The success of our T Levels isn’t just down to our hardworking learners: the input of local employers allows learners to put their knowledge into practice on work placements and develop their skills.
Akddus Khan, Learning and Development Commissioner in the Human Resources and Organisational Development department at Oldham Council, has worked with two of our Digital T Level learners, Mohammed and Taylor, over the past year.
“We asked all the learners to apply for placements in the same way you’d apply for a job,” says Akddus.
“The interviews were competitive, and we were really impressed with the questions students asked and the way they conducted themselves.”
On starting placements at Oldham Council, T Level learners Mohammed and Taylor were given projects and tasks to work on that made a real difference to their respective departments. Taylor worked in Human Resources, while Mohammed was in IT.
“We also worked on their soft skills,” says Akddus.
“I set them tasks each week to help them step out of their comfort zones, such as making conversation with an assistant director in their team. We coached them, offering tips and advice on how to break the ice and conduct themselves.”
Oldham Council is now working with other local authorities (LAs) to encourage them to offer T Level placements.
“We’re a real advocate for T Levels, which is why we’re working to show other LAs how valuable they are,” Akddus says.
“T Levels are a great opportunity to help students get an industry placement, get a feel for what the world of work is like and understand where they need to make changes and improvements in themselves.
“They also provide reliable work experience – which students can use as a point of reference in the future to help them launch their careers.”
We’re a real advocate for T Levels, which is why we’re working to show other local authorities how valuable they are.
