West Thames College- Case Study

Learners at West Thames College in London are building confidence, independence and real-world readiness across multiple curriculum areas using the Level 3 Award in Essential Work Skills from National Talent Academy
Jan 28
“I have employers calling to say how well students are doing and how well prepared they are. There was one particular student who the employer said they would actually give her a job now! ” Carolyn Moncrieffe, Director in Health Care & Science

Programme Overview

Number of learners enrolled on National Talent Academy: 97

West Thames College began delivering the Level 3 Award in Essential Work Skills at the start of the academic year, embedding it across a wide range of subject areas. The programme is currently delivered to 16-18 learners studying:

  • Level 3 Business
  • Level 3 Computing
  • Level 3 Digital
  • Level 3 Health and Social Care
  • Level 2 Education and Early Years
  • Level 2 Healthcare
“The biggest difference I've noticed in learners is their confidence, which has grown hugely, as well as their teamwork and independence. This is reflected not just within the classroom but outside the classroom.” Shama Wardere, Employability Coach

A Flexible, Learner-Led Delivery Model

The Level 3 Award is delivered with a strong emphasis on independent, self-directed learning, allowing learners to engage with the content in their own time and at their own pace.


Tutors report that learners have grown rapidly in confidence and independence, moving from supported engagement to taking full ownership of their learning. In Health & Social Care and Education & Early Years, the programme has been introduced in a way that builds confidence gradually, particularly for Level 2 learners, helping them focus on skills development without being deterred by level labels.


In Computing and Digital pathways, learners complete the programme almost entirely independently. Tutors have observed learners becoming more confident, more engaged and increasingly able to recognise how portable skills apply directly to their main qualification and future careers

Learner Voice: Confidence, Clarity and Career Direction

Learners describe the programme as a clear departure from traditional classroom learning. The flexibility of remote delivery allows them to work independently, build discipline and take responsibility for their own development.

Learners highlight:
  • Increased confidence in speaking and communication
  • Stronger planning and organisational skills
  • A clearer understanding of how transferable skills link to real careers
Through units such as marketing, negotiation and project management, learners report greater clarity around future pathways and increased motivation to progress into management, business and industry roles.

Several learners also describe the positive impact beyond college, sharing how they have discussed the programme with family members and recognised the value of developing professional skills early in their journey.
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“My Level 2s are not aware that NTA is a Level 3 course. They can feel so frightened when they hear 'Level 3' and I don't want to put them off. I'll let them know when they finish in March. They're going to be so proud of themselves!” Shama Wardere, Employability Coach

Learners are more confident and motivated

Across departments, staff consistently highlight confidence as the most significant outcome of the programme. Learners who were initially quiet or hesitant now demonstrate stronger communication, teamwork and independence — not only in lessons, but beyond the classroom.


Learners are actively applying their skills in real-world contexts. Tutors describe learners independently organising interviews, attending them without support and securing volunteer placements. Employers have commented on how well prepared learners are, with some indicating that learners would be suitable for employment immediately.


The impact is also evident within learners’ core qualifications. In Computing, learners have transferred knowledge from the Portable Skills and Finance units into assessed projects, particularly around budgeting and spreadsheet work. Tutors report clearer understanding, greater confidence and improved performance in mock exams.

Staff Perspective: Employer-Ready Learners

Staff across West Thames College report strong and consistent employer feedback. Employers have contacted the college to praise learners’ confidence, preparedness and professionalism, reinforcing the programme’s relevance to real workplace expectations.

Tutors also emphasise how the programme helps learners connect the dots between skills and application, enabling them to transfer learning confidently across subjects, assessments and employment contexts.
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“As a result of NTA, I've really gained my confidence that I can learn something new on my own and I can improve myself.” Jacob Hull, Level 3 BTEC Computing Learner at West Thames College

Summary

West Thames College’s delivery of the Level 3 Award in Essential Work Skills shows how a flexible, learner-led approach can drive meaningful change. By embedding the Level 3 Award across curriculum areas, the college is supporting learners to become more confident, more independent and better prepared for the realities of work — while strengthening performance within their core qualifications.