Basingstoke College of Technology

I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do in life and as soon as I started this course I found what I had been looking for - it’s brilliant!

After trying the A Level route at two different colleges, I decided to pick a skills-based course and something I knew I was good at. I chose BCoT as it is a vocational college with a good reputation that offers a style of learning which I like – no examinations and a qualification to take me to university.

The lecturers are very helpful and have given me guidance and encouragement to achieve my target grades. There is a diversity of people in the class who are all supportive of each other and, if someone is struggling, the rest of the class rallies to help that person.

The course includes placements which provide a great insight into the world of work I will be joining. I spent a week at the North Hants Hospital in the children’s ward as a play specialist. I interacted with the children and supported them both pre and post operation. Most of the children I worked with had really serious illnesses and I found the experience rewarding.

My next placement was quite different. I spent time at Hook Infant School as a learning support assistant and I loved it too. I helped with literacy, numeracy and computing lessons. The school was very pleased to have my help as there is a shortage of male role models for children to follow these days.

The college is a good place to study, has a friendly atmosphere and provides a good working environment. There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to make me feel part of the college and next year I hope to become an Aimhigher Ambassador.

BCoT and this course have given me experience and confidence to deal with new environments. The National Diploma has opened up lots of opportunities in a wide variety of careers and provided a good route to Higher Education.”