to ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running when they enter the world of work and projects such as this are shining examples of the value that this experience provides both for our students and for the organisations we work with.”

Nicky Hutton, Advanced Practitioner Therapeutic Radiographer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said:

“The facilities at The City of Liverpool College are wonderful and the motion capture suite has allowed us to replicate The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Building incredibly well. I’ve been blown away by the quality of the work the students have created. Their technical skills are excellent and we will shortly have a brilliant app that will be of massive benefit to our patients.

“We know that patients can feel anxious when they first come for treatment at the cancer centre and this app will enable patients to familiarise themselves with the space and the facilities, helping them to feel much more comfortable early on. I look forward to seeing where this project will take us and the future possibilities collaborating with the college.”

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The City of Liverpool College Launches Expressive Arts and Media Academy

The City of Liverpool College Partners with Northwest Education and Training to Tackle the Driver Shortage