School Leavers` Prospectus

Transcription

School Leavers` Prospectus
CONTENTS
This prospectus has been produced as a guide and was correct at time of going to print.
St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. We
also reserve the right to amend course entry criteria. This prospectus cannot be considered
contractual and we accept no liability for inaccurate statements. Careers information was correct
at time of going to print. Information from EMSI Career Coach and National Careers Service.
Multiplicity photographs: James Stack photography
Designed by: Jimmy Davies
WELCOME
4
CAREER COACH
8
CHOOSE A ROUTE
10
IT'S GREAT TO BE A COLLEGE STUDENT
11
REASONS TO STUDY WITH US
12
MONEY MATTERS
18
A LEVELS
21
VOCATIONAL COURSES:
32
ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
32
ART AND DESIGN
36
BUSINESS STUDIES
44
CABIN CREW AND
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
46
CATERING
HAIRDRESSING,
BEAUTY & SPA THERAPY
100
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
110
HORTICULTURE
114
HOSPITALITY
122
50
MEDIA
128
CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION
56
MOTOR VEHICLE
134
COMPUTING & IT
60
MUSIC
140
CONSTRUCTION
64
PERFORMING ARTS
144
DIRECTIONS
78
PHOTOGRAPHY
148
ENGINEERING
80
PRINCE'S TRUST
152
FLORISTRY
88
PUBLIC AND UNIFORMED SERVICES
154
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
90
SCIENCE
158
GRAPHIC DESIGN
92
SPORT
162
GAME ART
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TRAVEL AND TOURISM
168
APPLY NOW!
UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS
OPEN EVENTS
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174
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BeechamS
r Building
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o
T
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C
Welcome!
entre
University C
ST HELENS
Hello and welcome to St Helens College.
As one of the largest Colleges in the North West we
offer hundreds of different courses like Vocational
courses (BTECs), A levels, Apprenticeships and
Traineeships. We’ve got amazing facilities and fantastic
tutors. We give you the ultimate student experience!
With so many subjects to choose from, we can
definitely offer you a course that matches your future
plans – whether you want to go onto university in the
future or get the skills to land your dream job.
We’re proud of the fantastic links we’ve got with local,
regional, national and international employers. This
means there are lots of work placement opportunities
available for you that will help your CV and personal
statement stand out from the competition.
If you don’t know what you want to do in the future yet
don’t worry. Have a look through this book, come to
our open events and have a chat to our careers officer,
who can help you choose the right course for you!
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Brand new library,
IT FACILITIES & CAFE
The Gym
GYM, DANCE STUDIO AND
SPORTS THERAPY SUITE
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music studio
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& sound lab
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A level Acad
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Cent
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Aircraft Ca
The Lounge
chens
Training Kit
HAIR, BEAUTY AND COMMERCIAL
SPA SALON
Studio
The Flower
taurant
Colours Res
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS
& FINE DINING RESTAURANT
s
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
The Technology Centre campu
£5 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT THIS YEAR
BRAND NEW LIBRARY AND RESOURCE CENTRE
STATE OF THE ART WORKSHOPS
MOT BAY
INDUSTRY STANDARD TOOLS AND MACHINERY
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ANIMAL UNIT
DOG GROOMING SALON
Career Coach
www.sthelens.ac.uk
CAREER COACH
How much could
I earn?
Want to know how much you
could earn?
Career Coach takes all the stress out
of planning your future and choosing
a college course to help you achieve
your ambitions.
What course
could lead to my
dream job?
It is designed to help you:
• Find a good career.
• Provide the most current local data
on wages, employment and job
vacancies.
• Find education courses and training.
Go to our website to find our free Career
Coach online tool and check out the
labour market predictions and statistics
to help you to make an informed choice
about your future.
Don’t forget!
Check out the free, easy to use CV builder, to make sure your applications
are as good as you can make them.
FIND CAREER COACH AT WWW.STHELENS.AC.UK
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How many jobs are
available where I live?
What are similar
careers?
Is the industry I want
to work in growing
or shrinking?
How many people
currently do the job
that I want?
What tasks would
I do in my job?
FIND THE ANSWER WITH CAREER COACH
Choose A Route
www.sthelens.ac.uk
CHOOSE A ROUTE
Choose success
THERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO YOU WHEN YOU FINISH
YOUR GCSEs BUT WE KNOW IT CAN BE DIFFICULT DECIDING WHAT TO DO.
Here at St Helens College, we have options to suit all students depending on how you like to
study, the kind of person you are and where you want to go in the future.
YOU
A levels
VOCATIONAL
COURSES
Similar to the style of
teaching and learning
at school and good for
those who don’t mind
sitting exams. Choose
three A level subjects
and keep your career
path open.
Working in a practical,
hands on way you will
do more coursework
alongside some
controlled assessments.
Specialise in one subject.
Great if you know what
you want to be.
UNIVERSITY
Employment
MORE TRAINING
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TRAINEESHIPS &
APPRENTICESHIPS
Traineeships get you
ready to compete for an
Apprenticeship or a job.
Apprenticeships give you
the benefits of both study
and work. Earn a salary,
receive training, gain
qualifications and learn
job-specific skills.
it's great to be a college student
!
YOU ARE TREATED LIKE AN ADULT
TAILOR YOUR STUDIES TO YOUR ACTUAL INTERESTS
LEARN IN A FRESH, NEW ENVIRONMENT - WE HAVE AMAZING FACILITIES
YOUR TUTORS ARE YOUR PEERS - NO MORE SIR OR MISS!
MEET NEW PEOPLE, MAKE NEW FRIENDS & BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
NO MORE MONDAY - FRIDAY SCHOOL DAYS. YOU ARE ONLY IN WHEN
TIMETABLED
YOU ARE IN THE TOWN CENTRE - NIP TO NANDO'S, GRAB A COSTA, HIT
THE SHOPS OR HEAD TO THE CINEMA AROUND YOUR STUDIES
Reasons To Study With Us
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Our fantastic Ofsted
GOOD
COLLEGE
WE ARE A GOOD
COLLEGE AND WE’RE
WORKING TOWARDS
ACHIEVING
OUTSTANDING!
IEVEM
T
EN
ACH
REASONS TO
STUDY WITH US
Our achievement rates stand at
100% and success rates are 6%
above the national average.
RATEs
100%
We deliver a wide range of A levels, Vocational courses
(BTECs), Apprenticeships and Traineeships at different
levels – there is something for everyone.
A LEVELS
VOCATIONAL COURSES
s
p
i
h
s
e
e
n
i
a
tr
APPRENTICESHIPS
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13
top
25%
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prOGRESSION
OPPORTUNITIES
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We’ve got amazing
opportunities for
progression. You can join
us at 14 and leave with a
university degree at 21!
nationally
WE’LL MAXIMISE YOUR
POTENTIAL – THE
OVERWHELMING MAJORITY
OF OUR STUDENTS EXCEED
THEIR TARGETS
You’re in good hands with
us – the College performs in
the top 25% of schools and
colleges nationally*
“STUDENTS GAIN
SKILLS AND
KNOWLEDGE
RAPIDLY”
OFSTED
*Alps report
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We have financial bursaries
to help you with the cost of
coming to College. We can
help you with the cost of
lunches, books, equipment
and trips.
(subject to eligibility criteria)
FREE
BREAKFAST
No more rushing around in
the morning – you’ll get a free
breakfast at College every day!
BUS
STOP
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FREE
BUS
PASS
IT’S EASY TO GET TO US YOU’LL GET A FREE BUS PASS
FOR YOUR FIRST TERM AND
A MASSIVELY REDUCED ONE
AFTER THAT
We’re right in the town
centre – which means
there’s lots going on in and
around College! You’ll be
able to get an NUS card
to get discounts in shops
as well as money off in
OD’s Designer Clothes and
Nando’s restaurant.
ST HELENS COLLEGE
TOWN CENTRE CAMPUS
WE HELP
WITH THE
COSTS
ST HELENS COLLEGE
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
CAMPUS
RIGHT IN THE
TOWN CENTRE
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Money Matters
www.sthelens.ac.uk
MONEY MATTERS
Financial help and student benefits
:
are entitled to
All of our students aged 16-18
●● FREE COURSE FEES
●● FREE BREAKFAST
●● FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE
365 PACKAGE
●● STUDENT DISCOUNTS AND
NUS MEMBERSHIP
●● GENERAL BURSARY
●● FREE BUS PASS*
YOUR STUDY
PROGRAMME
ACHIEVING A GOOD STANDARD OF ENGLISH AND MATHS IS A KEY
REQUIREMENT FOR MANY JOBS, AS WELL AS FOR COURSES YOU
MAY WISH TO PROGRESS ONTO. THESE SKILLS CAN ALSO MEAN
HIGHER EARNINGS IN THE FUTURE!
Your chosen
subject
Work
experience
●● FREE COLLEGE LUNCH
●● ASSISTANCE TO BUY
COURSE EQUIPMENT
AND UNIFORMS
WE HAVE A FRIENDLY, DEDICATED TEAM WHO CAN
HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE
FOR AND TO ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
*All students get a free bus pass in term one and a heavily discounted one after this. You may be able
to get all of your termly bus passes paid for if you qualify for a bursary.
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU GET IN YOUR GCSES, YOU WILL STUDY
ENGLISH AND MATHS AS PART OF YOUR STUDY PROGRAMME,
ALONGSIDE YOUR CHOSEN SUBJECT.
additional
You may also be entitled to
financial help including:
●● A PREMIUM BURSARY OF
UP TO £34 PER WEEK
Your Study Programme
English
and/or maths
Don't Worry!
WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH LOTS OF HELP AND SUPPORT AND
MAKE SURE YOU ARE STUDYING THE RIGHT LEVEL!
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Th
"
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ALBERT EINSTEIN
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
A levels
A LEVELS
ART & DESIGN
Once you have your GCSE results, A levels are one of the routes you could
choose to take to further your education. They are the traditional route to
university and help to show employers that you are capable of thinking and
working at an advanced level.
Most of our A level students will choose three subjects to study and these will
take you two years to complete. Some students may wish to study more and
this can be discussed when you come into College.
We offer a wide variety of A level subjects and you can find the full listing over
the next few pages. If you know what you want to study at university or what
career path you would like to follow in the future, then you should check what
A level requirements they have before you make your final decision. Don’t panic
if you are unsure what to do as our careers team will be able to give you help
and advice.
Some A levels go together better than others, and our tutors will be able to help
you make your final decision.
AMY DEANE
A LEVEL TUTOR
my
"I encourage all OF
h.
students to aim hig
ering
learning is empow
many
and can lead to so
ty
different universi
les"
courses and job ro
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If you’re creative and love
working with a range of images,
colours and textures, then this
course could be for you. This
A level in art and design
will give you an in-depth
understanding of fine art media,
techniques and processes,
whilst also providing you with a
closer look at the traditional and
the new fine art technologies
such as 2D and 3D. You will
gain heaps of experience as
you develop your own personal
portfolio which you can then go
onto present at universities or
to trainers within art and design
related job roles.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English and maths. You should
have excelled in GCSE art
and you will need to present a
portfolio of work at an interview.
What could it lead to?
The creative industries offer an
enormous amount of exciting
and varied career paths. You
may wish to progress onto
degree level study, something
you can now do at University
Centre St Helens. You could
find yourself going onto pursue
a career in fashion, interior
design, graphic design, the fine
arts or even teaching.
BIOLOGY
Biology is the science of life.
By studying biology at A level
you will develop the skills and
knowledge that are crucial
to making connections and
associations between the matter
around you. You’ll have the
chance to develop your own
hypotheses as you investigate
molecules, cells, organisms and
genetics.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including a
grade C in English, a grade B in
maths and a grade B in higher
science such as, separate
science, triple science or
additional science.
What could it lead to?
Studying A level biology
allows you to go onto study
a degree in microbiology at
University Centre St Helens
and other universities. Choose
from a range of degrees,
including biology, psychology,
sport and exercise science,
medicine and anatomy. A level
biology is the first step to a
range of interesting careers,
including clinical molecular
geneticist, doctor, vet, research
scientist, marine biologist and
pharmacologist.
BUSINESS
STUDIES
Do you dream of one day
becoming self-employed or the
CEO of a big business? Then
this course is the first step in
achieving that dream, as you
will gain an understanding of
how businesses are created,
managed and become
successful.
Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs,
Alan Sugar and Deborah
Meaden are all successful
entrepreneurs. So, what does
it take to turn an idea into a
globally successful business?
This course will give you a
clear introduction into the way
businesses operate through the
study of business objectives,
corporate strategy, external
influences, accounting and
finance. You’ll then go onto
study the divisions that make
up a business, including human
resources, management,
change, operations
management and marketing.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
What could it lead to?
You may choose to go onto
university or carry out degree
level study at University Centre
St Helens, where you can
specialise in a specific area
of business or business as a
whole. Your understanding of
how business works will benefit
you in any career that you
choose to pursue.
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A levels
CHEMISTRY
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COMPUTER
SCIENCE
DRAMA &
Theatre studies
Chemistry is the study of all
chemical substances and how
to change one chemical into
another. From the food you eat
and the air that you breathe,
to your mobile phone and the
plants and streets around you,
all of these involve chemical
processes. Chemistry is a
crucial part of our daily lives as
it helps to decrease economic
costs, create safe environments
and reduce pollution.
Are you interested in how
computer hardware and
software works? Do you want
to acquire skills in developing
software, infrastructure,
security and server solutions?
The computer science A level
can provide you with a sound
understanding of these areas
whilst also providing you with
the skills required in many areas
of the computing industry.
Would you like to walk in the
shoes of a famous hero or
villain? Do you want to know
how actors shed tears on
demand? Perhaps you want to
transform a 100 year old script
into a stunning and modern
visual performance? Whether
you prefer to work behind the
scenes or in them, this course
could be for you.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including a grade B in maths
and a grade C in English
language. Although a GCSE in
computing would be desirable,
it is not essential.
You will need five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
English. Although a GCSE in
drama is not crucial, it would be
advantageous.
You should have five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including a
grade C in English, a grade B in
maths and a grade B in higher
science such as, separate
science, triple science or
additional science.
What could it lead to?
Studying A level chemistry
allows you to go onto study a
degree at University Centre
St Helens and other universities.
Choose from a range of
degrees including medicine,
veterinary science, dentistry
or biochemistry. A level
chemistry provides the first
step in securing a career in
a range of fields, including
geology, physical geography,
engineering or material science.
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What could this lead to?
A level computer science
will provide you with the
skills and understanding
needed to progress onto
university degrees in the
field of computing. With the
knowledge of how to develop
software solutions for desktops,
distributed platforms and
software infrastructures, as
well as systems engineering,
relational database theory and
current trends requiring big
data solutions, you can choose
to study at University Centre St
Helens or at other universities.
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
A level drama and theatre
studies can help you to secure
a career in many fields as you
will have the ability to work in
a team, the confidence to talk
to large groups of people and
the ability to adapt to various
situations. This course will
prepare you for degree level
study at University Centre
St Helens or other universities.
A level drama and theatre
studies is the first step
to securing a career in
professional acting, community
theatre, directing, writing,
motivational speaking and
teaching.
www.sthelens.ac.uk
A levels
ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
Delve further into the English
language through the study of
modern and historical texts,
including diverse song lyrics,
excerpts from Facebook or
Twitter, and newspaper articles
from the Victorian era. Identify
how language is used in the
media to influence and inform
the public.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
a grade B in English language
and preferably a grade C in
English literature.
What could this lead to?
An A level in English
language shows that you
have excellent reading and
writing skills, the ability to
communicate effectively and
an understanding of one of the
most common languages in the
world. You could progress onto
university before securing a
career in the media, journalism,
publishing, business, speech
therapy or teaching.
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ENGLISH
LITERATURE
A level English literature allows
you to explore and develop your
own ideas and interpretations of
novels, plays and poems.
English literature provides
a window to the past whilst
allowing you to understand
the world around you today.
Understand what it means to be
human through the exploration
of literature, art and social
sciences.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including a
grade B in English literature.
What could this lead to?
As you’ll develop intellect,
critical thinking, writing skills
and analytical skills you may
choose to pursue literature at
university. You could also go
onto work in media, journalism,
law, marketing, theatre,
screenwriting and publishing.
Extended
Project
Qualification
(EPQ)
Government
and Politics
If you have an area of interest
that you would like to pursue,
and if you would like to extend
and develop the crucial
academic skills of research and
analysis to boost your university
study skills, the EPQ could be
an excellent choice. Students
negotiate their own topic with
their tutor and eventually
produce a dissertation,
investigation, artefact or
performance. Students can
choose areas of academic
interest, current affairs or
something related to a personal
interest. You will develop key
skills in research, investigation
and analysis.
Government and politics
never rests. In a world that is
ever changing, keeping up to
date with the contemporary
political environment is crucial
in understanding new laws,
movements and economic
climate.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
What could it lead to?
All our degrees and foundation
degrees at University Centre
St Helens would welcome the
skills gained from successful
completion of the EPQ. The
skills developed during the EPQ
are fully transferable to degrees
in any discipline.
If you wish to be the next Prime
Minister, motivational speaker or
advocate, this A level will allow
you to gain an understanding
of how governments work, how
political systems influence our
daily lives and the national and
international impacts of social
policy.
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
An A level in government and
politics provides excellent
preparation for a variety of
degrees, including criminal
justice and social policy at
University Centre St Helens.
You could even go onto study
politics at other universities
and eventually secure a career
in law, local government,
journalism and teaching.
HISTORY
A level history will help you
to understand the value and
significance of world events in
the past. You’ll gain a deeper
understanding of social,
cultural, religious and ethnic
diversity throughout time.
LAW
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
Law is everywhere. It
determines how fast you can
drive, what you can buy and
how you should behave in
certain circumstances. From
fighting for justice to public
protection, law is eternally
fascinating. If you are interested
in learning about your rights and
exploring the rights and wrongs
of the law, this A level will be
an excellent addition to your
studies.
What could this lead to?
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
A level history is excellent
preparation for a wide variety of
degrees from history to politics
to sociology to law. You could
also go onto secure a career
in law, historical research,
archaeology, teaching, heritage
sites or museums.
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English and maths.
What could it lead to?
You could progress onto our
foundation degree in criminal
justice at University Centre
St Helens before progressing
onto your final year where you’ll
achieve a BA (Hons) in criminal
justice. This qualification is
recognised by the Solicitors
Regulation Authority (SRA)
as meeting the approved
prior learning for much of the
Graduate Diploma in Law
(GDL), which is a route many
students follow. Alternatively,
you may apply to a range of
universities for degrees in law or
paralegal.
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
mathematics
MEDIA STUDIES
This A level takes an
investigative approach to maths
and how maths is used in the
real world. You will deal with
real data, use maths to solve
problems and use graphical
calculators and computer
packages to develop your
mathematical understanding.
This is an innovative, modern
maths course which applies the
maths you learn in class to
real-life contexts.
Do you dream of becoming a
top film director? Do you aspire
to work within the TV industry on
the next cutting-edge drama?
Would you excel at delivering
the latest breaking news stories
as a journalist? Opting for this
programme will give you the
skills and knowledge required
to understand how the media
is one the most powerful and
successful industries in the
world today.
What qualifications do I need?
Media studies will develop your
ability to analyse key media
concepts and provide you with
the chance to create various
media.
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English language. You should
also have a GCSE at grade B or
above in maths.
What could it lead to?
