Transform your career - Greater Brighton Metropolitan College
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Transform your career INSIDE RESPONDING KICK-START WHAT CAN TO COVID-19 2 YOUR CAREER 10 YOU DO WITH MISCONCEPTIONS IT'S NEVER A DEGREE? 14 ABOUT STUDYING TOO LATE TO SCHOOL'S OVER – PART-TIME 8 GO TO UNI 12 SO, WHAT NEXT? 16 Cover photo: Simona King (BA (Hons) Photography) SUMMER 2020
Contents
Produced by
noun [met-uh-mawr-fuh-sis]
When a metamorphosis occurs,
a person or thing develops and changes
into something completely different.
2 News
Develop and change Responding to COVID-19
4 Why I teach
Who are we? Find out what our staff love about teaching
The Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (GB MET) was created from the merger of
City College Brighton and Northbrook College Sussex. We offer a wide range of courses
6 How to change your career
and qualifications across five campuses in Brighton, Shoreham and Worthing. Our purpose Top tips to help you make that change
is to support everyone in our local communities to reach their aspirations, whatever their
background, starting point or end goal. 8 What's stopping you?
Misconceptions about studying part-time
10 Kick-start your career
Courses to help you launch a new career
12 It's never too late to
go to university
With an Access to Higher Education Diploma
14 What can you do
with a degree?
Is it time to take the leap?
16 School's over –
so, what's next?
Advice for parents thinking about September
Unlocking potential.
Top: Access to HE students
Celebrating ambition. studying biomedical sciences
Transforming lives. Bottom: Alumna Christopher
Luke Watts is the Senior
Designer for Zara Home
Responding to
C VID-19
News from across the College
Education in lockdown Mentors saw an increase in demand for Delivering emergency College joins national
An update from our Principal mental health and emotional wellbeing food parcels to the foodbank campaign
Before March the vast majority of our support. They mentored students on the vulnerable Staff and students
courses were taught face-to-face across all phone, online and at a specialist on- Throughout lockdown at Greater Brighton
our campuses with some remote learning. site provision, as well as arranging food we worked in partnership Metropolitan College
Throughout lockdown we continued to teach vouchers and access to IT equipment. with Brighton & Hove City came together to support
and support all of our 8,000 students online. In addition, our Safeguarding team have Council and the Food their communities by
It’s been a learning journey for us all – using continued to work with both internal and Partnership to provide fundraising for local
technology we’d never trialled in this way external partners to ensure our students’ emergency food parcels foodbanks.
before and finding solutions to the various safety during this period. to some of the most The College joined the
challenges that have presented themselves. • We reopened our campuses to a small vulnerable people in the national ‘FE Foodbank Friday’
To give you an idea... number of students who required an on-site community during the campaign in support of the
assessment to complete their qualification. COVID-19 crisis. many food banks supporting
• Not all of our students have access to the • We put a number of safety measures in The team of 14 delivery our local communities.
internet or a suitable device. We loaned out Dressmaking student
place, including one-way systems, more drivers, made up of The Trussell Trust, which
over 120 laptops to prevent any disruption makes scrub items for
systems, more hand sanitiser stations, community volunteers and supports a network of food
to our students’ education. Our IT and
the NHS
and scheduling varying arrival and GB MET staff, coordinated banks, provides emergency
Digital teams have also been on hand to departure times. Fiona Dimmock made
the delivery of food parcels provisions to those in need in
provide technical support. masks, scrub bags, scrub
Find out how our staff and students have to people in need across Worthing, Shoreham and in
• Our Additional Learning Support team used hats and headbands from
been supporting our local communities on Brighton and Hove, and along Whitehawk, Brighton.
video calls, instant chat, emails and phone spare materials at home
the next page. the coast from Seaford to
calls to ensure our students received the and delivered them to local
Southwick.
