Telford College has announced details of new T-Level training programmes it is planning to launch in September.
It is already offering T-Levels in health and digital technology, which see students combining their studies with work placements at local businesses and major national brands.
And as part of national T-Level Thursday, the college has published details of some new programmes which will be added to the curriculum in the coming months.
From September, Telford College is looking to include, business, engineering and creative options to its T-Level learning options.
Business pathways are expected to include accounting, management and administration, while creative options planned are craft and design, and media broadcast and production.
T-Levels are qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds taken after GCSEs. They are equivalent to three A levels, but with a greater focus on technical and vocational skills.
Graham Guest, Telford College principal and chief executive, said: “T-Levels are a great choice – a mix of learning and on-the-job training that can help students get into skilled employment, university or higher apprenticeships.
“Each T-Level includes an in-depth industry placement. Students get valuable experience in the workplace, and employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.”
T-Level students mix their studies with a meaningful industry placement, where the skills learned at college are put into action.
Telford College’s current programmes have been a big success, with health students taking on placements with the NHS at the Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury hospitals.
Sarah Davies, director of health and science and a former NHS midwife, said: “T-Levels have opened an exciting opportunity for collaboration with NHS colleagues.
“Having worked in further education for 13 years, I have been a big advocate for vocational qualifications, especially within health and social care, with many students progressing into higher education and employment as intended.
“We want local businesses to embrace T-Levels as a great way to bring in new ideas and the latest skills, and a new way to find, nurture and secure young talent.”
Ruth Field, T-Level industry placement co-ordinator for health at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said the Telford College commented on the ‘lovely warm welcome’ they received from hospital staff during their first placement.
“Having the students in an industry placement allows them to see first-hand how the theory they have been taught in college is used in practice to ensure patient safety and quality of care,” she said.
“They are being supported in practice by the pre-registration education team and the industry placement co-ordinator who visits them regularly whilst in placement.
“We have had some lovely comments from the students, who said they can’t wait to be a part of the team. They said the T-Level course was a good way to learn – because it gives students chance to see how things actually happen.”
Listen here to Sarah Davies talking about T-Levels on BBC Radio Shropshire
