Metamorphosis Summer 2021

Transform your future

INSIDE

CAN I AFFORD TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE? 6

Q & A: WHAT'S IT LIKE TO RETURN TO STUDY? 10

BECOME A TEACHING ASSISTANT 9

HEALTH & CARE ACADEMY 12

Image: Georgia, Liam, Elysia, Sidney & Rebecca UAL Level 3 Digital Arts

BUILD YOUR SKILLS, PLAN YOUR FUTURE 16 CREATIVE CAREERS YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED 20

SUMMER 2021

Produced by

noun [met-uh-mawr-fuh-sis] When a metamorphosis occurs,a person or thing develops and changes into something completely different.

Develop and change Who are we?

With a wide range of courses and qualifications across five campuses in Brighton, Shoreham, and Worthing, Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (GB MET) attracts a diverse community of learners at all levels. Our purpose is to support everyone in our local communities to reach their aspirations, whatever their background, starting point or end goal.

Unlocking potential.

Celebrating ambition.

Transforming lives.

Contents 2 News College merger Mental Health Charter Multi-million pound development 4 A message from the Principal Helena Thomas 6 Can I afford to go to college?

Find out what funding could be available to you 8 Apprenticeships Information for those considering starting an apprenticeship 9

Becoming a teaching assistant Interested in education and the development of young people?

10 Adult learner journey What's it like to return to study?

12 Health and Care Academy GB MET and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust collaboration 14 Career changing courses Starting September 2021 15 Leisure and hobby courses Starting September 2021 16 Build your skills Plan your future 18 Alumni focus Hear what our students have to say 20 Creative careers You may not have considered 21 Unsure what to do after your GCSEs? Your choices explained BA (Hons) Costume Design for Performance & Film

News

Multi-million pound development of Brighton Central Campus in Pelham Street.

NEWS Greater Brighton Metropolitan College and Chichester College Group announce intention to merge

GB MET signs up to national mental health & wellbeing charter

GB MET has selected Chichester College Group (CCG) as its preferred merger partner as part of its ongoing drive to best support the communities it works for. The merger will create one of the largest further education groups in the country — consisting of colleges in Brighton, Shoreham, Chichester, Brinsbury, Crawley, Worthing and Haywards Heath — with a timeline to complete the merger by the end of August 2022.

We are proud to announce that we are the latest college to sign up to the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter.

Sue Berelowitz, Chair of Governors at GB MET said: “I am delighted that our Board unanimously approved CCG as our merger partner. The best interests of current and future learners has been our priority together with retaining the uniqueness of GB MET. We are confident that becoming part of a large outstanding college group is the right course of action to ensure we are providing an exciting and relevant curriculum delivered to the highest standards and which reflects the vibrancy and energy of our city and coastal strip.”

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Mental wellbeing is an essential component of our health and has become increasingly important following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Research undertaken by the AoC shows that 90% of colleges have seen an increase in students diagnosed with mental health conditions.

GB MET has signed the AoC’s Charter to formally recognise its work in continuing to support the mental health and wellbeing of its students and staff.

This includes training Mental Health First Aiders who are able to support any student who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.

new hair & beauty salons which are open to the general public during term time.

94% Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Portslade, said, “Mental health and wellbeing must now be a priority in our community and across the country. It’s devastating to hear that 94% of Further Education colleges have reported that they have had to deal with attempted suicides in the last twelve months.

Andrew Green, Interim CEO at GB MET, said,

“We are dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students and staff, and are proud to formally recognise this commitment by signing up to the AoC Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter.

The long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be underestimated and now, more than ever, it is vital that colleges enhance the support they offer for their communities.”

The new facilities position the College at the cutting edge of training for the creative and service industries, and will play a key role in driving forward the region’s economic growth.

The building is set within a large outdoor plaza that includes secure bike storage for staff, students and visitors, and is open to the public to enjoy during the daytime.

It’s a positive step that colleges in our city are leading the way in taking action to address this crisis, and that GB MET has signed up to the AoC’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter."

The plaza was also the site of two installations as part of this year’s Brighton Festival.

Robot Selfie saw a massive mural of public ‘selfies’ on the side of the new building, drawn by Kaleider’s walldrawing robot over four days.

College multi-million pound development welcomes the community

The plaza also hosted one of several audio storytelling experiences located across the city during the Festival.

