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Northampton College is training the next generation of problem solvers, ready to hit the ground running and make a difference in the workplace. All they need is a platform to showcase their skills and a chance to shine.
With T Levels growing in popularity, the need for businesses to offer placements to students is ever more pressing. Placements are a key component of the qualification, giving students the opportunity to refine their skills ‘on-the-job’ while allowing businesses to cast their eye over an emerging talent pipeline and find their future workforce.
Northampton College student Kacper Ciucka is already planning for an exciting future as he sets his sights on a career in quantity surveying, following valuable training and real-world industry experience through his T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning.
Throughout the course, Kacper has combined classroom learning with real-world exposure to the workplace, from site visits and a five-week enrichment programme with Winvic Construction Ltd, to an extended placement at Kier Group plc.
Alongside his practical experience, the classroom element of the course is providing Kacper with a solid foundation in design, surveying and planning. He is also developing key skills in quantity surveying, including pricing and costing, and is applying this knowledge through project-based work at the college.
“The tutors at Northampton College have been amazing,” said Kacper. “They really tailor their teaching to how each of us learns. “They have been especially helpful with exam preparation, going through past papers with me and making sure I understand everything.”
During his placement at Kier, Kacper gained valuable, hands-on experience in the construction industry and developed key skills in meeting workplace deadlines.
He said: “Work placements are fundamental. It is great not being in the classroom all the time. You get to see first-hand what people actually do in the field rather than being stuck behind a desk.
“I would definitely recommend a T Level, because the hours you complete give you plenty of real insight into the industry. In my case, it’s been invaluable for understanding construction.”
Kacper’s dedication and performance during his placement have paid off, leading to an offer for a degree apprenticeship as a direct result of his success with Kier.
Northampton College is looking to identify employers interested in offering future T Level placements across a range of subjects, from accounting to engineering.
Employers can also shape the content of the college’s future curriculum by taking part in a series of Industry Advisory Boards being held this spring.
These forums bring together industry professionals to shape the future of workforce development and ensure the college’s training provision reflects real-world needs.
During the sessions, businesses will work with college leaders to identify potential short courses that support workforce development and address immediate skills shortages, while exploring how employability and digital skills can be further embedded into college programmes to ensure learners are work ready.
The boards will help clarify the knowledge, behaviours and technical competencies that should be prioritised within apprenticeship frameworks and T Level delivery and will provide an opportunity for open discussion, collaboration and meaningful influence over how the college prepares the next generation of professionals.
By sharing expertise and experience, businesses will help ensure the college’s curriculum remains aligned with current industry practice and future workforce demands.
Industry Advisory Boards will be held on the following dates:
- Catering and Hospitality – Monday, May 11, 10.30am – 12pm
- Engineering and Motor Vehicle Tuesday, May 12, 10.30am – 12pm
- Logistics Tuesday, May 19, 10.30am – 12pm
For more details, contact Northampton College Business Centre on 01604 734323 or email business.centre@northamptoncollege.ac.uk
Find out more via our website here.
