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This National T Level Week, we want to share how industry placements not only benefit learners, but also hugely benefit businesses by allowing them to seamlessly integrate fresh, dynamic talent into their workforce.

We spoke to Beard Construction and UHBW to find out about their experiences of taking on industry placement learners.

BEARD CONSTRUCTION:

1. What is your name and your role at Beard Construction?

My name is Bev Parfitt, and I am the Social Value Co-ordinator at Beard Construction based in Bristol. Having been in education for 30 years I am happy to be the student lead at Beard ensuring that all students have a great experience whilst with us.

2. For how long has Beard Construction been taking on industry placements for T Levels?

This is our second year of taking on T Level students and we are pleased to be working and supported by Weston College.

3. What types of roles can our learners take on when they do their industry placement with Beard Construction?

Whilst with Beard the students will cover and shadow various trades and job roles. They will learn how to do a Health & Safety check around the site with our H & S team. They will learn about the job from the ground up and be involved in looking at drawings and having the extra value of working alongside the design team, the quantity surveyors and site managers.

4. How does the industry placement prepare students for the working world?

Whilst being on site the students learn the importance of working as a team and understanding how different people work within the group. Time keeping and being able to communicate with their peers is key in the workplace and as the students grow in confidence you can see a real difference when they leave from when they arrived.

5. How do industry placements benefit Beard Construction?

Industry placements are a low-risk, high return way for Beard Construction to attract future talent, strengthen its reputation, and infuse projects with fresh energy and ideas – all while contributing to the wider construction skills pipeline.

6. Can you name any standout moments from our industry placement learners?

I love to see the students taking on board what they have learnt on site and then having the confidence to give a presentation to their class back at college. Listening to them use the right terminology and have full understanding of a particular area of study.

7. Is there opportunity for our learners to progress onto apprenticeships or any other paid employment following the completion of their industry placement?

Yes, Beard Construction offers apprenticeships and is always looking for the students that stand out and impress them throughout their T Level and work experience time.

8. What would you say to employers who are considering taking on industry placement students?

Do it – Taking a T Level student isn’t just about helping the next generation – it’s a smart business move that supports growth, innovation and the construction industry’s future

9. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Having a T Level student on site enhances leadership coaching skills and demonstrates commitment to industry sustainability.

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust:

What is your name and your role at UHBW?

Our names are Emma White and Denise Knight and we are part of the Practice Based Learning team. We support learners on various nursing programmes whilst they are on placement within the trust, along with supporting the clinical placement areas to provide positive placement experiences.

For how long has UHBW been taking on industry placements for T Levels?

UHBW has been taking industry placements for T levels for 2 years.

What types of roles can our learners take on when they do their industry placement with UHBW?

The learners take on a clinical health care support worker role where they work directly with Senior Health Care Support Workers to enhance their knowledge and practice their care certificate skills that they complete in college.

How does the industry placement prepare students for the working world?

At UHBW we run a week long induction prior to the learners starting their placements. This involves talks from different professionals within different teams, such as the audiology, resuscitation and leadership teams. They have the opportunity to practice clinical skills within our simulation suite and reflect on the expectations and professional values required for an industry placement.

During the placement, learners are exposed to the organisation of the trust, a day-to-day running of a ward/clinical area and can meet and talk with patients and professionals about their healthcare experiences. Through this, they practice their communication, teamwork and professional skills which will help them prepare for the working world.

How do industry placements benefit UHBW?

Industry placements are a great way for UHBW to showcase all the different roles within healthcare that young people can get involved in and give learners the opportunity to experience these. They bring a new set of skills and enthusiasm to UHBW and often go on to apply for our apprenticeship programmes.

Can you name any standout moments from our industry placement learners?

Last year UHBW was nominated for an Industry Placement Partnership Award by one of our learners. It was an honour to be nominated and observe how much the learner had thrived in their industry placement and how much they recommended UHBW for an industry placement.

Is there opportunity for our learners to progress onto apprenticeships or any other paid employment following the completion of their industry placement?

Yes there are options to apply for clinical apprenticeships such as our Student Nurse Associate programme or Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship that if a learner has enjoyed their placement and is interested in healthcare or paid employment.

What would you say to employers who are considering taking on industry placement students?

I would say that it’s been a pleasure to play a role in helping the T level learners experience industry placements and witness them thrive within these placements and build valuable skills and relationships with staff.

To find out more about taking on an industry placement learner, click here.

Last week, former T Level Construction student, Ben, visited our current Year 1 and Year 2 Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level students to discuss his journey from Weston College into his current position as a Structural Technician Apprentice at Stantec.  

The Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level is a very hands-on qualification, giving students the opportunity to work with employers and develop their skills and knowledge in a practical setting. They work 315 hours with an employer, gaining invaluable feedback and assistance from industry professionals, as well as responsibilities within their roles which will build their abilities and confidence.  