You will gain the background
knowledge required for many
academic degree courses,
including science, engineering,
economics, finance, and
computing. With your skills
and knowledge in maths, you
could go onto secure a career
in engineering, medicine or
business.
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
There has never been more
emphasis on living a healthy
lifestyle. The importance of sport
and exercise is recognised
at many levels, from the
individual to the nation as a
whole. If you are interested in
the performance aspects of
sport, as well as the physiology
and psychology of sport, then
this course could be for you.
You will have the opportunity
to investigate all aspects of
sports performance through
a combination of theory and
practical lessons.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above. A GCSE
in PE is not essential for the
course, although those who
have studied PE will find that the
course builds on the information
and skills gained.
What could this lead to?
What could it lead to?
What qualifications do I need?
An A level in media studies will
open up many doors, as you
can choose to progress onto
higher education. You could
go onto secure a career in TV,
film, journalism, marketing or the
design industries.
Students can progress onto our
own exercise, health and fitness
Foundation Degree (FdSc),
validated by the University of
Chester. There is also a wide
variety of other sport related
degrees to choose from at
universities across the country.
You could go on to secure a
career in teaching, coaching,
sports journalism, sports
photography, personal training,
sports advertising, or sports
nutrition.
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
A levels
PSYCHOLOGY
Ever wondered if prison
really does change criminal
behaviour? Or why some people
conform and others don’t? Or
perhaps if the experiences you
had before the age of five really
do shape the person you are
today?
Psychology is a popular and
challenging course. It will give
you an understanding of the
way people think and why
people behave in certain ways.
You will learn a variety of skills
including, analytical thinking,
improved communication and
problem solving. This course
will help to prepare you for an
exciting future within a range of
fantastic careers.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language
and maths. Maths should be at
grade B or above.
What could it lead to?
Studying psychology can
give you a whole host of
exciting career options,
including marketing, business
development, police, prison
and probation services, forensic
psychology, occupational
therapy, clinical psychology,
nursing and teaching.
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RELIGIOUS
STUDIES
SOCIoLOGY
This course explores religion
and its relation to the wider
world. You will be involved
in ethical and philosophical
debates, and encouraged to
question and consider your own
attitudes, values, beliefs and
opinions. If you enjoy seeing
things from another perspective
and critically analysing
contentious issues, religious
studies is an excellent choice
for you.
Do you have a keen interest in
exploring the society in which
you live? Do wonder why people
behave or think because of
where they live, how they were
brought up, or what they do?
Have you ever thought about
people’s different expectations
of life? If so, then sociology will
fuel your interest further and
help you to discover some of the
answers to your questions.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
What could it lead to?
This course can lead to a wide
range of degree courses,
including our own social policy,
health and housing course.
You could go on to secure a
career within education, law, the
church or social work.
What qualifications do I need?
What could it lead to?
Sociology is a highly-respected
A level and is an excellent
foundation for further study
at degree level. Following
successful completion of your
A level, you may be interested in
the criminal justice Foundation
Degree offered at University
Centre St Helens or our degree
in social policy, health and
housing. Sociology could also
lead to a degree in a wide
range of areas such as social
studies, health studies, and
youth offending. It can also lead
to a range of careers, including
teaching and social work.
Design Technology:
PRODUCT DESIGN
You will study materials and
components, design and market
influences, and processes
and manufacture. Looking at a
range of components including
natural wood and man-made
veneers, modern materials,
smart materials and traditional
alloys, you will consider
environmental and sustainability
issues, safety considerations
and inclusive design. You will
work your way through the
stages of production, from idea
to prototype and beyond.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
What could this lead to?
There are many options open to
you. With the right combination
of A levels you could progress
onto an engineering degree.
Alternatively you could develop
your skills along the design and
graphics route. This course
combines the practical aspects
of engineering along with the
skills and mind-set of a graphic
designer – meaning the range
of options open to you are wide
and varied.
31
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
ANIMAL
MANAGEMENT
EMILY FLYN
THE SUTTON ACADEMY
o
“I’m going on t
with
study Zoology
t
Herpetology a
sity,
Bangor Univer
after gaining
hest
D*D*D* - the hig
es!”
possible grad
Nurture your ambition...
If you love animals and you would love to work with them in the future then you
will enjoy every day you spend on your animal management course at St Helens
College. Our animal unit is home to a huge variety of mammals, reptiles, birds,
fish and all kinds of other exotic creatures. Outside we have rescued chickens, a
bug hotel, our hedgehog rescue centre and some of our larger mammals.
You’ll be working with the animals, learning how to take care of their every need,
feeding, watering, cleaning out and monitoring their health. This means you will
develop all of the skills you need to work successfully in the industry.
RACHAEL FRASER
LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN
ANIMAL CARE
Animal management students don’t just learn at College. You’ll be going on some
fantastic trips out to zoos and safari parks where you will be going behind the
scenes to discover how the keepers look after the animals, and how the animal
trainers work to develop relationships with the creatures in their care.
I've secured a
hip
dream interns
working at
ri
Knowsley Safa
Park!
At College you’ll be visited by guest speakers such as animal trainers and
people from animal rescue centres, as well as having practical sessions from
industry professionals. These courses can take you onto many different careers you might decide you want to be a veterinary nurse, work at a zoo or safari park,
in a cattery or kennels, in conservation or in animal rescue.
MIKE SMILLIE AND
LYNDSEY COOPER
ANIMAL MANAGEMENT TUTORS
“We’ve got a wealth
of industry work
experience. We pass
this knowledge onto
our students”
32
Careers
Veterinary NURSE
Looking after sick and injured animals and providing assistance in their treatment.
Earn around £18,000-£25,000 per year.
RSPCA INSPECTOR
Investigate and help prevent cruelty to animals. Earn from £19,284 per year.
Zoologist
Study animal behaviour and conduct research, studying animals and reporting on your
findings. Earn around £20,000 per year.
33
Vocational Courses - Animal Management
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
COURSES TO nurture your mi
Level 1 Diploma in Work
Based Animal Care
Level 2 Diploma in
Animal Care
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in
Animal Management
One year.
One year.
Two years.
Do you love animals and want
to learn everything about
them? If so, you’ll enjoy every
day you spend at College on
this fantastic course. Learning
about animal species, how
to feed and water animals as
well as exercising them, you’ll
be working in our indoor and
outdoor animal units.
Working in our indoor and
outdoor animal units with a huge
variety of mammals, reptiles,
amphibians and birds, you’ll be
doing what you love every day.
Learning about how to make
sure all the animals' needs
are met, you’ll be feeding and
creating accommodation for
them, as well as learning how to
safely handle them and monitor
their health and behaviour.
You’ll also study conservation
and even animal biology!
Push yourself on this advanced
level course. You’ll gain a wealth
of knowledge relating to animal
science, as well as gaining the
practical skills you’ll need in the
animal industry. Whilst working
in our indoor and outdoor
animal units, gain confidence
in handling our huge range of
different species. You’ll also be
studying hard in the classroom,
getting ready to move onto
university, or into employment.
You’ll study fascinating
modules, such as genetics,
biology and animal behaviour.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade E or above, including
English or maths.
What could it lead to?
This course is your first stepping
stone to a great career with
animals. Once you’ve finished
it you’ll be able to take the next
step and move onto our level
2 course. You could even look
for a job in a junior role in the
animal industry.
MinILtheLIUK0N
65pets
including fish
34
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
English and maths.
What could this lead to?
Once you know all of our
animals you’ll have your special
favourites and won’t want to
leave them – and you don’t
have to! You can continue your
studies at level 3, gaining more
advanced knowledge and skills
and preparing you for university
or a higher level role in the
industry. You might want to work
in animal rescue, in a zoo or
safari park, or even aim to be a
veterinary nurse.
What qualifications do I need?
A minimum of five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
English and maths.
What could it lead to?
Lots of our students go onto
study a variety of animal
related and science degrees at
university after completing this
course. Depending on where
your interests lie, you can aim
for a career in animal science,
conservation and wildlife,
animal behaviour and welfare,
zoo management, biological
sciences or veterinary nursing.
astic
we have a fant
ith local
partnership w
employers
35
Vocational Courses
www.sthelens.ac.uk
ART & DESIGN
JENNY FOULKES
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
ks " i got top mar
ED A
D*D*D* SO SECUR
OOL
PLACE AT LIVERP
Y TO
HOPE UNVERSIT
S)
STUDY A BA (HON
"
DESIGN DEGREE
Sculpt your ambition...
Show off your individuality, creativity and artistic flair on one of our fantastic art
and design courses. Invent, design, create and make your mark!
If you love art and design and would like a career in the industry, these courses
are a great place to start. They let you try out a whole range of art techniques
with different materials. You’ll be able to find out where your strengths and
talents lie and, more importantly, discover what you enjoy the most.
Working in our fantastic studios you’ll be drawing, painting, maybe trying your
hand at some 3D modelling and building that all-important portfolio to take you
onto university or into your first job.
Partnerships
St Helens College has a partnership with The Heart of
Glass, which is an ambitious new programme of arts and
cultural activity for St Helens. Heart of Glass have taken
up residence in College’s SmithKline Beecham Building,
and are working with us to create performances and work
placement prospects for you. The opportunities available
to you because of this collaboration are endless.
Working across such a wide variety of materials and techniques you’ll be able
to develop your individual style as well as your confidence. We have all of the
tools and equipment you need for the media you want to use, this could be
ceramics, printing, textiles, there are so many to try out!
All of our art and design students can take advantage of several exhibition
opportunities which are an amazing platform to not only showcase the amazing
work that you are producing, but to also raise your profile, help you gain
experience and network with the very active, local artistic community. We
have a great relationship with local art galleries and your course will culminate
with you exhibiting in an end of year exhibition and celebration.
FIONA STIRLING
ART AND DESIGN TUTOR
esign
"Our Art and D
ly
staff are high
ctising
qualified, pra
artists"
THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY
LOCALLY IS THRIVING AND WE
HAVE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS
WITH ST HELENS COUNCIL
ARTS SERVICE
work on live briefs and
projects with employers
Careers
Interior Designer
Plan and supervise the design and decoration of the inside of buildings.
Earn from £18,000 per year.
Art Gallery Curator
Manage collections of paintings and objects of artistic and historical interest.
Earn from £25,000 per year.
36
37
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses - Art & Design
Examples of student work
SIMON DANIELS
ST EDMUND ARROWSMITH
LPED
"THE COURSE HE
CE
ME TO GET A PLA
MET
AT MANCHESTER
TUDY
UNIVERSITY TO S
ART HISTORY"
Top:
Shaanon Briggs
38
Bottom left:
Chloe Adams
Bottom right:
Tori Dennett
39
Vocational Courses - Art & Design
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Examples of student work
Right:
Shannon Rooney
Top:
Abby Hines
40
Bottom left:
Alexandra Johnston
Below:
Antonia Atherton
Bottom right:
Nicole Saunders
41
Vocational Courses - Art & Design
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COURSES TO craft your mind...
Level 2 BTEC Diploma in
Art and Design
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Art and Design
Level 3/4 Diploma in
Foundation Studies
One year.
Two years.
One year.
Drawing, painting, printing,
photography and graphic
design. You’ll have the chance
to try out all of these, as well as
3D work with wood, metals and
ceramics. Based in our fantastic
art studios you’ll be working
and creating a huge range of
projects, building your portfolio
and learning new skills every
day.
You will be studying a vast array
of art disciplines when you
choose this course, you’ll be
able to try out everything from
drawing, painting and printing
to 3D work, fashion and textiles,
photography and graphic
design! You’ll be developing
brand new skills and building on
current ones, as well as learning
which area of art you would like
to specialise in in the future.
As you start this course you’ll
be experimenting in several
different areas of art and design,
including fine art, fashion and
textiles, 3D design, graphics
and illustration. You’ll then
choose an area to specialise
in and begin preparing a
portfolio of your work which will
be exhibited at the end of the
course in a public exhibition!
What qualifications do I need?
You should have at least one A
level qualification as well as four
GCSEs at grade C or above.
Applicants should normally be
18 years of age or over.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs at
grade D or above, including an
art and design based subject.
What could it lead to?
After completing this course
you can choose where you want
to progress onto within art and
design. You can decide to keep
studying a variety of media by
moving onto our level 3 art and
design course. You could also
choose to specialise and study
another art-based subject at
level 3, such as graphic design,
game art or photography.
University Centre
St Helens
42
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English language, English
literature, and an art and design
based subject.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be ready to move onto
study at university level once
you finish this course and
have decided which area of
art and design you would like
to specialise in. In the future
you could find yourself working
as an illustrator or even as the
curator of a gallery. The creative
industries are growing in our
region and there are great
opportunities for you in and
around St Helens.
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
Applying to university is the
main aim of this course. You’ll
be building a portfolio of work
in whichever area you have
chosen to specialise in and
you’ll be given every help
in applying to your chosen
university.
WE HAVE SEVERAL
CREATIVE DEGREES
THAT YOU COULD
PROGRESS ONTO
9
Vocational Courses
BUSINESS
STUDIES
Value your ambition...
If you think you could be the next winner of the Apprentice or you enjoy
watching Dragon’s Den, then a career in business could be calling you!
A qualification in business is very adaptable and can lead to you being selfemployed, holding a high level managerial position or even working overseas.
In College you’ll be learning how businesses are created, how they grow and
how they become successful. You’ll have the opportunity to go on trips and
visits, discovering how real-life successful businesses work and operate on a
daily basis.
You will be learning about all the different aspects of business, including
marketing and PR, accounting, human resources and management. Find out
which aspects most interest you, and which you’re best at, getting ready to pick
your career for the future. Develop skills essential for modern management and
become an independent, entrepreneurial leader.
Once you successfully complete your qualification, you’ll be ready to move onto
study at degree level, or begin forging your career with your first job.
LEIGH HATTON
HAYDOCK SPORTS COLLEGE
“I’m going onto study
events management at
Liverpool John Moores
University. I want to
work on festivals
and concerts in the
future!”
44
www.sthelens.ac.uk
a course to Invest
in your mind...
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Business
Two years.
This course gives you a
fascinating insight into the
business world and lets you
sample all of the main elements,
so you can see where your
strengths lie and which areas
you enjoy the most! You’ll be
learning about marketing and
promotions, how to manage
an event, you’ll look at the
accounting side of a business,
and how a human resources
department works.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English.
What could it lead to?
Most students who have
successfully finished this
course move onto study at a
higher level. This could be at
University Centre St Helens,
as we have a Higher National
Diploma in business or you
can move onto our BA (Hons)
business administration and
management, which can then
be topped up to a full degree.
You might even decide to look
for a Higher Apprenticeship,
enabling you to earn some
money whilst still continuing with
your studies.
Business on the move
Business students were exclusively invited
to participate in a challenging event to
run their own logistics company under the
supervision of world renowned logistics
director and Superport boss, Bernard
Molloy. Students learnt about business
performance, finance, problem solving and
globalisation.
Careers
Digital Marketing Officer
Use websites and social media to promote your
employer's products, services and ideas online.
Earn around £20,000 per year.
Human Resources Officer
You'll look after the hiring of employees, as well
as their development and welfare.
Earn around £15,000+ per year.
Management Accountant
Manage a company's finances, look after
accounts and find ways to improve profitability
and growth. Earn around £25,000+ per year.
"TEACHERS PROVIDE
VERY GOOD SUPPORT
FOR STUDENTS"
OFSTED
45
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
CABIN CREW &
AIRPORT OPERATIONS
RACHEL SWINDELLS
COWLEY LANGUAGE COLLEGE
"I've got my dream
job working
for Swissport
at Manchester
Airport"
...
Let your ambition take flight
Put yourself on the world map. If you love nothing more than jetting off on
holiday, researching your next day trip out or discovering the hottest new
destinations in travel blogs, then one of our courses could be for you.
Passenger travel and transport is much more than just getting people moved
from A to B, it's vital in the day to day functioning of the UK and covers
customer service, aviation first aid, safety, operations, security and training.
At the airport, both ground staff and cabin crew play a very important role
in the delivery of the customer experience. You'll love learning about different
countries, cultures, meeting new people and exploring new places.
The travel industry is thriving and locally there is ongoing expansion of routes
and facilities at both Liverpool John Lennon airport and Manchester airport which has also recently announced news of a £1bn transformation to double
the size of Terminal 2. We have great industry links and our students have
gone on to secure jobs with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Thomas Cook,
Jet2.com, Swissport and many more.
WE PRACTISE
HANDS ON
CABIN CREW
SKILLS IN OUR
AIRCRAFT
CABIN
Once on board with us, you will turn heads as you stand out from the crowd
in our uniform, worn to professional standards whilst training in our first class
facilities, all to help you reach your career destination.
DAN MURPHY
AIRPORT OPERATIONS TUTOR
"I've worked in
international airports
and my career has
taken me all around
the world"
Careers
Passenger Service Agent
Responsible for making sure that passengers and their luggage travel on the
correct flight. Earn from £14,000 per year.
Airport baggage handler
Loading and unloading baggage and freight to and from the aircraft hold.
Earn from £15,000 per year.
Air cabin crew
Help to make sure that airline passengers have a comfortable, safe and pleasant
flight. Earn from £19,000 per year.
46
47
Vocational Courses - Cabin Crew & Airport Operations
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
courses to transport your mi
Level 2 Diploma in
Airport Operations
Level 2 Diploma in
Air Cabin Crew
One year.
One year.
This course is all about training
you to work at the airport in a
ground handling role. You will
be learning what it’s like to work
in passenger services, checking
in and boarding passengers,
as well as dispatch, baggage
and ramp services. You’ll then
be able to choose which role
you want to work in and even
apply for a job at the end of the
course.
You’ll be able to see your career
take off with this course as you
gain all the skills you need to
work successfully as air cabin
crew. Take part in several trips
to practice skills such as wet
drill training and spend time
behind the scenes at Liverpool
John Lennon and Manchester
Airport.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
English or maths.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be ready to work in
an airport ground handling
company in roles such as flight
dispatcher, on the check-in
and ticket desks or in the load
control department.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need four GCSEs at
grade C or above including
English language and maths.
In order to be able to take
advantage of the employment
opportunities that are
available once you have your
qualification, you need to be
18 years old on or before April
2017. You will also need to hold
a full passport, be a minimum
of 5 feet 2 inches tall, have no
visible tattoos and be able to
swim at least 25 metres.
What could it lead to?
You’ll have all of the knowledge
and skills you need to
successfully become employed
as cabin crew. Our students go
onto work with fantastic airlines
such as Virgin Atlantic and
British Airways.
WE HAVE AMAZING
EMPLOYER LINKS, SECURING
YOU FANTASTIC CAREER
OPPORTUNITIES
48
9
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
CATERING
MEET YOUR
TUTORS.
FANTASTIC
CHEFS WITH A
REAL PASSION
FOR FOOD WHO
HAVE WORKED
IN MICHELIN
STARRED
RESTAURANTS
AND COOKED
IN COUNTRIES
AROUND THE
WORLD.
Feed your ambition…
You’ll need passion and flair to succeed in the fast-paced catering industry.
At College, you’ll be learning the skills you need, preparing delicious dishes,
using fresh produce and the latest techniques. You’ll be using your creativity
to select which flavours to use and learning how to present your food to the
highest possible standards.
Working in our industry-standard kitchens, you’ll prepare and cook the food
served in Colours, our fine dining restaurant. This will be your first taste of real
working life. The kitchen is exciting and action packed. You’re going to love it!
