Telford College is working closely with some of the area’s biggest employers ahead of the launch of its first T levels next year.

T levels are an alternative to A levels for post-16 education, tailored to those who prefer a more vocational approach to learning.

Each T level is equivalent to three A levels, and features a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience.

From September 2023, Telford College will be offering T levels in Digital, Health and Science, followed in 2024 by a range of other course areas including Business, Construction, Art & Design, Media, Accounting, Hair, and Catering.

Teresa Hughes, director of business, digital and professional, said: “We are working closely with a number of local businesses to ensure that students will be able to gain the highest quality industry placements in their chosen fields.

“By developing the courses in collaboration with employers and businesses, we can make sure that the content meets their skills needs – and prepares students for work, further training, or study.”

One of the employers is AGA Rangemaster, the world-famous manufacturer of range cookers and kitchen appliances.

The company is already offering the sort of work placement opportunities which will be part of the T level curriculum, and one of the latest students to benefit is Mohammed Khalaileh, from Telford, who is studying engineering.

AGA Rangemaster technical director David Carpenter said: “Mohammed successfully and with great enthusiasm gained valuable experience working on a number of important projects.

“His work encompassed environmental projects, carbon savings, calculations and ideas for new designs, Mohammed also spent time in our test area carrying out development testing on new products.

“I am sure we met Mohammed’s main aim – to gain real experience in a design and manufacturing environment.”