I'm looking forward to welcoming our NHS hospitals.
same level of support.
returning and new students to the College Fiona has been a
• We created a COVID-19 emergency learner
in September. dressmaking student at
fund to help those students most in need
Northbrook MET for a
to purchase the equipment or materials Read more about our preparations for couple of years, starting out
required to complete their course. September on our website: gbmc.ac.uk with the beginners course,
• From the beginning of lockdown we
progressing to intermediate
ensured any student eligible for free college
level and then onto
meals received the cost value into their
Helena Thomas specialised courses offered
bank account.
Principal by tutor Rosie Carne.
• The restrictions of lockdown have caused a
lot of anxiety and uncertainty. Our Pastoral
2 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 3
Why I teach
When my students graduate there are always things to
I also have the pleasure refine, change or improve;
of watching their careers teaching is never boring!
develop and remembering There is also something
all those creative steps that about the spiral shape of
we took towards the amazing Vanessa Jackson the teaching and learning
Many of our teaching staff started their careers on the job and moved to teaching later in life. Travel & Tourism
photographers they have process that I really like:
What they all have in common is their passion for education and supporting others to achieve Programme Lead
become.” you plan a lesson, deliver it,
their goals. We asked a few of our colleagues to tell us what they love about teaching. “I believe in empowering assess and reflect. This gives
future generations through a real focus and clarity to the
learning. I teach at role, which suits me down to
Northbrook MET because the ground.”
I meet a culturally diverse
range of people who engage
Peter Whiffen in their studies with energy
Curriculum Manager, and enthusiasm.
Jane Mills Rosanna Francis When I got the opportunity to
Hospitality & Catering Employer engagement is
Air cabin crew tutor Curriculum Manager, become an Access teacher,
“After 30 years in the vital to me. Employers want
“I have 30 years' experience Access to HE I jumped at the chance to help
hospitality industry, working creative, self-motivated, Alan Vickery
working in the travel & “I suppose the reason I others realise their ambition to
in London’s West End as a technically competent staff. Business lecturer
tourism industry, with the became a teacher originates study at university and change
partner in a restaurant and It's not just the subject you “Few other jobs can really be
majority of that time in back to when I was an their lives for the better. For
as an area manager for a learn here, but the skills too. learning experiences all the
aviation. I have flown with a Access student myself at me, this is the best part of
contract caterer, I knew I had The curriculum we set means time, but when you’re dealing
charter airline, Japan Airlines, GB MET (known as Brighton being a teacher and I am so
many skills to offer aspiring every person has the ability to with so many personalities
and worked my way up to Tech in those days). I had proud of all my past students.”
catering and hospitality achieve their own goals.” and moving parts that are
Cabin Service Director with never done very well at
school, but at age 31, a students. included in the teaching and
British Airways.
single parent with a boring I have been teaching food coaching day, you just never
After spending years working
job, I decided it was the preparation, cooking and know what you’ll learn.
in such an exciting industry,
right time to go to university front-of-house skills at the There is no other job I can
it seemed a natural choice to
and study a subject that I MET for more than 15 years imagine that provides the
progress into teaching and
was passionate about. Mary Tennant and I work with students of same kind of satisfaction. I
pass those skills on to future
all ages, different skill levels Anna Mollison have an opportunity to help
generations. Completing the Access Programme Lead –
and experience. I love the English tutor inspire people to develop
Working as air cabin crew course and going on BA Photography
opportunity this gives me to “Being a teacher brings and I get to participate in the
has brought me opportunities to Sussex University to “The brilliant thing about
help them develop not only you into the mix of the local learning of many people.
that I could have only study psychology and working in the creative
industries is that there are so their culinary skills, but also community where you are To me, teaching is both
dreamed of and I love to psychotherapy changed
my life – not just my career many pathways that you can the soft skills needed for the and enriches you because of rewarding and challenging.
share those experiences
prospects. I learnt to think follow, and one of those led hospitality industry. These the variety of people that you That’s why I love it – along
with my students. This not
critically and form strong me to teaching at GB MET skills also help our students get to meet and forge new, with the fact you never stop
only helps them get the
lines of argument; to research after 25 years in the sector. to have a more rounded meaningful relationships with learning yourself!”