Get ready to train alongside amazing chefs who have worked all over the
world, in the best hotels and restaurants – and even cooked for the Queen!
Are you a competition winner ? Our students regularly enter competitions –
and win! After the fantastic training you’re going to receive you’ll be ready to
invent, prepare and cook dishes that excite the judges and win awards. Our
students have recently won first and second prize in the North West Commis
Chef of the Year competition!
When you’ve finished your course you’ll be ready to start your career and
we’re here to help…
an employer
We guarantee you an interview with
course
when you successfully complete your
Catering is a massively growing industry and there are plenty of opportunities
for young people. Almost a third of employees in this sector are under 25.
The Art School restaurant
STUDENTS HAVE GAINED EMPLOYMENT AT
LIVERPOOL'S EXCLUSIVE THE ART SCHOOL
RESTAURANT.
ROBERT CARNEY
DE LA SALLE
THE ART SCHOOL IS AIMING TO BE THE FIRST
MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANT IN THE CITY.
”I’m now a pastry
chef at Scotland’s
luxury, world
famous, Gleneagles
Hotel”
Chefs working in the UK
50
Colours restaurant has a
Tripadvisor Certificate of
Excellence
56,000
Restaurants in Great Britain
51
Chef de
Partie
SOUS CHEF
Be in charge of your
own station in the
kitchen! Earn up to
You’ll be second in
command under the head
chef earning up to
£23,000
£29,000
0
Commis chef
Your first role in the kitchen
working under the chef de
partie. Earn on average
£17,000
Head chef
You’re in charge of the
entire kitchen, from
ordering stock to planning
menus and managing
the team. Earn up to
£35,000
CHARLIE CURBISHLEY
CATERING STUDENT
52
53
Vocational Courses - Catering
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COURSES TO Feed your mind...
Level 1 Introduction to
Professional Cookery
Level 2 Diploma in
Professional Cookery
Level 3 Advanced Diploma in
Professional Cookery
One year.
One year.
One year.
Begin your culinary career
here! Learn all of the basics
you’ll need to get your first job
in the industry. You’ll be in our
kitchens from the start, learning
the amazing knife skills that all
chefs need, getting to know the
kitchen equipment and cooking
your first dishes. You’ll start by
boiling, poaching and steaming,
move onto stewing and braising,
and finish with baking, roasting,
grilling and frying.
This course offers everything
you need for a fantastic career
in catering. Starting off with
soups, stocks and sauces,
you’ll move onto fruit, veg,
meat and fish. Where would a
menu be without dessert? You’ll
master the art of hot and cold
puddings as well as biscuits,
cakes and sponge. There are
so many skills you need to be a
successful chef, and you’ll learn
them all. As well as all of this,
you’ll become proficient at menu
planning; essential for any future
head chef!
Ready to up your game? You’ll
be further stretched in the
kitchen as all the skills you
learnt at level 2 are advanced,
making you the best chef that
you can possibly be. Catering
is a fiercely competitive industry
and studying at level 3 will make
you as prepared as you can be
for your first role in the kitchen.
What qualifications do I need?
Once you’ve completed level
3 you’ll have all of the culinary
skills you need. With motivation
and determination you could
find yourself anywhere in
the world, working under the
best chefs, fulfilling all of your
ambitions. Become a head
chef and run your own kitchen,
devising dishes and managing
your team. Your future as a chef
starts now!
What qualifications do I need?
You need four GCSEs at grade
D or above, including English or
maths.
What could this lead to?
After studying this course,
experiencing the buzz in the
kitchens and realising how
rewarding it is to cook amazing
food, you won’t be able to wait
to start the more advanced
level 2 diploma in professional
cookery. This is your first step
towards a culinary career.
Working in restaurants, bars or
hotels, this could take you as far
as you want to go – the world is
your oyster!
You need either four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English or maths or a level 1
qualification.
What could this lead to?
Do you want to work around
the world? Open your own
restaurant? Join the culinary
scene in cities like Liverpool or
Manchester? This course will
allow you to do all of this and
much, much more. We know
you’ll love College and if you
want to keep studying then the
level 3 course allows you to take
your skills even further.
What qualifications do I need?
You need to have successfully
completed study at level 2.
What could it lead to?
TARNTHIKA HAY
CATERING STUDENT
54
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
CHILDCARE &
EDUCATION
SHANNON CLARE
ST CUTHBERTS
"I've secured a place
studying primary
school teaching with
early years childhood
studies at Liverpool
Hope University"
Nurture your ambition…
Working with children is demanding but more importantly, it is rewarding,
creative and fun. You’ll need to be caring and dedicated to succeed in this
industry, where you’ll be responsible for the wellbeing, development and safety
of babies, toddlers and young children every day.
There’s no greater gift than seeing children grow and develop. Working in
childcare, you’re privileged to watch and contribute to this on a daily basis.
Every day you’ll be seeing the babies and children you’re caring for change
and develop new skills, as they learn to draw, read, crawl and walk.
Nursery Nurse
You’ll be caring for children in a nursery setting, from birth to five years old. There are
nearly 3000 nursery nurses employed in our region. Earn around £13,000 per year.
At St Helens College you’ll be gaining all of the practical skills and knowledge
needed to be an excellent childcare professional. You’ll be inventing
educational games and learning activities as well as working with children in
the College’s dedicated wet and dry play areas in the nursery.
Playworker
As part of your course you’ll go on placement to a childcare provider such as
a nursery or primary school, providing you with your first taste of working
life. We have links with most of the local nurseries, including Little Einstein’s,
Little Saints and Storytime, as well as the local primary schools. You could find
yourself working in any of them!
Educational Support Assista
RACHEL SUMMERSKILL
CHILDCARE TUTOR
“Our courses can
be lots of fun – I
love the hands
on activities that
prepare you to work
with children”
56
Careers
Working in places such as playgroups, play schemes and after school clubs, you’ll be
delivering play activities with children. Earn around £13,000 per year.
nt
Provide one-to-one support for children with specialist learning needs.
Earn around £16,000 per year.
acher
Primary or Nursery School Te
Become one of 9000 primary or nursery school teachers working in Greater Merseyside.
Earn up to £43,000 per year.
Several of our students have jetted off to
LA & New York becoming Au Pairs for
American families.
"STUDENTS
RAPIDLY DEVELOP
THE SKILLS THEY
REQUIRE FOR THE
WORKPLACE "
OFSTED
57
Vocational Courses - Childcare & Education
www.sthelens.ac.uk
...
COURSES TO develop your mind
Level 1 Diploma in Caring
for Children
Level 2 Certificate in Early
Years Education and Care
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare
and Education
(Early Years Educator)
One year.
One year.
Two years.
This course is a perfect first
step for those new to childcare.
You’ll have a fantastic time
learning all about the growth
and development of babies
and young children. You’ll be
investigating how babies play
and create your own activities
for them, relating to science,
technology and arts and crafts.
Anyone who wants to work with
children is going to love this
course. You’ll be spending one
day every week on placement
in a real working environment
with children under the age
of five, either at a nursery or
primary school. At College you’ll
be studying to gain all of the
knowledge and skills needed for
working safely with children.
Much like our other childcare
courses, you’ll be spending
some time in College and some
time on placement. You’ll be
gaining practical skills and
theoretical knowledge – all of
which is needed when working
with children. You’ll be studying
child development, play and
learning, as well as how to
support children with literacy
and numeracy.
What will I need?
You need a GCSE at grade
D or above in either English
language or maths, as well
as four GCSEs at grade E or
above.
What could this lead to?
After this course, you’ll be ready
to tackle our level 2 course and
you’ll be one step closer to a
fantastic career in the industry.
What will I need?
You need a GCSE at grade
C or above in either English
language or maths, as well
as four GCSEs at grade D or
above.
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
All that hard work has paid off
once you’ve achieved this level
3 qualification as you will have
gained the licence to practice.
This means you’re able to find
work in the childcare industry.
You can also look to study at a
higher level at university, which
could lead to a career as a
primary school teacher, as well
as so many other options!
Once you’ve successfully
completed this course, you’ll
have all the skills you need to
start the level 3 course. You
could even decide to look for
an apprenticeship and begin
to earn some money as you
achieve your qualification.
You will need five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
English language and maths.
What could it lead to?
YOU WILL COMPLETE WORK PLACEMENTS & WE HAVE GREAT
PARTNERSHIPS WITH PRIMARY SCHOOLS, NURSERIES &
CHILDCARE PROVIDERS.
58
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
COMPUTING & IT
boot up your ambition…
If you’re a computer whizz then why not put your skills to the test and begin
your journey towards a career in computing with one of our fantastic courses?
Computing courses look at how computers and computer systems
work. Based in our computer labs, you’ll be investigating everything from
programming, web design and internet development to multimedia application
production - not forgetting the installation and management of networks!
As part of your course you’ll have the chance to gain Microsoft Office
Specialist Master status, a Microsoft developed qualification which looks
excellent on your CV when applying for a job or university, not to mention giving
you a competitive edge as employers like to see this qualification.
The industry is HUGE and is responsible for designing, programming,
developing and manufacturing computer software, computer infrastructure
and networking. The fantastic thing about the industry is that it’s actually a
part of practically every other industry as well; they all need IT and computing
services, from the iPads people use, to the tills we have in shops, everything
relies on IT, so your job prospects are endless.
Careers
Network engineer
Computing, more than any other industry, changes constantly and you need to
be ready to keep up to date and continue learning as things evolve and move
on. This is such a fascinating and essential industry to work in – you’ll love your
course and you’ll love your new career!
Forensic computer analyst
ROBERT DOOLEY
KNOWSLEY HEY ARTS COLLEGE
"I'm progressing
onto the College's
Foundation
Degree in Applied
Computing after
achieving D*D*D*"
60
Install and maintain the computer systems used by companies and organisations.
Earning around £18,000 per year.
Investigate computer-based crime through interpreting data, problem solving skills and
spotting trends in large amounts of information. Earning around £20,000 per year.
Computer games developer
Produce games for PCs, games consoles, the internet and mobile phones. The work
could involve making new games or updating existing titles. Earning around £25,000+
per year.
Enhance your CV
Enhance your CV by gaining Microsoft Office
Specialist Master status alongside your course
61
Vocational Courses - Computing & IT
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COURSES TO Load youR mind...
Level 2 BTEC Diploma in IT
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in IT
One year.
Two years.
Build a solid foundation of all of
the knowledge and skills you’ll
need for a career in computing
and IT. You’ll have a great
time learning about computer
systems, website development
and networking, as well as how
to develop computer games
and programming.
This course is the key to gaining
employment in computing and
IT. You’ll be studying theory as
well as working to gain practical
skills. Investigating computer
systems, website production
and management, managing
networks and programming –
you’ll definitely be kept busy.
You’ll also be able to study
games, software and security,
meaning you’ll be finding out
which area you’re best at, and
which interests you the most,
so you know what you want to
specialise in, in the future.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need at least one GCSE
at grade C or above and three
GCSEs at grade D or above.
What could it lead to?
When you’ve experienced
studying with us you won’t want
to leave – and you won’t have
to. Once you’ve completed this
course you can move onto study
our fantastic level 3 programme,
which will set you up perfectly
for university or employment.
You could decide to look for
an entry level position in the
industry. The choice is yours!
YOU COULD
PROGRESS ON OUR
APPLIED COMPUTING
FOUNDATION DEGREE
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English and maths.
What could it lead to?
When you’ve successfully
finished this course there’s so
much you can do. We offer a
degree in applied computing
at University Centre St Helens
which you can move straight
onto. You might decide you
want to move away to university,
and you’ll be able to do this too.
You could even look for your first
job in the computing industry.
There are so many opportunities
just waiting for you!
1.2 MILLI0N
people work in IT in the UK
62
MICROSOFT CHAMPIONS
Computing and IT students, Joe Poole and Alex Campbell, are the only two students
in the North of England who secured places for Microsoft Word in the competitive
national finals for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), after acing the regional tests.
Overall, Alex came third in the national final, winning a new Microsoft Lumia phone.
63
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
CONSTRUCTION
CHARLOTTE HILDITCH
& CASSIE PICKAVANCE
"We've both
successfully
completed plumbing
apprenticeships
and now have
full-time jobs"
Assemble your ambition...
Getting your hands dirty, developing new skills and learning a new trade is
what studying construction is all about. You’ll be based at The Technology
Centre campus, where we have just spent over £5 million to make sure you
have everything you need to learn your new skills, including all of the latest
industry standard equipment – the same as you’ll find when you start working.
Which trade do you want to learn? There is a lot to choose from and each
one can lead you to an excellent career with great prospects. Choose from
bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, electrical installation, painting and
decorating, plastering, plumbing or wall and floor tiling. Over the next few
pages, you’ll be able to find out more about each of the trades and the courses
you can study.
Working in construction could take you in lots of different directions. You
could find yourself working on people’s homes, providing repairs, building
extensions, fitting new kitchens or bathrooms. You might work for a contractor,
building on a larger scale, such as new houses, offices, restaurants, hospitals
or schools. You could even end up running your own business one day!
According to a report from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) the
North West's construction sector growth over the next five years could deliver
almost 5,000 new jobs a year. This creates real demand for skilled construction
workers across all trades.
SCOTT HOUGHTON
CURRICULUM LEADER
"i had my own
successful
construction
business"
64
Careers
BRICKLAYER
Build and repair walls, chimney stacks,
tunnel linings and decorative stonework.
Also refurbish brickwork and masonry on
restoration projects.
Earn from £16,000 per year.
Structural engineer
Help design and build everything from
hospitals and sports stadiums through
to bridges and oil rigs. Also work on
improvements to existing buildings.
Earn from £22,000 per year.
"we have lots of
industry links"
Construction Manager
Supervise and direct operations on a
construction project to make sure it is
completed safely, on time and within
budget. Earn from £27,000 per year.
Architect
Design new buildings and the spaces
around them and also work on the
restoration and conservation of existing
buildings. From £30,000 per year.
65
Vocational Courses - Construction
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
Courses to structure your mi
BRICKLAYING
If you enjoy doing practical things and you are interested in construction, then
Bricklaying could be the perfect job for you. Bricklayers build and repair walls, chimney
stacks, tunnel linings and decorative stonework.
Level 1 Diploma in Bricklaying
Level 2 Diploma in Bricklaying
One year.
One year.
Get ready to gain skills for a
fantastic new career. Students
will gain the ability to practically
assemble brickwork models
and will develop the hand
skills needed to use a variety
of tools. You will learn how
to construct block, brick and
cavity walling and in addition
you will develop the ability to
meet deadlines through the
completion of practical projects.
You will develop your listening
and problem solving skills and
work independently to complete
a variety of written and practical
tasks. You will develop your
numerical skills by calculating
quantities and working out
materials required for your
tasks.
Reading and interpreting
scale drawings, producing
structures and developing
your practical brickwork skills
will all be in a day's work for
you on this brickwork course.
Become experienced in the
use of trowels, lump hammers,
bolsters, lines, brick hammers,
levels and scaffolding.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could it lead to?
This course is the first step
towards becoming a successful
bricklayer. You could choose
to move onto the level 2
qualification or gain some real
experience while you study with
a Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
You’ll learn everything you need
to know to build a successful
career as a bricklayer.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have successfully
completed your level 1 study
programme.
What could this lead to?
You'll be ready to enter the
bricklaying trade and launch
your career with all the skills
you need. You can continue to
gain qualifications while gaining
real work experience with a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
Both offer fantastic routes into
the industry.
"STUDENTS BENEFIT
FROM RESOURCES
AND WORKSPACES IN
CONSTRUCTION THAT
ARE VERY GOOD"
OFSTED
66
Vocational Courses - Construction
www.sthelens.ac.uk
CARPENTRY AND JOINERY
Carpenters and joiners make and install wooden fixtures and fittings. You could be
working on a building site, fitting out shops or even building sets for TV and film.
Level 1 Diploma in Carpentry
and Joinery
Level 2 Site Carpentry
One year.
One year.
You will learn how to use hand
tools as well as portable power
tools as you master the art of
creating woodworking joints,
frames, doors and windows.
You will learn about components
and materials, the unloading
and storage of timber and
sheet materials, and how to
put up access equipment and
scaffolding.
This course will prepare you for
a career in site carpentry. You’ll
be studying flooring and roofing,
frames, partitions and stairs as
well as carpentry maintenance.
Working at our Technology
Centre, you’ll be in workshops
which will mirror the real industry
environment and the tasks you
would complete on-site. This will
give you all of the knowledge
and skills you need.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could it lead to?
This course is the first step
towards becoming a successful
carpenter or joiner. You could
choose to move onto the level 2
qualification or gain some real
experience while you study with
a Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
68
What qualifications do I need?
You should have completed a
level 1 study programme.
What could it lead to?
You'll be ready to enter the
carpentry trade and launch your
career with all the skills you
need. You can also continue to
gain qualifications while gaining
real work experience with a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
Both offer fantastic routes into
the industry.
Vocational Courses - Construction
www.sthelens.ac.uk
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
A course in electrical installation prepares you for a career as an electrician.
Electricians fit and repair electrical circuits and wiring in houses and businesses. They
also install and maintain electrical equipment, instruments and machinery.
Level 1 Electrical Installation
Level 2 Electrical Installation
One year.
One year.
Choose this introductory course
if you want to find out what
working as an electrician is
like. You’ll be learning all of the
basic electrical skills essential
to become a successful
electrician. You will study at
The Technology Centre, where
our workshops mirror real life
working environments.
This qualification is for those
who want to develop a career
in domestic, commercial or
industrial electrical installation.
You will learn about electrical
installations technology as well
as the underlying principles of
electrical science, gaining skills
and knowledge in specialist
areas such as, electrical
maintenance, installing wiring
systems and enclosures. You
will learn about principles of
electricity, circuits, electro
magnetism, the principles
of basic mechanics and
the operation of electrical
equipment such as motors and
transformers.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be ready to progress onto
level 2 electrical installation.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need three GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
English, maths and science or
IT.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be able to move onto an
apprenticeship after this course,
combining studying in College
one day per week with working
on site. You’ll be able to gain
skills as well as earn some
money!
70
Vocational Courses - Construction
www.sthelens.ac.uk
PAINTING AND DECORATING
Painters and decorators use a wide range of paints, varnishes, wallpapers and other
coverings to protect surfaces such as plaster, metal or wood. They work inside and
outside buildings and structures such as houses, offices, shops, factories, hospitals,
schools and boats.
Level 1 Diploma in Painting
and Decorating
Level 2 Diploma in Painting
and Decorating
One year.
One year.
This course is the first step to a
career as a successful painter
and decorator. You will learn
about paint systems, application
techniques, applying foundation
and plain papers and decorative
finishes.
Take your skills to the next
level in understanding the
practical and theoretical
aspects of painting and
decorating. This includes
carrying out safe working
practices in construction,
quantities, communicating with
others, building methods and
construction technology. Learn
how to apply paint by brush and
roller, applying paper to wall
and ceilings, using high volume,
low pressure paint systems,
preparing surfaces and how to
produce specialist decorative
finishes.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements for this course.
What could it lead to?
This course is the first step
towards becoming a successful
painter and decorator. You
could choose to move onto
the level 2 qualification or gain
some real experience while
you study with a Traineeship or
Apprenticeship.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need three GCSEs at
grade C or above in English,
maths and science or IT.
Alternatively, you should have
successfully completed a level 1
study programme.
