Why are T Level work placements important? 

T Levels are a type of qualification designed to give you a head start towards your chosen career, an apprenticeship or a degree at university.  

During your T Level you complete a 45-day work placement within your chosen industry. We caught up with some of our students to find out what they get up to during their work placements and why these are important. 

Max Cordery | T Level Education and Early Years

Max currently studies the Education and Early Years T Level. Last year he completed his work placement as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School. This was invaluable experience for Max as he aspires to become a Primary School teacher in the future. 

Max told us: “I now understand how things work in a school environment. I have been taught how to utilise techniques in the classroom and put the skills I’ve learnt into practice.” 

This work placement was important as it gave Max the opportunity to interact with Primary School aged children and the taste of what a career working in a Primary School would look like. Max was able to get an idea of the learning styles of different pupils and teaching techniques he would need to learn to succeed as a teacher.  

Charley Kinggett-Proctor | T Level Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control 

Charley impressed his work colleagues during his work placement at MJAllen Castings and Machinery. The experience during his work placement helped to solidify his plan of becoming an Engineer.  

Charley told us: “My placement has helped my knowledge advance, from working on the CNC machines to doing detailed inspections. I’ve been able to improve my engineering skills, as well as time management and communication.” 

This placement gave Charley the skills and confidence he needed to pursue a career as an engineer. It was also a great way to network within the industry with the possibility of a job, or at least a glowing reference, once qualified. 

Georgie Wagstaff | T Level Digital Production, Design and Development 

Georgie finished her T Level last year and is currently completing a Data Analytics and Insights Degree Apprenticeship at Dunelm. When she was studying her T Level, she completed two work placements, one at The University of Kent working on their data security and another at ‘The Beehive’ in Ashford working on their digital profile.  

Georgie explained: “During my time at ‘The Beehive’ in Ashford I was able to combine my love for computing and retail to improve their digital profile. I enhanced their eBay page as well as updated their social media.  

I will use the knowledge both employers taught me whilst completing my Data Analytics and Insights Degree Apprenticeship with Dunelm.” 

Georgie was able to stand out from the crowd when interviewing for her position with Dunelm due to industry experience gained on her work placements.  

Work placements are an imperative to give students the opportunity to gain practical experience and put the knowledge they’ve learned from the classroom into action. They are a glimpse into the industry helping students to make informed decisions about their career and make important links within the competitive industries.  

If you would like to know more explore our T Levels and don’t forget to visit us at the next Open Day.