qualifications they need, but
motivates and encourages and write academically. My I love working with students outlook on life and not only each year.
them to get their own careers self-confidence grew and I and introducing them to help with their careers in the Managing a class of students,
off to a flying start.” started to believe in myself. techniques and processes hospitality industry, but any and engaging them in
that enable them to realise other professions they wish a learning process, is a
their ideas. to pursue.” challenge that has no summit:
4 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 5
How to change 4. Get exploring and look at job alternatives
• If you know what roles or sectors you’re
your career
interested in, get in touch with someone
already working there to ask your
questions. What is the role like? What do
you need to be successful? What was
their career path? What advice would
they offer you?
I’ve already made two career and then senior HR positions 1. Know yourself and your transferable skills • If you don’t know what you want to do,
changes in my 20 years at within American Express. • Outline your strengths, where you thrive browse current vacancies for inspiration
work and suspect I may go Fifteen years later my lifestyle and your key skills. and consider getting some careers advice.
on to make another one in had changed again and I • Seek feedback from colleagues and
5. Get educated
my lifetime. moved on to teaching HR friends on what they value or appreciate
by Sam Smith (pictured), • Consider whether gaining a qualification
I started out as a graduate qualifications. Four years about you to help build your self-
GB MET lecturer and in your new area of interest will give you
store manager with Marks & later I’m thoroughly enjoying awareness.
Curriculum Manager the confidence, knowledge, connections
Spencer and after five years working in adult education
for human resources 2. Be clear on what you enjoy in your current and the gateway with employers into your
I wanted more control over as I can share my insights
(HR) qualifications job and what you need from your next new career.
my personal time. I enjoyed and experiences to enable
• Do you like working with people?
developing people and having others to pursue their career 6. Stay positive, yet focused
Perhaps you like having autonomy?
identified the skills I had to potential. • Be realistic – you may need to take some
Maybe you like the variety each day brings?
offer, I decided to move into From my experience in HR pay cuts initially or invest time studying.
• What must your next role provide?
training and recruitment. I and my own career changes, Develop a plan and perhaps find someone
A certain income? Local work?
secured roles with Barclays here are my top tips: who could mentor you.
Flexible hours? This will form your
essential criteria.
• Then create your desirable list and what
you’d be willing to trade on. For example,
perhaps you’d be willing to commute a
bit further or earn a little less if you could
work from home regularly.
3. Get creative – Use the knowledge you’ve
gained from tips 1 and 2 and explore the
different settings they could apply to
• My passion is developing other people
which I was able to do as a retail store Even if you don’t want to make a radical
manager, training manager, HR manager career change, it’s smart to be self-aware
and now as a teacher. There might be of your skills and the value you can offer to
other types of organisations or sectors employers (why should they want to hire
that you can apply your skills and interests you?). Be open to exploring new ideas, listen
to that you haven’t considered before. to feedback from others on how you can
improve and develop your skills. If you decide
to return to study, embrace it! Learning can
be challenging, yet very rewarding!
6 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 7
Misconceptions about studying part-time Your questions answered
Catherine Coombs,
Do I qualify?
graduated with a
The MET aims to build your confidence and
BA (Hons) in Textile
support you to achieve your best in a friendly
Design at age 61
atmosphere. If you’re concerned that you
don’t have enough qualifications from school,
talk to us as there will still be lots of options
available to you. Courses for adults suit a
wide range of educational levels, from GCSE
level, to practical skills, more advanced
courses and degrees. Entry requirements
are more flexible for adults than they are for
young people as work experience can often
be taken into account.
Do I have time?
Many of our courses are part-time, meaning
you only attend for one evening or one day
per week. Even courses classed as ‘full-time’
often only require two to three days’
attendance per week (alongside home study).
This autumn some of our courses will be
partially taught online, requiring reduced
attendance on campus. And the MET also
offers some entirely online courses.
What’s
It’s never too late to learn or retrain. Can I afford it?
