Learner and centre stories

Jaymie Littlemore-Smith reflects on how completing the Level 4 Data Analyst qualification strengthened his confidence, sharpened decision-making skills, and enabled him to combine relationship-building with insight-driven impact at NCFE.

Leah Maughan shares how the T Level in Education and Early Years reignited her love of learning, restored her confidence, and opened the door to her next chapter of studying at Leeds Trinity University.

We hear from Jess Gillie as she reflects on her progression from apprentice to Relationship Co‑ordinator, outlining how her apprenticeship supported her professional growth and career development at NCFE.

We speak with Zachary Southall, who recently completed a Health T Level at Walsall College, as he reflects on how the experience has helped him build the confidence and skills needed to pursue his career ambition to become a physiotherapist.

We speak with Faith Pitt, a Walsall College student who recently achieved a distinction grade in her Education and Early Years T Level, about her decision to gain practical experience while keeping her future pathway options open.

From a childhood marked by trauma to a life shaped by addiction, Andy has emerged as a powerful advocate for recovery and education. Andy's story is part of our Why Should I Care? campaign, which marks 80 years of CACHE qualifications.

We speak to two former apprentices, Sha’delle Momus and Tracey Savage, to learn how becoming recipients of the Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS) bursary supported them in their next steps.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

We speak with Bournemouth and Poole College about how NCFE’s mental health and counselling qualifications are helping adult learners to progress into further study, meaningful work, and supportive roles within their communities.

At Queen Katharine Academy in Peterborough, V Certs are proving to be a powerful way to help every pupil achieve their potential by offering a practical and engaging alternative to GCSEs, supporting real-world learning and progression. 

We speak to Sian Marsh, Director of Early Years and Education at Best Practice Network, about how the organisation empowers professionals through SEND qualifications and a partnership with NCFE, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

We speak to one of the North East’s leading apprenticeship providers about their success, which they attribute to exceptional teaching, strong employer partnerships, and the expert support of NCFE as its end-point assessment organisation.

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. 

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.

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.

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.