THE HIT LIST GCSE SURGERY 2024 with EKC GROUP 

Episode 1 -  Routes In Education Post GCSEs & General Advice

Supportive Environment: The panel emphasises the supportive nature of colleges, especially for students navigating their next steps after GCSEs. 

Diverse Educational Routes: There are various pathways available post-GCSE: continuing with a sixth form at school or college, BTEC qualifications, T levels (employer-led), and apprenticeships. 

Understanding Choices: Difference between A levels, T levels, and apprenticeships is clarified. A levels involve studying multiple subjects academically; T levels focus on one area with practical experience; apprenticeships offer learning while earning in an industry setting. 

Decision Support: Students have access to career advisers who can guide them through choosing what to study based on interests and results. 

6th Form at College vs School: At college, the atmosphere is more focused on independence without younger years present. It offers flexibility in subject choices and additional qualifications like EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). 

1. Take time to process your results – whether they're cause for celebration or require reassessment of plans.
2. Seek advice from family members who've gone through similar experiences.
3. Consult careers advisers – available both in schools and colleges – they can help create action plans tailored to individual needs.
4. Explore all options passionately – consider personal motivation when selecting courses or career paths.
5. Industry Experience at College:
   • ILOs provide placements related to course pathways ensuring hands-on experience that complements academic learning. 

1. Accept any offers if you’ve met desired grades; if not sure about your path yet or haven’t achieved expected grades, speak with college representatives who can guide you towards suitable alternatives 
2. Don't make knee-jerk decisions; always seek guidance first 
3. Remember that there's always a level/pathway available leading toward chosen careers even if initial expectations aren't met 

For further information regarding East Kent Colleges Group visit http://www.ekcgroup.ac.uk 

Catch up on other episodes of this podcast series at http://www.im-listening.co.uk  or wherever you get your podcasts 

THE HIT LIST GCSE SURGERY PODCAST 2024 with EKC GROUP 

Episode 2 - College Life 

Diverse Course Offerings: 

• Unique programs like animal care at Spring Lane Campus.
• Trades such as construction and automotive studies featuring hands-on learning.

Support Systems: 

• Bursary team assists with funding for travel expenses. 
• Inclusive Learning Team offers resources for additional educational support. 

Student Union:

• Automatic membership upon joining college; no sign-up required. 
• Roles include Equalities Officer, Welfare Officer among others; paid ambassador roles also available. 

Events & Activities:

• Trips to Thorpe Park or Paris alongside local events aimed at enhancing student life. 

Classroom Dynamics:

• Class sizes vary based on course; specialized classrooms depending on subjects studied. 

Independent Learning Environment:

• More responsibility placed on students to manage their time effectively compared to school settings. 

From Staff:

Rachel emphasises that college provides an independent learning environment where students are responsible for managing their own schedules while still having access to various forms of support when needed. 

From Students: 

Luca mentions that independence in college allows you to push yourself but also recognize your limits. Lily talks about how her program prepares her professionally for a career in hairdressing while providing necessary supports due to her autism diagnosis. 

Listeners can learn about becoming involved with the Student Union's leadership positions opening up in September or participate in upcoming trips and activities planned throughout the year. 

For further information regarding East Kent Colleges Group visit http://www.ekcgroup.ac.uk 

Catch up on other episodes of this podcast series at http://www.im-listening.co.uk  or wherever you get your podcasts 

THE HITLIST GCSE SURGERY PODCAST 2024 with EAST KENT COLLEGES GROUP 

Episode 3 - T-Levels 

Key Points Discussed: 

Introduction to T Levels:  

• Practical alternative to A levels. 
• Focus on a single subject area for in-depth learning. 
• Includes substantial industry placement (315 hours). 

Subject Availability:  

• Range of subjects offered at EKC Canterbury College including health, early years, animal care, business, accounting, marketing, surveying and planning. 

Career Prospects Post-T Level:  

• University education with UCAS points equivalent to three A levels. 
• Direct employment opportunities after successful placements. 
• Degree apprenticeships as another pathway. 

Advice for Prospective Students:   

• Commitment is key due to coursework and practical assessments. 
• Ideal for those certain about their desired profession but open-ended regarding specific job roles. 

Student Experiences:  

• Real-world work experience alongside studies leading to job offers. 
• Balancing college environment with professional workplace learning. 

 Listener Takeaways: 

What Are T Levels? Understand the structure of this technical qualification that blends classroom theory with hands-on industry experience. 

Range of Subjects Offered in Kent Explore the diverse subject areas available through the East Kent Colleges Group that cater to different career aspirations. 

Post-Qualification Opportunities Discover how completing a T level can lead directly into university or jumpstart your career through immediate employment or degree apprenticeships. 

For further information regarding East Kent Colleges Group visit http://www.ekcgroup.ac.uk 

Catch up on other episodes of this podcast series at http://www.im-listening.co.uk  or wherever you get your podcasts 

THE HIT LIST GCSE SURGERY 2024 with EKC GROUP 

Episode 4 - Apprenticeships 

Understanding Apprenticeships: 

• Practical hands-on learning with 80% work placement. 
• Earn while you learn model; no debt accumulation. 

Differences from Other Study Routes: 

• Salary aspect emphasised – starting at £6.40/hour for ages 16-18. 
• Increases in pay upon reaching age 18 or entering a second year. 

Employer Benefits: 

• Investment in future workforce development. 
• Filling skill gaps due to retiring professionals.  

Apprenticeship Options & Support: 

• Over hundreds of options available across various sectors. 
• EKC offers around 37 courses across six colleges with industry-experienced trainers. 

Career Progression Post-apprenticeship: 

• Aim for long-term employment post-training period. 
• Opportunities within businesses to climb up the career ladder. 

Deciding if Apprenticeships are Right For You: 

• Advice on settling into roles before formal enrolment in programs. 
• Sharing success stories as examples of career pathways through apprenticeships. 

Eligibility and Accessibility: – Addressing barriers such as maths and English grades requirements but also providing support where needed. 

1. Gain insights into earning potential during training periods 
2. Understand employer motivations behind hiring apprentices 
3. Explore a wide range of industries offering diverse apprentice opportunities 
4. Learn about the supportive environment provided by EKC's team 
5. Discover qualifications achievable through different levels of apprenticing 

For further information regarding East Kent Colleges Group visit http://www.ekcgroup.ac.uk 

Catch up on other episodes of this podcast series at http://www.im-listening.co.uk  or wherever you get your podcasts 

THE HIT LIST GCSE SURGERY 2024 with EKC GROUP 

Episode 5 - Placements 

Student Experiences: Students share their personal stories about how placements have shaped their career aspirations. They delve into the practical skills they've gained across various settings like nurseries, salons, timber frame construction companies, and special educational needs schools. 

Lecturer Insights: Lecturers discusses challenges faced by construction students in securing site placements due to CSCS card requirements but highlights the maturity that on-site experience brings. They emphasise how industry exposure complements classroom learning in engineering courses. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Real-world experience solidifies classroom knowledge. 
• Early exposure helps inform better career decisions. 
• The transition from adolescence to professionalism is expedited through hands-on learning. 
• Work placement success can lead to job offers even before graduation. 

For further information regarding East Kent Colleges Group visit http://www.ekcgroup.ac.uk 

Catch up on other episodes of this podcast series at http://www.im-listening.co.uk  or wherever you get your podcasts