TGt Meets...Andy Hunt, HE Course Coordinator Public Services at New College Swindon

Meet our latest TGt Meets...Andy Hunt, HE Course Coordinator Public Services at New College Swindon. We spoke to Andy to find out all about the HND Public Services course at New College and how it helps those who want to work in the Police, Boarder Force, National Crime Agency or Local Authority.

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I have nearly 10 years experience working within FE & HE and enjoy learning with the students!  Between 1980 and 2011 I was proud to be a Police Officer with the British Transport Police working in various locations including the Midlands, South West and the London Underground. During my service I held a number of posts including Operations, Community Safety and the role of Sector Commander. I was fortunate to have a rewarding career and hope to use my experience to guide others. I also recognise that had I been a student today I would most likely be on this course! I have also been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to gain an MBA, PGCE and I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. As well being a member of the Institute of Civil Protection and Emergency Management.

What interested you to become a teacher at New College?

I joined New College in November 2019 having worked within Further and Higher Education in the South West between 2011-2019. Having moved areas I decided to look for a new challenge, wanting to be part of an organisation that was able to make a difference in the community, whilst also supporting people to achieve the best they could and help them onto a chosen career path. Whilst these are challenging times for all of us, they are also exciting times for New College. Having witnessed first hand, the drive, determination and commitment of both staff and students over the last few months, I made the right choice!

Describe your job role in one sentence…

I am the Course Coordinator, I make it happen, it’s down to me!

Who is the course well suited to?

HND Public Services (Crime and Criminal Justice)- the course provides a broad range of, but detailed modules. This would prepare a student for further study at BA or BSc level, or alternatively equip them for a pathway for entry into a variety of Public Services including the Police, Boarder Force, National Crime Agency or Local Authority. We have been keen to listen to both students and partners and have made sure that the course has an appropriate balance of both Public Service and Criminology based modules. In addition, the course provides knowledge and transferable skills that could be invaluable for entry into the armed forces.

What advice would you give to students who are interested in joining your course?

Be prepared to fully engage in the course. Make sure you know what is going on in the world! Regularly use tried and tested News feeds. If you already have an idea for a career path, make sure you know what the entry requirements and expectations are. And finally, do something to make your CV stand out! Become a volunteer within the Public Services or your local community.

What are the key modules that are studied?

There are a total of 16 modules over 2 years including: Equality Diversity & Fair Treatment; Law and the Legal Systems; Crime Reduction & Community Safety; Research Project; Serious Organised Crime; Theories of Crime and Blue Light Collaboration.

Why should individuals study this course at New College?

Having witnessed the drive, determination and commitment of both staff and students over the last few months, I know that New College can provide students with the appropriate level of expertise and support. There’s a great cross section of staff from both an academic and operational background. In addition, the course is local, affordable and designed to meet individual needs.

Find out more about New College Swindon by visiting their website, https://www.newcollege.ac.uk/