Learner and centre stories
We were born in 1848 from the belief that no learner should be left behind and today we’re taking up that cause with fresh energy.
In this area, you can hear directly from our learners and centres to discover more about the impact our qualifications are having on their lives.
Stories from our learners
Learner stories: Negar’s journey – overcoming adversity to reach for the skies
Negar Rezaei is currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, having begun her educational journey in the UK as a refugee. We spoke with the former Burnley College student to hear more about her inspiring journey.
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The power of perseverance: how Lisa Sanford-Howard returned to education to achieve her career goals
From overcoming academic challenges to earning a first-class degree – discover Lisa's journey following her decision to return to education and study a Level 3 Children and Young People’s Workforce course at Truro and Penwith College.
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Learner stories: “I’m passionate about advocating for children's rights and ensuring they have access to education”
We speak to Saman Kaur, a recent Education and Early Years T Level student at Sandwell College, who has now begun studying for an Early Childhood Studies degree at Staffordshire University following completion of this qualification.
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Leeds City College: Students gain global perspective volunteering in St Lucia
We caught up with Karl Jones, Lecturer in the Public Services Department at Leeds City College, to find out how the Uniformed Public Services V Cert qualification and the opportunity to volunteer abroad have shaped students' futures.
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Learner stories: “The T Level has given me a distinct advantage over others”
Mair Gort is a second-year Science T Level student at The Manchester College. We spoke with Mair to learn how the T Level is helping her to achieve her future career aspirations of working in dentistry or gynaecology.
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Learner stories: "My overall goal is to become a pilot"
Brooke Webster, a learner at Craven College, shares how studying the Level 3 Introductory Diploma in Travel and Tourism (Aviation) is helping her to follow in her dad’s footsteps and become a pilot.
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Learner stories: "Studying mental health resonated with me personally"
We hear from Stephanie Dawson of Riverside College - Widnes & Runcorn about her experience of progressing from Level 1 to 3 in her studies, her passion for helping others, and her desire to gain a degree.
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Learner stories: “I have never had an apprentice who is so dedicated”
We spoke to Aspiration Award finalist and adult learner, Sinead Hall, to find out more about her experience of completing her Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship with Best Practice Network.
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Learner stories: "I want to be the best I can be in this sector"
We speak with Jenni Davidson, who is currently on a 16-19 study programme at Ullswater Community College, to find out more about her career aspirations to become a Norland Nanny.
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Learner stories: "Thank you, NCFE, for igniting my love of coaching"
Susannah Chambers, an Agile Coach Lead at an international fintech organisation, has progressed through her career by building on the foundations laid by studying two NCFE qualifications in coaching.
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Learner stories: “I'd like to be an air traffic controller – that's my main goal”
We speak with Megan Dutton, a 17-year-old learner at Craven College, about her career aspirations to become an air traffic controller after studying our Level 3 Travel and Tourism with Aviation qualification.
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Learner stories: "Experience those first steps into healthcare"
We speak with second year Health T Level student Anna Ceesay to learn how her T Level experience has been and discuss her plans to work in paediatric nursing.
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A smarter start at Kendal College: integrating NCFE’s Level 1 Award in Preparing to Learn
We speak to Kelli Horner, Head of Quality at Kendal College, and Helen Wheat, IT Lecturer, to understand the key benefits of this qualification and why other colleges should consider adding it to their induction programme.
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Centre stories: “NCFE’s strong focus on learners makes the EPA process clear and straightforward”
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is transforming careers with NCFE apprenticeships in Senior Healthcare Support and Business Administration. We spoke with their Training Lead, Claire Smith, to learn about her EPA delivery experience.
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Empowering futures: how CT Skills is shaping careers with support from the Adult Skills Fund
CT Skills offers free online courses to boost existing skills and provide new skills to unemployed individuals, meeting local and regional gaps. We speak to Michelle Phoenix, Head of Quality, who outlines their journey of growth and excellence.
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Tyne North Training: “Our apprentices have continued to thrive in their learning journeys”
We sit down with Tyne North Training's Senior Training Officer, Nicola Smith, to discover more about her experience of working with NCFE to deliver end-point assessment (EPA) to hundreds of apprentices across the North East of England.
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Middlesex University: “T Levels offer a different route into higher education”
We speak to Dr Phil Barter, Deputy Dean for Education in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education at Middlesex University, to learn how they got involved with T Levels and why they offer a great pathway into higher education.
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The Manchester College: “The T Level qualification has had a profound impact on our students”
We speak with The Manchester College’s T Level Lead in Science, Jabinda Silva Lobo, to discover how the Science T Level qualification has boosted their students' confidence in both the classroom and places of work.
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New College Swindon: "T Levels are a gateway to a successful and rewarding career"
We speak to Karen Beecroft, T Level Health Programme Lead at New College Swindon, to learn how they've connected students with real-world experiences and prepared them to embark on a range of careers in healthcare.
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Learning at Inspire: Providing pathways for personal and professional growth
We speak to Inspire, a charitable society owned by its community members in the heart of Nottingham, to discover how they're transforming individual lives in their community through learning.
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