What could it lead to?
You are ready to enter the
industry as a successful painter
and decorator. You may secure
a full-time job with a company,
become self-employed or you
could choose to gain some
real experience while you
continue with your studies with a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
72
CONNOR SMITH
THE GRANGE
"I got an
apprenticeship and
i've been shortlisted
for several industry
awards"
73
Vocational Courses - Construction
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
Courses to structure your mi
PLASTERING
As a plasterer, you will apply different kinds of plaster to internal walls and ceilings
so that they’re ready for decorating. You could also cover outside walls with coatings,
such as render or pebble-dash.
Level 1 Diploma in Plastering
Level 2 Diploma in Plastering
One year.
One year.
Learn how to prepare surfaces,
mix plaster materials and
apply and set plaster coats
on this introductory course,
giving you a taste of what
working as a plasterer will be
like. You’ll need patience and
an attention to detail. This
course will allow you to develop
basic skills, knowledge and
understanding of plastering. In
a safety conscious environment
you will develop your hand
skills, the ability to identify
and use a range of tools, the
ability to read and interpret
technical drawings, calculate
measurements and quantities
which will help you to carry out
practical tasks. Plastering is a
real skill, but your hard work will
be worth it, as it’s a fantastic
career with excellent job
prospects.
You’ll be studying both solid
and fibrous plastering on
this practical course. As you
learn how to apply plastering
materials to interiors, fix dry
lining and plasterboards, lay
sand and cement screeds. At
this more advanced level you will
complete a variety of detailed
plastering tasks including repair
work. This will also help you to
develop your problem solving
skills and identify solutions
to mend repairs. You will
develop your ability to interpret
information by working out
materials required and costings
for a variety of projects.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could it lead to?
This course is the first step
towards becoming a successful
plasterer. You could choose
to move onto the level 2
qualification or gain some real
experience while you study with
a Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
74
Industry Partnership
Haydock based Wetherby Building Systems, the leading provider of external wall insulation (EWI)
solutions, has teamed up with St Helens College and invested over £2,000 to provide valuable
industry training, knowledge and work experience to students.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have successfully
completed a level 1 study
programme with equivalent
qualifications in English and
maths.
What could it lead to?
You are ready to enter the
industry as a successful
plasterer. You may secure a
full-time job with a company,
become self-employed or you
could choose to gain some
real experience while you
continue with your studies with a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
We are a part of The Thistle Plaster
Partnership Hub. An exclusive
resource for learning materials,
including content mapped to
qualifications and access to a specific
online learning hub.
75
Vocational Courses - Construction
www.sthelens.ac.uk
PLUMBING
WALL AND FLOOR TILING
Plumbers fit, service and repair hot and cold water systems, as well as heating systems
in homes and businesses. They also deal with gas appliances like fires and cookers.
Cover walls or floors with tiles, on jobs ranging from tiling a kitchen to fitting out a
shop to more specialist work for instance, tiling Olympic standard swimming pools.
Level 1 Access to
Building Services
Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing
One year.
One year.
This course gives you a taste of
working within building services.
It is an ideal starting point for
those looking to become a
plumber within the construction
trade. Cover plumbing, heating
and ventilating, refrigeration
and air conditioning as well as
electrical.
Pick up all the skills and
knowledge you need to become
a plumber. You’ll be cutting,
measuring, threading, fixing
and piecing together copper,
low carbon steel pipes and
electric cables. Learn how to
read drawings and complete
pressure testing.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
You will need GCSEs at grade D
or above in English and maths.
What could it lead to?
This course is the first step
towards becoming a successful
plumber. You could choose to
move onto the level 2 diploma
in plumbing or gain some real
experience while you study with
a Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
76
You will need two GCSEs at
grade C or above in English and
maths. Alternatively, you should
have successfully completed a
level 1 study programme.
What could it lead to?
You may secure a full-time
job, become self-employed or
gain real experience while you
continue with your studies with a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
Level 1 Diploma in Tiling
Level 2 Diploma in Tiling
One year.
One year.
In our specialist tiling
workshops, you’ll be learning
how to prepare your surfaces
for tiling, how to fix and apply
tiles as well as how to repair and
maintain tiles. Every day you’ll
be practising your new trade
and gaining new skills.
Throughout this course you’ll
gain advanced tiling skills as
you tile walls and floors and
learn how to create intricate
patterns and designs.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could it lead to?
This course is the first step
towards becoming a successful
tiler. You could choose to move
onto the level 2 qualification or
gain some real experience while
you study with a Traineeship or
Apprenticeship.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have successfully
completed a level 1 study
programme.
What could it lead to?
You are ready to enter the
industry as a successful tiler.
You may secure a full-time job
with a company, become
self-employed or you could
choose to gain some real
experience while you continue
with your studies with a
Traineeship or Apprenticeship.
Participate in World Skills,
a competition where you
will pit your new skills
against students from
other colleges across the
country. Our students
have won every year for
the past three years!
CHARLOTTE HILDITCH
PLUMBING APPRENTICE
MALCOLM WORLEY
THE SUTTON ACADEMY
"I completed
my plumbing
apprenticeship and i'm
now working for my
dad's business"
"I won Silver at
worldskills tiling
competition. i have
been selected to
compete for a place
in the world’s largest
skills competition."
77
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
DIRECTIONS
Directions Course
Directions courses can last anything
from six weeks to a year. We have
courses starting all the time so give
us a call to find out when the next
one starts.
Directi
ons
The right direction for you
If you need some direction in your life, but aren't sure what
you want to do in the future, what to study or where to start,
then Directions is for you.
You’ll be able to find out what coming to College is like, try out
some different subjects, get some real work experience and plan
an amazing future for yourself!
So, if you:
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
Aren’t sure if you want to come to College.
Don’t know what subject you want to study.
Haven’t decided what job you would like.
Don’t have the qualifications to start on a level 1 or 2 course.
Would like to get some experience of what working is like.
You’re in the right place!
MAXINE JONES
TUTOR
“it’s never too
late to make a
positive change in
your life”
78
Have a go at job-related courses
and work experience to find what
you like doing and what you’re
best at. There are lots of choices
available for you.
LAURA NICHOLLS
"I didn’t have
recognised
qualifications when
I came to college but
thanks to Directions
I’m now studying to
be a chef"
●● You could get a bursary to
help with the cost of coming to
College
●● Earning a Directions Golden
Ticket will guarantee you
progression onto a full-time
College course
●● You’ll have a key worker to help
and support you while you’re at
College
Choose from;
●● Animal Management
●● Hairdressing
●● Plastering
●● Childcare
●● Brickwork
●● Joinery
●● Sport
●● Horticulture
●● Catering
●● Plus lots more!
What qualifications do I need?
You don’t need any qualifications to
join Directions.
What could this lead to?
By doing well and finishing your
Directions course, you could gain a
place on a full-time College course
or even an apprenticeship. You will
have gained self-confidence and
skills to help you in the future.
79
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
ENGINEERING
Engineer your ambition…
Everything in the world around us has been engineered and you could be
a part of this! Engineers design, create, test and improve products and
processes. You’ll be learning all about this on one of our courses.
If you want to work with others to develop, design and repair a product,
process, or prototype then Engineering is for you.
Our Engineering courses cover three main areas: electrical engineering,
mechanical engineering and fabrication and welding. You can decide which
route you want to go down.
You’ll be learning all of the skills, techniques and knowledge you need to
become successful in your new career. You’ll do this through a mixture of
theory and practical sessions. You will study at The Technology Centre
Campus, where £5 million has just been spent to ensure you have the most
modern and up-to-date industry standard equipment and workshops.
Industry links
Many engineers learn their trade through the apprenticeship route. So, when
you’ve successfully completed your course you might decide to continue your
studies this way. Alternatively, you might want to go onto study at university
or go straight out and look for your first engineering job. Locally, there is a
real need for more engineers in the fields of electrical, marine, aeronautical,
advanced manufacturing and wind turbine.
ALEC ROBINSON
HEAD OF ENGINEERING
"Engineers are
life's great
problem solvers &
shape the world we
live in"
WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE INDUSTRIES
WHO ARE INVESTING IN THE GRASS ROOTS
OF ENGINEERING. CAREER PROSPECTS
ARE EXCELLENT, VARIED AND WIDE.
Careers
Mechanical engineering technician
Design, install and repair plant machinery and parts. This includes using skills from CNC
machining to welding. Earn around £22,000 per year.
operations manager
Managing processes and making sure production lines are lean and efficient.
Earn £40,000+ per year.
ELECTRICAL Electronics engineer
Design and develop the systems used by machines and equipment in lots of industries,
from mobile communications to aerospace. Earn around £30,000+ per year.
Welding engineer
In control of materials and overall quality of the product. Earn up to £50,000 per year.
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Vocational Courses - Engineering
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nd…
Courses to Engineer your mi
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Electrical engineers design, build and maintain electrical control systems, machinery
and equipment. As an electrical engineer, you would work with high and low voltage
equipment in a number of areas.
Level 2 Diploma in
Electrical Engineering
Level 3 BTEC in Electrical
Electronic Engineering
One year.
Two years.
This course is designed for those
looking to develop a career in
electrical/electronic and control
systems engineering. Once
qualified you could find yourself
working on transport networks,
power generation, renewable
energy sources such as solar
panelling, and building services,
such as lighting, heating,
ventilation and lift systems.
Electricity is essential to modern
life, without it civilization would
grind to a halt. This course will
allow you to gain knowledge in
a wide range of topics ranging
from the foundational scientific
principles of electricity to power
generation, control systems
and beyond. Develop your
knowledge of electrical and
electronic disciplines with both
theory based sessions and
some practical experience and
experimentation. It's an exciting
time to be an electrical engineer.
With the world's resources
diminishing, engineers are
tasked with developing new
environmentally friendly methods
to ensure we maintain the
electricity supply we require.
What qualifications will I need?
You should have a minimum
of three GCSEs at grade C or
above, including maths and
science.
What could this lead to?
Once you’ve successfully
finished this course you’ll have all
of the basic skills required to gain
employment within the industry.
We will also help you to look for
suitable employment. You may
choose to progress onto higher
level study, such as a level 3
course or an apprenticeship,
depending on which route you
decide to take.
82
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above including
English, maths and science.
What could this lead to?
You could continue with your
studies on a higher level
qualification by progressing onto
the engineering HNC/D here at
University Centre St Helens. You
may want to look for work in the
industry or could even progress
onto a higher apprenticeship and
earn while you learn.
PROGRESS ONTO OUR
HIGHER LEVEL HNC/
HND ENGINEERING
QUALIFICATIONS
DAVE PYE
ENGINEERING TUTOR
“I have many years
of experience from
the engineering
industry and the
education sector. We
equip students for
the world of work
and actively promote
apprenticeships.”
Vocational Courses - Engineering
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd…
Courses to Engineer your mi
FABRICATION AND WELDING
As a welder fabricator you will be able to produce and weld anything from a car
exhaust to the legs that support oil rigs around the world.
Level 2 Diploma in
Engineering Technologies
Level 3 Diploma in
Engineering Technologies
One year.
Two years.
Learn the basics of both
fabrication and welding in
preparation for your new career.
You'll study several different
types of welding and will learn
to be competent in MIG welding
using DC inverters, as well as
fabricating small components
using rollers, pan folders
and AC resistance welding
equipment. You will also
experience sheet metal work,
plate work and Oxy-fuel cutting.
During your course, we will
support you to find an industry
placement - crucial for helping
you gain some work experience.
You will be developing high
level, advanced welding
skills as you work in our fully
equipped workshops whilst
using MIG, TIG and MMA
welding equipment. You
will gain an understanding
of AC transformers and DC
inverters. You will be able to
weld mild steel, stainless steel
and aluminium in both vertical
and overhead positions. Your
fabrication skills will also be
improved immensely as you
work with larger components.
You will learn pattern
development and understand
how to use maths to ensure
accurate dimensioning.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
maths and science
What could this lead to?
Once you successfully complete
your course you could continue
with your studies on a higher
level 3 course, you may decide
to look for work in the industry or
you could even progress onto
an advanced apprenticeship,
gaining further qualifications
whilst earning some money.
84
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
maths and science.
What could this lead to?
Once you successfully complete
your course you could continue
with your studies on a higher
level course. You may decide to
look for work in the industry or
you could even progress onto a
higher apprenticeship, gaining
further qualifications whilst
earning some money.
Vocational Courses - Engineering
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd…
Courses to Engineer your mi
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mechanical engineers develop and design components and machinery used in many
industries like manufacturing, construction, water, power, health and transport. They
also manage teams of technicians and craftspeople who carry out installation and
maintenance work.
Level 2 Diploma in
Engineering Technology
Level 3 Diploma in
Engineering Technology
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in
Mechanical Engineering
One year.
One year.
Two years.
Working in our fantastic
engineering workshops, using
industry standard materials and
equipment, you’ll be learning
all of the skills and knowledge
you need to work successfully
in the industry, as you take the
first step towards becoming a
mechanical engineer. Studying
engineering principles and
techniques, as well as computer
aided design, milling and
turning, you’ll get a real flavour
of all aspects of mechanical
engineering.
This course lets you take
your study of mechanical
engineering to the next level.
You will gain a more advanced
knowledge and understanding
of engineering principles and
techniques as you study at an
advanced level. Investigating
advanced mechanical
principles, CNC machining and
advanced milling and turning,
you’ll be learning your skills
in our fantastic engineering
workshops and classrooms.
This is an academic course and
is great if you want to carry on
studying at a more advanced
level. You’ll be learning
about advanced mechanical
engineering principles,
covering everything from maths
for engineers, mechanical
systems and electro, pneumatic
and hydraulic systems
to engineering drawing,
maintenance and production
systems design.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs at
grade C or above.
You should have five GCSEs at
grade C or above.
You need a minimum of three
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including maths and science.
What could it lead to?
You’ll have three main options
when you finish this course.
You could choose to continue
your studies in College at
level 3, look for employment
in the industry or you could
even progress onto an
apprenticeship, where you'll
gain further qualifications whilst
earning some money. You’ll get
help and support from college
whichever route you decide to
go down.
86
What could this lead to?
You could continue with your
studies on a degree level
course by progressing onto
the engineering HNC/D here at
University Centre St Helens. You
may want to look for work in the
industry or could even progress
onto a higher apprenticeship
and earn while you learn.
What qualifications do I need?
What could it lead to?
You could continue with your
studies on a degree level
course by progressing onto
the engineering HNC/D here at
University Centre St Helens. You
may want to look for work in the
industry or could even progress
onto a higher apprenticeship
and earn while you learn.
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in
Operations and Maintenance
Engineering
Two years.
This is an academic course
where you’ll be focusing on
operations and maintenance
engineering at an advanced
level. You’ll be learning
about advanced mechanical
engineering principles,
covering everything from maths
for engineers, mechanical
systems and electro, pneumatic
and hydraulic systems
to engineering drawing,
maintenance and production
systems design.
What qualifications do I need?
STEVEN JONES
RAINFORD HIGH SCHOOL
"The tutors were
really friendly and
motivating. It's
thanks to them that I
secured my brilliant
apprenticeship"
You should have five GCSEs at
grade C or above.
What could this lead to?
You could continue with your
studies on a degree level
course by progressing onto
the engineering HNC/D here at
University Centre St Helens. You
may want to look for work in the
industry or could even progress
onto a higher apprenticeship
and earn while you learn.
87
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
FLORISTRY
Grow your ambition…
a Course to grow
your mind...
Level 2 Diploma in Floristry
One year.
There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly cut flowers carefully arranged
in a bouquet or arrangement. With fresh blooms everywhere, and beautifully
designed floral pieces covering every surface, our floristry workshop is a
fantastic place to be for budding florists.
If you are creative and like to be hands on, a career in floristry could be perfect
for you. At College, you’ll be learning all of the theoretical knowledge you need
for a successful career, as you learn which flowers are in season and when.
You’ll also be picking up the practical skills needed, so you will know exactly
how to create intricate and beautiful floral designs.
We have our own floristry shop in College, The Flower Studio. You’ll be
designing and creating pieces for paying customers, this could be for
weddings, funerals, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day - any occasion that needs
flowers to make it just that extra bit special!
You’ll have the chance to exhibit your work and newly learnt skills at huge
shows and industry competitions, such as Southport Flower Show and RHS
Flower Show Tatton Park. Our students always do really well - we never leave
without some medals!
Once you’ve finished your floristry qualification, you’re ready to begin a
fantastic career in the industry. You might decide to open your own business,
specialise in weddings, work in event management or produce large floral
designs for hotels and businesses.
You’ll be working in the flower
studio, creating floral designs,
arrangements and hand tied
bouquets. You’ll study floristry
for weddings, funerals and
large events. You’ll also be
completing work experience
in the industry, giving you real
experience of what working in
the sector is like.
What qualifications do I need?
You don’t need any prior
qualifications to start on this
course, just a keen interest in
floristry and a good level of
English and maths.
What could it lead to?
Once you have finished, you will
have a real understanding of
the floristry industry. You could
gain an even higher qualification
by progressing onto our level
3 diploma in floristry. You’ll be
ready to start your new career
when you’ve finished this
course, and you could even go
onto start your own business!
SOPHIE KING
COWLEY LANGUAGE COLLEGE
"I want to set up
my own business
specialising in
weddings and large
events"
We have our very
own florist!
OUR EXHIBIT AT SOUTHPORT
FLOWER SHOW 2015
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
FOUNDATION
ACADEMY
The Foundation Academy at St Helens College offers
courses for people with a wide range of learning
difficulties and/or disabilities. The foundation academy
operates in a supportive environment which caters for
both personal and academic needs.
Our experienced staff provide education and training
that is tailored to the individual needs of students. This
is backed up by our own healthcare team, who provide
support for students' personal needs, and our learning
support officers, who assist students in their academic
and vocational studies.
CATHERINE ROWSON
TUTOR
“I strive to provide
each and every one
of my students
with independent
living skills”
90
Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3
Open Awards Diploma in
Independent Living
Entry Level 3 Open Awards
Skills for Working Life
Open Awards Level 1 Diploma
in Skills for Further Learning,
Retail and Employment
One year.
One year.
One year.
This course helps students
to gain a wide range of
independent living skills and
activities, encouraging them
to live healthy lifestyles in a
safe environment. Students
will become active in the
local community and gain
independent living skills. Units
may include accessing health
services, accessing financial
services, self-advocacy, eating
out and personal safety.
The course will help students
to gain work-related and
personal skills, building the
confidence which could provide
opportunities for supported
employment or progression onto
further education and training.
The course will allow a wide
range of vocational, personal,
social and employment skills
to be developed. Students
will study towards an award,
certificate or diploma by
carrying out structured tasks
and activities with appropriate
help and guidance.
This course will help learners
to gain confidence and
independence. Students will
develop their personal, social
and work-related skills. They
will work towards independent
life skills, personal social
development and will also have
the opportunity to experience
a work-related placement
within the college environment.
Students have the opportunity to
improve their English and maths
skills and work towards formal
qualifications at an appropriate
level.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could it lead to?
This course can help students
acquire skills needed to
progress onto further courses of
study.
Students may have completed
entry level 1 or 2 to get onto
the course, however there may
be opportunities to access
the qualification without this
depending on individual
circumstances.
What could it lead to?
The course will provide
opportunity for progression
to other qualifications at level
1 with a view to possible
sustainable employment,
a traineeship or an
apprenticeship.
