Pam Welsford and Ian Jones are supporting students on T Level programmes
West Suffolk College championed T Levels during a national campaign to promote these qualifications.
Students based at the built environment that is part of West Suffolk College 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.
Pam Welsford is a Work Placement Officer for T Levels and construction at West Suffolk College. Pam 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 is a lecturer in Construction Management. Ian worked as a construction site manager for 22 years and he 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 hinderance. My message to other businesses is get involved and work with young people as they are the future.”
Harley Ramplin from West Suffolk College has been enjoying studying on a T Level qualification citing the industry placement as the highlight of the course.
Harley Ramplin, 17, 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 continued: “There is a good chance (the placement) might lead to employment. I think T Level week is a very good idea – I think it 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.”
Cameron Bunning on his T Level work placement with R G Carter.
Cassandra Fisher is the Group Head of Connections & Opportunities and a T Level Ambassador. Cassandra 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 (related to T Levels) 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.