Sara is a Year 2 T Level Health & Social Care student with an ambition to progress into paediatric nursing.
“I originally aimed for an apprenticeship when I started the course,” she explained, “but in paediatric nursing at the moment, it can be a challenge. Most recently, I’ve been accepted into the University of Bradford to continue studying paediatric nursing.”
Alongside her T Level course, Sara is also completing her work placement, where she has gained valuable insight into the working environment of health and social care, whilst being exposed to a wide range of medical cases.
“I really enjoy the hands-on experience that comes with doing the work placement,” Sara added. “We get quite a bit of freedom in what we learn and what we can do; the only thing we don’t get an option in is what ward we’re on.”
The course includes a range of practical exams, which have allowed Sara to understand and learn nursing in a more meaningful and in-depth way.
“Learning and gaining knowledge from practising different methods during placement, as well as in workshops, has been really beneficial. It’s a much better way of learning about the subject rather than simply reading it from a textbook.”
Sara looked at a range of courses and colleges when deciding to study her T Level in Health & Social Care, but ultimately chose Bradford College due to how the coursework was organised and the length of the placement.
“A lot of the nursing courses I looked at were very similar,” she adds. “However, I chose Bradford College because it has a great way of adapting to challenges, especially around the practical skills and techniques that are taught within lessons and workshops.”
Sara’s main advice for anyone considering a T Level in Health & Social Care is to do your research and prepare for the course ahead.
“Even though it is one course, it is still equivalent to doing three A Levels, and while there is less coursework, there are various exams that you do need to prepare for.
What’s great about doing nursing here is that you’re focusing on a subject you’re really passionate about. The T Levels are amazing at letting you hone in on a specific subject, and being able to centre all my work around health care has helped me stay focused and brings me closer to the career I want to pursue.”