Bolton College T Level students have excelled on their nine-week Industry Placement at Bethell.
Chief Executive of the company, Tim Kilroe, said the experience has been so positive, that Bethell are hoping to take on further candidates next year!
‘Throughout, the students were fully engaged and displayed ambition, confidence and an eagerness to learn. Feedback from our departments has been excellent and we’d love to have the students back.’
James Lacey, Talent Acquisition Manager
‘We haven’t previously taken on this number of work experience students – we can now see the benefits. Hopefully the next cohort of students will be as good as these, because they’ve set the bar high!’
Tim Kilroe, Chief ExecutiveLeft to right: Joe Gittens-Smethurst, Joseph Myerscough, Mueen Uddin and James Quinn.
T Levels are all about getting our students prepped and ready for the world of work.
20% of a T Level programme sees our young professionals make their mark with an employer, via a sector-specific work placement.
Four of our Construction T Level students impressed construction and utility services company Bethell Group, as they spent nine weeks rotating between various departments within the business.
What our students had to say:
‘I’ve been inspired – most people my age don’t get the opportunity to do quality, real-life work experience.’
Joe Gittens-Smethurst‘Thanks to this, I’ll be returning to College with an improved skillset. I want to be a site engineer or project manager.’
Mueen Uddin
‘It was really well-rounded – I spent time in each department and now I want to become a quantity surveyor or estimator.’
JosephMyerscough
‘Everyone was so welcoming which helped my confidence grow. I see my future in site engineering or project management.’
JamesQuinn
Watch a day in the life of a T Level student here.
Friends began in 1994 and has stuck around for 25 years! Take a look around the room and see how many Friends references you can spot? There are 54!
Big Daddy Toby
Mr Rache Jo Joeey’s y’ ys
Earlier this year, some of our Level 1 Motor Vehicle students were assigned a very special task – working on a racing car belonging to the fastest blind man on land!
Mike Newman is a nine-times world record holder and he entrusted our talented body repair students with his pride and joy - his racing car.
Our full-time students buffed, polished and brought the car back to life, ready to navigate the fastest racing tracks in the UK – an amazing experience for our students and an outstanding achievement to add to their CVs!
1. Idropfromtheskyfar more beautiful than rain. There are no two piecesthatwillever look the same. WhatamI?
3. I am tall when I’am young, and I am short when I am old. What am I?
2. I am a ball that does not bounce. WhatamI?
3. Christmas candle. 4. Elves.
Answers: 1. Snow. 2. Snowball.
4. These are found in the Harry Potter books and in Lord of The Rings too. They help make Christmas gifts that Santa brings to you. What are they?
This step-by-step guide will help you throughout our application and enrolment process.
You’ve applied - we’ve texted you a link so it’s time to book your interview. Log in to your Learner Hub account, set up when you applied, then follow the instructions to book your interview. If you have any issues logging in, email learner.hub@boltoncc.ac.uk
You may be offered a conditional place, dependent on getting the necessary GCSE grades and a good school reference. In the unlikely event you’re not offered a place don’t panic, you can still join us! We’ll put you in touch with our friendly Careers Team who’ll chat with you about options; you’ll then be offered a conditional place on a course that’s right for you.
Throughout the year, we’ll keep you informed about any events or updates via text or email.
You’ve got your conditional place, now you’re ready to enrol! We’ll contact you with instructions, usually around Easter.
Once you’ve got your GCSE results, it’s time to turn your conditional place into a firm offer. Upload your results via Learner Hub. If you haven’t got the results you were hoping for don’t worry, we’ll still have a course for you - contact our Student Services Centre for support.
What happens after I’ve applied for a course?
When we received your application, we texted you a link asking you to book a slot on one of our Interview Evenings. If you prefer you can book this over the phone by calling Admissions on 01204 482 155
How frequent are interviews?
Interview Evenings are twice a month and you’re welcome to attend with your parent/carer.
I have a conditional offer, what’s this? This is a promise to provide a place on your chosen course, provided you achieve certain criteria such as particular GCSEs, a good reference or suitable work placement. The conditional offer is always confirmed in writing.
When can I enrol?
Enrolment starts around Easter which means it’s likely you will enrol before you get your grades; your offer will remain conditional until proof of your grades is uploaded in the summer. I haven’t achieved the grades expected, what do I do? Don’t panic, we have courses at different levels! Tutors will be happy to discuss these options with you. We also offer impartial information, advice and guidance about options via our Student Services Centre; call them on 01204 482 182 or email studentservices@boltoncc.ac.uk to book a meeting with a Careers Guidance Specialist. I need to change my contact details, how do I do this? You can change your email address and phone number by logging into your Learner Hub account via www.bit.ly/LearnerHub or you can email your name, date of birth and new contact details to admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Any more questions? Call our Admissions Team on 01204 482 155 or email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Bolton College apprentice roofer Ben Jones has been named runner-up in a prestigious national competition.
Ben reached the finals of SkillBuild, dubbed the ‘skills Olympics’, which gives apprentices a chance to be crowned winner in their chosen trade.
After winning the regional heat, where Ben was tested on his technical abilities, time management, character and commitment, he travelled to Edinburgh for the UK finals, where he narrowly missed out on first place.
Matt Timby, a member of the judging panel, said:
‘The competitors were set a challenging task which was designed to take them out of their comfort zone. Each competitor took the task head on and came out with extremely good results.
