T-Level Health student Freddie takes another step towards his dream of becoming a paramedic

Freddie Hesmer has always dreamed of becoming a paramedic. Now, after gaining valuable experience through his industry placement on the T-Level Health course, he is one step closer to making it happen.

Freddie has spent the past year completing his industry placement at Old Hastings House, joining the activity team every Thursday and supporting residents with activities and day-to-day interaction.

“I’m a very practical learner, so that attracted me to the course,” said Freddie. “Having the Sim Suite as our classroom at Station Plaza is quite cool and the placement opportunities we get are really great.”

The Sim Suite at Station Plaza features three hospital beds and two life-size patient manikins, giving students the opportunity to practise clinical skills and scenarios in a realistic setting.

At Old Hastings House, Freddie has had the chance to put what he has learned in the classroom into practice, developing his communication skills while spending time with residents.

“Day to day, we’re speaking to residents, making them feel heard, finding out what they want to do, and helping them do that, supporting the team and running activities with them.”

For Freddie, it is this real-world experience that has been one of the most valuable parts of his course.

“Learning how to communicate properly has to be one of the best aspects of the industry placement. I think you can’t learn that from sitting in front of a PowerPoint.”

His time at Old Hastings House has now come to an end as Freddie begins his next placement with the NHS, but the team were keen to recognise the contribution he had made during his year with them.

In a post marking his final day, Old Hastings House said: “Freddie has been with us every Thursday for the past year, and it’s been an absolute pleasure having him as part of the OHH activity team.”

They added: “What a wonderful young man - bright, kind, and with a fantastic sense of humour. We’ve been so fortunate to have you with us, Freddie, and we’re incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved.”

The experience has also helped Freddie take another step towards his career ambitions. Alongside his studies, he has secured a paid job, something he describes as a major achievement.

“Securing a part-time job [as a medic] was a big step because I’ve always done volunteering, but to then get paid for it is so rewarding. The things I’ve learnt on the course and during my placement have definitely helped me secure that.”

Freddie’s ambition to become a paramedic has remained the same throughout his time at College. His next step will be university to study paramedic science.

“I’ve just started my second and final year, and so far the course has been really good because it’s given me a lot of the skills that many people struggle to get before they finish college, like communication, experience with patients, and dealing with those awkward moments.”

For Freddie, the combination of classroom learning and real experience has given him a clearer idea of what lies ahead.

“I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic, that hasn’t changed, but I’m closer to being that now. I’m looking forward to gaining even more experience in my last year and then heading to university to study Paramedic Science next year.”

T-Levels are two-year Level 3 qualifications combining classroom learning with a 315-hour industry placement. They give students the chance to develop practical skills and gain real workplace experience alongside their studies.