Name: Hannah Randles
What is your role here at the UTC?
Health Sector Skills Champion
Tell us a little about your role:
It varies day to day; from liaising with existing professional partners to setting up master classes and enrichment projects for students. I am also responsible for engaging with potential new partners, organising relevant work experience placements and health experiences. These can be either career-focussed e.g. the health career carousel where professionals come in and share their knowledge and experience of their chosen career and answer any burning questions from students. I also devise unique placements and trips, previous ones have included
VIVIT experience, our health fayre, and competitions such as ‘Step into the NHS.’
What is unique about studying Health at the UTC?
Extra-curricular opportunities that students get which give them a huge advantage in terms of careers and university applications etc.
Students are exposed to our industry partners who get to know them and understand the ethos of the UTC, making our students well equipped for the next step in their careers.
We also offer a Nursing Cadet Programme (find out more here) and completely unique placement opportunities.
What has been your biggest success since starting here?
The setup of the UTC’s student health team. Comprising of sixth form students, they had to apply and go through the interview process which built their confidence and experience for when they leave the UTC. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of the health suite, peer training, and supporting with any health related events or open evenings.
There’s nothing better than seeing students grow in confidence and feel empowered to take hold of their future. They are a great asset to the Life Sciences UTC!
What can students expect from visiting one of the Life Sciences UTC’s taster sessions?
Our taster sessions are set up to have a practical element and a master class specialising in the interests of our prospective students.
The theme of each session is focussed around the patient journey, from acute care, to primary care. These offer a small insight into the extracurricular activity that make the UTC a unique learning environment.
Anything to add?
Having never come from an education background, I was unsure of what to expect, however the students at the UTC have been incredibly eager to be involved in the innovative health related opportunities afforded to them.
Our next taster session is focused around the theme of infection control on Thursday 22nd February. It’s not too late to book your place online, here!