‘It was great to see them all apply themselves with such determination. They should all hold their heads high as shining ambassadors for the industry.’
If you join us, you’ll be assigned your very own Learning & Development Mentor (LDM) who’ll support you throughout your time at College.
Weekly tutorials with your LDM will be part of your study programme, and your LDM will also be your key point of contact in College. If you have any issues or concerns, pick up the phone and they’ll be happy to help.
Your LDM will also:
• Help you to stay on track with your course
• Encourage you to explore further study, career and university options
• Ensure you’re prepared to succeed in the world of work
• Support your time at College so you’re successful and happy
Kyle’s one of our former students who loved it here that much, he returned to become a Performing Arts LDM!
Kyle knows what he’s talking about when it comes to show business; outside of College he’s appeared in numerous TV shows including Coronation Street, Ridley Road and Cilla.
In College, Kyle shares his experiences with his students, giving them an authentic insight into how the TV industry works.
Part of the University of Bolton Group
Wilko
Make the festive season special for your canine friend with this cute toy. Click to view
It might be Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t remind someone they’re ancient! Click to view
College apprentices teambuilding at the Anderton Centre.
Burgers for all during our Induction Day.
Free massages, courtesy of our beauty students, for World Mental Health Day.
Embracing the spooky spirit of Halloween.
It’s only four months into the College year, but our learners have been busy! Here’s just a taste of what they’ve been up to…
Sporting odd socks for Anti-Bullying Week.
Fundraising whilst dressed as characters from ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
Performing Arts students dance at our annual Freshers’ Fair.
Science student at our October Open Event.
It’s likely that you will undertake external work experience as part of your study programme. This will be for a minimum of 30 hours, depending on the course you’re studying, and needs to take place outside of your normal days in College.
Start thinking about what you’ll do for work experience when you join us.
The Work Experience Team
The team will support your work experience but please have a placement in mind when you join us in September.
Think about…
WHAT
This needs to be linked to your studies so you need to approach companies you know are in the business you want to be in.
Maybe you have family connections or friends that can put you in touch with a suitable placement.
This will be your first impression with any prospective work experience providers so be polite, keen and clear about what you’d like to do.
Work Experience will give you:
• An understanding of the work environment and what employers expect of their workers
• An opportunity to explore possible career options
• Increased self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence
• Increased motivation to continue study and/or undertake further training
• An introduction to workplace practices
• Enhanced opportunities for part-time and casual employment
• The opportunity to include the employer’s work experience evaluation in future job and course applications
• Opportunities to develop work-related competencies and acquire skills
• The chance to ‘try out’ a workplace.
For any questions about work experience please email: workexperience@boltoncc.ac.uk
One of the big benefits of a T Level is a 45-day Industry Placement, giving our young professionals on-the-job experience in the sector they aspire to work in.
Some of our Digital T Level students have been making an impact at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, immersing themselves in the latest digital technologies, learning about networking and discovering the different functions that drive the business – just the experience to kick-start a career in the digital sector.
Click here to learn more about T Levels.
We’re keen to bring your learning to life with masterclasses from industry experts!
Here are just a few of the professionals we’ve welcomed into College this year…
• Katie-Ann Tracey, a former Bolton College student, popped into College to chat to our travel and tourism students about her success as a Virgin Travel Agent.
• North West Design Studios is one of the top advertising and marketing agencies in the North West – Director Paul Hilton shared his recipe for success with our business students.
• A LinkedIn masterclass with Katie King, a PR, marketing, business and AI expert, who helped our T Level students create show-stopping online profiles, ensuring that when it comes to finding work, employers will sit up and take notice!
• There are plenty of careers to pursue in the Uniformed Public Services and to prove it our students received a visit from Royal Navy chefs, giving them a taste of career opportunities out on the open sea.
• Uniformed Public Services students learnt all about careers in the UK Border Force from Officer Andy Whitehouse.
Applying for university; writing a personal statement; sitting a job interview – in these situations, participation in our enrichment programme will prove that your’re successful and well-rounded, with professional and technical skills outside of the classroom.
You will benefit from two types of enrichment:
This is specific to the curriculum you’re studying, enhancing your classroom learning. Activities include inspiring trips, meetings with industry experts and visits to leading companies in your sector.
This is where you will mix and make friends with students from other departments via activities and sports that improve health, wellbeing and confidence.
Quizzes, online or in College, and more. Meeting other students for sessions that aim to relax and ease stress, for example Colour & Chill sessions.
Volunteering and fundraising opportunities.
Fitness sessions, football, dance and more.
Tasters, workshops and visits to enhance your learning.
College’s
A trip to FlyMe for Travel & Tourism students
Laying a wreath for Armistice Day
Teambuilding with the military Making friends at the College’s annual Freshers’ Fair
Visiting the Houses of Parliament to support the BSL Bill
Rafting at the Anderton Centre
Admissions 01204 482 155 admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Apprenticeships 01204 482 036 apprenticeships@boltoncc.ac.uk
Customer Support 01204 482 000 info@boltoncc.ac.uk
Learner Support 01204 482 669 studentsupportadmins@boltoncc.ac.uk
Student Finance 01204 482 191 studentfinance@boltoncc.ac.uk
Student Services Centre 01204 482 182 studentservices@boltoncc.ac.uk