< Previous60 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY EDUCATION teachers and mentors step in to champion the occasionally untapped potential of individuals under their wing. Further education can help young learners from any background find their feet and succeed. Great colleges like those boasted by our home county can guide anyone in their career development, no matter where they may be starting from. “College offers students the opportunity to turn their future aspirations into reality thanks to specialist staff, personal and professional development programmes, and robust financial, wellbeing, and learning support,” says Peter Kennedy, Principal of Franklin Sixth Form College in Grimsby. “It’s all about transforming young lives, realising the talent that exists in all of our young people to the benefit of our local, regional and national communities.” Providers like North Lindsey College also understand that education is not just about classrooms; it’s about forging connections between mental health and confidence, education and industry. Extensive ranges of subject areas, tailored to different levels of expertise, are designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Through partnerships with various industries, future-thinking courses for a wide variety of careers align with the skills demanded by an ever-evolving job market. But they can also meet you where you are through exposure to employers through visits, opportunities for work placements and summer internships, each reassuring that you can and will achieve in a taste of your dream career. So, bearing all this in mind, we reach the question of how to choose the right college for you. This decision is pivotal, and while open events close down for enrolment this year, any future college students owe it to themselves to take enough time to make this choice, even if it means waiting till next year. Wyke 6th Form College’s open events are held from October to January, for instance, but there are opportunities throughout the year depending on each institution’s particular schedule. It’s advisable to research when your top choices are hosting open events at least six months in advance of your preferred starting time. These allow anyone to explore modern campuses and facilities, and connect with specialist teachers and peers across all subjects. Open days are an optional but often embraced first step towards future education, and can be the beginnings of learning about support programmes, financial support and transportation options, just as a few examples. Future students are often also welcomed to meet the Principals at the forefront of directing colleges towards their best care and teaching potential. You can rely on staff in every area of any college, from teaching to admin or marketing, to share an excitement to meet anyone who wants to explore what college can offer. There are also any number of openings © stock.adobe.com/nsit0108 © stock.adobe.com/JackFLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 EDUCATION to choose the best place for you based on your preferred subject and course type. For a future in practical, hands-on vocations like healthcare, engineering or beauty therapy, vocational courses are designed to prepare through focused training and classroom instruction. But many careers like these also invite apprenticeships, which concentrate on getting students into the work they want for their future, and allowing them to earn a wage while learning largely on the job. Working under the guidance of experienced professionals, you’ll come away with a nationally recognised qualification. For students who need a direct bridge into higher education, T Levels are a relatively new type of qualification in the UK, introduced to provide technical education and training pathways for students aged 16 to 19. T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and are designed to offer a blend of classroom learning and industry placements. They focus on practical skills and prepare students for skilled employment, further study, or higher apprenticeships, and are available in many subjects including digital fields, construction and engineering. Whichever direction you take, a journey towards a successful career can start right here. Lincolnshire’s colleges are committed to real experiences, expert guidance, and tailored development, empowering you to embrace your full potential. Moving on to a college with compassionate educational and support staff gives a secure place to work towards their dreams and aspirations. The world of work may seem daunting, but this preparatory space, where encouragement isn’t exclusive from giving young adults freedom and agency, is ideal for building confidence in potential. After all, transitioning to college is never just about coursework; it’s about discovering your identity, and building the confidence to face the world.62 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY INTERVIEW WITH… “I suppose my story began when I was younger,” says Jacob Lord. “I was a very sickly child plagued with a weak body, who spent much of his time in and out of hospital. My high school attendance at the time was as low as 20% and my education would have suffered a lot if not for my mother picking up the slack and deciding to teach me outside of school.” That decision led to a unique work ethic for Jacob, who says that while other children were playing video games and going out, he learnt to study and work even in what would normally be considered free time. Jacob recounts that he was lucky when his illness began to abate around 16 years of age, giving him more resilience. It was much too late for school however, and he didn’t have many friends due to his poor attendance, but Jacob was determined to work harder than anyone should have to in order to succeed. Lincoln UTC gave Jacob a chance to enrol in a new school with a more specific curriculum and, with his newfound strength of body, he was able to make friends again and begin to get his life back on track. During that time, Jacob discovered a love for tech and creating things, and his mother bought him a 3D printer as a combined birthday and Christmas present. Sadly, its quality left something to be desired. “I absolutely loved my 3D printer but it had so many little problems due to the technology being quite new at the time. Reliability, speed, quality, it was lacking in so many ways – but I was still obsessed with using it to create things for my hobbies, including equipment for airsoft. Being able to design, make, and then use something was an addictive loop for me, though I didn’t realise how much it would change my life.” After a few weeks of heavy