Wiltshire College & University Centre was delighted to welcome Babcock International to its Chippenham campus last month to meet Engineering learners and explore new ways to collaborate.
During the visit, Babcock confirmed its plans to support students through dedicated T Level industry placements and hands-on learning opportunities, giving learners access to the real-world experience required as part of their qualification.
This commitment directly supports the College’s BIG Placement Pledge campaign, which encourages employers across Wiltshire to offer meaningful placements for T Level students.
As one of the UK’s major engineering and defence employers, Babcock’s involvement gives students valuable exposure to the technology and real-world environments that define modern engineering careers.
The visit included meetings with curriculum teams and discussions led by Dean Green, Apprenticeships Business Development Manager at Babcock.
In addition to confirming its placement offer, Babcock will also provide a tour opportunity for Level 2 Motor Vehicle students, giving learners the chance to see engineering operations in action and understand the pathways available to them.
Joanna Partner, Placement Officer at the College, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Babcock to give our Engineering students direct experience of the sector. Their support for placements, tours and apprenticeships is exactly what we’re aiming to achieve through THE BIG Placement Pledge – offering opportunities that help students take confident steps into their future career.”
A key highlight of the visit was the involvement of former student Jack Parfitt-Keates, from Westbury. The 22-year-old completed his Level 3 Electrical Engineering programme at the College in 2022 before securing an apprenticeship with Babcock. Now in his second year, Jack works across defence engineering projects including armoured vehicles and heavy equipment.
Jack shared his career journey with current learners, demonstrating how placements, hands-on learning and employer involvement can help build confidence and open doors to advanced study and employment.
“I came to Babcock with no mechanical background at all, but my apprenticeship has opened doors I never imagined – I’ve gone from starting out in the workshop to working on armoured vehicles and trucks, and now I’m preparing to move into higher-level study,” said Jack. “My time at Wiltshire College gave me the foundation I needed, and the apprenticeship has helped me build on that in a big way.”
Wiltshire College & University Centre continues to encourage more employers to join THE BIG Placement Pledge, helping expand the number of high-quality placements available to T Level learners across the county.
If you’re an employer interested in supporting T Level placements, apprenticeships or wider collaboration with the College, we’d love to hear from you.
About Babcock International
Babcock delivers engineering, technical support and critical services across national defence – including aviation, marine engineering, submarines and armoured vehicles – creating career routes for skilled technicians, engineers and apprentices. Their increased engagement with the College highlights the importance of industry partnerships in shaping the next generation of engineers.