HERstory, a free, city-wide audio tour, uncovered the real stories of Brightonbased women and their experiences of living through the coronavirus pandemic.

Students at GB MET are enjoying the benefits of a multi-million pound development of their Central Brighton Campus in Pelham Street.

The new extension to the existing tower block is home to a range of extensive facilities including state-ofthe-art workshops, studios and classrooms, which have been specifically designed for creative and digital specialisms, and a suite of

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A message from the Principal, Helena Thomas New analysis by the government highlights the importance of further and technical education to the country’s economic recovery.

Reforms were outlined in the government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper that was published in January 2021, and we are awaiting the release of a new Skills and Post-16 Education Bill.

This Bill will recognise the key role that colleges have played during the pandemic and how vital they are to economic recovery and the government’s lifelong learning agenda. It will put Further Education colleges, such as Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (GB MET), firmly at the centre of reforms with the creation of local skills improvement plans, led by employers, in collaboration with colleges and training providers.

The measures in the Bill will help bring greater parity between further and higher education and help to deliver the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which the government announced back in September 2021, ensuring everyone is given the chance to gain the skills they need, when they need them.

The planned transformation of the current loan system will mean that every adult will have access to a flexible loan for higher-level education and training at university or college, helping everyone to gain the skills needed to progress at work, no matter what age they are. This lifelong loan entitlement will

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provide access to four years’ worth of training, to enable people who are in work to study part-time to upskill and improve their prospects.

At GB MET, we are proud of the industry relevance of our courses, which have been developed in consultation with employers.

Our teaching staff are practitioners from the industry who understand employer expectations, and our students work on live projects and commissions for external organisations.

The wide range of qualifications that we offer at GB MET — including UAL and BTEC Diplomas, NVQs including City & Guilds, NCFE and VTCT, apprenticeships and much more — prepare our students for industry, equipping them with the hands-on skills and knowledge that they need to create successful careers.

The governments’ plans will enable us to further strengthen our connections with industry and widen our curriculum offer to deliver the skills that our local economy needs.

Helena Thomas Principal Greater Brighton Metropolitan College

For updates, please check our website, gbmc.ac.uk.

METRO HAIR & BEAUTY SALON

Refresh and recharge this September Our METRO hair and beauty salons offer relaxing treatments, therapies and hairdressing services, including stylish cuts, colouring and styling services, all at fantastic value.

Central Brighton Campus: Pelham Street, Brighton, BN1 4FA 01273 667790 | metrosalonbrighton@gbmc.ac.uk Broadwater Campus: Broadwater Road, Worthing, BN14 8HJ 01903 273444 | metrosalonworthing@gbmc.ac.uk

All students work under close supervision of experienced professionals. Open term-time only.

Dine at the MET Enjoy superb cuisine and a wonderful dining experience at our on-campus restaurants. Both restaurants provide a training environment for our hospitality students, overseen by experienced lecturers.

The Gallery Restaurant (Central Brighton Campus) Reservations essential. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 01273 667711 or email gallery.restaurant@gbmc.ac.uk — term-time only.

The Arundel Restaurant (West Durrington Campus) Reservations essential. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 01903 273160 or email arundel.restaurant@gbmc.ac.uk— term-time only.

Can I afford to go back to college?

If you are considering getting back into education as an adult, you might have questions about whether it's financially viable. Taking on the financial commitment of returning to study can be daunting and it isn’t always easy to understand what funding options are available to you.

applying for an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL) is an easy process and can be a great way to fund your course under the right circumstances. Similar to loans for higher education, you will only begin to repay the loan when your income is over £27,295 a year (before tax and other deductions).

This helpful guide explains the different types of funding out there. You may be surprised at how many options there are, and in some cases, you could end up studying the course of your dreams at no cost!

You will be eligible for an ALL if you are aged 19+ and interested in studying an eligible Level 3 or Level 4 course. These include vocational qualifications and Access to Higher Education Diplomas. You can apply for up to four individual Advanced Learner Loans, and these applications do not affect your ability to get a mortgage or apply for a student loan at university.

Lifetime Skills Guarantee The Lifetime Skills Guarantee (LSG) launched in 2021 and is part of the government's National Skills Fund. The LSG is aimed at helping you gain the skills needed to progress at work, no matter what age you are. Almost 400 qualifications will be funded under the scheme at colleges across the UK. GB MET will be offering professional qualifications funded by the LSG, including healthcare and accountancy, with more courses becoming available soon.