use, Jacob began making little changes and upgrades to his printer, before deciding to strip the whole thing down entirely and start rebuilding it from scratch, even going so far as to improve its coding and replace some of the parts to offer better stability and rigidity. At the same time, life in the Lincoln UTC was going very well, with improving attendance, new hobbies, and Jacob even founding the Airsoft club and becoming its president. He was even printing out parts for his friends and other avid airsofters to use. “That was where I started to feel even more disillusioned with the printers on offer,” says Jacob, “even the ones at the UTC. I didn’t feel happy selling inferior printed products to people I knew at airsoft. I was a bit of a perfectionist and wanted them to be pleased with what they bought, and the 3D printers on hand just weren’t capable of producing it.” Jacob invested in yet another 3D printer, even a high quality one by all humble In times of struggle, it’s important to take inspiration from stories of success, and one young man braved ill-health, difficult schooling and a pandemic to open up his business. This month we speak with Jacob Lord, who took his hobby from the bedroom floor to its own factory, and one of the biggest trade expos in the 3D printing business. From beginningsLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 INTERVIEW WITH… standards at the time, and yet again it wasn’t good enough, which was when Jacob decided to simply take parts from all of them and build his own. “It was a mess of a rig on the floor,” says Jacob, “and I never intended to make anything of it, but it worked beautifully and I was satisfied with it.” Jacob got back onto his course after that and even decided to study programming at Lincoln University, but that was when events conspired to force Jacob back home again, even though he’d finally found his health and been able to go out into the world. COVID-19 struck, and the country was locked away. Jacob recounts that although the university did its best to teach remotely, programming as a course made that difficult because programming is a course where a teacher really needs to be able to look at your code over your shoulder. Jacob didn’t let that get him down however and decided to even volunteer his printing and design knowledge in the fight against coronavirus. Jacob and his mother volunteered to help with hospital design of a new face shield to protect frontline workers against the virus, and helped design and create a face shield that was both safe and comfortable to wear for 6-8 hours a day. Though Jacob may have only thought this would be of little help, the shield was so successful that it became the most- used version in the entire country, with over 90,000 headbands created. During this time, Jacob was available as tech support helping people code their own 3D printers so that they could help print these headbands and face shields out as donations to the hospitals, and it was there that Jacob began to realise that while everyone else was taking 45 minutes to print each item, his jury-rigged and custom-built printer only took 11 minutes. It was at that point that Jacob’s mother suggested he make his 3D printing his business and supported him in getting started as an entrepreneur. Jacob graduated from Lincoln Uni in 2021, two years late thanks to COVID, and by June 2022 Construct3D launched at the trade expo TCT 3Sixty, where they showed off their prototype printer to huge interest and shock from much of the audience. The printer that Jacob had designed for his own personal use printed magnitudes faster than the competition and wowed the audience. “It’s been an incredible journey since then,” says Jacob. “My mother and I travelled to Malta to host a video with two well-known YouTubers in the 3D printing industry, where our printer was practically destroyed in a fall from the plane! We had to rebuild the whole thing in a panicked rush in time for the influencers to test it out and make a video on, but we somehow managed.” With money from Kickstarter and the support of their fans and future customers, Jacob and Construct3D were able to get a small factory up and running at the end of 2022, and by March 2023 had supplied their first 3D printers to their forever homes, where they are working today. If you’re interested in learning more about Construct3D visit www.construct-3d.com64 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING A ssisted living can be a beneficial merger between support and independence for individuals in need of some supervision or help with daily tasks. People with limited mobility, mild cognitive impairments such as dementia, or who require assistance with managing medication, often find a better quality of life with this care solution. It offers a combination of housing, support services and personalised assistance to maintain a certain level of agency and freedom, whether for older people or those who live with disabilities. With a variety of facilities, personal and health care, and safety assurances available, people of many levels of ability can find a combination of support to suit them. Assisted living facilities typically provide private or semi-private living quarters such as apartments or rooms. These spaces often include basic amenities like a bathroom, bedroom, and sometimes a small kitchenette. Residents receive assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management, if they happen to need help with any or all these things. Staff members are on hand to help only according to the individual’s needs and boundaries, but while assisted living is less hands-on than in the average nursing home, staff members do monitor residents’ health and wellbeing. Regular check-ups and assistance with managing medications are common, and basic housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services are usually provided to ensure the living environment remains safe and comfortable. Most assisted living facilities also offer communal dining areas where residents can have meals together. Meals are generally provided according to a scheduled menu, however most dietary needs will be accommodated, ensuring as far as possible that each person is provided a balanced meal to their own tastes or requirements. However, it’s worth noting that not all assisted living spaces will be able to fully accommodate individual cultural or personal preferences. These details should be volunteered and openly discussed when exploring services and facilities, as staff may be able to make plans and adjustments in advance. The advantages of this balance between support and a respectful space for independence can be seen especially clearly