Students may have completed
entry level qualifications,
however, there may be
opportunities to get onto the
course without this, depending
on individual circumstances.
What could it lead to?
The course will provide
opportunity for progression
to other qualifications at
a higher level with a view
to possible sustainable
employment, a traineeship or an
apprenticeship.
“STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
AND/OR DISABILITIES ACHIEVE
PARTICULARLY WELL.”
OFSTED
91
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Design Your Future...
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Graphic Design
Two years.
As a graphic designer you’ll develop and use visuals to communicate, in
order to direct, inform, entertain and challenge a range of audiences.
Graphic design has a lot of different elements and you’ll be studying all of them
at College, whilst working on both traditional and digital illustration. You
could be designing magazine layouts, investigating the secrets behind logos
and branding, or creating interactive smartphone apps.
You will have access to a dedicated Apple Mac studio in College where you’ll
be learning to use the latest Adobe software. This includes Photoshop, to
manipulate and edit photos; Illustrator, to create digital illustration; InDesign,
to layout your pages and documents. We encourage our students to take
accredited Adobe Associate exams which will look amazing on your CV!
A career in graphic design means you’ll have the chance to use your creative
flair every day. Using computer software to create original design, you’ll need
to keep up to date with the latest trends in graphic design… or set your own!
You’ll have the chance to work on live competition briefs; in the last year, one
of our students was shortlisted for an award with music giant Yamaha for her
entry. You’ll also have the chance to complete work experience in a graphic
design environment. Our tutors have fantastic industry experience and links, so
can help you find a placement that best suits you.
BRADLEY RITSON
ST EDMUND ARROWSMITH
"i'm progressing
onto the graphic
design degree at
university centre
st helens"
92
A course to
illustrate your mind...
If you’re creative, have artistic flair
and enjoy using the latest computer
software, our graphic design course
could be the perfect match for you.
Graphic designers communicate
in a visual way and you could
find yourself doing anything from
designing fonts and typefaces,
to manipulating photographs,
investigating advertising or studying
2D animation. Our software mirrors
that used by industry professionals
and this will be available to you
thoughout your course.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need four GCSEs at grade
C or above, including English
language or English literature and
preferably an art based subject.
What could this lead to?
Once you’ve finished this course
and you’ve got a real flavour of
what working in graphic design
is like, you can continue studying
at degree level on the BA (Hons)
graphic design course with us
at University Centre St Helens.
Alternatively you might decide you
want to spread your wings and
move further afield, in which case
you can apply for graphic design
degrees at universities around the
country. Alternatively, you could
enter the world of work in a graphic
design studio.
MAKE YOUR CV LOOK GREAT YOU CAN GET ADOBE CERTIFICATION
ALONGSIDE YOUR QUALIFICATION
Careers
Graphic Designer
Use lettering and images to communicate
information and ideas. This could be for
anything from advertisements to product
packaging. Earn around £23,049 per year.
Illustrator
Design greetings cards, book covers and
packaging. Earn around £25,000 per year.
Advertising Art Director
Advertising art directors, often known as
'creatives', produce innovative ideas for the
visual elements of advertising campaigns in all
kinds of media. Earn around £30,000 per year.
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses - Graphic Design
Examples of student work...
Top left:
Melissa Herring
94
Top right:
Jack Bassett
Bottom:
Bradley Ritson
Top left and right:
John Murphy
Bottom left:
Daniel Gibbons
Bottom right:
Chantelle Butterfield
95
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
GAME ART
Animate your ambition…
If you’re an avid gamer, creative and enjoy drawing and designing, a career
in game art is calling you. Working in an industry you love, you could be
designing game content including characters and environments, as well as
creating concept art, working with 3D modelling and animation.
Liverpool has a growing creative and digital industry sector. There is a strong
video game industry in the city, with many independent studios it is home to
some of the foremost thinkers in the industry. You could be a part of all this.
At College you’ll be based within a studio environment, working on developing
your specialist skills in digital painting, 3D modelling, 2D and 3D animation and
traditional and digital drawing.
You will use industry standard Adobe software and will have the opportunity to
take accredited Adobe Associate exams - this proves you’re fantastic at using
the software and it’ll look amazing on your CV!
Working with actual game artists to complete industry based assignments to
tight deadlines, you will experience all the action of working within this exciting
and expanding industry. By exploring your own creative ideas and examining
existing ones, you will develop core foundational skills needed to propel you
into a lifelong, highly skilled and highly rewarding career. This course will
ensure it's your artwork and ideas that stand out from the rest.
MATTHEW SCOTT
ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
“I’m going onto De
Montfort University
to continue my
studies on an industry
accredited Game Art
degree ”
96
A course to animate
your mind...
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Game Art
Get ready to kickstart your career in
game art. By studying environment
and character design, game
document creation, concept art,
digital painting techniques and
observational drawing. You’ll be
using industry standard software
such as Adobe Photoshop,
Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign,
Unreal Engine and Autodesk 3D
Studio Max.
The course involves a mix of digital
and traditional techniques that will
help to develop both your drawing
and software skills, as well as your
visual awareness and compositional
skills.
MAKE YOUR CV LOOK GREAT YOU CAN GET ADOBE CERTIFICATION
ALONGSIDE YOUR QUALIFICATION
YOU WILL USE TOP OF THE RANGE
INDUSTRY SOFTWARE
What qualifications do I need?
You should have a minimum of
four GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English and preferably an
art related subject.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be ready to study your
craft at degree level when you’ve
completed this course. We even
have a degree here at University
Centre St Helens so you can move
straight onto BA (Hons) game art.
You might decide you want to move
away to study, and you can apply to
any of the game art degrees in the
country.
Careers
Concept Artist
A highly coveted role in game development
responsible for creating illustrative art that
helps to set the visual concepts of the
game. Earn from £25,000 per year.
Level Designer
Responsible for taking assets that have
been created and assembling them into an
environment that can be played in. They
also design and test gameplay elements.
Earn from £25,000 per year.
Environment artist
Work specifically with creating immersive,
living and fully-realised environments for
games. Earn from £30,000 per year.
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses - Game Art
Top:
Matt Scott
Bottom:
Jade Fenton
Examples of student work...
Top:
Nathaniel Burrows
98
Bottom left:
Jack Camiller
Bottom right:
Reece Greenall
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
HAIRDRESSING,
BEAUTY & SPA THERAPY
Highlight your ambition...
If you love nothing more than flicking through Teen Vogue, Glamour and Heat
magazine, keeping up to date with the latest trends and fashion, and if you
love to creatively express yourself with your hair and makeup, then a hair,
beauty or spa course could be for you.
Your learning will be hands on as you learn the difference between a tousled
bob, a curly blow or a blow with a bend, in our hairdressing salon. Or, become
an expert at applying false lashes, contouring, tanning techniques and how to
perfect a brow arch in our beauty salon.
At College you’ll be working on paying customers in our industry standard
salon, The Lounge. It has a hairdressing salon, three treatment rooms and
a nail bar. We also have full spa facilities including a monsoon shower, ice
facility, dry floatation chamber, sauna, steam room and hot tub!
There’s never been a better time to become a part of the industry as more
and more people are using the services of both hairdressers and beauty
therapists. Your course could lead to a whole range of careers, including
a nail technician, hair extension specialist, makeup artist or lash and brow
technician. There are so many highly specialised and creative jobs to choose
from in this exciting industry. You could even become self-employed.
PJ BACON
HAIRDRESSING TUTOR
JULIE HEAP
BEAUTY & SPA TUTOR
"Starting my career as
a trainee hairdresser, I
progressed within the
industry – something
I hope to inspire my
students to do."
"I love passing skills
and knowledge on,
and showing students
what a fabulous career
they could have in the
industry."
If you're sociable, enjoy interacting with customers and have some creative
flair then get ready to make people look and feel their best!
GABRIELLE FOLLIN
DE LA SALLE
"I've always had a
passion for hair and
beauty. Studying at
St Helens College will
help me to achieve my
dream of OWNING A
SALON ONE DAY"
100
101
Hairdresser
Hairdressers cut, colour and
shape clients' hair to create the
look they want.
£14,000+
Beauty
therapist
You will carry out face and body
treatments for clients to help them
look and feel better.
£12,000+
Salon owner
Highly experienced and
responsible for a team of
staff, managing the costs and
profitability of a salon whilst
driving the business forward.
£45,000+
CHELSEA MOFFATT
DIPLOMA IN HAIRDRESSING STUDIES
Vocational Courses - Beauty & Spa Therapy
www.sthelens.ac.uk
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
Courses to enhance your mi
BEAUTY AND SPA THERAPY
Beauty therapists carry out face and body treatments on clients to help them look
and feel better. Spa therapists help to improve the overall wellbeing of their clients by
providing a variety of relaxation, water and body treatments.
Level 1 Diploma in
Beauty Skills
Level 2 Diploma in Beauty
Therapy Specialist Techniques
Level 2 Diploma in
Complementary Therapy
Level 2 Hair and
Media Makeup
Level 3 Diploma in Beauty
Therapy Studies
Level 3 Diploma in Spa
Therapy Studies
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
Working in our amazing salons,
you’ll be learning how to
perform basic treatments like
manicures and pedicures, as
well as basic makeup, nail art
and face painting!
You’ll be getting to experience
what it’s like to work in a spa
and provide treatments as you
work in the College’s very own
spa facility. You’ll be studying
how to provide a wide range of
treatments, including everything
from reflexology to basic
massage therapy.
If you want to work in hair and
makeup in the media industry,
this course gives you all the
skills you need to be successful.
Create intricate makeup and
hair designs, learn how to fake
bruises, cuts and scratches
for TV and film, and to apply
makeup for camera.
This is an advanced level
course. You’ll study the
electrical and massage
procedures for both the face
and body. You will look at
managing a salon and the retail
opportunities that are available.
There are no formal entry
requirements for this course.
You’ll be working in our salon,
developing your skills on
paying clients. Learn how to
perform treatments and services
including manicures, pedicures,
eye treatments facials and
makeup. If you love image,
style and keeping up to date
with current trends, you’ll love
learning your new trade.
You should have a GCSE
at grade C or above in both
English and maths.
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
Working in a spa you’ll be
learning how to provide
stress relief and relaxation for
example, through the use of
hydrotherapy and seaweed
products. This course will build
on all the skills you gained at
level 2 and will develop you into
a highly trained, confident and
professional spa therapist.
What qualifications do I need?
After this introduction to beauty
you’ll be ready to move onto
a more advanced level and
further your skills. This could
be onto level 2 beauty therapy,
complementary therapy or
media makeup.
You should have four GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
English and maths.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be able to choose which
route you want to go down at
level 3. Build on your skills in
beauty therapy, gain new ones
on our spa therapy qualification,
move onto our nail course or
makeup artistry. You might
decide you want to move into
employment and begin your
new career.
What could it lead to?
Once you’ve finished this course
you’ll be able to move onto
our level 3 qualification in spa
therapy studies, which will give
you the chance to gain even
more advanced skills. You might
decide to look for a job in the
industry, perhaps working in a
hotel or spa resort.
You should have four GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
English and maths.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be able to move up and
study at level 3 when you’ve
finished this course, taking
your pick from beauty, spa, or
makeup artistry. You could even
look to gain employment at a
junior level.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have a level 2
qualification in beauty therapy.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be ready to gain
employment in the industry
when you’ve completed this
course and your career could
take you anywhere - become
self-employed, work in a salon
or on board cruise ships.
You may decide to continue
studying to gain even more
skills and enhance your CV – we
have courses in Indian head
massage, aromatherapy and
many more.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have achieved your
level 2 beauty therapy or spa
therapy qualification.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be ready to enter
employment when you’ve
completed this qualification,
perhaps working in a day spa or
luxury hotel. You might decide
to continue your studies at a
higher level by progressing
onto a foundation degree in spa
therapy.
You will work in
our salon on paying
customers
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Vocational Courses - Beauty & Spa Therapy
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www.sthelens.ac.uk
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courses to enhance your mi
BEAUTY AND SPA THERAPY
CONTINUED...
Level 3 Diploma in
Nail Technology
Level 3 Diploma in
Makeup Artistry
One year.
One year.
If you are aiming for a career
as a nail technician, this course
gives you all of the knowledge
and skills you need. Working in
the College’s own salon, The
Lounge, you’ll learn everything
you need to know about nail
technology, from manicures and
pedicures to the application
and maintenance of nail
enhancements. You’ll even work
on designing and applying nail
art and airbrushing designs onto
nails.
You’ll learn everything that
you need to be a professional
makeup artist as you'll study
how to apply makeup and how
to teach others to apply it too.
You will also learn about fashion
and photographic makeup,
media makeup, makeup
for camouflage,and how to
successfully promote products
and services. Finally, you’ll
be able to use our brand new
equipment as you master the
art of airbrush makeup, creating
a perfect and virtually flaw free
base, suitable for HD television
and film.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need to have achieved
a level 2 qualification in either
nails or beauty.
What could it lead to?
Why not become a selfemployed nail technician now
that you have all of the skills
and knowledge needed? You
might decide you would like to
find work in a salon or continue
studying to gain further skills
and develop your existing ones.
The choice is yours!
106
What qualifications do I need?
You should have achieved a
level 2 media makeup beauty
therapy qualification.
What could this lead to?
Begin your amazing new
career as a makeup artist. You
could work in a salon, gain
employment with a huge
multi-national makeup brand,
such as MAC, Nars or Bobbi
Brown (who will only hire
qualified artists). Or, you might
decide to become a freelance
makeup artist.
YOU WILL VISIT
MAC TO DEVELOP
YOUR MAKEUP
SKILLS. PLUS,
OUR STUDENTS
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE
DISCOUNTS ON
PRODUCTS
LEARNERS DISPLAY
GOOD LEVELS OF
PROFESSIONALISM
IN PRACTICAL
CLASSES.
OFSTED
107
Vocational Courses - Hairdressing
www.sthelens.ac.uk
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Courses to Blow your mind...
HAIRDRESSING
Hairdressers cut, colour and shape clients' hair to create the look they want.
Level 1 Diploma in
Hairdressing Studies
Level 2 Diploma in
Hairdressing Studies
Level 2 Diploma in Barbering
Level 3 Diploma in
Hairdressing Studies
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
Choosing this course is your
first step towards a career as
a hairdresser. You will learn
how to shampoo and condition
hair effectively, and how to
apply colour. You will work on
developing your own creativity
as a hairdresser and gain lots of
new skills and knowledge.
Working in our salon, The
Lounge and using industry
standard equipment, you will
be developing all the skills you
need to forge a successful
career as a hairdresser. This
course includes how to conduct
a consultation, cut, colour and
perm hair.
If you want to be a barber
you can learn everything you
need to know on this specialist
qualification. You’ll find out how
to shampoo and condition the
hair and scalp, cut and style
men’s hair as well as how to cut
facial hair.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
You will need four GCSEs at
grade D or above, including
English and maths.
You’ll be building on the skills
you gained at level 2 on this
course, including cutting,
colouring, styling and how to
promote products in the salon.
This course is essential for those
who would like a career in salon
management. You’ll be learning
your skills in our industry
standard commercial salon, The
Lounge.
There are no formal entry
requirements for this course.
What could this lead to?
After this introduction to hair
you’ll be ready to move onto a
more advanced level and further
your skills by studying level 2
hairdressing or barbering.
You should have four GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
English and maths.
What could it lead to?
When you’ve finished this
course you’ll be able to carry
on studying and gain more
advanced skills on our level 3
course. You may decide you
want to enter the industry and
look for employment in a salon
at a junior level.
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
You’ll be able to start your
career as a junior men’s barber
as you’ll have all of the skills
you need to be successful. You
might even want to continue
your studies at level 3.
you will be trained by
specialists from l'oréal,
using their industry
salon products
108
What qualifications do I need?
You should have successfully
completed your level 2
qualification in hairdressing,
as well as having a GCSE at
grade D or above in English and
maths.
What could it lead to?
You’re ready to start your
fantastic new career, gaining a
job in a salon, on a cruise ship
or becoming self-employed as
a mobile hairdresser. You could
specialise in colour application
or even hair-ups, providing your
services for weddings and other
special occasions.
TRIUMPH IN REGIONAL HAIR
COMPETITION
St Helens College's hairdressing students proved that
they were a cut above the rest as they competed at
the Association of Hairdressing and Therapists (AHT)
annual competition.
Talented hairdressing students impressed judges with
a range of creative and contemporary styles during the
regional heats at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, securing
them all a place in the final.
The AHT competition is a prestigious event on the hair
and beauty calendar which recognises the industry's
aspiring professionals through a wide range of categories,
from nail art and blow dry to creative makeup and evening
hair.
Hairdressing student, Kerrie Dean-Forsyth scooped
second place in the highly competitive Cut and Blow Dry
category. Jessica McMillian, a level 1 student, secured
second place in the Blow Dry category.
The AHT competitions are open to all students enrolled on
a course for hairdressing, beauty therapy or media hair
and makeup at an accredited centre.
109
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
HEALTH AND
SOCIAL CARE
JAMES ROUGHLY
DE LA SALLE
e
“With guidanc
s and
from my tutor
ement
the work plac
ged, I
College arran
lace
have gained a p
ice
at my first cho
dying
university stu
Nursing”
NURTURE your ambition…
Working in health and social care is an extremely responsible role. It’s a
crucial profession, which makes a huge difference to people’s lives every day.
There are many routes you may choose to go down, each demanding, but
extremely rewarding. You may wish to work with the disabled, the young, the
sick or the elderly.
At College, you’ll be learning all of the skills and knowledge needed to work
in the health professions, whether this be in a hospital or care home as a nurse,
care assistant, midwife or social worker.
All students will go on a work placement as part of their course, where you
will be able to put the knowledge you have learnt at College into practice. If
you choose to apply for a cadetship programme, you’ll be on placement every
week, picking up real skills in the workplace, making it a fantastic way to
kick-start your career.
The health professions are part of a massive industry which employs over
1.8 million people in the UK, equalling 6% of the entire workforce! This means
job prospects for you, when you’ve successfully completed your course, are
excellent.
BROGAN TRENDEL
THE SUTTON ACADEMY
“The support
y
I’ve got from m
ped
tutors has hel
s
me to progres
om
all the way fr
l 3”
level 1 to leve
110
Careers
Senior Care Worker
In this role you’ll be managing the staff in a care establishment and providing support to
patients. Earn around £16,000 every year.
Nurse
You’ll be caring for the sick, injured and others in need of care whilst assisting doctors
daily. Earn around £30,000 per year.
Social Worker
Provide advice and support to those experiencing crisis, and to those who are mentally
or physically ill. Earn over £30,000 per year.
Midwife
In this extremely rewarding career you’ll be delivering and assisting in the delivery of
babies, giving antenatal and postnatal care and giving advice to parents on caring for
their new babies. You could be earning around £30,000 a year.
practice
We Won entry into the best
ion england.
directory for health educat
111
Vocational Courses - Health and Social Care
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
COURSES TO NURTURE your mi
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Health and Social
Care
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma (Health Studies)
Cadetship
Level 1 Award/Diploma in
Health and Social Care
Level 2 BTEC Award/
Certificate/Diploma in Health
and Social Care
Level 2 Diploma in Health &
Social Care Apprenticeship
(Nursing Cadetship)
One year.
One year.
One year.
Two years.
Two years.