Bursaries Bursaries are a great way to help with the additional costs incurred by studying.

Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay back your bursary.

You can apply for a bursary to have your course tuition fees fully funded. We may also be able to help you with other expenses like materials, equipment, travel expenses and even your lunch!

Advanced Learner Loan We’ve all experienced that familiar sense of worry on hearing the word ‘loan’, but

Your eligibility will depend on a number of factors, including the course you are

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applying for and your current financial situation. It’s easy to apply online via our website and you can read more about eligibility on our Financial Assistance page.

Level Entitlement Up until the age of 19, your course will be paid for automatically by government funding if you are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status, or have a visa which could qualify you for home status. Once you reach 19, you will be required to pay the fees for your course yourself. However, many learners between the ages of 19-23 may qualify for “level entitlement”. This means that if you do not already hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, you may be exempt from paying fees for the first year of your course. If you think this may apply to you, check with our Admissions team when you enrol. The Admissions team will look up your Personal Learning Record to confirm your eligibility.

Funded courses There are many courses on offer which are free, depending on your employment status. For example, if you are currently unemployed and in receipt of means-tested benefits, or employed and earning

less than £17,004 per year (gross pay), then you may be entitled to have your course fees waived. This applies to a number of different courses, including our programmes for jobseekers.

Instalment plans and discounts If your course doesn’t have any loans, bursaries or other funding available, there are still ways to make paying for it easier. If your course is over 16 weeks long and costs more than £750, then you can pay via three instalments, splitting the cost over three months. Many of our leisure and hobby courses have a 50% discount for those in receipt of benefits. We also offer a 5% discount on certain courses if you pay the full fee upfront.

It’s always best to contact our Admissions team to find out exactly what you may be entitled to.

An example of a learner's tuition fee journey: Ben (aged 35) wants to enrol on a Level 2 AAT Accountancy course. The course fees are £1,029, which is out of Ben’s budget. He is currently working part-time and earning under £17,004 per year. He gets in touch with our Admissions team to see if he is eligible for funding.

Due to Ben’s low income, the Level 2 AAT course is entirely free. Ben provides evidence of his earnings to the Admissions team in the form of three consecutive payslips.

He applies for a bursary and his application is successful.

He receives a monthly payment direct into his bank account to contribute towards his travel expenses to get to college.

Employer sponsorship If your employer wants you to upskill or gain a specific qualification for your role, they may be willing to pay for the course on your behalf. In this situation, your employer would need to fill out a short form and we would take care of the rest.

Information is correct on publication. Individual circumstances apply — please speak to one of our advisers for further information. admissions@gbmc.ac.uk 01273 667704

After 15 weeks, Ben completes his Level 2 course and wants to progress onto Level 3. The Level 3 course fees are £2,573.

Ben considers applying for an Advanced Learner Loan, which would cover the fees for the Level 3 course.

However, his circumstances have changed and he can now afford to pay the course fees himself.

Ben chooses to pay the course fees over three instalments; £857.67 upon enrolment and then the remaining balance is paid via direct debit over the next two months.

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For more information, visit: gbmc.ac.uk/ employ-apprentice

Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn, allowing you to earn money while gaining valuable skills in real working environments. You work for an employer in a paid job but spend 20% of your time in off-the-job training. Employers hold apprenticeships in high regard because of the industry experience apprentices gain while completing their course.

An apprenticeship might be perfect for you if you’re independent, hands-on and ready to get out into the working world. One of our former students explains why our CIPD apprenticeship helped him land his dream job: “I studied the L3 CIPD at GB MET and I now work in HR for a property services company. The course gave me the skills, confidence and knowledge that I needed to start my career in HR. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the amazing support of my tutor at the MET.” Louis, Level 3 CIPD apprentice What apprenticeships can I study at the MET? We run a wide range of apprenticeships in many different subject areas including catering and hospitality, digital marketing, engineering, accountancy and more. Our courses are accredited by professional awarding bodies such as AAT, CIPD, CACHE and City & Guilds.

I’m an employer looking for an apprentice, how does it work?

Now more than ever, it is time to plan for the future, and there are many reasons why apprentices are good for your business.

Apprentices are motivated individuals that can make a real contribution to your organisation as valued members of staff.

