<p>We recently caught up with Caitlin, our wonderful Health and Social Care assessor, who told us about her experience in completing her Level 3 qualification, and how it resulted in a full time job here at Weston College. Here's what she told us!</p>

<p>My role at Weston College is as a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> assessor for 16–19-year-olds and adult learners studying Health and Social Care qualifications. I observe and assess learners either on work placement or in their work setting.</p>

<p>I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care while continuing my previous employment as a senior care worker at a local care village, and predominantly supporting those living with dementia.</p>

<p>I found out about the course through Facebook and had been keen to gain the qualification for a while. I was also promoted to apply as the course was free for me as I did not already hold a Level 3 qualification.</p>

<p>While on the course, we had lessons on the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/state-art-nursing-simulators-arrive-healt… room</a>, learning how to catheterise patients and a lesson in the lab dissecting pig lungs to learn about the respiratory system. The SIM room and lab are both fantastic spaces for learning and developing practical skills which are invaluable to 16–19-year-olds who are preparing for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/work-experience?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_m… placement</a>.</p>

<p>Without this qualification, I would not have been able to apply for my role at Weston College. The course also helped me prepare for interviewing. Not all criteria were met though assignments, some were assessed on professional discussions which helped me develop my communication skills on a professional level. The course also helped me with my digital skills, which was fortunate as I had to create a PowerPoint presentation for interview.</p>

<p>I would really recommend and encourage others to study as an adult. I found I was more focussed and committed to the workload and qualification. I initially studied to further my career in the industry and to progress in my previous employment. I never thought that my knowledge and skills could support those in further education. I feel privileged to be able to support those in further education to become fantastic health care workers.</p>

<p>Alongside the Level 3 qualification, I was also able to compete a Level 2 in <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/health-and-soc… </a>which was a bonus as I managed to gain another qualification while studying one. Since joining Weston college as an employee, I am being enrolled in a certificate in Vocational Assessing to further my knowledge in supporting through assessing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would never have been possible if it wasn't for the completion of my Level 3 qualification and the support of Weston College - I'm so grateful to everyone who was involved in my journey!</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults?utm_source=mai… out more about Courses for Adults, here!</a></p>

<p>My name is Beth, and I completed the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/business-and-m… Leadership and Management Diploma</a> course through the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/bristol-courses">partnership </a>of Weston College and the <a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk/">University of the West of England (UWE)</a>.</p>

<p>I had been looking at courses to support progression, and decided a leadership/management course could help me achieve that, and gain the knowledge and confidence to begin applying for a management role. I researched many different courses and colleges, but finding an Instagram advert for Weston College was ultimately what led me to choose them.</p>

<p>Working with Weston College and UWE was ideal due to both being known for their wonderful teaching and facilities, plus studying at UWE was very convenient due to the close proximity to where I live. This partnership is so great, as it provides more accessibility to the course, as it is held across both sites, maximising the facilities and teaching that are available.</p>

<p>My favourite part of how the course is run was the mix of face-to-face and online. I really enjoyed the face-to-face lessons as it gave me the opportunity to meet other people, and for us to share and discuss elements of the topics being taught. On the other hand, some being held online made it easier to fit into work and life schedules.</p>

<p>My advice to someone considering the course is to do it! It's perfect if you’re aiming to build confidence and develop skills surrounding management, it will provide you with the tools, techniques and skills. You will need to carefully manage your time as there are lots of assignments, but the support you’ll receive from tutors is unmatched!</p>

<p>Completing this course allowed me to secure a senior role within my team, and given me the skills and knowledge to confidently run the project team. The course enabled me to approach tasks with more structure and organisation. I was also able to apply this logic to my assignments and personal life too, which has helped me out loads. My goal now is to step into a management role.</p>

<p>Overall, the support I received, particularly from my tutor, was second to none. I couldn’t have stepped into the senior role I’m in now without the confidence that completing this course gave me!</p>

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<p><em>Beth, Senior Operations Administrator, Atomos</em></p>
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<p>The course that Beth studied is part of the National Skills Fund, which provides learners aged 19+ an opportunity to access their first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A Level) for free. This fund provides access to qualifications that will help support people back into work.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/bristol-courses">If you are interested in studying with Weston College and UWE, view the courses available, here!</a></p>

<p>My name is Rob, and I’m a Weston College adult learner alumnus. I studied a<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/motor-vehicle/…; Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair</a>. I decided to go to Weston College to complete my training as they offered a standalone Level 3 course in Mechanics, which suited me perfectly as I was already Level 2 qualified. The course was also only a year, which allowed me to get back into my mechanics career sooner.</p>

<p>Completing the course with Weston opened opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have been offered, due to their close working relationships with companies. This was how I was able to begin networking with <a href="https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/">Mercedes-Benz</a&gt;, which resulted in being offered a full-time position at the company prior to even completing the course.</p>

<p>Through attending Weston College, I was also given the chance to compete in the <a href="https://worldskills.org/">WorldSkills</a&gt; competition. The experience was mind-blowing to say the least! I didn't think much of it at first as I was focused on my primary goal of becoming fully qualified and getting a job in a main dealer garage. It was my tutor, Steve, who made me aware of the competition and suggested I apply for it. His support was invaluable and I really felt that he believed in me which gave me the confidence to apply. I thought "What's the worst that can happen?" and that, if anything, it might be a bit of fun.</p>

<p>I applied for WorldSkills in March 2022. I registered online and completed an online test during my normal college hours. The test itself was quite challenging, encompassing everything you should know on completion of the Level 3 course. I received my results the same day but didn't know I had made it into the top thirty until about a month later.</p>

<p>When the day of the semi-finals came, I felt prepared until I got there, and then the nerves kicked in! I found it quite difficult to overcome my nerves at first but having my tutor, Steve, cheering me on from the sidelines was a great support. The group of competitors were all really supportive of one another. I ended the day on a high, with the last task going really well which boosted my confidence. There was a short wait for the results and when they called my name for second place, I couldn't believe it. I was overjoyed with what I had achieved!</p>

<p>Since finishing at the college and becoming Level 3 qualified, I started working at Mercedes-Benz, and I’m currently working towards my maintenance technician qualification as well as an air conditioning qualification. I have also just been assigned my own apprentice to teach the trade to, who previously gained his Level 2 also at Weston. This involves providing guidance in different tasks and overseeing the work that he undertakes to enable him to progress to the next level.</p>

<p>The day-to-day involves working on cars which require prepping, ready to be sold. This requires me to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, through which I identify and rectify any faults. Each day is varied, and no two days are ever the same. Additionally, I conduct services and inspections on customer cars. I couldn’t have reached where I am now without Weston College, and my tutor Steve, both of which provided invaluable support which gave me the confidence to progress in my career to my current stage and beyond!</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults">Find out more about the Adult courses on offer, here!</a></p>