This introductory year is
essential for getting a head
start in a health and social
care career. This course looks
at many health related topics,
giving you information and skills
to choose your career and study
pathway. This course allows you
to meet employers and prepares
you to work in the industry or
progress with your studies.
Prepare yourself to start an
amazing career in one of
the health and social care
professions. Working in this
industry is extremely important,
as you will have people relying
on you every day. At College
you’ll learn all the skills and
knowledge you need to excel
in your job, including how to
treat all patients fairly and with
respect. You'll also have the
chance to put your new skills
into practice when you go on
work placement in the sector.
We have many links with
employers and we will help you
to find a placement opportunity
that is perfect for you.
This is a fantastic opportunity if
you would like to work in nursing
or the allied health professions.
Run together with NHS Skills
Academy for Health North West,
you will gain unprecedented
access to placements within the
NHS. You’ll attend placement for
three days each week, learning
real skills in a real work setting,
supporting the care of patients;
learning about the protection
and wellbeing of the individuals
you’re looking after.
Are you ready for a challenge?
This course is highly specialist;
teaching you all of the
knowledge, understanding and
skills you need to work in the
health and social care industries
at a high level. Studying units
such as health promotion,
psychology and safeguarding,
you’ll be constantly preparing
for your new career. As part of
the course, you will undertake
at least 100 hours of work
experience, where you can
use your newfound skills in a
real work place; somewhere
chosen to match your future
employment goals.
If your aim is to become a
nurse, midwife or another health
professional, this advanced
level course will really give you
a head start on the path towards
your new career. Delivered in
conjunction with NHS Skills for
Health Academy North West,
you will be spending three days
each week on placement in
the NHS, gaining the practical
knowledge in the workplace
that you’ll need in your career.
To be considered for this
amazing opportunity you must
apply directly to the NHS Skills
Academy for Health North West.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English language, maths and
science. Alternatively you
may have a BTEC level 2
qualification.
What qualifications do I need?
You need a GCSE at grade D
in either English or maths and
a grade E in the rest of your
GCSEs.
What could this lead to?
Once you have completed
this course, the aim would be
to start an apprenticeship or
progress onto a level 2 course.
What qualifications do I need?
You need four GCSEs at grade
D or above.
What could this lead to?
Do you want to gain a job and
begin your new career? Or
do you want to carry on your
education by studying at level
3? The choice is yours and
College will help you with your
next step, whichever direction
you choose.
What qualifications do I need?
You need a GCSE at grade E
in English or maths and three
GCSEs at grade D or above.
What could this lead to?
You really will be one step
ahead when it comes to gaining
employment as the NHS Skills
Academy for Health North West
careers team will keep you
updated on your career options.
There are strong links with
Staffing Solutions, Nurse Bank,
who welcome applications from
cadets. Those students who
demonstrate academic aptitude
can apply to study the level 3
course. Those who do well on
this programme have a bright
future ahead of them in health
and social care.
FOR ALL OF OUR HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE COURSES YOU WILL
NEED A CLEAR ENHANCED DBS CHECK.
DONT WORRY - WE WILL HELP YOU WITH THIS WHEN YOU COME
INTO COLLEGE
112
You should have at least five
GCSEs at grade C or above,
including English language and
maths.
What could this lead to?
With hard work and dedication,
when you complete this course
you will be ready to apply for
degree level study at your
chosen university. Alternatively,
you might decide to begin your
career in one of many areas,
such as in a care home or
hospital.
What qualifications do I need?
What could it lead to?
As part of this fantastic course,
you will be supported every
step of the way with your UCAS
application should you wish
to move onto study a degree
in nursing. You will receive
specialist help and advice
from the NHS Skills Academy
for Health North West. If you
decide you’re ready to look
for employment, you will be
able to take advantage of
the Academy’s employment
progression programme, which
is designed to give you all of the
help and support you need to
find a job.
We work with employers
in the health sector.
1.6
million
People employed by
the NHS
"STUDENTS
MAKE RAPID
PROGRESS"
OFSTED
113
Vocational Courses
www.sthelens.ac.uk
HORTICULTURE
Unearth your ambition…
you will exhibit iN national
competitions
You’ll also have the chance to enter
competitions and display work at large
exhibitions such as Southport Flower Show.
Our students are always very successful,
never leaving without a medal!
If you’re ready to get stuck in, get your hands dirty (literally!) and you love
the great outdoors then studying horticulture is for you. It’s more than just
gardening and our courses combine science with practical work experience.
It will be demanding as you'll be digging, pushing loaded wheelbarrows and
growing all types of plants, like flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns. You'll work
within a variety of green spaces as you create and maintain gardens, parks
and other outdoor areas across Merseyside.
Although you’ll have some theory to learn at College, you’ll mainly be out and
about doing lots of practical sessions, working outside maintaining the beds
and borders at both of the College’s main sites and the College’s sports
pitches. Lots of your time will be spent working at Sherdley Park, where we
have a specialist centre, purpose built for our horticulture students. Here you’ll
be able to develop your skills on bigger plants, shrubs and trees, as well as
nurturing new plants in our greenhouses. You’ll even have the chance to work
at Walton Hall and Gardens, where our students help to maintain large flower
beds and golf courses.
Horticulture is a vital industry within the UK and once you’ve got your
qualifications there are several career routes you could take depending on
whether you are interested in design, science, engineering, working with
technology or food production.
114
LIAM BENNETT
HAYDOCK HIGH SCHOOL
KARL, ROB AND DARREN
HORTICULTURE TUTORS
"The course
has helped my
confidence, i'm now
progressing onto
a more advanced
level"
"We have a wealth
of industry
experience. We are
here to help you
grow!"
115
JACK THOMSON
HORTICULTURE STUDENT
Landscaper
Botanist
Create and maintain parks,
gardens and other outdooor areas.
Sometimes known as plant
biologists, they study all forms of
plant life.
£16,000
Landscape
architect
Landscape architects plan, design,
create and manage the landscapes
we live and work in.
£20,000
£22,000
Groundsperson or
greenkeeper
Look after sports grounds such as football
pitches, rugby pitches, tennis courts and
racecourses.
£16,502
Vocational Courses - Horticulture
www.sthelens.ac.uk
courses to Grow your mind…
PRACTICAL SKILLS COURSES
These courses are a good choice for you if you have no formal qualifications and
would like to get a taste of what horticulture is like. You won’t have all of the written
work which comes with academic qualifications.
Level 1 Diploma in Practical
Horticulture Skills
Level 2 Diploma in Practical
Horticulture Skills
One year.
One year.
You’ll be growing your skills
by working on the green areas
at College and at Sherdley
Park. You will learn how to
use gardening tools, how to
prepare, feed and water plants,
how to apply mulch correctly,
plus lots more.
This course is for you if you’ve
completed the level 1 diploma
in practical horticulture skills
and you want to continue to
learn in a hands-on way. You’ll
be gaining new knowledge and
skills, learning about planting
and caring for the flowers, trees
and shrubs in the green areas in
our towns and cities.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements.
What could it lead to?
After this course you could
move onto a level 2 qualification
or you might decide to look for a
job in the industry.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have completed a
level 1 qualification.
What could it lead to?
When you’ve completed this
practical course you’ll be ready
to tackle a more academic
qualification, including other
horticulture courses at level 2.
You might decide to look for
your first job in horticulture and
start earning some money.
Our students go on
work placements
118
Vocational Courses - Horticulture
www.sthelens.ac.uk
courses to Grow your mind…
HORTICULTURE COURSES
These courses combine academic work as well as practical skills, giving you
everything you need for a career in the industry.
Level 1 Diploma in Work
Based Horticulture
Level 2 Diploma in
Horticulture
Level 2 Diploma in Work
Based Horticulture
Level 3 Diploma in Work
Based Horticulture
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
You’ll be learning about all
aspects of horticulture on this
course, including how to grow
plants from seeds, landscaping,
looking after turf, and using
tools and equipment. It will
give you your first taste of what
working in horticulture is like, as
you look after the green areas
in and around College and at
Sherdley Park.
You’ll study so many fascinating
subjects on this course, giving
you a great understanding of
everything you need to know
to have a successful career in
the industry. You’ll be studying
soil science, botany, pests,
diseases, grounds maintenance,
pruning, turf and propagation.
This course is for you if you
want to work in the design and
care of large parks, botanic
and public gardens and sports
areas. You’ll be working at
Sherdley Park as well as Walton
Hall Gardens, establishing and
maintaining plants, preparing
ground and using machinery.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
Take your amenity horticulture
skills to the next level on this
level 3 course, which is the
perfect next step for you once
you have finished your level 2
qualification. Improving your
skills and gaining even more
knowledge, you’ll enjoy learning
about all aspects of amenity
horticulture at Sherdley Park and
Walton Hall Gardens, putting all
of your skills to the test as you
take part in real work.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no formal entry
requirements; you just need to
love horticulture!
What could this lead to?
Once you’ve completed
the course you’ll be able to
progress onto one of our level
2 courses. You could also look
for your first junior position in the
industry.
120
You should have at least two
GCSEs at grade C or above.
What could it lead to?
When you’ve completed
this qualification you could
continue your studies at a
more advanced level on our
level 3 course. Alternatively
you might want to look for a
job in one of the many areas
you’ll have experience of, such
as maintaining sports turf, in
a garden centre or maybe in
landscape gardening.
You should have successfully
completed a level 1 horticulture
qualification.
What could this lead to?
Why not continue to improve
your skills and gain further
knowledge by moving onto
study on our level 3 course?
Alternatively you could look for
a job as an amenity horticulturist
and begin your exciting new
career in the great outdoors!
What qualifications do I need?
You should have completed a
level 2 horticulture qualification.
What could it lead to?
Once you’ve finished this course
you could go on to university
to advance your studies. You
could even begin your career in
amenity horticulture where you'll
look after the recreational parks,
gardens and sports areas all
around us.
121
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
HOSPITALITY
Feed your ambition…
The hospitality industry is made up of thousands of exciting organisations,
including hotels, restaurants, food service management, fast food, coffee
shops, pubs, bars and nightclubs. If you are sociable and friendly, with an
eye for detail, then this fast paced, people orientated industry could form the
perfect career path for you.
You can’t learn it sat behind a desk all day and that’s why we have our own
restaurant for you to work in! Here you’ll be part of the fantastic
front-of-house team, ensuring our paying customers have an amazing
experience from the moment they walk through the door to the moment they
leave.
Our restaurant, Colours, recently received a Tripadvisor Certificate of
Excellence, highlighting its consistently fabulous reviews - this is all down to the
service from our students. You’ll be greeting customers on arrival, seating them
to their table, taking food and drink orders and serving food throughout lunch
and dinner services. You’ll be getting a real taste of working in the industry.
There’s a huge skills shortage in the industry at the moment, which means there
are more jobs than there are skilled people to work. Once you’ve achieved your
qualification, the opportunities for you in our region really are outstanding, with
the North West being home to so many top-class restaurants and hotels.
AMII EDGAR
SAINTS PETER AND
PAUL CATHOLIC COLLEGE
“I started on a level 1
course and worked my
way up. I’ve now got an
amazing job working at
The Art School restaurant
in Liverpool!”
The Art School restaurant
STUDENTS HAVE GAINED EMPLOYMENT AT
LIVERPOOL'S EXCLUSIVE THE ART SCHOOL
RESTAURANT.
THE ART SCHOOL IS AIMING TO BE THE FIRST
MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANT IN THE CITY.
BARBARA WALKER
HOSPITALITY TUTOR
“My whole career
has centred around
catering and
hospitality, I’ve
worked for private
catering companies
and big hotel chains”
122
123
Waiting staff
Prepare tables, greet customers,
take orders, advise on menu
choices, serve meals and deal with
payments.
Sommelier
Develop wine lists, deliver wine
service and training to other
restaurant staff.
£12,000
£20,000
Chef de Rang
Assistant head waiter, a
senior member of the front
of house team found at
upmarket restaurants.
£20,000
Restaurant
Manager
Manage the running of the
restaurant, ensure service runs
smoothly and order stock.
£30,000
AMII EDGAR
HOSPITALITY STUDENT
Vocational Courses - Hospitality
www.sthelens.ac.uk
ND...
COURSES TO ENTERTAIN YOUR MI
Level 2 Diploma in Food and
Beverage Service
Level 3 Diploma in Food and
Beverage Service and an
Introduction to Event Planning
One year.
One year.
On this course you’ll be taught
the art of how to serve food and
drink to the highest possible
standards. Working in our
fine dining restaurant you’ll
be learning these skills as
you serve paying customers.
Dressing tables, serving food
and wine, you’ll be an expert in
the art of restaurant service as
well as developing first-class
customer service skills – the key
to success in this industry.
Take your skills in food and
drink service even higher as you
learn how to lead and manage
people on this advanced level
course. Whilst still working in
our restaurant to further improve
your knowledge and develop
your skills, you will also gain
an understanding of how to
supervise people and manage a
team, preparing you for a higher
level role when you look for your
first job.
What qualifications do I need?
What qualifications do I need?
You will need two GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
either English or maths.
What could it lead to?
After you’ve experienced first
hand the buzz of working in the
restaurant and the excitement
of working as a team to deliver
exceptional service, you can
continue to develop your skills
at level 3. If you do decide
you would like to look for
employment when you finish
this course, there is so much
opportunity just waiting for you.
The Hospitality
industry employs
10% of the national
workforce
YOU CAN PROGRESS
ONTO OUR HND
IN HOSPITALITY
MANAGEMENT
You’ll need to have successfully
completed the level 2 course.
What could it lead to?
If you would like to take your
education one-step further
you can apply to study our
level 4 qualification in event
planning. If you decide that
you would like to begin your
career, you can choose to look
for employment in an exclusive
hotel or restaurant, in event
management, on a cruise ship
or overseas. There are no limits
to where a career in hospitality
could take you, especially with
this qualification on your CV!
YOU WILL LEARN
THE ART OF
THEATRE STYLE
SERVICE AND
MAKING COCKTAILS
"STUDENTS DEVELOP GOOD SKILLS
WORKING IN THE COLLEGE KITCHENS
AND RESTAURANTS"
OFSTED
126
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
MEDIA
air your ambition…
Explore the creative world of the moving image through planning, shooting and
editing your own video production work. You will develop your practical skills
which cover lighting, video editing, digital effects, cinematography, sound
recording and design, to produce a portfolio of moving image productions.
Now is a fantastic time to make your mark in the media industry. Media City in
Salford means there are jobs waiting for you in our region, within this growing,
creative and fascinating sector.
At College you’ll be learning in a real work environment, which includes our own
TV and radio studios. Use our green screen, camera equipment and industry
standard editing suite to devise, produce, direct and create - developing all of
the skills you’ll need for a career in the industry.
You won’t just be in the classroom or working in the TV studio. You’ll have
the chance to work on live projects, such as filming sports matches and
interviewing rugby stars at Langtree Park, home of St Helens Rugby League
Club, giving you a real flavour of what a job in media could be like.
Whether you want to become a graphic designer, editor or camera operator this
could be the first steps towards a career within the creative industries.
ABIGAIL HOUSLEY
CANSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
“I’ve done lots of
filming with Saints
at Langtree Park, it’s
been brilliant. The
facilities here are
fantastic.
128
OUR STUDENTS GET REAL WORK
EXPERIENCE, FILMING AT
LANGTREE PARK
KATIE ELLIS
DE LA SALLE
I am progressing
onto study TV and
Radio at the University
of Salford - I want to
become a Director
one day!
129
CAMERA OPERATOR
Operate still, cine and television
cameras to record and project
vision for entertainment, cultural,
commercial and industrial purposes.
£42,000
Broadcast
Presenter
Introduce and present radio
or TV programmes.
£49,000
Sound technician
Assist with recording
and projecting sound for
entertainment, cultural,
commercial and industrial
purposes.
£42,000
Lighting Technician
Produce the lighting effects for live
events such as theatre, concerts
and conferences, or in film and TV
productions.
£15,000
Producer
Take creative, financial and
organisational responsibilities in
the production and direction of
television and radio programmes,
films or stage presentations.
£54,000
ABIGAIL HOUSLEY
LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN
CREATIVE MEDIA
Vocational Courses - Media
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COURSES TO channel your mind
...
Level 2 BTEC Diploma in
Creative Media Production
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Creative Media
Production
One year.
Two years.
You’ll have the chance to be
creative, write scripts and come
up with ideas for videos and
productions. You’ll be learning
about production, both video
and audio. We have fantastic
equipment that you’ll need
to use, all industry-standard,
which means it’s the same as
what you’ll find when you start
working! This includes video
cameras, audio equipment, as
well as our editing software,
Final Cut Pro X.
Learn everything you need to
know to achieve a successful
career in the media industry.
You’ll be planning and
editing your own productions,
including music videos,
TV advertisements or even
documentaries. To do this you’ll
be using HD video cameras,
plus fantastic sound and lighting
equipment, whilst filming both
on location or live in our studio.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have two GCSEs
at grade C or above and two
GCSEs at grade D or above.
What could this lead to?
This course is your first stepping
stone to a career in the industry.
Once you complete it you’ll
be ready to tackle the more
advanced course at level 3.
132
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English and maths.
What could this lead to?
This course will open the door
to a career in media. Do you
want to continue studying at
university? This course will allow
you to progress onto degree
courses. Or, maybe you’re
ready to get your first job and
start earning.
David Yates studied
at St Helens College.
David directed the final
four parts of the
Harry Potter films.
Vocational Courses
Vehicle
Technician
MOTOR VEHICLE
FUEL your ambition…
Are you ready to get your hands dirty? From your very first day you’ll be getting
stuck into real work on real cars. This will be your first taste of life in a real
garage, where the atmosphere is fast-paced and friendly. You’ll be working on
the cars of paying customers as they bring their vehicles into the workshop for
maintenance and repair.
In the world of motor vehicle repair, nothing stands still for long, technology is
always changing. This is why we’ve invested £40,000 on new equipment so you
can drive your career forward and improve your employability with up-to-date
skills in our MOT bay, fast-fit department, spray booth and when using paintless
dent removal equipment.
Diagnose faults, repair and
service motor vehicles.
Earn on average
Vehicle Paint
Technician
Use spray equipment to
add paint, cellulose and
decorative materials to
cars. Earn up to
£21,000
Garage
manager
Run the entire garage,
overseeing work and
managing staff. Your
wage could reach
£43,000
£28,000
The British motor industry is booming. Locally, Halewood's Jaguar Land
Rover has gone from strength to strength in terms of growth, thanks to the
launch and success of the Range Rover Evoque in local and international
markets. From January to June 2014, the UK had its best year in new car sales
for nine years.
If you’re ready for a career in the fast-moving, ever-changing motor vehicle
industry, we have everything you need to prepare you for your first fantastic job.
Do you know which road you want to go down? We have courses for
maintenance and repair or the incredibly skilled job of painting and
refinishing vehicles. The choice is yours!
IAN DOLAN
CURRICULUM LEADER
“I enjoy passing
on the skills and
knowledge I learnt
during my time as
Mitsubishi Service
Manager and Master
Technician”
134
Tyre, Exhaust or
Windscreen Fitter
Fit, repair and adjust tyres, exhausts
and windscreens. Earn up to
£33,000
HANNAH NORTON
VEHICLE BODY AND PAINT REPAIR
Vocational Courses - Motor Vehicle
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COURSES TO Fuel your mind...
MOTOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR
Choosing a course from this section means you’ll be training to be a motor vehicle
technician, learning all the skills you need to work in this fast-moving industry. You’ll
cover engines, steering and braking, chassis and transmission as well as electrical and
electronic systems.
