North Kent College’s Public Services Level 2 & 3 students were joined by a couple of key members of the Border Force team and a special guest alumni of the Public Services course at the Gravesend campus this month. They visited to speak with students about day-to-day roles, job opportunities and host an in-depth ‘Question and Answer’ session.
Students were informed about certain areas they could cover as a Border Force staff member such as immigration, security & crime and custom & fiscal and were given insight into the preparation you undertake as part of training including what progression routes and locations locally, they could investigate to start their border force career.
After the presentation, the students had the opportunity to ask questions and handle seized contraband such as a pair of fake Christian Louboutin trainers, taxidermized bear and a fake fire extinguisher that was hollow to hide contraband!
Former North Kent College student and now Border Force Assistant Officer, Charlotte, attended the College to provide insight for the students in today’s session. She said, “ 2 years ago I was studying my Level 3 Public Services at Gravesend and the qualifications have really supported me in my 5-week training because it just gives you the right mindset before you go into a Public Services role.”
Charlotte Bradshaw-Hatton continued, “Everything I learnt in the last year at college was combined in the 5-week training, so it was really beneficial for me and I feel that it made me look better in my interview as others didn’t have that training from College and I am confident that this gave me that step up above anyone else.”
Swapannoor Kaur, Level 2 Uniformed Service Student, said of the visit “I have learnt a lot about the Border Force and having heard this for the first time I’m looking forward to joining and shall apply. They have given us an understanding in how to identify things like ‘fakes’ and it was very interesting and such an informative lesson.”
Johnathon Willcox, Level 3 Public Services studying in Year 2, mentioned “It was an interesting experience, to see how they do it all behind the scenes, they told us how to apply and the type of qualifications and the skillsets you need. It is something I would definitely be interested in, if something doesn’t work out with the police force this is such a good ‘plan B’ and it comes with a tonne of benefits, qualifications and skills that will help you in the future. Really enjoyed their visit”