Going back to college can seem daunting Many students can have their course fees
but in our experience mature students are Kate completed partly or fully paid through government funding.
always pleased they decided to go for it. her Level 5 Diploma Lower-level courses can be free if you’re
stopping
in Human Resources unemployed, and more advanced courses
Many people are put off by the idea of
Management can be paid for by a government Advanced
returning to study due to unfounded fears –
in her 30s Learner Loan (similar to a university loan). In
whether it be a lack of self-confidence, a belief
addition, if your household income is below
you
they don’t qualify, or the perceived constraints
£30,000, you can apply for bursaries to help
of work, family commitments and money.
pay for fees, childcare and travel. The funding
There have been many studies about the and help available varies per course, and each
benefits of returning to education later in life. course on the College’s website shows a link
People report increased job satisfaction, to the relevant financial information.
earning potential, self-confidence, and
improved mental health. Employers often
like mature students because they combine
experience and education. And learning
later in life is even said to reduce the risk of
Find out more at gbmc.ac.uk/adults
developing dementia and Alzheimer’s.
8 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 9
Fight back from COVID-19 &
Kick-start Example pathways at the MET
Career: Accountancy
your career
AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
The impact of COVID-19 is all around us – Our Kick-start pathways start with our
in our health, our relationships, the way free short courses for jobseekers. Lasting AAT Level 4 Professional Diploma
we live our lives and also in our work. For between one to six weeks, we offer a variety in Accounting
many people the pandemic has meant of topics ranging from bookkeeping to
unemployment or redundancy. These are construction, health & social care to graphic
unsettling times even without the worry of design. We’ll also help you to write your CV, Career: Studio or web designer
finding a job. apply for jobs and prepare for interviews. Graphic design short course:
Plus, our job matching service will link you Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills and
If this is a situation you find yourself in, we
with local employers. Level 1 Certificate in Interactive Media
can help. We recently launched our Kick-start
your career campaign to support jobseekers If you decide to carry on your studies – or
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in
and recent graduates with their job hunt. you’re already employed but want to make a
Art & Design
Our aim is to help at least 1,000 people in change – you can work your way up through
our local communities start their journey to our course levels (from entry level to post-
BA (Hons) Degree in Graphic Design
a new career. graduate) to reach your dream career.
Example careers: Nurse,
paramedic or physiotherapist
Health & social care short course: Level 1 Whatever situation you find yourself in and
Award in Health and Social Care whatever your passion, let us help you gain
the confidence and skills you need to stand
CACHE Level 2 Extended Certificate in out in this challenging job market.
Health and Social Care
Find out more about our courses on our
website, gbmc.ac.uk/adults, or request a
LASER Level 3 Access to Higher
callback from one of our advisers by emailing
Education Diploma: Health and Health
kickstartyourcareer@gbmc.ac.uk
Sciences
University
10 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 11It’s never too late
Alice Williams
Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health
and Health Sciences
to go to university
“I have always wanted to work in nursing but had no formal
qualifications so did not meet the entry requirements for
the Access course. The MET offered me a free pre-Access
course which enabled me to develop my study skills,
improve my English and maths and gain those GCSEs.
I then enrolled on the Access health sciences course. Having
with an Access to Higher Education diploma decided to apply for a degree in nursing, I was given lots of
advice and guidance by my Access personal tutor to help me
prepare my UCAS application, including helping me to draft
an effective personal statement. I was delighted to be offered
a place at Brighton University where I successfully completed
the three-year degree. After university, I secured my dream job
in nursing and am now training to become a gynaecologist!”
Why study an Access course?
