T Level students at The Sheffield College have been developing their global knowledge and skills by taking part in international industry placements.
The college is providing global opportunities for students completing T Levels as well as those studying other vocational qualifications.
During this academic year, T Level construction students have helped to build a dispensary in a remote village in Fiji.
Meanwhile, T Level business students have worked with local businesses in Bali on new ideas, strategies and marketing for sustainability projects.
Matthew Goodlad, Vice Principal for Curriculum – Young People, The Sheffield College, said: “T Levels have been developed with employers to provide students with the knowledge and skills to go further in exciting careers.
“Having the chance to complete industry placements abroad is an exciting and life changing opportunity for our students that supports their professional and personal development.”
T Levels are two-year technical qualifications that have been designed to provide students with high quality technical training. The benefits of these new technical qualifications are being highlighted during T Levels Celebration Week 2024 from 2nd to 6th December 2024.
T Levels have been developed with employers and businesses to meet the needs of industry so that they prepare students for work, further training, or study.
They offer students a mix of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of approximately 45 days and are equivalent to three A Levels. Students completing T Levels spend 80% of their learning at college and 20% on a 45-day industry placement.
Student George Fletcher, who took part in the trip to Fiji, said: “Being on the project has really helped me to further my knowledge on my course, which will help me in my career when I go into industry. It’s also made me respect different cultures even more.”
The college offers T Levels in the following subject areas: animal care, building technologies, business, childcare, engineering, fashion and textiles, health and social care, IT and computing and science.
Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said: "This government is backing T Levels as a top quality qualification, helping young people develop skills to seize opportunity.
"T Levels offer hands-on experience in the workplace and excellent career prospects for young people seeking skilled work or further study. This September saw us launch three new subjects, with another set to launch next year.
“I’m delighted to see more employers getting behind T Levels by offering industry placements, including Amazon, Lloyds Banking Group, and Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, helping to nurture future talent and support the development of in-demand skills.”
The college’s international industry placements are funded by the Turing Scheme, which provides students with opportunities to study, work and train abroad.
Colleges, schools and universities apply for funding on an annual basis from the government-run scheme on students’ behalf.
The international placement trips were led by the college in partnership with Think Pacific in Leeds, which organises volunteering, internships and study abroad.
Find out more about our T Level offer and upcoming open days.
