Passionate about helping others, Emogene decided that studying the Level 2 Health and Social Care course would be a great stepping stone to start a rewarding career.
Emogene hopes to become a paramedic after College. She has always felt inspired by paramedics who calmed and comforted her during a difficult time. Through her course, she is gaining the invaluable skills of staying calm under pressure and understanding how to care for other people in a professional setting.
In this blog, she tells us about how much she enjoys College, and how her work placement is providing her with vital experience in the health and care sector.
College life
“I’ve really enjoyed College. Since being here, I have made new friendships and learnt more about the health care sector.
“Coming from a small school, the transition was a bit difficult at first because everything felt huge, but I settled in well. There’s so much more freedom than school, I like being able to go into town at lunch, and the longer breaks help me focus more too.
“College has taught me how to communicate with others and to always ask if I’m unsure about something. The lecturers are really supportive and always willing to help, and this has helped me gain confidence.
“This course was my first choice for a long time, so I was really pleased when I found out I’d got in. It’s definitely made me more confident in myself and shown me that I can do difficult things.”
My work placement
“I really enjoy my course, especially going on placements in different care homes and helping out with residents. My current placement is at Highland House Care Home in Littlebourne.
“I’m an activities coordinator. During my placement hours I plan different sessions to help the residents interact with the staff and each other. We play games, have conversations and chill out in the garden.
“I also help to look after residents, help them walk, and bring meals to those who are bed-bound or stay in their rooms. It’s really great experience and shows me exactly what it would be like to work in a care home.”
My favourite part of my work placement
“My favourite part is just being with the residents, getting to know them, hearing about where they used to live, and going on trips with them.
“I’ve learned a lot about communication with elderly people, dementia awareness, and different mobilities. Some of them are selective mute so I now know a bit of sign language too, and we also use little flashcards with pictures so they can communicate with us.”
Future plans after College
“I want to be a paramedic in the future. My nan and grandad both became really ill, and when it happened, I called 999 and the paramedics helped me.
“The paramedics were really inspirational, and I think teaching younger kids not to be afraid to be the one who makes the phone call is important too – it can be scary, but I’m proud of my younger self for doing it. I’d like to be there for someone else who finds themselves in that situation.
“I feel like my dream of becoming a paramedic is achievable with the knowledge and skills I am learning on my course.”
All our students undertake industry placements, giving them a valuable insight into the sector they have chosen to study in. Through workplace experience, students gain a clear understanding of day-to-day responsibilities, the skills employers look for, and the kinds of tasks they may be expected to complete in their future careers.
Want your young person to make a confident, informed decision about their future? Explore our courses today and discover how we can help them launch their career.
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