New T-level Health students reflect on their 1st term

THE UK's new T-levels are a nationally recognised 2 year qualification designed to give learners a head start towards the career they want. They are worth the same number of UCAS points as 3 Alevels and have been designed in collaboration with employers. Learners studying a T-level develop essential work ready skills employers are seeking by taking part in 45 days of industry placement over the 2 years of study. The Government chose Hugh Baird College as the sole provider in the Liverpool City Region to deliver T-level qualifications in 2021. In September of this year, new learners began studying T-levels in Electrical Installations, Healthcare, Healthcare Science and Digital Support Services. Hugh Baird College students Holly, Louis and Maura are studying the T-level Healthcare Science programme and have spoken about their experiences of the 1st term:-

Holly said:- "I've found the T-level course fascinating as it includes an equal amount of health and science-related topics, which is great to get a rounded learning of the sector. I believe that employers look up to T-levels with more prestige than other courses. "

Louis said:- "I have really enjoyed studying the T-level so far. It's engaging because it's designed to be specific to the career I am pursuing - to become a Paramedic. "

Maura said:- "The industry placement side of T-levels is the most exciting part. I'm looking forward to starting my placement in February where I'll be working alongside Healthcare Scientists at the Clinical Labs in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital. I'm hoping to become a Forensic Scientist after I've completed my degree studies."

The numbers of T-levels available at Hugh Baird College are increasing for September 2022 entry, with the following subjects available to study:-

► Business Management and Administration.

► Onsite Construction (Carpentry and Joinery)

► Building Services Engineering for Construction (Electrical Installations)

► Digital Support Services.

► Digital Production, Design and Development.

► Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator)

► Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.

► Healthcare Science.

► Supporting Healthcare.

For more information, please visit:- HughBaird.AC.UK.

Liverpool residents outline their priorities

MORE than 900 people have responded to the 1st Phase of a survey about how to make Liverpool a fairer City for all. Last summer, Liverpool City Council announced that it was opening discussions with everyone who lives or works in the City, to capture views on what they love about it; and ask how they think it could be rebalanced; to make sure opportunities are available for all. Feedback postcards were distributed to:- customer hubs, libraries, Children's Centres and Lifestyles Centres and an online survey was set up. The results have now been analysed and the headlines are:-

► A request for more to be done around cleansing streets and public spaces, and tackling those who dump litter and rubbish.

► Fears about public safety, particularly in the night time economy.

► Concerns about Liverpool's "North South divide," with references to poverty in the north and a perception that the south of the City receives more investment and cultural events

► Praise for the City's cultural events programme and a request for more, particularly for children and young people, especially during School holidays

► A plea for fewer roadworks, more efficient public transport, particularly to the football grounds and the airport.

Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for Finance and Resources Cllr Jane Corbett, said:- "I am pleased that so many people responded and let us know their views. This is all part of our commitment to being a listening organisation and acting upon the concerns of residents who pay for local services. Some of the issues raised are not in our direct control, such as public transport, but we have strong partnerships with the local agencies that do so we will be feeding back views to them. This is an ongoing conversation which we will continue to have with people who live and work in Liverpool over the coming months and years. It will also feed into our process of setting the budget for 2022/23 and the development of the Medium Term Financial Plan. We are determined to make this City one that delivers for everyone."

The full results are available on the Council's website:- Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Some of the issues raised are already being tackled. Examples include work to improve the management of the City's highways contracts and projects to improve safety, particularly for women and girls, in the night time economy.