Declan has made a lasting impression during his time studying the T Level in Education & Early Years at Bradford College, standing out for his dedication, positive attitude and determination to succeed. Throughout his course, he has built confidence, strengthened his skills and made the most of every opportunity, efforts that have earned him the Student of the Year award at the STAR Awards.
Even when faced with personal and medical challenges, Declan refused to let them hold him back. Instead, he stayed focused, pushed himself to keep progressing and continued to show up with enthusiasm and commitment.
“Winning this STAR Award means a lot to me,” Declan said. “The past year has brought a lot of personal and medical challenges, but I’ve pushed through it, so achieving this award means a lot.”
Finding His Path in Early Years
Childcare wasn’t part of Declan’s original plan. When he first came to college, he had his sights set on becoming a chef. But everything changed after one unexpected experience.
“I wanted to be a chef when I first came to college,” he said. “But my first tutor, Don, encouraged me to try an early years class. From that very first lesson, I fell in love with the subject and never looked back.”
Developing Confidence and Communication
The course has been key in helping Declan build his confidence, communication and ability to connect with young children. He has developed a strong understanding of how important these qualities are in early years settings, recognising that confidence and trust play a vital role in shaping children’s experiences.
As he explains, “Our course builds confidence, communication and trust… you can’t be shy, because the way you act has an impact on them. Children genuinely pick up on everything.”
Making an Impact on Placement
These skills led Declan to his placement at Russell Street Nursery, where he quickly became a valued member of the team. His positive attitude, strong work ethic and ability to build relationships with both children and staff made a real impact in the setting. He didn’t just gain experience, he contributed meaningfully to the team, and his dedication impressed them so much that he was offered a job before even completing his course.
Support That Makes a Difference
Studying at Bradford College has given Declan the support he needed to grow and succeed, even while facing significant medical challenges. With the help of his tutors and the wider college team, he was able to stay on track and continue progressing.
“I struggled with a medical issue for over a year, but my tutor was always there to support me,” he said. “Whether I needed time off or help catching up, they made sure I was fully supported. It’s never been a case of figuring things out on my own, it’s always been about working through it together.”
This level of care and encouragement has played a vital role in helping Declan stay motivated, overcome challenges and continue working towards his goals.
Stepping Into the Future
Looking ahead, Declan is already stepping confidently into the next stage of his journey, having secured a full-time role at his placement where he has truly proven his value. His experience has not only shaped his career path but also reinforced his belief in what he’s capable of achieving. For Declan, success has come from perseverance, support and a willingness to keep going, even through difficult times.
As he put it, his experience of studying at Bradford College has been clear: “Do it. You’ll get the support you need, no matter what challenges you face.”
Ready to start your own journey in childcare and education? Explore our Early Years courses at Bradford College and take the first step towards a rewarding career making a difference.