Employers have been urged to continue to support T-levels after celebrating the first-ever set of results for the new employer-designed qualifications.
Bev Robinson OBE, principal and CEO of Blackpool and The Fylde College, said T-levels – designed by employers – are transforming education for young people and “creating vibrant career opportunities”.
“Our employer partners tell us that they need highly skilled people to drive their businesses forward. Technical and professional education delivers just this,” she explained.
“Central to each two-year T-level programme is nine weeks of on-the job experience, which is why the ongoing support of the business community is so vital.
“The business community also benefits as supporting placements provides a great recruitment opportunity for the employer.”
Each T-level is equivalent to three A-levels and carries the same UCAS points weighting, which means students are particularly well-placed to take advantage of a variety of higher education routes from traditional degree programmes to higher and degree apprenticeships.
The achievement rate for T-level students who studied at Blackpool and The Fylde College is 100%. Central to this achievement is the employer partners who support industry placements.
Overall, 85% of T-level students achieved a grade of Merit and above, which is equivalent to three A-levels at grade B and above. 39% successfully gained a Distinction, which is equivalent to three A-levels at A grade and the maximum amount of UCAS points.
Robinson added: “The results demonstrate both the students’ hard work and the commitment of our employer partners to create the next generation of highly skilled employees for their industry.
“We are so proud of what our students have achieved and know that they now have the opportunity to excel in their chosen career paths.”
T-levels have already made a positive impact on local and regional businesses, with several organisations offering permanent employment and degree apprenticeship opportunities to their T-level placement student.
One such company is Code Galaxy, a Blackpool-based software business, where they were so impressed with Reece Harris that they offered him a permanent role as a junior programmer and are funding his degree apprenticeship.
Nicky Speakman, Code Galaxy’s founder and owner (pictured, above left, with Harris) said: “It’s so important to support the industry placement of college students as it gives our team at Code Galaxy the chance to inspire the next generation of computer experts.
“It’s also an excellent opportunity to look for potential recruits and see how someone fits into our closely knitted team before we commit to employing them. In Reece’s case, we’ve been incredibly impressed – so much so that he is now a permanent member of our team.”
From his perspective, Reece’s T-level experience couldn’t have been more rewarding.
He said: “That’s the fantastic thing about doing a T-level. Because you’re spending a generous amount of time on your placement, the company really has the opportunity to get to know you. If you make a good impression, you might end up being offered a job like I have.
“And even if that doesn’t happen, a great reference and a portfolio of genuine work mean that you will have an edge when approaching future employers.”
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