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.