Ben completed the Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level in 2023 where he excelled within his industry placement at Hydrock. He impressed them with his knowledge and maturity and offered him a full-time Apprenticeship role with them upon the successful completion of his T Level.   

The college also recognised Ben’s dedication and hard work inside and outside the college by awarding him the Construction Profession Trades Student of the Year Award during Weston College’s Celebration of Success in 2024.   

After he completed his T Level with a Distinction, Ben accepted the role at Hydrock and worked alongside completing his Level 4 Civil Engineering HNC course at University Centre Weston (UCW). This was a great opportunity for him to deepen his knowledge and gain a higher qualification in the field. After completing the Level 4 course, Ben plans to progress to the Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. This will make him a highly qualified engineer with an in-depth technical understanding of the field. 

During his guest lecture, Ben discussed his current role at Stantec, previously known as Hydrock, as a Structural Engineering Apprentice and the responsibilities it entails, including the designs and models he creates, the coordination required with different teams, and the processes he must go through to create a finalised design.   

Within his role, Ben has gained a vast amount of experience, giving him the chance to work closely with clients and work on large projects in the community. This not only builds his confidence and his skills, but it also builds his portfolio due to the number of building designs sent off with his name on.   

However, the more challenging aspects of the job include trying to find a compromise between different teams who may prioritise different aspects of a design. For example, working with contractors, engineers, and architects can be difficult as each area specialises in different things and often want contradicting changes made. These challenges, however, improve Ben’s adaptability and allow him to think practically and overcome issues with alternate solutions that suit all parties.  

Ben shared his advice on T Level placements, saying, “You must apply yourself and if they like you and you work hard, you have a better chance of securing a permanent role. There’s never a guarantee, but if you’re willing to learn and have a positive attitude towards the job then you have a much better chance of building a relationship.”  

“The T Level helped me gain a good level of understanding for what a role in the industry would entail. I learnt the basics of how to use the software in my T Level, and the knowledge I learnt massively helped me lay the foundation for my current role.”  

Ben is an excellent example of what students can achieve when they work hard, apply themselves and have passion for a subject. He had a positive work ethic and attitude towards his role which reflected his commitment to his future.  

A big thank you to Ben for sharing his experiences with our students and showing them what they can achieve if they work hard.  

This guest lecture forms part of the Construction Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

Progress to the next level in Construction! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career. 

After graduating from her course in Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare at UCW, and previously having completed an Animal Management course at Weston College, Grace applied for an Animal Care Assistant position at the RSPCA! We caught up with her to find out all about how it’s going. 

As part of the application process, she was invited to an interview and asked to prepare a short presentation about the history of the RSPCA and the work that they do. Following a successful interview, Grace was selected for a trial day – a full day of hands-on work to demonstrate skills and suitability for the role. “It is important to note that a few candidates were selected for a trial day so I was highly motivated to do my absolute best.” 

Now working in this role, Grace says there’s plenty to love about the role. “It’s hard to pinpoint my favourite part of the role because there is so much to love. However, I do believe being able to help animals everyday whether they need medical attention, love or reassurance is my ultimate favourite.” 

A typical day starts early, with feeding, medicating, and cleaning the animals’ accommodation. “We currently have a range of animals on site including, dogs, cats and rabbits. It can often include other small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets. Along with a not so occasional – Cockerel,” she said. 

Each day varies, filled with a mixture of exercising dogs, setting up enrichment activities, performing health checks, grooming, observing animal behaviour, and even carrying out viewings for potential adopters. The day ends with more feeding and medicating, final cleaning, and settling down the animals for bedtime. 

Reflecting on their journey, Grace credits much of their success to their time studying at Weston College and UCW. “When at UCW I found being able to get stuck in and gain practical experience was highly valuable. That includes my time at Puxton Park and the range of work experience I carried out within different environments in the animal industry. My lecturers pushed me to experience all parts of the industry which ultimately helped me decide where I wanted to go with my future.” 

This work experience and time at Puxton Park forms part of the UCW Animal, Environment and Biological Studies Careers Excellence Hub; which is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.   

The academic side of their course has also proved invaluable. “A lot of the modules I covered still help me to this day, including health, anatomy and the importance of animal behaviour. Everything I learnt along my journey at Weston College and UCW I still carry with me and it aids me to excel within my working role and personal life.” 

Offering advice to current and future students, Grace said: “I would say, get stuck in! Dig deep in your modules in the classroom and out in the field. Gain as much knowledge and practical experience as you can because it is so fundamental to be able to work in animal welfare.” 

When it comes to choosing where to study, Grace couldn’t recommend UCW more highly. “The animal courses at UCW are so accessible and the team of lecturers for the animal courses are so kind, welcoming and are always there if you need any help. The learning environment they create is supportive and positive which makes it that much easier to achieve. The resources that are available to UCW students are great too, whether you need support with your assignments or just need someone to talk to, there is always someone there.” 

If you want to experience the great animal facilities and support at UCW, apply for our Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare course now! To explore Animal Management at Weston College, click here!