Maybe you’ve never considered university an What subjects are on offer?
option. Perhaps you didn’t get the grades you • Biomedical sciences
needed at college. Or maybe you’ve been • Business
out of education for a while and are not sure • Computing
you have the skills or confidence required for • Criminology & Forensics
university. Whatever your situation, if you’ve • Health & Health Sciences
decided you’d like to go to university – or • Humanities & Social Sciences
it’s the barrier stopping you from reaching • New for this year: Media & Journalism
your dream career – an Access course is the • New for this year: Medicine & Dentistry
(includes a guaranteed interview at
solution. Brighton and Sussex Medical School for
Alongside inspiring a passion for your subject, all students accepted on this course)
you will learn the academic study methods you • Nursing & Healthcare Professions
need to ensure your success when you get to • Psychology & Counselling
university. • Social work
Can I afford it? • Teacher Education
Yes! If you’re aged 19-23 and haven’t studied
a Level 3 qualification before, it’s free. If that
doesn’t apply to you, you can take out an
Advanced Learner Loan. Like a traditional
university loan, there are no upfront costs and
you only start making repayments once you’re
earning over a certain amount. Even better, if
you go on to complete a university degree the
remainder of the loan is written off!
Find out more at gbmc.ac.uk/access
12 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 13What can you do Build your confidence and your skills
The benefits of studying your degree with
GB MET also include smaller class sizes
Take the leap
Studying a degree is undeniably a large
commitment in your life but one that is hugely
with a degree?
with personalised tutor support so you can rewarding. Whether you have dreams of
build your confidence and develop your skills launching a new career or you're ready to
in a friendly atmosphere and within a close embark on a journey towards your first role in
community of students. industry, GB MET is here to help you reach
Our tutors are industry experts, many of your potential and to follow in the footsteps of
Studying a degree can seem a daunting prospect whatever stage of life you have reached –
whom continue to practise in their chosen our long line of successful alumni.
whether you have just left college, are thinking of returning to education after a break,
field and who have the skills, experience and
or are considering a career change.
contacts to put you one step ahead when
There are a number of considerations you will It’s not just in the creative industries that our you launch your chosen career.
Find out more about our degrees at
need to make – what course to choose, which alumni thrive. Engineering graduates have
gbmc.ac.uk/university
university, how to fit the course around other come to us from a variety of backgrounds and
commitments, should you move away from are now designers, researchers, developers,
home? These can seem like big decisions to engineers, manufacturers and consultants.
make and you may be asking yourself whether From our specialist motorsport engineering
a two to three-year investment of your time is course, graduates have gone on to work
worth the reward. in Formula 1 as research and development Christopher Luke Watts I spent some time working in concept and design for their
engineers as well as pit-crew. Others have Senior Designer for Zara Home London as a textile designer, bedroom department.
So, what exactly can you do with a degree? become vehicle designers with leading Studied: BA (Hons) Textiles specialised in bridal wear for The College has a very
Our degree level qualifications are specifically manufacturers such as Ford, Jaguar, Jenny Packham, then moved special place in my heart.
geared towards launching our students into Ricardo and Land Rover. “My years at the College
to Paris where I was fortunate The relationships I made
successful careers within industry. have been some of the
A London degree by the sea enough to work for some of with my tutors and fellow
Many of our ex-students have enjoyed success most informative of my
Our creative industry degrees are validated the world’s most prestigious students continue to this day,
throughout the creative industries. Musical life, helping me grow not
by University of the Arts London, the largest fashion houses such as Dior, and the knowledge I gained
theatre alumni have gone on to take leading only on a professional
specialist art & design university in Europe. Givenchy, Celine, Christian while studying has enabled
roles in the West End; a music alumnus level but also personally.
This means you will benefit from the same Louboutin and Louis Vuitton. me to travel around the
wrote the soundtrack for BAFTA winning
quality of education without the stress of I currently work in Spain for world, pursuing a career that
film Edmond, and another won an Oscar for
the London commute – ideal if you have Zara Home, overseeing the I truly love.”
visual effects, working on 2014 sci-fi thriller,
Ex Machina. concerns about travelling due to COVID-19
Past students have also had success with and would prefer to stay near the beautiful
BBC Radio 1, won awards for music business Sussex coastline.
Other awarding bodies include the University
management, and in the case of Jamie
of Brighton, Pearson and EDEXCEL, so our
Hewlett, co-created the world famous virtual
graduates know their qualifications are
band, Gorillaz. Our long line of successful
backed by leaders in their field.
artists and designers also include award
winning illustrators, notable portrait artists,
Vogue magazine stylists, and acclaimed hair
and makeup artists.