Apprentices will gain valuable knowledge working alongside your staff for most of the week and then attend college on one day. College-based training is free for apprentices aged 16-18 if your business employs fewer than 50 staff.

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“

The employers that we work with overwhelmingly view their apprentices as greatly valued assets — here is some of the feedback we’ve received:

“When it comes to finding and hiring an apprentice, there are lots of organisations that talk a good game and we’ve tried a few, but the MET makes it happen. They have supplied us with really great apprentices, some of whom have gone on to join us full-time.”

Molokini Marketing

“The service from the MET is very good. We would highly recommend businesses to consider taking on apprentices as the whole process is uplifting and potentially rewarding.”

St Barnabas House

Becoming a teaching assistant Interested in education and the development of young people?

If so, a career as a teaching assistant could be for you.

Teaching assistants play an important role in supporting learning in schools. In this role, you will support pupils in their educational, emotional and social development, either individually, in groups or as a whole class.

You will also support the teacher by undertaking duties that will free up their time for teaching, such as making resources and creating displays.

If you are new to working with a teacher in primary, secondary, mainstream or special schools, you can start with the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

The Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools is for experienced teaching assistants working within primary, secondary, mainstream or special schools, with specific responsibility for intervention strategies. This qualification provides the underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to supporting teaching and learning in schools, either in mainstream or Special Educational Needs.

For further information, visit our website: gbmc.ac.uk/teacher-training

“

So what is it like studying on these courses? Some of our alumni talk about their experiences:

“After several years at home raising my children and having helped as a parent volunteer at my children's school, I decided to embark on a career change and train to become a primary school teaching assistant.

I enrolled on the Level 2 course in September 2019. I had no idea what to expect and was a little nervous having been out of education for many years, but the course leader was fantastic, quickly putting me at ease, explaining everything in an informative yet fun way, and ensuring we had plenty of resources to support our work.”

Emily Griffiths, Teaching Assistant City & Guilds Certificate Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools | Level 2

“Doing the Level 3 course has really helped to boost my skills as a practitioner. Through placement learning and classroom work, I have been able to adapt and expand my existing knowledge and skills set with the help of the tutors. My tutors are so supportive and always explain the work in just the right ways.

I have been able to gain a place at Chichester University with their help and support and cannot wait to go on to teaching using the foundations they have given me.”

Elena Campbell, Teaching Assistant City & Guilds Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools | Level 3

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What’s it like to return to study?

You want to go back to college, but you’ve been out of education for some time and you don’t know what to expect. So what is it like to return to study?

Here, BA (Hons) Photography student, Kay, shares her inspiring story and shows that there is no barrier to higher education.

photography and the degree programme has given me a purpose. Being a student at GB MET has enabled me to be part of a community rather than isolating myself.

When I was at school, the teachers made me feel that I wasn’t good enough. I wanted to prove myself."

What’s the mature student community like at the MET? "There are other mature students on my course and in the wider college. When I started, the Student Union set up a number of meetings specifically for mature students, which was great to meet new people and network."

What made you decide to study a degree at the MET as a mature student?

What were you doing before you joined GB MET?

How has the course helped your future career progression?

"I was running a busy tearoom but due to a health issue, my career took a different direction. Everyone kept telling me what I couldn’t do. I’ve always loved

"Prior to running the tearoom, I was a chef by trade. I’ve also worked as a special needs learning support assistant so I’ve always been around people."

"The course has given me the ability to still work and be in control. As a self-employed photographer, I have the flexibility to plan and decide which projects I take on."

To see what courses are available for mature students, please visit gbmc.ac.uk

What advice would you give to a mature student studying at the MET?

"Do it! It might be scary but do it! Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The only person stopping yourself from doing something is you."

What are your course highlights?

"I really enjoyed a project we worked on for a domestic abuse charity in Brighton called Rise. We worked in a team to produce a video for the charity and I loved seeing the reactions of the staff who were so pleased with what we had produced."

How was your experience of studying alongside younger students?

"I found that it worked both ways. They helped me, but I can also use my life experiences and skills to help them. For example, my career has developed my

communication skills, which was useful when working on course projects with external clients. On the other hand, the younger students have been great at supporting me with technology!"

How has the College supported your development?

