Support & Guidance

You will be allocated an Achievement Tutor / Personal Tutor who will support you with your studies and monitor your progress through regular tutorials.  

They will have an overview of your overall progress on your whole Programme of Study and help you set targets and support you in achieving your goals and progressing to the next step to an amazing career. They will also keep a close eye on your attendance, punctuality and where appropriate keep your parents/carers informed of your progress whilst at college.  

Your Achievement Tutor/Personal Tutor will identify any support needs for you and put these in place to help you achieve to your full potential.  They will work closely with your teachers, mentors, Student Experience Support Practitioners and Careers and Welfare Advisors to ensure you are fully supported. 

Just think of your Achievement Tutor/Personal Tutor as your ‘go to person’ if you are worried about any aspect of your Programme of Study, or issues that may affect your learning. 

The Additional Learning Support Team offer personalised support programmes in partnership with your curriculum teaching team. They co-ordinate and provide support to learners with high needs and broader Special Educational Needs (SEND). In partnership with curriculum, they work to deliver the college's commitment to high quality teaching. The College aims to remove learning barriers so every student can progress and achieve within a highly effective learning programme. If you have a disability or learning difficulty our team can discuss your personal learning support needs and work with you to create a personal learning plan. 

Our Additional Learning Support Managers are your first point of contact and are available by telephone on 0161 920 2358 / 0161 614 9163 or email specialistsupport@tmc.co.uk. 

Posters are displayed on each campus showing you who the Additional Learning Support Manager is on your campus and what their contact details are. 

Access to Industry Award (16 to 18) 

Whatever your circumstances, we can support you on your journey into industry and that perfect career. The Access to Industry Award has something for everyone, whether its financial support, travel, essential materials, or award-winning careers advise from our team of advisors.  

With TMC GO, no matter where you live or what campus you study on, we will get you there. Most young students aged between 16 to 18 will receive the OurPass but if you are not eligible for OurPass or live outside Greater Manchester we can offer you a range of transport options. 

If you’re aged 16 or 17 and live outside of Greater Manchester or aged 18 before 31st August 2022 then you won’t be eligible for Our Pass, however you can apply to get travel support through TMC Go if you meet our criteria*. 

• Your household income is less than £35,000 per year 

• You are enrolled with The Manchester College 
   

All eligible students will be provided with a System One pass, loaded onto your college ID badge. In cases where a Bus is not the most efficient means of travel to college, you will have the opportunity to appeal for an alternative means of travel where appropriate.  

In cases where a payment into a UK bank account is necessary The Manchester College will not pay above £50 per month (this may be applicable for Tram/Train travel). You will be expected to choose the most efficient mode of transport available when choosing your transport.  

You may be asked to provide evidence that a Train/Tram ticket has been purchased. The Manchester College will provide the students with the tools to plan their journey to college and take advantage of any free transport available. 

Applications for TMC Go will be available on your Student Portal  

*Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. 

GO EAT 

We know that eating a balanced diet is essential for your health and wellbeing. We think it’s also vital for concentration for study or employment. We can provide up to £4 a day, loaded onto your college ID to use in our canteen facilities on every campus, where you will find a range of meals designed for any tastes and dietary requirements. And if you skip lunch, why not grab, and go something to take home. 

KIT UP 

For some courses you may be required to buy some equipment, which you can take into employment once you complete your studies to pursue your chosen career. If eligible we will give you what you need to achieve and progress into employment. You may be expected to contribute, depending on the kit you need. 

A HELPING HAND (For Vulnerable Students) 

We understand that some young people are living independently and may need supporting. The Manchester College is here to support all young people and we want to see you thrive and achieve your career goals. We will provide the support you need, not just financially but with a whole team of professionals from Advisors, Student Experience workers, Mentors, Learning Support, Libraires and Achievement Tutors all working together to make sure you progress and achieve. 

We will ensure you get what you need from travel, meals and any costs associated with studying such as books and materials. 

