College raises awareness of qualifications that combine classroom learning and on-the-job experience

West Suffolk College has championed T Levels – which are an alternative to A-levels and apprenticeships – during a national campaign to promote these qualifications.

Students based at the college’s Built Environment Campus, in Anglian Lane, Bury St Edmunds, reflected on their experiences during T Level Week.

The idea behind these celebrations is to raise awareness of the many T Level subjects now available and showcase the successes of the programme.

T Levels are two-year vocational qualifications for 16-19 year olds in England that combine classroom learning with industry placements.

Pam Welsford, a work placement officer for T Levels and construction at West Suffolk College, said: “The campaign is great as it promotes the idea of these qualifications and shows young people there is an alternative to A-levels and apprenticeships.

“I think the experience for students with an employer is what sets the T Level apart from other qualifications. And I think the T Level is a really good option for people to choose if they know the exact type of industry they want to work in.”

Ian Jones, a lecturer in construction management, worked as a construction site manager for 22 years and recently started working at West Suffolk College.

Ian said: “The industry is crying out for new tradespeople who have an understanding of new technology and I want to help support filling skills gaps.

“It helps get the word out to others and explain to companies that it can be a benefit to their business, not a hindrance. My message to other businesses is get involved and work with young people as they are the future.”

Harley Ramplin, 17, who lives near Bury St Edmunds, is on a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning.

Harley said: “I didn’t know anything about T Levels after my GCSEs – I explored my options, came to college and I thought this was a better qualification and it will give me work experience. You can’t learn everything in a classroom so being in a placement allows you to learn more skills and knowledge.”

Harley, who has a placement at Barnes Construction, added: “There is a good chance (the placement) might lead to employment. I think T Level week is a very good idea – I think they [T Levels] need to be advertised more.”

Cameron Bunning, 17, from Thetford is also on a Design, Surveying and Planning T Level. Cameron said: “T Levels are broad, they cover a lot of aspects and I want to go into construction – so choosing a course like this was perfect.

“I have a placement with R G Carter and worked on a project at the local hospital. The placement might lead to a job. I think T Level week is good as the more people know about them the more people do the qualifications and they can help boost industry. I’d say T Levels are useful, they give you a promising career and they are fun to do.”

Cassandra Fisher, group head of connections & opportunities and a T Level ambassador, said: “T Levels are a great way of helping young people progress and we have created some amazing industry connections to support people with their work placement.

“On our health provision, the local hospital in Bury St Edmunds have been working for us for three years and recently won a regional apprenticeship award because of this successful partnership.

“My message to all businesses is get involved with this programme as it can help young people develop and it can also help your business grow.”

If you are a business interested in finding out more about T Levels you can email: [email protected]