"The student support is fantastic and adaptions have been made to support my learning needs. They organised a dyslexia test and occupational therapy assessments to ensure I had the right resources to facilitate my learning. This included a stool on wheels,

to help me to move around the classroom, and a scriber to take notes. I also had access to software that scribes my dictation."

What are your plans for the future?

"I am taking part in an exhibition at a gallery and hope to enter some competitions. I’m also going to set up my own website to showcase my work. I like doing charity work and in lockdown I produced work for the RNLI which they used on posters and on their website for their open gardens events."

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GB MET and Sussex Partnership launch a Health and Care Academy We are proud to be working in partnership with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SPFT) to educate and support the next generation of healthcare workers through a new Health and Care Academy.

The launch of the Health and Care Academy is the first of its kind in the southeast region and enables students to work with SPFT, who provide specialist mental health and learning disability services across southeast England, to gain valuable work placements and support from their dedicated healthcare mentors.

The scheme is currently being successfully piloted by students on the Access to Higher Education nursing programme, who have been able to experience working in a mental health setting through a series of placements at Mill View Hospital in Hove and Meadowfield Hospital in Worthing.

Cody, one of our Access to Nursing students taking part in a Health and Care Academy placement, spoke to us about her experience:

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What is a typical day like on placement?

I generally get to Meadowfield Hospital at 6.50am ready for a 7am start, which gives me time to get changed into my scrubs and have a quick coffee before the morning handover. The handover happens at 7am, which is when the nurse in charge of the night shift goes through every patient in the ward, and explains how they were, if they had any difficulties, and if there is anything that the day staff should be aware of.

After this, Stacey (my mentor) takes me round the ward completing the patients’ temperatures and blood levels in preparation for their breakfast. We log all information collected ready for the nurses.

At 8am it’s breakfast time, which is where I take the patients' orders and serve them their food.

Once breakfast is over, Stacey takes me round as she completes the blood pressures for each patient and also checks their breathing. Once this is done, we check the rooms to see if any of the beds need changing, or if there is any washing to do.

I chat to patients with Stacey’s supervision, asking them questions and checking if they need anything.

Each one of them has their own stories, and I’m enjoying getting to know them.

By this point it's lunch time, which goes by in a flash, and then we tidy up. After this, we go round and take the patients’ blood pressure again. During this time the patients also have an interactive session with a coordinator, where they play games and have exercise classes.

By this time it’s 1pm, which is when me and Stacey sit down together and go through the day.

She asks if I have any questions and also checks on what I'm learning. It is a time for reflection, which I find really useful.

Has this placement inspired you to work within mental health services?

"I would have never considered going into mental health services prior to completing my placement.

Every day is different and you learn how to interact with people who have different mental health issues. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far, and I am keen to continue volunteering here, if possible, once my course finishes."

What support is available on placement?

"The great thing about the placement is all the staff are so welcoming and I have one main mentor who has been so supportive. She answers all of my questions (and I have a lot!) and she is patient and understanding.

During every shift, there are usually different people on duty, which means you learn from those with a variety of experiences and views."

How has the course helped your career progression?

"Although I haven’t finished my course yet, I have already studied so many crucial elements for progressing into the health sector. We have learnt about the NHS, sociology, mental health, biology and much more.

We also have different assignment methods such as exams, essays, presentations and reports, which really help you prepare for university."

health and given me so many new opportunities and insights into how a ward is run."

What advice would you give to anyone considering studying this course (Access to Nursing) at the MET? "Do it! There is so much support available, and you meet great people. Also this course has so many pathways available: mental health, paediatric, midwifery, paramedic and so much more.

When I applied I didn’t realise the vast amount of opportunities available with this one course, so I definitely recommend it."

Has the experience been rewarding?

"The experience has been very rewarding, it has changed my perspective on mental

The Health and Care Academy will grow over the next few years, increasing the number of opportunities within the NHS for GB MET students across the wider health and social care programmes offered by the College, including Level 3 qualifications for school leavers.

To find out more, visit gbmc.ac.uk/health-andcare-academy

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Career changing courses at the MET Starting September 2021

We offer professional qualifications in: Accountancy (AAT) Beauty and holistics (VTCT) Carpentry and joinery (C&G) Catering and hospitality (C&G) Counselling (NCFE) Education and training (NCFE) Electrical installation Engineering (C&G | BTEC) Leadership and management (ILM) Hairdressing and barbering (C&G) Human resources (CIPD) IT and computing Motor vehicle (C&G)

For more information and to apply for a course, please visit: gbmc.ac.uk

Fitness instructing (YMCA) Plumbing (C&G) Teacher Training

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Profit from your passion

Make your daydreams a reality with one of our leisure and hobby courses.