REMOVING BARRIERS  

All students may face times when a little extra support can go a long way. This may be for clothes for an interview or placement or due to the cost of living, you may need some essential items or some groceries. We are here to help remove any short-term barriers. Our financial support advisor can also work with you to support any longer-term plans to enable you to deal with anything you may come across in the future.  

To be eligible for GO EAT, KIT UP, A HELPING HAND OR REMOVING BARRIERS financial support you need to meet the eligibility criteria  

• 16- to 18-year-old 

• Home Student 

• Income less than £25,000 

• In receipt of JSA, UC, ESA, CTC or NASS 

• You may also need to provide evidence you are living independently  

*Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. 

AWARD WINNING CAREERS ADVISE 

In addition to all the support we offer, you can also book in to see one of our fully qualified careers advisors. We can help you choose the right course, plan your next steps on the road to employment, discuss different careers options. Whether you are planning to go to university, move up to the next level or move into employment, getting the right advise is essential.  

 

Access to Industry Award (19 years or above) 

With TMC GO, no matter where you live or what campus you study on, we will get you there. We can provide bus travel, loaded onto your ID which can be used on the bus. If you live outside Greater Manchester, we can offer you a range of transport options. 

All eligible students will be provided with a System One pass, loaded onto your college ID badge. If you live outside GM, you can make an appeal and we will look at the case on an individual basis. In cases where a payment into a UK bank account is necessary The Manchester College will not pay above £50 per month (this may be applicable for Tram/Train travel). You will be expected to choose the most efficient mode of transport available when choosing your transport.  

You may be asked to provide evidence that a Train/Tram ticket has been purchased.  

CHILDCARE 

At The Manchester College we understand the cost of childcare can be high, so we are here to help. We can provide childcare funds up to £150 per child to a maximum of £300 In total. We can also provide funds for after school clubs if you have older children. We also understand that during half term breaks you may need to get in some extra study, so our childcare funds do not stop. The amount of childcare you can get depends on your college timetable.  

REMOVING BARRIERS  

All students may face times when a little extra support can go a long way. This may be an unexpected bill, clothes for an interview or placement or due to the cost of living, you may need some essential items or some groceries. We are here to help remove any short-term barriers. Our financial support advisor can also work with you to support any longer-term plans to enable you to deal with anything you may come across in the future.  

To be eligible for the Access to Industry Award you must: 

• Be enrolled at The Manchester College 

• Meet all the residency requirements as a Home Student 

• Have a household income below £25,000 per year 

• Be 19-year-old and above 

• In receipt of JSA, UC, ESA, CTC or NASS 

 

*Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. 

Applications for Access to Industry Award will be completed at enrolment. 

AWARD WINNING CAREERS ADVISE 

In addition to all the support we offer, you can also book in to see one of our fully qualified careers advisors. We can help you choose the right course, plan your next steps on the road to employment, discuss different careers options. Whether you are planning to go to university, move up to the next level or move into employment, getting the right advise is essential.  

All funding options are subject to change and once all funds have been spent the fund will close. The Manchester College reserves the right to make changes to any funding options based on regular reviews.  

Bank accounts – essential  

We can only make cash payments into a valid UK bank account. You will be required to provide details of your bank account. You will be providing these details securely to protect your information.  

 

For students aged 19 and above
 

Paying your course fees 

Most students aged between 16 and 18 do not have to pay course fees. If you are aged 19 years old and above, we have a range of funding options available. This depends on your age, level of course, course area, personal circumstances and where you live. All these options will be explained to you when you enrol however you can speak to an advisor in the Student Careers Service about your options or email careers&welfare@tmc.ac.uk 

On each campus there is a team of Pastoral Support Officers, who will be based in Student Support Hub at each campus, who can support you with your personal and social development, to overcome any barriers to your learning and achievement.  

Support can include face-to-face 1 to 1 sessions and group work on specific life skills, working with you to set targets to improve things like attendance and punctuality, as well as working with you to develop solutions to any challenges you may face during your time at The Manchester College.

The College’s Safeguarding Practitioners are based on every campus and are there to provide guidance around safeguarding if needed, as well emotional health & wellbeing support during your time with us. If you are having difficulties in or out of college, the safeguarding team provide a high level of support through 1-1s and relevant referrals to external agencies.