when it comes to matters like nutritional support. For people who might struggle with meal prep but can otherwise move around easily, or need supervision in maintaining a healthy diet because of an underlying condition, assisted living sees that the people who use it stay safe and well through daily check-ins and reliable meal provision. After a person’s immediate health and physical mind If you know or love someone who needs a certain level of support, but not necessarily the intensive care provided by nursing homes, assisted living arrangements bring individuals and families confidence and peace of mind. 66 Á Peace of LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 CARING © stock.adobe.com/Dragana Gordicconnections with friends and family can soon spiral into serious mental health concerns. Taking the route of assisted living might even provide the lease of life that’s been dwindling for some before they go into this type of care. The revelation that they can feel safe without being smothered, holding onto the personhood which shouldn’t be denied by vulnerability, assists their lives by helping them flourish. Even the most overlooked of needs, such as a senior who can no longer drive and has lost that freedom of mobility, can find friendly support in facilities that often provide transportation services for shopping, socialising and going to new places for exercise or experiences. Family caregivers who need time away from their responsibilities can opt for permanent, or temporary respite care in assisted living facilities. This provides as much relief as needed while ensuring any ongoing needs are still met, meaning family members have reassurance that necessary care and support can be relied on, while they’re also keeping their loved ones’ independence in mind. This can be a big weight off anyone’s mind, but fears for safety are still a common worry and source of guilt for families when considering care. Falls can be an ever-present risk for older adults and 66 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY CARING wellness, the next things that may slip when someone’s in need of care are their social needs and emotional wellbeing. Facilities that organise a range of social and recreational activities are quite common, keeping residents engaged and providing opportunities to socialise. With outings, games, classes and workshops, and more chances to have fun and wind down with others, assisted living can alleviate the boredom and loneliness that older people are especially vulnerable to. When they’re either being cared for sporadically at home, or fending for themselves when this may not be safest for them, frustration with declining ability or missing © stock.adobe.com/pikselstockFuneral Services Our funeral homes provide the best facilities including private arrangement rooms and peaceful chapels of rest. We also provide a funeral dividend during this difficult time of bereavement. A service from caring professionals To find out more contact your nearest funeral home: Lincolnshire.coop/storefinder LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 CARING individuals with disabilities, especially those with mobility issues, and rightly should be of high concern for a vulnerable person’s nearest and dearest. But with assisted living facilities designed with safety features such as grab bars, non-slip flooring and emergency call systems, dangers and injuries are minimised as much as possible. Staff are additionally trained to assist residents with mobility challenges, including in emergency response should the worst occur. Taking multiple medications can be confusing and risky, particularly for individuals with memory problems. Assisted living staff can help here too, provided the individual doesn’t have complex needs better suited to constant care. Medication needs and schedules are carefully listened to, organised and managed, ensuring that the right doses are taken at the appropriate times. Dangers due to confusion are also prevented in people with cognitive impairments, who may be prone to wandering and getting lost. Facilities with secure environments and specialised care programs are often the safest and most loving choice for people with Alzheimer’s or similar conditions. Of course, these worries always stay with us when we care about someone who needs professional support. Moving into an assisted living facility can be emotionally challenging for both residents and their families, as everyone adjusts to new settings, routines and changes in responsibility. Concern shows care, and this should neither be disregarded or struggled through when making important choices about someone’s living arrangements. Assisted living is a solution that shares the weight and makes healthy compromises for the benefit of everyone, the elderly and vulnerable and their loved ones alike. © stock.adobe.com/Monkey Business ظ Easy accessible wet room showering ظ Rapid bath out walk-in shower conversions ظ Back to a warm deep soak with a walk-in bath ظ Making bathing safer with simple changes; Grab rails, shower seats, raised WCs & slip resistant ȺƊǏƵɈɯ˜ȌȌȲǞȁǐ ظ Council (DFG), SSAFA and charity grants quotes available ظ Discounts for over 60s and ex-service personnel Call for our friendly advice, free survey and quote info@ahminstallations.co.uk www.ahminstallations.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. 01522 500288 AHM is rated Excellent Bathing a problem? We can help FREE* Mirrored cabinet or high raised toilet with any full bathroom installation68 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY COUNTY MOTORING Mercedes-AMG GLC On our roads On our roadsLINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 COUNTY MOTORING These new vehicles may soon be appearing on our roads. Mercedes-AMG GLC The new Mercedes-AMG GLC replaces its highly successful predecessor with a host of innovations. On the outside and inside, numerous AMG-specific details underscore the dynamic and high-quality character of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC variants in equal measure. In the exterior design, these include the AMG- specific radiator grille with vertical struts and the AMG front apron with flics, sporty air intakes and chrome- plated trim element. At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC models is the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which combines innovative technologies and high performance with exemplary efficiency. The power unit remains true to a tradition typical of the brand: Not only was it developed entirely at the company’s Affalterbach site, but it is also installed there in accordance with the “One Man, One Engine” principle. 70 ÁNext >