Level 1 Diploma in Vehicle
Maintenance and Repair
Level 2 Diploma in Light
Vehicle Maintenance
and Repair
Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle
Fitting Principles
One year.
One year.
One year.
Start your motor vehicle career
by learning all of the basic
skills you need to land your
dream job in the industry.
You’ll be in the motor vehicle
workshops, discovering how
spark and compression ignition
engines work, learning about
the importance of cooling and
lubrication, as well as steering,
braking and suspension.
Are you ready to hit the road
running? Working in our
fantastic workshops you’ll be
fixing faults, using computerised
diagnostic tools and industry
standard equipment.
Experience what it’s like
working in a real garage, using
fabrication tools while learning
everything you need to know
about light vehicles. You’ll cover
it all including engines, chassis,
transmissions, electrical and
electronic systems. There are
so many skills you need to
be successful in this industry
– you’ll gain them all on this
course.
You’ll need to be quick off the
mark as you study this course,
as it’s all about preparing you
to work in the fast-fit industry.
Inspecting and replacing
components of customers'
cars while they wait. Get ready
to learn how to accurately
and speedily inspect, repair
and replace tyres, exhausts,
suspension dampers, batteries
and brakes.
What qualifications do I need?
You’ll need GCSE English and
maths at grade D or above.
You’ll also need to pass an initial
assessment at College.
What could it lead to?
Do you want to become a motor
vehicle technician? Work in
motorsport? At a main dealer
or open your own garage? This
course is the start of it all. You
could move into a fantastic
apprenticeship or continue your
studies at College.
136
What qualifications do I need?
You should have successfully
completed a level 1 course.
What could it lead to?
You may want to study at a more
advanced level and progress
onto an apprenticeship. If you
can’t wait to enter the industry
and accelerate your career gain
employment as a technician and
progress onto garage manager.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need two GCSEs at
grade C or above in English and
maths.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be ready to start your
career in the fast-fit industry!
Why not broaden your horizons
and continue studying another
motor vehicle qualifications?
You could even move onto
an apprenticeship and start
earning while you’re learn.
Our students go on
work placements
A new
vehicle
is made
in the
UK
every
20
Seconds
22,464 30 million
active MOT test
centres in the UK
Vehicles currently
on the UK roads
137
Vocational Courses - Motor Vehicle
www.sthelens.ac.uk
COURSES TO Fuel your mind...
MOTOR VEHICLE BODY REPAIR
Choosing a course from this section means you’ll be training to be a body repair
technician. You’ll be learning how to remove dents and scratches whilst working in the
industry standard motor vehicle spray booth where you'll use the latest techniques to
spray and repair panels.
Level 1 Diploma in Automotive
Body Repair
Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle
Accident Repair – Paint
Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle
Body Refinishing
One year.
One year.
One year.
Your new career in vehicle body
repair starts here. You’ll learn
all the basics needed to work
in the industry. Gain new skills
in applying paint to vehicles
using up-to-date techniques
and learn how to perform
basic body repairs. You’ll also
learn how to perform basic
welding operations including
spot welding, MIG and gas
welding. You’ll love being in the
workshop where the equipment
is up to date and prepares you
for your first fantastic job.
Take your career up a gear on
this exciting course which is
essential for you if you want to
be a vehicle paint specialist.
The first thing you’ll be learning
is how to prepare metals and
other surfaces for repair. You’ll
then discover how to apply
fillers and foundation materials
to vehicles before going onto
repair paint defects. As part
of this course there will be the
chance to visit motor shows and
major motor franchises!
Gain essential knowledge and
skills to become a vehicle body
paint operator working on a
wide range of vehicles. Based in
our motor vehicle workshop you
will learn how to prepare and
apply paint, understand how
to diagnose and correct paint
faults and be able to establish
paint defects. You will work with
a variety of plastic materials and
components, learning spray gun
techniques and applications,
applying topcoats and complete
refinishing work.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have GCSEs at
grade C in maths and English,
although we may accept grade
D if you also have a grade C in
ICT.
What qualifications do I need?
What could it lead to?
You will get ready to start your
career in the industry and
you may even want to look at
management opportunities in all
types of garages, dealerships
and specialist paint businesses.
You should have GCSEs at
grade D or above in either
English or maths.
What could it lead to?
After you’ve experienced what
it’s like to work in the workshop
where you'll fix dents and
scratches to a high standard
perhaps you'll want to progress
onto learn more advanced skills
on one of the level 2 courses.
138
What qualifications do I need?
You’re ready to start your career
and get your first exciting job in
vehicle body repair. If you feel
you want to gain further skills at
an even higher level, there may
be the chance for further study
in College or an apprenticeship.
You should have successfully
completed a level 2
qualification.
What could it lead to?
JAMIE McMINN
LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA IN AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
MUSIC
JOSH BUTLER
LEVEL 2 IN MUSIC
"I'm a globally
successful DJ, working
alongside Fatboy
Slim, Chase and Status
and MadTech. I held a
residency in Sankeys,
Ibiza!
Tune your ambition...
If your ears are constantly glued to Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, iTunes or
Deezer and you appreciate the creativity and freedom of music, you can focus
your studies on this exciting industry.
You need to be dedicated and prepared to work hard to forge a successful
career in the music industry. If you’re willing to put the effort in, you’ll have an
extremely rewarding career doing what you love.
Our music students have got the best surroundings to study in as we have a
fantastic music studio and recording space, with all of the latest equipment.
You’ll be using virtual instruments, mixing desks and samplers as well as
industry standard computer software like Cubase.
Your tutors are industry professionals who live and breathe music and who
currently work and perform in the industry. This means you get first hand
knowledge and inside information of just what working in the music sector is
really like.
Your employment opportunities are broad for when you have finished your
qualification. Whether you want to work in music publishing, at a record label,
on live events, as a tour manager, producer, engineer or in sound or lighting,
hard work and dedication will get you there. You may even decide to continue
your studies at a higher level by studying for a degree in a music, this could be
at University Centre St Helens or at another university.
ANT FILDES
MUSIC TUTOR
"WE HAVE AN
EXPERIENCED
TEACHING TEAM that
STILL WORK IN THE
MUSIC UNDUSTRY"
Thriller
Trips!
St Helens College's aspiring
musicians visited the capital to
explore the iconic Abbey Road
studios, watch the spectacular
'Thriller' live and visit rock legend,
Freddie Mercury's home.
Careers
Roadie
Set up before a gig, look after the instruments
during the show, and pack away afterwards.
Earn from £12,000 per year.
Sound Engineer
Control the sound at live events such as theatre
performances, festivals and music concerts.
Earn from £25,000 per year.
Musician
Write, arrange, orchestrate, conduct and
perform musical compositions.
Earn from £31,000 per year.
140
OUR PARTNERSHIP
WITH JAMM
STUDIOS ALLOWS
OUR STUDENTS
COLLABORATION
OPPORTUNITIES IN A
FANTASTIC STUDIO
SPACE
141
Vocational Courses - Music
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd…
courses to compose your mi
Level 2 BTEC First Diploma
in Music
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Music
One year.
Two years.
All of the important aspects of
music production is covered
on this course. If music is
your passion, you’ll love every
day you spend in College.
You’ll study everything from
sequencing, producing a
recording and composing for
visual media to investigating
digital and mobile music
technology. Take a closer look
at the music industry and how to
manage a music product.
You will study advanced
techniques on this course
including everything from music
production, sequencing and
sound creation, to songwriting,
music and sound for the moving
image and audio engineering.
You’ll even be investigating how
to compose music, live sound
techniques and the marketing
and promotion of music.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need a minimum of two
GCSEs at grade C and two at
grade D.
What could this lead to?
When you’ve finished this
course you won’t be able to
wait to carry on studying at level
3, where you will be able to
develop even higher level music
production skills. After this you
could study for a Foundation
degree in music production and
sound design, here at University
Centre St Helens. In the future,
when you’re ready to start your
career, the variety of job roles
is vast, offering everything from
live sound engineer to studio
technician.
PROGRESS ONTO OUR
MUSIC PRODUCTION
AND SOUND DESIGN
FOUNDATION DEGREE
What qualifications do I need?
You need five GCSEs at grade
C or above, including English
and maths.
What could this lead to?
Once you have completed
your level 3 course, you could
choose to go onto university.
We have a Foundation degree
in Music Production and Sound
Design here at University Centre
St Helens. Alternatively, launch
your music career with a job in
the industry.
25%
OF ALL
NUMBER 1S
A recent study by
Yahoo! Music found
that the North West
of England produces
more hits than any
other region of the UK,
accounting for 25% of
all number ones.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Our students can take up volunteering
opportunities with Liverpool Sound City –
an amazing three day live music and arts festival.
142
143
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
PERFORMING
ARTS
ANDY DICKSON
PERFORMING ARTS TUTOR
"I have over 15
years of practical
experience working
and teaching in
and around the
performing arts"
Express your ambition...
Want to see your name in lights? Dreaming of Broadway? Maybe you dream of
working in television or radio? At St Helens College these dreams can become
a reality.
Working in our drama studio and theatre, you’ll be creating performances,
making and designing sets and costumes, acting, dancing, singing and
improvising. The atmosphere is high energy and professional – You. Will. Love
it! We have a bespoke outdoor amphitheatre, a fantastic place to practice and
perform.
A qualification in performing arts is not just about acting. Learn about lighting,
stage management and even how to promote your performances. You’ll also
be learning about the industry as a whole and everything you need to be
successful in your future career.
St Helens town centre has a fantastic arts scene, with venues including The
Citadel Arts Centre and The Theatre Royal. You’re also right next to Liverpool
and Manchester, where you’ve got The Everyman, The Empire and Media City,
plus many more.
DAVIDJAMES FLEMMING
OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE
CATHOLIC ENGINEERING COLLEGE
“I’m progressing
onto the Foundation
Degree in Theatre
and Performance
next year."
144
Careers
Actor/Entertainer/Presenter
You could work across theatre, film, television and radio using speech, movement and
expression to bring characters to life. Earn from £16,000 per year.
Drama therapist
Use group work, role-play and movement to encourage people to come to terms with
feelings and emotions. Earn from £26,000 per year.
145
Vocational Courses - Performing Arts
www.sthelens.ac.uk
...
Courses to Express your mind
Level 2 BTEC Diploma in
Performing Arts
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Performing Arts
One year.
Two years.
Get ready to dance, sing and
act your way through a fantastic
year at College as you focus on
doing what you love. Explore a
variety of performance genres,
have the chance to meet and
chat to professionals working in
the industry, as well as visiting
theatres and dance venues.
You’ll be developing and
performing original works.
You’ll need a real passion for
performing to succeed on this
course, which is fast-paced
and energetic. Improve your
confidence, while discovering
everything there is to know
about the performing arts
industry. Work in our studios
and theatre; taking part in
performances and large
productions, improving your
dancing, singing and acting all
the way. You’ll be going on trips
and visits and meeting industry
professionals.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have two GCSEs at
grade D or above, preferably
including drama and three
GCSEs at grade G or above.
What could this lead to?
After this course you will have
developed all of your skills and
knowledge needed to progress
onto the level 3 advanced
course.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English language and preferably
drama.
What could this lead to?
If you do well on this course
you’ll be ready to study
performing arts at university.
You’ll have all of the skills you
need and the course gives you
the chance to earn enough
UCAS points to apply for
degrees of your choice. We also
have a fantastic Foundation
Degree here at University
Centre St Helens that you can
move onto. Past students have
then gone onto study around
the world, with some even at the
New York Film Academy.
we have strong industry
links with the vibrant
st helens arts scene
146
PROGRESS ONTO OUR
FOUNDATION DEGREE
IN THEATRE AND
PERFORMANCE
St Helens College has
a partnership with The
Heart of Glass, which is an
ambitious new programme
of arts and cultural activity
for St Helens. Heart of Glass
have taken up residence
in College’s SmithKline
Beecham Building and are
working with us to create
performances and work
placement prospects for
you. The opportunities
available to you because
of this collaboration are
endless.
PICTURES FROM THE COLLEGE PRODUCTION OF HAIRSPRAY
147
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
PHOTOGRAPHY
Feed your ambition…
COURSES TO Focus
your mind...
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in
Photography
Two years.
Have you got creative flair, an eye for design and enjoy capturing a moment
in time? If so, you’ll enjoy every minute you spend studying photography at
College as you prepare for a superb career doing what you love.
As a photography student, you’ll be studying all aspects of the art, both digital
and traditional film photography, including processing your work in our dark
room. You’ll be experiencing all aspects of photographic work, using our
studio as well as shooting on location. We have great links with St Helens
Rugby League Club. You’ll be able to attend matches and work on your sports
photography, capturing images of fast-moving subjects as you photograph the
games.
When you’ve completed your photography qualification, you’re ready to decide
your next step. We know you’ll have loved your time spent at College and you
have the option of continuing your studies on our own photography degree.
Alternatively you can choose to study for a degree at another university or enter
the industry in a junior role. You could specialise in weddings, fashion shoots
or working at live sporting events.
You’ll be developing your
creative flair and discovering
where your real talents
and interests lie as you
experiment with every aspect
of photography. Learning about
darkroom practice, working in
the studio, taking part in location
shoots as well as studying
portraiture, you’ll be developing
every skill you need to become
an amazing photographer with
your own unique style. At the
end of your course you’ll even
have the chance to display your
work in a public exhibition.
Snap and chat
Students visited Langtree Park Stadium to
photograph first team Saints players Alex
Walmsley, James Roby and Adam Swift.
They teamed up with the players and went on
location around the stadium to capture shots
of the Saints lads.
This opportunity provided the students with
excellent real life work experience that will
support their future photography careers and
help them to build their work portfolios for
potential future employers to see.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English language or literature.
What could this lead to?
JOE ALLSOP
ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY
ROMAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
"I chose St Helens
College because
of the fantastic
facilities. We have
our own darkroom!"
148
Once you’ve finished, you’ll
be ready to move onward
and upwards. This could be
to look for your first role in the
industry or maybe launching
your own career as a freelance
photographer. You’ve also got
the opportunity to study our BA
(Hons) photography degree
here at University Centre
St Helens.
Careers
Forensic photographer
Producing a permanent visual record of
accidents and crime scenes for use as
evidence in court, for measurement and for
analysis. Earn from £22,000 per year.
Advertising and
Editorial Photographer
Taking photographs that are used to help
describe and sell a product or idea or
used to illustrate and enhance a story or
report within in newspapers, magazines,
newsletters, books and websites. Earn from
£12,000 per year.
149
Vocational Courses - Photography
Examples of student work:
Top:
Sian Doyle
150
Bottom:
Charlotte Sankey
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Examples of student work:
Sarah Callaghan
151
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
PRINCE'S TRUST
Prince’s Trust
Team Programme
Rule your ambition…
Taking part in Prince’s Trust can help you get the job you really want, developing your
confidence, motivation and life skills. You’ll get to work as part of a team and complete
projects in the local community.
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is
a free, 12-week personal development
course for those aged 16 to 25. The
Team Programme at St Helens College
is ideal for those who want to improve
their confidence and where a lack of
qualifications is holding them back.
St Helens College crowned by
Prince’s Trust
The Prince’s Trust Team at St Helens College have been recognised for the fantastic
work that they do in getting young people back into education or employment.
In 2014 the College was named as one of only three Grade One Prince’s Trust partners
in the North West. This is thanks to excellent retention figures, quality of delivery and
positive student outcomes.
PAULA ROWLETT
PRINCE'S TRUST TUTOR
In 2015 the College received national commendation when it was awarded the North
West Team Programme Delivery Award. Marking the 25th anniversary of The Prince’s
Trust Team Programme, this award recognises the positive contribution the team have
made to the lives of hundreds of learners.
“The Prince’s Trust Team
Programme can help
you to make a positive
change for your future.
It is an experience that
can change your life.”
Taking part in this challenging and
intensive course results in students
gaining a level 1 personal development,
teamwork, and contributing to the
community qualification.
The Prince’s Trust Team qualification
is nationally recognised and is often
held in high regard with businesses and
community organisations. The Team
Programme will give you the opportunity
to develop key life skills such as
communication, problem solving, and
working as part of a team, whilst also
taking on challenges that will benefit the
local community and the environment.
What qualifications do I need?
You don’t need any qualifications to join
Prince’s Trust.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be able to use your Prince’s
Trust experience and qualification as a
springboard to further opportunities. You
could continue onto study full-time at
St Helens College or you might decide
to look for employment.
The Prince’s Trust Team Programme
lasts for 12 weeks and we have start
dates throughout the year.
More than 160,000 people
have completed the Team
Programme since 1990
152
For more information or to find out
when the next one is running, contact
Vicky on 07810 307 118 or
email her at vkelly@sthelens.ac.uk
153
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
PUBLIC AND
UNIFORMED SERVICES
EDSEL IGOT
RAINHILL HIGH SCHOOL
"The course helped
me increase my
fitness levels
and give me the
knowledge to be
prepared for life as
a RAF Airman"
Enforce your ambition
Are you determined, hard-working and prepared to give your all? Do you enjoy
exercise, physical training and going to the gym? You can expect all of this
when you study one of our fantastic public service courses.
All of our staff have experience of working in the public and uniformed services,
and will be passing on their knowledge and skills to you as you train to enter
the service of your choice. Whether you want to become a police officer or join
the Royal Marines, we’ll prepare your mental and physical fitness so you’re
ready to ace the recruitment and selection process.
You’ll be training in our gyms, playing sport, working in the sports hall and
climbing ropes, all to improve your fitness and ability. Every day you’ll learn
how to work better as a team, you’ll be taking part in adventurous sports and
even learn how to map read.
OUR FIRE CADETS
COMPLETED THEIR
PROGRAMME WITH
A CELEBRATORY,
EYE CATCHING
DISPLAY ALONGSIDE
MERSEYSIDE FIRE
AND RESCUE
SERVICE.
You can expect to go on lots of trips and visits. Meet guest speakers such
as, members of the police, ambulance service and armed forces, who you
will be able to question about what life is really like working in the public and
uniformed services.
When you leave us you’ll have all of the skills that you need and you’ll be ready
to enter your chosen profession and have a successful career.
GRANT WILLIAMS
TUTOR
"I've fought for
our country on
the front-line and
trained officers in
the Royal Navy"
AIM DIRECTOR, ANDY
REID, REGULARLY
WORKS WITH OUR
STUDENTS DELIVERING
MOTIVATIONAL
PRESENTATIONS TO
INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE
YOU TO PERFORM
TO YOUR MAXIMUM
ABILITY.
Careers
Royal Marines Commando
Take part in frontline combat, on land and at sea.
Earn from £14,000 per year.
Firefighter
Protect and save people and property from fire and other
dangers. Earn from £21,000 per year.
Royal Navy officer
Senior managers in the Royal Navy, working onboard
ships and submarines. Earn from £37,000 per year.
154
155
Vocational Courses - Public and Uniformed Services
www.sthelens.ac.uk
courses to Train your mind...
Level 1 Public Services
Level 2 BTEC Diploma in
Public Services
Level 2 NCFE Diploma Entry
to the Uniformed Services
Level 3 NCFE Diploma Entry
to the Uniformed Services
Level 3 Policing Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Public Services
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
Two years.
