Meet our Schools Liaison Officer, Jen Crinnion. Jen studied A Levels at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form in 2015 and is now working for the College in the Schools Team, promoting Middlesbrough College to school students and informing them of the different courses we have on offer. Jen decided to study A Levels at Middlesbrough College Sixth Form (MC6) as she wanted a fresh start in a brand new sixth form centre. She studied A Levels in psychology, law and IT. After completing her A Levels, Jen progressed to The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) to study for a degree in Sport Psychology and decided she wanted to pursue a career in education. After graduating, Jen was appointed at Vision for Education as a Recruitment Consultant. As part of her role, Jen helped educational institutes place teachers and support staff in roles. Seven years after leaving the College to go to University, Jen is back and is thriving as an employee in The Schools Team, helping secondary school students across the Tees Valley to take their next step in education. Jen said: “I really enjoyed studying at MC6, my tutors were supportive of me, and I look back on the whole experience with fond memories. I made new friends and enjoyed learning in the state-of-the-art facilities. “My advice to any student who is considering studying A Levels with Middlesbrough College is to go for it! A Levels are a fantastic option if you don’t know what you want to do in the future and will open doors to a wide range of careers. “I’m really enjoying working at Middlesbrough College- it has been a fantastic place to study and work. My current role is challenging but very rewarding. I love helping students to discover their future options and seeing our applications for the courses go up week on week!

“Make the most of your time at MC6. If you choose subjects you enjoy and that align with your career goals, you won’t regret it! The careers support and guidance you will receive here are second to none!”

Meet Jack Plews, a former MC6 student who has progressed to the next level, securing a degree apprenticeship with Amentum as a Process and Plant Engineer! At MC6, Jack studied Computer Science, Maths, and Physics, building a strong foundation for his future. Now, in his apprenticeship, he balances one day a week at University, working towards a Chemical Engineering degree, with four days in industry, gaining hands-on experience and applying what he learns in the classroom to real-world engineering projects. Jack said: “The teaching at MC6 was incredible. Everyone wants the best for you, and the support is amazing. “In my degree apprenticeship, I work on a variety of projects, creating technical drawings and calculations for clients across the country. “I can really see the links between what I learned at MC6 and in my role in industry now. MC6 really helped me get to where I am today. “MC6 provided me with excellent careers support and guidance, and my thrive sessions were a massive help.”

Iman Muktar, previous A Level student is now studying for her PHD in Biology at Durham University and in her spare time, giving back to the students of Middlesbrough College. Since finishing her A Levels in at the College, Iman has completed an undergraduate degree in Biology at Durham University and is now in the 2nd Year of her PHD where she is researching the behaviour of Mosquitos and their brain activity. “I had such a positive experience while studying here and it really has given me the best start to my career journey. The tutors have an unrivalled wealth of experience and are such an inspiration – I want to pass that on and inspire the next cohort of students!” When looking at her next steps, Iman had the College to thank for helping her make an informed decision about her future. From help with course research to completing University applications, Iman was given the right knowledge and tools to move onto Higher Education. “As well as the support from my tutors, I also spoke with the Middlesbrough College Careers team who were incredibly helpful. I had lots of different options to consider and was the first of my family to consider going to University so had no reference point, without the Careers team’s expert guidance I don’t think I would be where I am today!” As part of British Science Week, Iman returned to her roots to deliver a science lecture to the current students at Middlesbrough College. Talking to students about her experience at the College and how it has helped her achieve her dreams – showing that anything is possible if you put your mind to it!