A wide range of courses to choose from including: Back, neck and shoulder massage Cookery Creative writing Designing and making silverware

Dressmaking Floristry Poetry Pottery Stained glass

Courses starting in September 2021

gbmc.ac.uk/dream-big

Build your skills, plan your future Finishing compulsory education can happen before you know it and you may not be sure whether university is right for you, or if you want to go straight into industry. If so, a Foundation Diploma or Level 4 course may be just the thing you need to give you the time to decide on your next steps and to build your skills at the same time.

GB MET offers a range of options including our part-time art foundation course, as well as full-time Level 4 courses in music, theatre and the creative industries. All courses are awarded by the prestigious University of the Arts London (UAL), who have been ranked second in the world for art & design.

Our one-year part-time art foundation course at West Durrington or Central Brighton Campus will give you the opportunity to build on your prior knowledge and skills, and to explore your creativity at a deeper level. The course will provide the space to develop your creative independence and encourage experimentation in a dynamic and safe creative environment. The art foundation is a springboard into degree level study at the MET or any other university, as well as into industry.

If a career in film or creative media interests you, then our one-year Level 4 Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries will give you a fast track into employment, or to progress on to university-level study.

Our Level 4 Diploma in Music Performance or Production at our West Durrington Campus will provide you with an opportunity to stretch and refine your practical skills, ready for your next steps into training or launching your career in the music industry. You’ll learn more about the music industry and the routes you can take to develop your career, as well as having the chance to work collaboratively on projects and to gain insights from industry speakers.

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Or if theatre is calling you, you can join our Level 4 Diploma in Performance or Production. These courses are perfect if you are either thinking about university or drama school and want to take a year to refine your skills, or if you want to go straight into industry. Throughout the course you will have access to specialist classes across various pathways in theatre to maximise your skills and develop new ones ready for your next step. The course culminates in performance opportunities in one of our four on-site venues and further afield.

For more information please visit our website

gbmc.ac.uk *craftbusiness.com

Creativity boomed during lockdown, with craft companies reporting dramatic increases in sales and an increase in creative business start-ups*. If you are thinking of starting up your own project or company, you can study a Level 4 Diploma in Creative Enterprise at our Central Brighton Campus. Start your career as a freelancer or self-employed creative professional with confidence, and define your artistic ambitions with this specially designed course.

An extra year in education can give you the time and space that you need to further your skills and plan for the future.

In the process, you will gain a higher level qualification without the commitment of a three-year degree course, and be prepared for further study or a career in the creative industries.

Why I chose the MET

Our students chose the MET for a variety of reasons, from our state-of-the-art facilities and industry specialist teaching staff, to the variety of courses we offer.

“All the wonderful tutors taught me the most valuable lessons.

In the theatre industry it is important to be employable and professional, and the MET gave me the freedom to explore my interests and to make mistakes and learn from them."

Amanda, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre | FdA Acting and Contemporary Theatre Making | BA (Hons) Top Up Acting hem.”

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“The course has provided the necessary steps to be able to professionally present myself, as well as giving me the chance to improve and create a portfolio of work that is desirable to luxury labels.”

“I love the MET. I’ve spent the last four years here and everyone has been so supportive. The MET helped me feel welcome and happier, and I feel more independent and grown up.”

Harvey, BA (Hons) Fashion Design

Caitlin, Level 3 Childcare and Education

“I have improved so much since I started at the MET. I have enjoyed everything about the course, particularly the friendships I have found. At the beginning of the course, I wasn’t sure if I was suitable because English is not my first language, but as soon as I met my fantastic tutor, I started to believe in myself more. The tutors go above and beyond to support me through my course.”

“One-to-one daily contact with GB MET staff who have had successful careers in uniformed services helped make it clear to me what I wanted to do.

Experiencing military fitness sessions at college helped to prepare me.

The course gave me a great base foundation and the confidence to succeed.”

