A tutor and former NHS nurse from Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG) has been shortlisted for a prestigious national education award.
Emily Whitfield, a personal tutor on the healthcare science T-Level course, is one of three finalists shortlisted for the outstanding tutor of the year award by the Further Education Tutorial Network (FETN).
The award recognised innovative tutoring techniques, the quality of practice, the impact an individual tutor makes, and the standards to which they work.
Emily, from Colne, joined NCCG three years ago, making a career switch from the NHS where she worked as an intensive care and urology nurse.
She began her own educational journey there before returning as a tutor and has a deep connection and commitment to the college.
Since taking the role, she has been dedicated to providing exceptional support to her students, helping them navigate the challenges of their T-Level studies with empathy, insight, and expert guidance.
Emily said: “I’m shocked and honoured to have been shortlisted for this award.
"Being able to support my students, particularly those pursuing such important careers in healthcare, is incredibly rewarding.
“It’s due to the dedication and hard work of my T-Level students that I have been shortlisted for this award.
“Having been a student at the college myself, this is a full-circle moment for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the college to give back to the college that played a pivotal role in my own journey.”
Leyanne Fitzmaurice, assistant principal for learner experience and support at NCCG, added: “This is an amazing achievement and due recognition for the extraordinary things that Emily does for her students and our college.
“She is already a winner in our eyes, but we wish her all the best at the awards. Her commitment to students’ success and wellbeing is a shining example of the values we uphold at NCCG.”
T-Levels are technical-based qualifications taken post-16 and are roughly equivalent to three A-Levels, and prepare students for work in a particular industry. They are developed in collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.
The winner will be announced at the FETN’s annual awards ceremony later this year.
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