This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald and Petersfield Post editions:
"The first cohort of T Level students have just come to the end of their two year courses, following the launch of the new post 16 qualification back in September 2020.
It is a significant milestone, and one that I am personally delighted to see, having been involved in the implementation of T Levels during my time as Education Secretary.
T Levels offer a real alternative for students who are considering their options after GCSEs.
Broadly equivalent to three A Levels, they are based on a mix of classroom learning and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.
Developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry, T Levels help prepare students for work, further training or further study.
The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England, including HSDC, which incorporates the Havant, South Downs and Alton College sites.
HSDC has been at the vanguard of T Level delivery since the introduction in 2020, when it was selected as the only college in Hampshire to offer the first three T Levels in Construction, Digital and Education & Childcare.
The college’s South Downs Campus now offers seven T Level courses, with four more being introduced in September 2022, in industries including Engineering, Business and Finance.
Currently, HSDC Alton offers three T Level pathways in Health, Early Years and Digital, with two more courses being added in September 2022 and four further options available from September 2023.
Employers and providers have been working together to develop each T Level, with support from the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Groups of employers have defined the skills and requirements for each T Level course, ensuring students develop the technical knowledge and skills required by their specific sector or industy.
For employers, providing an Industry Placement is a great opportunity to potentially discover their future workforce. It is a chance to have early access to the best talent as well as having a part to play in shaping the future of their industry.
For students, the Industry Placement is an invaluable experience, providing an opportunity to put into practice the learning and technical skills they have covered in the classroom college.
It is also a chance for them to develop the right attitudes and behaviours for the workplace, giving them a head start for when they come to look for employment.
One of the local employers supporting the Education & Childcare T Level offered at the Alton College Campus is Sun Hill Infant School, who provided a placement for this academic year.
The placement has been a great success, with the student gaining invaluable experience, improving their communication skills and developing their confidence.
Sun Hill Infant School have been really impressed with the progress made by the student and will be inviting the student back to complete their hours next year.
I take the opportunity to raise the subject of T Levels and placements with local employers whenever possible, including at last week’s Business East Hants event in Liphook.
I would encourage all local employers to consider the value of offering placements, and HSDC Alton is keen to work with more businesses in the area. To find out more about the opportunities with HSDC, head to hsdc.ac.uk/study-with-us/t-levels
I’m also looking forward to the T Levels Celebration Reception in Parliament this week – it is a landmark moment and a chance to acknowledge the great work done by employers, education providers and of course the students themselves."
