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Tina Lucas
Meet the Work Placement Coordinator at MC6, Tina Lucas.
Tina left school with very few qualifications, but has flourished in every job role since leaving education, including running her own business! After moving to Essex when she was 18, Tina pursued a career in retail and enjoyed 25 years in the sector before returning to education.
Tina moved back home to Teesside with her husband and started her own childcare business whilst studying for her Level 3 Childcare course at Middlesbrough College, she then progressed to Middlesbrough College’s University Centre and completed a degree in Early Childhood Professional Studies.
After excelling in her degree, Tina stayed at Middlesbrough College but this time on the other side of the classroom as an assessor. She assessed a range of childcare courses at the College as an Internal Verifier, and then worked at a work based learning provider. Tina worked in this role for 10 years before becoming a supply teaching assistant.
Now, Tina is back at Middlesbrough College but this time as a Work Placement Coordinator for Middlesbrough College Sixth Form (MC6), she said: “I’m delighted to return to Middlesbrough College, it is a wonderful College and a fantastic place to learn and work.
“I’m excited to bring my experience and passion for work to the students at MC6 and to help them take those first steps into the workplace. Work placements are so important for our young people as they help to open doors to the world of work and help students explore the vast range of roles that are available. They also help to develop skills such as communication, independence and teamwork and they can help students to make decisions about their futures.
“My role is to work with local employers and businesses to help students get the placements they want. I’ll be at events and functions, helping to forge the connections and links for the Sixth Form and then supporting students into the placements.
“Work placements are an amazing opportunity for our young people, and I would encourage all our students to take an active role and grasp the opportunity! You never know what a placement could lead to, and it could change your life.
“I absolutely love working at Middlesbrough College, the staff are helpful and friendly, and I feel well supported here. I would recommend applying for a role at the College if you are passionate about education and want to make a difference.
“I also really enjoyed studying here as a student myself! I was in the first cohort of students studying the Early Childhood Professional Studies degree and I loved it. I think it’s important for students to know that it’s not the end of the world if you don’t do well in your exams. I left school with a few qualification when I was 16 but I have worked hard in all my job roles and completed my maths and English and a degree later in life. Exams and results are important, and you should work as hard as you can to ensure you get the qualifications that you deserve, but don’t worry if you don’t get the grades you had hoped for, there are other routes into careers and into education.”
Looking for a role at the Middlesbrough College Group? Take a look at our latest job vacancies here