T-Levels, introduced in recent years as a vocational alternative to A-Levels in the United Kingdom, have gained attention for their practical approach to education. As students embark on their educational journey, the placement process plays a crucial role in shaping their experience and career prospects.
In the realm of education, the voices of students often go unheard amidst the clamour of academic discourse and institutional narratives. However, within these young minds lie stories of resilience, triumph, and personal growth that can serve as a beacon of inspiration for others embarking on similar paths.
The testimonials of two students, as well as the employer's perspective, shed light on the valuable skills and opportunities gained during their work placements. These stories exemplify the positive impact of T-Level placements and highlight the significance of collaboration, mentorship, and real-world experience.
One of our students, Nawal, a first-year student at our Digbeth campus pursuing digital production, design and development, doing a work placement at Makemefitclub Company, She says, “My work placement with Makmefitclub has been an amazing opportunity for me. I have gained valuable experience and built my professional network, learning from experienced professionals in my field.”
Nawal has gained a lot of skills and experience during her time as she says, “During my work placement, the marketing campaign was the most enjoyable for me. It provided me with ideas and skills on how to advertise. I particularly liked this aspect because it's a skill I need to develop to further progress in university. I absolutely thrive on planning and researching topics related to campaigns for my company. Being able to learn new things about how advertising works on various social media platforms is essential for my business-focused course study in college.”
She also adds how the excellent work of the college played a major role in getting her the right experience as she says, “South and City College has truly transformed my educational experience. The opportunity to participate in work placement programs has opened doors and allowed me to gain practical experience. I highly recommend this college to anyone seeking a comprehensive education that combines classroom learning with real-world experience.”
Another student who wishes to be not named, also working alongside Nawal at Makemefitclub, says “One of the highlights of my placement was helping plan for Makemefitclub events. From creating posts, editing them, and putting them out, I learned a great deal about planning and executing successful events. This experience helped me develop my creativity and attention to detail, which I know will be invaluable in my future career.
During my placement, Dalbir Kaur, my employer, was an amazing mentor who helped me grow both personally and professionally. She gave me the opportunity to apply the skills I had learned in college to real-life situations, which helped me better understand the concepts of marketing and management.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a fantastic company and to have had the chance to learn from such a good mentor as Dalbir Kaur. I know the skills and knowledge I have gained during this placement will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.”
Dalbir Kaur, the employer at Makemefitclub, recognises the importance of providing T-Level students with a supportive and nurturing environment. As she says, “both students are doing very well; they have been a part of launching marketing campaigns, planning and executing our latest well-being event and attended the latest board meeting. They feel like they are getting value and enjoying their placements.”
The testimonies of these T-Level students and their employer highlight the invaluable experiences gained through work placements. The students' accounts illustrate the practical skills acquired, such as advertising, planning, leadership, time management, critical thinking, and analysis. These skills will undoubtedly prove beneficial in their future careers.
Furthermore, the mentorship and collaborative work environment provided by employers like Dalbir Kaur contribute to students' personal and professional growth. T-Level placements, as exemplified by these success stories, offer students a comprehensive education that combines classroom learning with real-world experience, paving the way for a promising future.