Luke, Level 3 Uniformed Services

Sara, Level 3 Teaching and Learning

“The units covered throughout the course helped me to understand how to complete my first job application to British Airways (BA), especially in regard to the language and subject matter specific to the job specification. The knowledge I gained also really helped me with the four week training for BA. The course tutors were always supportive and helpful with course work and any other help that I needed.”

Alex, Level 2 Cabin Crew

“I am pleased that I chose to study at the MET; my tutor is dedicated, committed and marked my career in accountancy. My tutor not only teaches students, she inspires them, believes in them and helps them to succeed and follow their dreams.”

Doina, Level 4 AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting Apprenticeship

“Studying business at the MET has led me to discover my passion.

My experience has been very rewarding, and it has given me all the qualifications I need to pursue my career. I was able to join the MET without any qualifications and I am now looking at going on to university.”

Anish, Level 3 Business

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Creative careers you may not have considered energy to deliver a range of projects to a variety of people including young offenders, homeless people, ethnic minorities, the elderly and more.

Pursuing a degree in the creative arts is an exciting and rewarding pathway and can lead to a variety of careers including musician, actor, graphic designer, illustrator, propmaker and more. But there are many other rewarding routes that are open to creative degree graduates that you may not be aware of.

If you have a degree in fine art, dance, acting or music and want to help make a difference to people's lives, you could work as a therapist, using visual or performance arts to help people explore, address and deal with a range of personal and social difficulties.

You would work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, speech and language therapists, social workers and occupational therapists, in this challenging yet rewarding career path.

For those who enjoy engaging with their local community, a career as a community arts worker may be an ideal pathway. As a champion of artistic activities, a community arts worker would use visual art, film, music, theatre or dance to help both groups and individuals to develop their skills, express themselves and improve their quality of life.

You would need enthusiasm and bags of

Do you have a degree in photography, graphic design or art and an interest in anatomy and great attention to detail?

Then a career in medical illustration could be for you. As a medical illustrator you would work in either a healthcare trust or university to create resources for professionals involved in patient care, teaching, education and research. You would probably need further study to fully qualify but the rewards of putting your artistic talents to help medical professionals are great.

Do you dream of creating new characters and worlds?

A career as a concept artist will allow you to unleash your imagination to kick-start projects across film, animation, VFX, video games and advertising. A degree in fine art, illustration, graphic or games design is usually required, along with strong communication skills and excellent attention to detail. In this demanding yet hugely rewarding career, you would need outstanding technical skills, the ability to work to tight deadlines and the resilience to accept feedback and adapt your work accordingly.

This is just a handful of the many careers available to creative arts graduates that you may not have considered. To discover the many exciting and unusual routes that you could follow, explore sites such as the graduate career portal Prospects and talk to other graduates in your degree subject.

You never know what future may be awaiting you 20 Metamorphosis | GB MET | Summer 2021

Unsure what to do after your GCSEs? We know that making the right decision about what to study when you leave high school can be difficult. There are so many options available, but we are here to help ensure you make the right choice for your future.

If your GCSE results are not what you hoped for, or if you’ve changed your mind about what to study after Year 11, at GB MET we have a study programme that’s right for you.

We offer a huge range of professional and technical qualifications with many subjects offering courses from Entry Level up to Level 3. Our Level 3 Extended Diploma qualifications are equivalent to A-Levels and can be a great route to a university degree.

Or how about an apprenticeship?

We offer a wide range of options for different trades and professions; you can combine college study with on-the-job training and earn while you learn.

Why choose us?

1

With five campuses across East and West Sussex in Worthing, Shoreham and Brighton boasting state-of-the-art, industry-standard facilities to support your learning journey, we can help you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to be successful in your chosen career.

2

Our courses are taught by staff with hands-on industry experience; people who know their business inside and out. They create assignments and experiences that mirror the sector you are studying and in many cases provide ‘live’ work experiences.

3

You will work with clients and local businesses to give you a real taste of how to be successful in your chosen field.

Remember For the next stage of your education there is no limit to the number of colleges you can apply to. Make the most of this flexibility and apply to as many courses as you like at GB MET, and at other colleges — you can then take your time to think about which one is the right option for you.

We have places available on most courses, so get in touch with our helpful, friendly Admissions team to discuss your options and how we can support you to achieve your ambitions and turn your passion into a profession−we can’t wait to meet you!

Contact Contact our Admissions team on admissions@gbmc.ac.uk or 01273 667704 (Brighton) or 01903 273060 (Worthing).

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