Last week, our T Level: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction learners took part in a Speed Interview Day alongside 11 different construction employers. This event provided them with the invaluable opportunity to secure a placement as part of their T Level programme.

The day started with the employers each giving 10-minute presentations to the learners about what their company offer, and how having a T Level placement would benefit both their business and the learner. Some examples of projects the learners could be working on for their placement included the project to restore the Grade II* Listed Birnbeck Pier, construction of Weston Airfield Primary School, and aiding the reconstruction of railway lines.

The presentations provided the learners with a comprehensive understanding of what each employer could offer in terms of placement opportunities, company culture, and potential career pathways. This well-rounded insight enabled the learners to make informed decisions about which three employers aligned best with their interests and aspirations, allowing them to select the companies they were most eager to engage with during the speed interview sessions.

Following the presentations, learners participated in three speed interviews with their preferred employers. During these interviews, they tackled typical interview questions and demonstrated why they would be the perfect fit for the placements on offer.

Thank you to the following employers for coming along and giving our learners such a beneficial experience (also see what the placement learners will get up to with each business!)

• North Somerset Council – Birnbeck Pier project management
• Smith and Brenson – North Somerset Council’s contractor for the Birnbeck Pier landside
• Haverstock – North Somerset Council’s architect for the Birnbeck Pier lanside
• Mackley – North Somerset Council’s contractor for the Birnbeck Pier structure
• Morgan Sindall – North Somerset Council’s contractor for the Tropicana improvement project
• Willmott Dixon – constructing Weston Airfield Primary School
• Tilbury Douglas - potential projects include education buildings or construction of healthcare centres
• Kier Construction - potential to work on projects such as new student accommodation or prison rooms
• Beard Construction - working on projects in Bristol
• DMS Drywall Systems - potential to work on new projects in the Bristol area
• Griffiths - potential to work on the new Bus Service Improvement Plan

Employer feedback:

"Your students were amazing, and we had a great day. Thank you for having us!"

"Was a great event with another strong cohort this year. We are also happy to offer a week of work experience for the other students we interviewed on the day as they were really engaged."

"The enthusiasm and ambition of today’s students show just how bright that future can be!"

"Well done to the learners on T Levels at Weston College today. Great to see your enthusiasm for the construction industry and meet some of you in the speed interviews."  

"Great T Level event run by Weston College this morning for the 1st yr T Level construction students. A chance to listen to presentations from all areas of the industry and then a speed interview session. Lovely to catch up with our Beard T Level student who was taking part in the morning. Thank you for our invite and the warm welcome."