14 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 15School’s over –
Thinking of taking on an apprentice?
The Government's Summer Statement includes an additional
payment for employers. Get in touch to find out more:
business.solutions@gbmc.ac.uk
so, what’s next?
COVID-19 aside, deciding It’s not too late Guilds, apprenticeships) is
what to do when you leave Your child’s school will have confusing so we’ve produced
school is a big decision and encouraged applications to a short guide to help.
there’s an overwhelming be completed in December Download your copy from
number of options to choose but there’s still time to gbmc.ac.uk/parents
from. Do you play it safe explore the options and
Vocational qualifications
and stay at your school’s make a late application Spotlight on apprenticeships
can lead to university
sixth form with some of for this September. Many
There are still many
your friends? Do you go to colleges – the MET included
misconceptions about
the local college? Choose – accept applications well Alison Thomas I really enjoyed spending Due to the huge variety
studying a vocational course,
A-Levels or vocational into October. So even if your (pictured below) a week in Brighton with of skills I learned whilst
including you can’t go to
qualifications? Or maybe an child changes their mind once Completed her Level 3 a marketing agency and completing my diploma, I
university unless you have
apprenticeship? they’ve started in September, Digital Marketing Diploma decided that I’d really like have been able to take on lots
A-Levels. This isn’t true.
there’s still time to switch (apprenticeship) at to get started on a career in of different work at Seaside
The pressure on your child Lots of subjects offer Level 3
courses or even colleges. the MET, whilst working marketing. Creative, for different clients,
at this point in their life is Extended Diplomas which are
at digital marketing and I attended classes every with confidence. The skills I
huge. They will have received There are places still equivalent to three A-Levels
PR agency, Seaside Tuesday at the Broadwater have gained can be used in
lots of information from the available and are accepted by many
Creative Ltd. Campus with a member of different job roles in the future.
school, from local colleges Regardless of what GCSEs universities.
the Apprenticeship team who The whole experience
and other training providers, your child gets, they are “Whilst completing my
Get some careers advice walked me through the units was definitely rewarding!
and maybe attended several guaranteed a place at a local A-Levels I realised that
Finally, if your child is still of the diploma. They also Completing the
open events last autumn. FE college. Unlike A-Levels, I didn’t want to go to
unsure what to do, or visited me at work. These 1:1 apprenticeship has been one
But that was at least six vocational qualifications university and would
perhaps they know the career meetings allowed me to ask of the best decisions I have
months ago and the world have different levels so much rather get into the
they want to follow but don’t any questions I had about ever made, as I have gained
has changed a lot since then. there’s always the option world of work whilst also
know how to get there, get the work I was currently so much experience whilst
to start at a lower level to achieving a qualification.
They might be confident some advice. We’re on hand completing. also gaining a qualification.
build the essential skills and
they’ve made the right throughout the summer to The apprenticeship framework The highlights so far have
knowledge, and then work up.
decision but what if they’re provide impartial information, went hand in hand with the got to be being shortlisted
not – or they’re still not sure What is the right advice and guidance on job role I was fulfilling at for Young Achiever at the
what to do? Or they’re qualification for your child? anything related to careers Seaside Creative. The work I Adur and Worthing Business
worried that come GCSE Understanding the differences and employability. Get in was completing for them was, Awards, and being runner up
results day they won’t get the between the numerous touch with our Careers more often than not, required in the MET's Apprentice of
grades they were expecting? qualifications available (such Advisers via: for the apprenticeship too. the Year Awards.”
as BTECs, NVQs, City & careersNMET@gbmc.ac.uk Having the flexibility of
choosing which course units
to complete also enabled me
Find out more about our courses for school leavers at gbmc.ac.uk/september
to fit my studies around my job.
16 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2020 17Stay local,
study in Sussex
• 16+ college courses
Places
still available • Apprenticeships
for September • Creative arts and
2020 engineering degrees
• Adult qualification courses
Apply Now • Leisure and hobby courses
gbmc.ac.ukYou can also read
