Crocodile Joe guides BTEC students through the information jungle

Crocodile Joe and his collection of exotic snakes made a guest appearance at Tameside College during a GMSA Pathways road show, to help BTEC students find a pathway through the higher education information ‘jungle’.

The college roadshow, which was organised by GMSA Pathways (Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance), successfully raised awareness among BTEC students of the university level opportunities available to them.

Jordan Storey, 17, is in the 2nd year of a BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at Tameside College. He praised the GMSA Pathways service and said the ability to study locally was critical to his university application: "I definitely want to go to university and The University of Salford has caught my attention really."

"My friends and family are all here and I don't want to travel far away because of the cost implications. Financially it makes sense for me to search for local options."

The road show also included visits to Bury College and Stockport College. If you are interested in having the GMSA present Pathways to students or staff at your institution please call 0161 921 8040 or email info@gmsa.ac.uk.

GMSA Director, Cath Walsh said: “The road show has been a great opportunity for us to talk to the students about the benefits of GMSA Pathways and we’ve had a very positive response.

“Higher education should be accessible to all. We are working with colleges to ensure their BTEC students can access the best possible education.”

For more information and to use GMSA Pathways, visit www.pathways.gmsa.ac.uk