…our careers advisor at Matthew Boulton College

Millie is a very familiar and friendly face to both students and staff alike at the college and plays a key role in helping learners reach their career goals and future aspirations.

Being with the college for 13 years, Millie has certainly grown and developed in her role and continues to find her job very rewarding.

 

Let’s find out more about her experiences before and during her time at the college…

1. Hello Millie, could you start by telling us a bit about you, your background and “your journey” prior to coming here?

“I grew up in Small Heath in Birmingham, having come from Jamaica aged six. After later completing A levels in mathematics, chemistry and physics at Matthew Boulton College, I did a sandwich degree, BSc (Hons) in Materials Science & Technology at Brunel University.

When I returned to Birmingham, I then helped to run a small business, before starting a Diploma in Careers Guidance course.  This led to a variety of careers advisor related opportunities for me across England.”

2. Why did you choose to work at BMet?

“I chose to work at BMet mainly to return to supporting CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) in a college setting. I felt that it would be a good place to fulfil my desire to make an impact in supporting students aged 16-19, through careers education as well as via individual guidance.”

3. Have you always had the same job role at BMet?

“I have always had the same job title, but the role has become much broader and with more autonomy, in that I lead the careers service provision at Matthew Boulton College.

I also collaborate with the wider BMet’s Careers Team to deliver the Careers Strategy, achieve Gadsby Benchmarks, QICS Quality Awards and Matrix Accreditation for IAG.

In addition, I also support the training and development of BMet’s Careers Apprentices based at Matthew Boulton College, Level 3 Personal Tutors with regard to UCAS/HE applications and I facilitate Personal Tutors with embedding careers education into their tutorials using a range of on-line tools including Careers Coach, KUDOS and particularly START – a digital careers education platform which can help to deliver a careers education programme for their subject areas.”

4. Tell me a bit about your day-to-day role – including what you are responsible for/what your duties are….

      “No two days are the same but among other things, I:

• Offer one-to-one guidance on pre/post course options to potential and existing students.
• Deliver tutorials on post course options including FE, HE, Apprenticeships/Traineeships.
• Liaise with departmental managers and tutors with regards to regional labour market information/vacancies and work experience opportunities.”

5. How have you found your time at BMet and do you feel it caters to your needs?

“I enjoy working at the college as a Careers Adviser, because of the diversity of the student body. I oversee a service to 16-19 year old students also –for adult learners studying ESOL/GCSEs/Access and Job-skills courses. The role has its challenges, but overall, it is very rewarding.”

6. Do you have a particular style of working?

“I often say to students my role is to listen, understand/clarify their aspirations and goals. I also support and enable them to develop plans and make decisions for their progression.  I’m also frequently saying OK you have a plan A, but let’s also work out a plan B!”

7. What does working with students mean to you?

“I thrive on working with students whatever their background and witnessing their development as learners. I feel my role offers support to their progression.”

8. What advice would you give to other students wanting to attend BMet? Or that are currently here?

“Even if you spend a very short time at BMet, rest assured that staff will try their best to support you to achieve. Also, if you need extra help/support, just ask for it!”

9. What would you say have been your favourite achievements/memories to date?

“One of my favourite achievements is being part of the BMet Careers Team that was in the first FE cohort to achieve the Quality in Careers Standard.

One of my best memories is participating in BMet’s Black History Events –  these events highlight and acknowledge the contribution of Black staff to the FE sector. Additionally, they showcase their family histories and contributions to the cultural life of Birmingham.

I also love it when students contact me to let me know that they have achieved their goals. For example, I appreciated hearing from an ex-ESOL student, who passed their GCSE English course and then subsequently qualified as a secondary school teacher with QTS. Also, an ex-student greeted me on the bus and was happy to tell me that she had qualified as a nurse. She also stated that her experience at BMet had given her a solid foundation for achieving her nursing degree.”

10. What are your hopes for the future at BMet?

“That I can continue to contribute to the education and upskilling of students from the wider Birmingham BAME community, to access education opportunities and gain higher level skills, so that they can thrive in an increasingly challenging labour market.”