This course is a great
introduction to studying public
services and it gives you a
chance to prepare yourself
for studying at level 2. You’ll
be working on improving your
physical fitness in our gym
and sports facilities, as well as
improving your teamworking
skills and learning how to carry
out essential map reading and
navigation.
You’ll be getting stuck in from
day one on this course, as you
prepare for a career in public
services. Improving your fitness,
taking part in adventurous
activities, working on
teambuilding and navigation will
all be part of your studies. You’ll
be going on trips and visits, as
well as meeting officers from
the police, probation service,
fire and rescue service and the
armed forces.
Ideal if you’re planning a career
in the armed forces or other
uniformed service, you’ll be
studying topics that will prepare
you for your future. This includes
developing your teamworking
and problem solving skills,
improving your fitness and
carrying out map reading and
navigation.
This is an advanced course
that will prepare you to enter
the uniformed service of your
choice. You’ll be taking part in
advanced physical training to
improve your fitness, as well
as developing your leadership
skills, taking part in adventurous
sports and learning advanced
map reading and navigation
skills.
This is a technical level
qualification that focuses on
working in the police, providing
underpinning knowledge and
skills to undertake a career in
the police service.
It will also support you in
applying for the special
constabulary. You will learn
about self protection, physical
fitness, community and
neighbourhood policing and
communication.
This is an academic course
which will improve your CV
when applying for employment
in a public service role or
when progressing onto
university.You’ll be learning
about leadership, teamwork,
understanding the impact of
war, conflict, terrorism, police
powers and the custodial care
services (prisons). You’ll also
take part in practical activities
such as team sports and train in
the gym to improve your health
and physical fitness.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have GCSEs at
grade E or above in English and
maths.
What could it lead to?
Most students who complete
this course will continue their
studies at level 2, this gives
you more experience and
the chance to improve your
employment prospects within
the public and uniformed
services.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade D or above, including
English language and maths.
What could this lead to?
Completing this course can
help you gain entry into one of
the public services such as the
fire service, ambulance service
or police. You’ve also got the
chance to keep learning by
progressing onto one of our
level 3 courses.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs at
grade D or above.
What could this lead to?
You’ll have an enhanced CV
for applying to your chosen
uniformed service when you’ve
completed this course. You’ll
also be better prepared to
tackle the training in the armed
forces or other uniformed
service, as you will have
achieved excellent physical
fitness and determination.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English and maths.
What could this lead to?
You’ll have an enhanced CV
ready for applying to your
chosen uniformed service.
You’ll be better prepared for
the training in the armed forces
or other uniformed service,
as you will have achieved
excellent physical fitness and
determination. Our staff will work
with you to make sure you’re
ready to tackle the recruitment
and selection process for
the uniformed service of your
choice.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need four GCSEs at
grade C or above including
English and maths.
What could this lead to?
There are several routes that
this qualification could take you
into including, furthering your
study on our BTEC course,
progressing onto university or
entering employment with the
police.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
English language and maths.
What could this lead to?
You’ll be able to apply to
university when you’ve
finished this course, including
the Foundation Degree in
criminal justice which we
run at University Centre St
Helens. You could also apply
for employment within public
service roles - we will help and
support you with this.
e
There ar
over
200
DIFFERENT
ROLES
in the British Army
156
157
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
SCIENCE
Ignite your ambition…
Maths, science, history unravelling the mystery that all started with the Big
Bang… or did it?
If you enjoy solving problems, collecting and interpreting data and would like to
be at the forefront of scientific discovery then a science qualification is for you.
Pull on your lab coat and tighten your safety goggles as you study in our
fantastic laboratories with industry standard equipment. As a science student
you can expect lots of hands on work, conducting experiments, gaining
practical skills, and enhancing your knowledge.
There are lots of different routes that your science career could take you down.
This could include biomedical science, microbiology, forensic science and
analytical chemistry, research science and even food science or teaching.
You’ll need to enjoy conducting experiments to test your hypothesis, and
be ready to report on your results. All of our science tutors have a wealth of
experience working in the field and they will pass their knowledge and skills
onto you, preparing you for a fantastic career in the industry.
With Sci-Tech Daresbury just down the road and the focus of substantial
investment, as well as Liverpool City Region being one of the leading
bio-manufacturing clusters in Europe, there is an abundance of careers and
opportunities in this growing industry.
EMILY WRIGHT
SHEVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
I completed my
course with D*D*D*
and gained a place
at my first choice
university to study
Adult Nursing
158
LINDA WADDECAR
SCIENCE TUTOR
"My Science degree and
work experience in
commercial laboratories
helps to shape the
hands on learning of my
students"
Careers
Laboratory Technician
Support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations. Earn from
£15,000 per year.
Forensic Scientist
Use principles of biology, chemistry and maths, and a range of techniques to obtain
and analyse evidence from a variety of sources. Earn from £20,000 per year.
Food Scientist
Work in the food and drink industry developing a wide range of products and making
sure they are safe for consumers. Earn from £20,000 per year.
Microbiologist
Use microscopes to study the biology of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses,
fungi and algae. Earn from £20,000 per year.
159
Vocational Courses - Science
www.sthelens.ac.uk
…
courses to Ignite your mind
Level 2 BTEC in Applied
Science
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Applied Science
One year.
Two years.
If you would like a career in
science, this course is a great
introduction for you. You’ll cover
scientific principles, chemistry
applications and biological
systems, whilst studying
anatomy and physiology,
forensic science and science in
medicine.
You’ll be studying a range of
science subjects on this course,
making sure you have all of the
skills you need to succeed and
keep your career options open.
You’ll be undertaking lots of
practical work in our superbly
equipped science labs.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above including
English, maths and science, or
have successfully completed
our level 2 qualification. Each
application will be considered
on individual merit.
Four GCSEs at grade D are
usually required. There is
some flexibility and you will be
considered as an individual.
What could this lead to?
You could be ready to look for
your first job when you finish
your course. You might want to
work in quality control, analytical
chemistry, forensic science,
medical laboratory testing or
scientific research. If you want
to learn even more advanced
skills you could progress onto
our level 3 qualification.
PROGRESS ONTO OUR
APPLIED
MICROBIOLOGY
DEGREE VALIDATED
BY THE UNIVERSITY
OF CHESTER
What qualifications do I need?
What could this lead to?
You’ll be ready to apply
to university and study a
degree in a science subject
such as chemistry, applied
biology, biomedical science,
forensic science. You could
study a Foundation Degree
in microbiology with us at
University Centre St Helens.
You could even look for
employment in a science
based role, perhaps in product
development, microbiology or
analytical chemistry.
WE HAVE AMAZING
EMPLOYER LINKS,
SECURING YOU
THE BEST WORK
PLACEMENTS
WE COLLABORATE WITH
THE UKS STRATEGIC
BODY FOR SKILLS IN THE
SCIENCE INDUSTRIES
160
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
SPORT
BILLY FLYNN
HAYDOCK HIGH SCHOOL
“I now have my
dream job
coaching at
ball
Liverpool Foot
Club”
EXERCISE your ambition…
If you are interested in pursuing a career in sport and leisure, there is no better
place to study. You’ll be learning the theory behind sport and exercise, as well
as training in the gym, sports hall, exercise studio and outdoors.
Take part in a huge array of different sports and activities, learn how the body
responds to sport and exercise, and the importance of psychology in sport,
exercise and competition.
photo credit Nick Taylor
Our fantastic sports staff are encouraging, engaging and experienced. You will
become the best you can be studying on any of these courses, whilst improving
your fitness, stamina and strength.
You’ll be taking part in fundraising activities for worthwhile causes, sponsored
cycles, rows and runs – as well as regular competitions and challenges.
After studying with us you’ll be ready to move onto university or into
employment, in whatever sports, health or fitness related job or discipline you
choose. For example, you may want to work in a gym, as a personal trainer,
sports therapist, teacher or in sports development.
CHRIS MASON
SPORTS TUTOR
g
“I enjoy passin
on my real
ry
world, indust
my
experience to
students”
162
£20
billusitoryn
ind
450,000
JOBS
sports
related
in the UK
Over1000
LEISURE
ASSISTANTS
are employed
in the UK
163
FITNESs INSTRUCTOR
Deliver a range of fitness activities,
anything from yoga and pilates
to spinning and weight training.
Earning around
£16,000
Sports Nutritionist
Provide advice to athletes about
what to eat and ensure they
achieve peak performance.
Earning around
£30,000
Sports Development
Officer
Organising sports projects,
encouraging more people to
participate in sport. Earning around
£23,000
PERSONAL TRAINER
Help clients achieve their personal
health and fitness goals. Earn up to
£32,292
Teacher in Physical
Education
Working in a high school you’ll be
teaching sport and sporting activities
to students. Your average earnings
per year will be
£30,000
BRADLEY BILLSBOROUGH
SPORTS STUDENT
Vocational Courses - Sport
www.sthelens.ac.uk
nd...
courses to Exercise your mi
Level 1 Entry to Health,
Exercise and Fitness
Instructing
Level 2 Activity Leadership
(Sports Coaching)
Level 2 Exercise, Health,
Leisure and Fitness
Instructing
Level 3 VTCT Sports
Injuries Diploma
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in
Sport and Exercise Science
One year.
One year.
One year.
One year.
Two years.
This is your chance to kick-off
a career in sport. Suitable for
absolute beginners, all you
need is enthusiasm and a desire
to train hard and succeed. You’ll
gain an essential understanding
of how the body works in sports
through exploring how to work
and manage fitness facilities,
like gyms, as well as how to
improve your own physical and
mental fitness.
Heading for a career in
coaching, leading sporting
activities or even teaching?
Start here and go anywhere!
You’ll have a fantastic time
learning how to coach general
skills and techniques, as
well as focusing specifically
on football and rugby. Plan
and run your own sessions,
and learn about how training
conditions the body – essential
knowledge for any good coach.
St Helens College has a strong
partnership with St Helens
Rugby League Club; you’ll be
able to visit Langtree Park and
gain fantastic experience from
training sessions and coaching
masterclasses.
Excited about fitness, training
and sport? This is a fantastic
place to build on your ambitions.
Develop knowledge of working
and managing a leisure facility
like a gym, whilst gaining work
experience in a real environment
– picking up the skills you’ll
need in a job! In college you’ll
be undergoing training yourself,
and learning about anatomy and
physiology, how to lead fitness
sessions and plan an effective
training programme for a client.
This provides a fantastic taste
of working in the leisure industry
and will set you on the track for
your future career.
You will focus on anatomy
and physiology, massage
techniques and application
while you work with clients and
injured sports performers. You
could be a part of our clinical
studies environment putting
your new skills to the test in real
life, practical sessions.
This course is not just classroom
based but is very practical and
very hands on.
If you’re really passionate
about a career in sport and
are ready to work hard and
train hard to achieve your
goals, this highly specialised
course will get you where you
want to go. You’ll be training
to improve your fitness, as well
as working in the classroom,
gaining specialist knowledge
and skills. Combining study of
anatomy, physiology, massage
and injuries with coaching,
leadership, research and
outdoor education, this course
provides a solid grounding for
further academic study in sport.
You’ll be able to take advantage
of the College’s partnership
with St Helens Rugby League
Club, to put your new skills
into practice, with coaching
masterclasses and training
sessions.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have achieved two
GCSEs at grade E or above.
What could this lead to?
This course is your first stepping
stone to an energetic career
in sport and fitness. From here
take a leap onto any of our level
two courses – they’ll set you up
perfectly for your future job. You
might decide you want to go
to university in the future – this
course is your starting point.
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs at
grade D or above, as well as a
recommendation from a sports
coach.
What could it lead to?
Do well on this course and you’ll
have the chance to be promoted
onto a level 3 qualification! This
could take you onto university
to study for a degree. You
might want to start working as
a small-sided team coordinator
or football development officer,
in youth work or even the armed
forces.
166
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs at
grade D or above.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be qualified to work as a
gym instructor when you finish
this course – ready to gain
employment and start earning
some money. Top-up your skills
and become a personal trainer
or move onto any of our level 3
courses. These can then take
you onto university to study
a sports related degree. The
choice is yours!
What qualifications do I need?
You should have four GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
either English or maths as well
as science.
What could this lead to?
This course is designed to
enhance your employment
opportunities as you will be
gaining a licence to practice
sports massage at level 3. The
qualification does carry some
UCAS points and you could
progress onto our BTEC level 3
qualification, onto university or
into employment.
PROGRESS ONTO
OUR FOUNDATION
DEGREE IN EXERCISE
HEALTH AND FITNESS
- VALIDATED BY
THE UNIVERSITY OF
CHESTER
What qualifications do I need?
You should have five GCSEs
at grade C or above, including
English, maths and science.
What could this lead to?
You could go onto study a
university degree. You can
even carry on and study our
Foundation Degree in exercise
health and fitness. There are
also lots of other choices at
other universities. You’ll also
be set for a career as a sports
coach, sports development
officer, teacher, physiotherapist
– the list is endless.
OUR STUDENTS
GET REAL WORK
EXPERIENCE AT
LANGTREE PARK
167
www.sthelens.ac.uk
Vocational Courses
TRAVEL & TOURISM
DISCOVER YOUR AMBITION...
Do you want to put yourself on the world map? If you love nothing more than
jetting off on holiday, researching your next day trip out or discovering the
hottest new destinations in travel blogs, then one of our courses could be for
you.
What better way to learn about your industry than to experience it? You will take
part in exciting trips and visits both in the UK and abroad. Check out tourist
hotspots, top destinations, attractions and the headquarters of corporate
holiday providers, like Expedia. Develop your geography skills and learn about
holiday representatives, holiday planning, customer service and marketing.
Learn about different countries, cultures and customs, meeting new people
and exploring new places.
Locally tourism is really growing, with a real emphasis on the visitor economy.
Visitor numbers and travel opportunities will increase further with the Superport
development and Liverpool becoming a recognised cruise ship terminal, as
well as increasing air traffic at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The travel industry is thriving and is really diverse. So, whether you want to be
packaging up a holiday or delivering services throughout the holiday journey,
one of these courses will help you to reach your career destination.
KATH SAUNDERS
TRAVEL AND TOURISM TUTOR
"I've travelled all over
the world and worked in
retail travel.
The travel industry
is a growing, exciting
industry. The world is
your oyster!"
168
Careers
Resort representative
Look after groups of holiday-makers at their destination by making sure they enjoy their
holiday experience. Earn from £12,000 per year.
t
Business/Retail Travel Agen
Travel agents book business and leisure travel for customers. Earn from £13,000 per year.
Event Planner
Plan and run events such as festivals, trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.
Earn from £17,000 per year.
169
Vocational Courses - Travel & Tourism
www.sthelens.ac.uk
www.sthelens.ac.uk
ND...
courses to BROADEN YOUR MI
Level 2 Diploma in Travel and
Tourism
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Travel and Tourism
One year.
Two years.
You’ll be going on trips and
visits, as you investigate what
it’s like to work in the dynamic
travel industry. Whether you
want to work in tour operations,
as a resort representative or in
retail travel services, you’ll be
covering everything needed
for a successful career. You
will also work on developing
excellent customer service skills
as these are essential in this
people driven industry.
This advanced course will give
you in depth knowledge to help
build your career. You’ll be
looking at UK and European
destinations, improving your
customer service skills, as
well as investigating long
haul destinations and visitor
attractions. You’ll go on lots of
trips and visits, find out how
visitor attractions are run and
gain an understanding of what
it’s like to work in travel and
tourism.
What qualifications do I need?
You will need four GCSEs at
grade D or above, including
English and maths.
What could it lead to?
Successful students can
progress onto the level 3 course
to gain more advanced skills, or
you might want to look for your
first exciting job in the industry.
If you want to work as cabin
crew or in airport operations,
you will be able to progress onto
these courses as well!
170
What qualifications do I need?
You will need five GCSEs at
grade C or above, including
English language and maths.
What could it lead to?
You’ll be ready to work in travel
and tourism. One of the most
exciting and fastest growing
industries. You also have the
opportunity to study a degree
at university, enabling you to
advance your knowledge and
improve your job prospects
further.
9
Apply
Now
www.sthelens.ac.uk
APPLY NOW!
TO SECURE YOUR PLACE AT ST HELENS COLLEGE JUST FOLLOW
THESE FOUR SIMPLE STEPS. BE QUICK – SOME COURSES ARE VERY
POPULAR AND FILL UP FAST.
1
2
3
4
Have a look at what courses we have on offer and decide
what you would like to do. If you aren’t sure what to
choose or which course is right for you – drop into one
of our Open Events to chat with our careers advisors and
course tutors.
You could apply via our website, please visit
www.sthelens.ac.uk/apply. Alternatively, you can fill in
the printed form that comes with your prospectus and
either post it back to us or drop it into College.
We will then write to you to let you know we have
received your form and to invite you in for an interview or
information session with your course tutor.
If you are successful in securing a place at St Helens
College you need to confirm acceptance of your place
and then finalise this by attending enrolment. We will let
you know what this date is nearer the time. At enrolment
you will be given your start date and information about
your first class.
FOR HELP APPLYING JUST CALL 0800 99 66 99
172
"WELL-MOTIVATED TEACHERS AND SUPPORT
STAFF HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THEIR
STUDENTS AND PROVIDE EXCEPTIONAL
LEVELS OF CARE AND SUPPORT."
OFSTED
University Centre St Helens
www.uc.sthelens.ac.uk
www.sthelens.ac.uk
As a successful further education student at
St Helens College, you are guaranteed a place
on a degree course with us.
University Centre St Helens is founded on educational
heritage, experience and a tradition tracing back over
125 years. This exciting development for St Helens
offers students the opportunity to obtain a degree or
professional qualification in a personalised learning
environment. Degrees studied at University Centre St
Helens are validated and awarded by our prestigious
university partners.
Students joining the University Centre St Helens will benefit from:
●● Lower tuition fees
●● Small specialist provision
●● A concentrated learning experience
●● Gaining a degree validated by our
university partners
●● An unparalleled amount of tutor
support and contact time
Visit a University Centre St Helens open day:
2 1 S T O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 17:00 -19:00
2 0 T H J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 17:00 -19:00
2 7 TH F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6 10:00 -14:00
SmithKline Beecham Building
Town Centre Campus, St Helens WA10 1PP
174
2
2
Open Events
www.sthelens.ac.uk
OPEN EVENTS
be a student
Discover why it's so great to
at St Helens College!
DROP IN WITH YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR COURSES,
VIEW OUR FACILITIES, SPEAK TO TUTORS ABOUT THE COURSES THAT YOU'RE
INTERESTED IN AND GET IMPARTIAL CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
THERE ARE LOTS OF INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES, EXCITING MINI-TASTER
SESSIONS AND INFORMATIVE CAMPUS TOURS.
WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2015
5PM - 7PM
MONDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2015
5PM - 7PM
WEDNESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2016
5PM - 7PM
Where to go:
For courses in Engineering, Construction,
Motor Vehicle and Animal Management:
For all other courses and A level Academy:
Technology Centre Campus
Pocket Nook
St Helens
WA9 1TT
Town Centre Campus
Water Street
St Helens
WA10 1PP
Anyone who is thinking about what to do once they leave school are welcome to attend. You
don't need to be in Year 11. For more information about an Open Event, or any of the courses that
we offer, please call 0800 99 66 99.
DURING OPEN EVENTS FREE CAR PARKING ON THE COLLEGE CAR PARK IS AVAILABLE AT BOTH CAMPUSES
(subject to availability)
176
0800 99 66 99
www.sthelens.ac.uk
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