Alex

“Because I’d wasted time on a course that went nowhere, this felt like my last chance to get a proper qualification. Choosing NCC and this T Level has set me up for the future career I want.”

After spending two years on a course at a different college that ‘led to nothing’, Alex knew he needed to make the right choice for his future. Now nearing the end of his T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction at New City College’s Rainham Campus, he says the experience has completely changed his outlook on education and has kick-started his ambition to become a Project Manager.

What T Level are you studying and which campus are you based at?

I’m studying the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction and I’m based at the Rainham Construction and Engineering Campus.

Why did you choose to study a T Level?

For me, the T Level offered so much more than a regular course. I’d previously spent two years at another college and the 3D Design course I was doing felt chaotic and there wasn’t much structure to the teaching. It just didn’t work out.

A few years ago, I’d heard mixed things about New City College, so at first I didn’t consider it. But when I visited the Rainham Campus the next summer and found out about the T Level, I was genuinely impressed. Since starting here, my experience has been completely different to my previous college. Everything feels organised, professional and supportive. I honestly love being here and I’m really enjoying the course.

What does the course involve? Are you mainly in the classroom or on placement too?

It’s a really varied course. In the classroom we study building technology, maths, quantity surveying, the science of construction and a lot more. It gives you a broad understanding of the whole industry, which is what attracted me to it. A big part of the T Level is the industry placement. I’m currently working with Bugler Developments, which has been an amazing opportunity. I’m learning loads in college, but I’m also learning just as much on site and in the office.

At first, I was supervised and trained, but now I’m trusted to complete tasks independently. I’ve been involved in fire prevention investigations, office-based tasks and labouring on site. It’s given me a real insight into how a construction company operates day-to-day. I’m aiming to become a Project Manager, so having that all-round experience is invaluable.

What do you enjoy most about the course?

I love how much I’m learning. We use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create models and technical drawings, and I’ve learned how to use Excel spreadsheets in the context of quantity surveying. I’ve also worked with a range of tools and equipment.

The facilities at Rainham are excellent, and NCC is always investing in new, up-to-date equipment so we are learning with the latest, cutting-edge technology and machinery.

What is the teaching and support like?

The teaching here is great – it’s honestly so much better than my previous experience. The teachers are approachable and supportive. If you don’t understand something, you can just ask and they’ll go through it again. There’s always help available if you need it, which makes you feel more confident.

Have there been any additional opportunities as part of the course?

Yes, loads. We’ve visited construction sites and attended exhibitions at the ExCeL London. Industry people have also come in to talk to us about apprenticeships and different career pathways. There’s always something extra going on that adds to what we’re learning in the classroom. It makes the course feel connected to the real world.

What are your plans for the future?

My goal is to go into Project Management. I’m currently applying for Degree Apprenticeships in Construction so I can continue learning while gaining even more experience.

What advice would you give to students considering a T Level?

I’d say be prepared – it’s a big commitment. There’s a lot of classroom study alongside the industry placement, so you need to be organised and motivated. There’s quite a bit of maths involved too, so you need to be comfortable with that. But if you’re achieving grade 5s or 6s at GCSE and you’re willing to put the effort in, you’ll be fine. If you’re focused and serious about a career in the industry, the T Level can open so many doors.

Has studying at NCC been what you expected?

It’s been completely different – in a good way! I’d formed an opinion about the College a few years ago based on rumours, which is why I chose to study elsewhere at the time. Now I wish I’d made my own mind up sooner. There are clear rules around attendance, punctuality and behaviour at NCC, and that actually makes the whole experience better. It creates a professional environment where you can make friends, learn properly and leave with a qualification that really means something.