BUSINESSES across Wiltshire and beyond have pledged their support for the next generation of skilled workers as Wiltshire College & University Centre celebrates the conclusion of its Big Placement Pledge campaign.
Now in its second year, the 13-week campaign has seen dozens of businesses pledge their support for T Level industry placements, helping the College strengthen existing employer partnerships and develop new relationships.
Businesses from across construction, hospitality, horticulture, animal care and health and social care have pledged their support, including Bowood, Shaw Trust, PAH Construction, Palmer Gardens and Cricklade Hotel.
The College’s Work Placement team is now working with the businesses to explore the opportunities they can offer and identify which curriculum areas they could support.
Throughout the campaign, the College has also connected with employers at events including the Wiltshire Business Expo and South West Business Show, raising awareness of T Levels and encouraging more organisations to consider offering placements.
The campaign builds on the College’s established network of employer partnerships, with students gaining valuable workplace experience across Wiltshire, including Trowbridge, Chippenham, Salisbury, Devizes, Melksham and Swindon, as well as further afield in Somerset, Dorset, Bristol and Hampshire.
The importance of these partnerships comes as the College has welcomed more than 600 T Level students this academic year, up from around 400 last year, creating growing demand for opportunities to gain experience in the workplace.
For some students, these experiences can lead directly to employment or further training.
One example is Lucy Harding, who was named Engineering Student of the Year at the College’s annual Student Awards in September.
Lucy completed her industry placement with AJM Engineering in Corsham, where she gained hands-on experience with machinery, programming and different areas of the business.
Having impressed her employer, she secured a three-year engineering apprenticeship with the company, which she began in September. As part of her apprenticeship, she is now working towards a Level 4 HNC qualification.
Reflecting on her progression, Lucy said: “I started on Level 2, then I went to Level 3, and now I’m starting an apprenticeship with my employer that I did work experience with.”
Read about Lucy’s journey here.
Ann Simpson, Work Placement Team Leader at Wiltshire College & University Centre said: “Every employer who opens their doors to a T Level student is helping to create opportunities that can make a real difference to a young person’s future.
“The Big Placement Pledge has been a great opportunity to build relationships with businesses across the region, from those already supporting our students to organisations exploring industry placements for the first time.
“Lucy’s success shows just how valuable these partnerships can be. Her placement gave her the opportunity to demonstrate her skills in a real workplace and has now led to a three-year apprenticeship with the same employer.
“We’d like to thank every business that has pledged its support and everyone who has engaged with the campaign. Although the Big Placement Pledge has come to an end, we’re continuing to work with employers to turn those conversations into opportunities for our students.”
All about T Levels
T Levels are two-year qualifications, equivalent in size to three A Levels, combining classroom learning with a minimum of 315 hours of industry placement. It offers an alternative to other post-16 study options – designed by industry and endorsed by employers. They offer a mixture of classroom learning and real-world experience through an industry placement, lasting at least 45 days.
Employers! Help shape the next generation of talent
With demand for placements continuing to grow, the College is encouraging businesses of all sizes to get involved, whether they are considering hosting a student for the first time or looking to expand their existing support.
