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.