Meet Callum Hutchinson, first-year Level 3 Travel and Tourism student at Middlesbrough College!
From spotting rare steam trains to exploring the UK travel industry, Callum is channelling his love of all things travel into a future in the industry.
Now, studying Level 3 Travel and Tourism, his course has given him a ticket straight into the world of travel, helping him gain the skills, knowledge and experience he needs to make his dream of working in the train industry a reality.
Callum said: “I chose to study Travel and Tourism at Middlesbrough College because it offers the best pathway to a career in the railway industry. Trains are my passion, and the course is preparing me for the career I want.
“The course has lots of different units – in my first year so far, we’ve covered the UK travel industry, resort reps, UK, European and worldwide destinations, conferences and events, and customer service.
“One day I hope to be a train conductor or a driver, and the course is great because it has given me an inside view of the industry and the skills I’ll need for the future.
When asked what the most valuable thing has been he’s learnt so far, Callum said:
“There are more pathways into your chosen career than you think, and there are lots of different jobs out there that you might not even be aware of.
“So far, I’ve developed my leadership, communication and organisational skills, as well as confidently being able to meet deadlines. It’s much better than school – I much prefer coursework over exams.”
Callum also speaks highly of his teachers, highlighting the support and encouragement they provide:
“The teachers are extremely supportive – they give you loads of help. Some go out of their way to support you, and they always encourage you to try your best and do your best, without putting too much pressure on you.
“They are really understanding of different situations and circumstances, especially the teachers and teaching assistants in the ALS (Additional Learning Support) department.
“If I need rest or feel anxious, they give me space. They are really great at adapting things for your learning style.
“If you are upset or just need someone to talk to, you can also visit Student Services anytime to talk to them about anything, which is helpful.”
When asked if he would recommend his course to others, Callum said:
“Yes, definitely. If you want a career in aviation or other transport types, do it!”
Outside of his studies, Callum plays football as part of the College’s enrichment programme and volunteers at Saltburn Miniature Railway, supporting with the overhaul of steam engines and gaining hands-on experience with trains.
He also runs his own YouTube channel, where his train-focused videos have earned him an impressive following of 5.96K subscribers – connecting with fellow enthusiasts and sharing his knowledge along the way.
Currently, Callum is also training for the Middlesbrough Half Marathon in March, where he’ll be running in memory of a friend while raising money for #AllforJoe, a charity that provides financial support to help people with disabilities to participate in sport and the arts, encouraging inclusion and integration.
Whether he’s playing football, train spotting, or in the classroom studying, Callum continues to show a genuine passion for everything he does!
You can follow Callum’s journey on YouTube at @Realunitedcal2007