This handbook will provide key information to help you to settle in to college life and to support you throughout your studies. Please familiarise yourself with the content and revisit your handbook regularly. 

We hope that you enjoy your time with us, develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need for your next steps, form lasting friendships and positive working relationships, make the most of the opportunities you are offered and be proud to be a student at The Manchester College.

Who are we?

We support potential, existing and progressing students within The Manchester College and external providers. We can offer careers and employability support, information, advice and guidance, along with personal and welfare support. Advisors are professionally qualified and accredited to the national matrix Quality Standard.  

What service do we provide?

We can provide confidential and impartial guidance on a range of issues, including:

• Course choice and progression
• Career planning and employability
• Careers advice and guidance
• Financial and funding suport
• Removing barriers to learning
• Residency fee assessment

How to see an advisor

You can visit our advisors in a range of different ways including:

• Face to face or virtual booked appointments
• Virtual group sessions
• Telephone and email advice
• Employer advise and guidance
• Careers based events 
• Web based materials

How can we help?

We can help in different ways, including:

• Helping you identify and achieve your life goals
• Building your confidence
• Motivating you with your studies
• Helping you overcome barriers to learning and progression

We always welcome feedback on the services we provide. If you would like to comment on the service please complete the feedback form.

Everything you say is treated confidentially

Our Pass is the new way to travel in Greater Manchester for all 16 to 18 year olds.

If you're 16 to 18, Our Pass provides you with free bus travel anywhere in Greater Manchester - whether you need to travel for college, careers events, taster days, sporting events or cultural attractions.

If your permanent address is in Greater Manchester you can apply for the Our Pass now and start using the card in September.

Apply for Our Pass 

Note: An administration fee of £10 applies

An important part of your Study Programme is your opportunity to explore different career routes and find out more about the world of work through encounters with employers. 

We have a dedicated team of Employer Engagement Leaders and Employability Partnership Coordinators who work with industry professionals to provide you with relevant and engaging work experience opportunities throughout the year. The Employability Team will work with employers to ensure placements are well organised, interesting and safe. They will work with you and your tutors to log your activities, help you feel prepared and to check consent. 

Each course and level have specific minimum targets to achieve for work experience. 

Centres of Excellence

Level of Study	External Work Placement (min. hours)
Level 1	Up to 6 hours
Level 2	24 hours
Level 3	35 hours

Industry Excellence Academy

Level of Study	External Work Placement (min. hours)
Level 2	15 days/105 hours
T Level Transition Year (Level 2)	15 days/105 hours
Level 3	15 days/105 hours
T Level (Level 3)	315-350 hours over two years

In addition to external work placement hours, you'll also engage in a range of work-related activities such as virtual-work experience, masterclasses, industry insight talks and careers events. 

What we will offer you

• Employability Hour every week to support you to be work ready 

• Live work placement opportunities from our team of Employability and Partnership Coordinators 

• Opportunities to encounter employers from industry throughout your studies 

• We have a dedicated system called Grofar to support any external work placement activities and which you will need to access to complete reflective logs 

What we expect from you 

Work experience, work related activities and work placements are a mandatory part of your Study Programme and so must be undertaken. 

If you are planning an external work placement, we expect that you inform us of your plans a minimum two weeks in advance so that we can carry out the necessary health and safety checks. 

Before you start at college 

You will need to start to identify local employers who would be able to offer you a work placement (this is mainly if you will be starting on a Level 2 or 3 course). 

You will need to contact the employers in advance to check that they would be happy to host you on a placement. 

Bring these details along with you when you start in September and your Employability Hour tutor and Employability and Partnership Coordinator will make contact with the employer to formalise and agree a plan. 

Remember, your work placement should be linked to your Study Programme subject and future career aims. 

 

We will also put on a series of placement finding events, so that you can routinely apply and gain access to careers and employability services to help you progress towards your goals. This may include a placement fair for your chosen subject and you must submit regular applications through the dedicated Employability Hour on your timetable.