06/12/2024
This week the 2-6th of December 2024 was national #T Levels Week and there was plenty of activity across college; to celebrate the journey we have been on with these programmes.
Monday kicked off with a visit from Skills Minister Jacqui Smith and Sonia Kumar MP, who came to meet some of the students who have been part of the T Level story here at college. Electrical student Prem Singh made a big impression on the politicians, as he sang his praises both of his experience at college at the way he was treated by colleagues on his work placement with E-ON. T Level Healthcare student Lacey Shuker also praised her T Level Tutors and shared how much she valued the wider employability skills she had acquired whilst studying for her qualification.
Dudley College was an early adopter of the new T Level programmes when they were launched in September 2020 and we now offer T Levels in sixteen sectors.
The Minister’s visit coincided with the announcement that more students will be able to access T Level industry placements as the government makes changes to the requirements surrounding the 45 day work placement element of the programme.
The number of students taking T Levels has increased every year since they were launched. Over 16,000 nationally students started a T Level in the 2023/24 academic year – almost as many students as in the first three cohorts combined. At Dudley College our T Level learner numbers have grown in each successive year from launch, with 477 learners currently studying for a T Level qualification.
During the week we also ran an employer lunch to thank business leaders who have supported us by taking on work placement learners. Firms including R & S Gas Ltd, Mott MacDonald/SYSTRA DJV and Housing 21 , attended a “Thank you“ ceremony organised by the Employer Engagement Team and hosted by Susanne Davies.
To find out more about T levels why not visit our next open day Saturday 11th January 2025.
What our Students Say
Phebe Hannington, studying T-level childcare and education, formerly a student at Beacon Hill Academy
“I chose this course as I knew I wanted a career in education and this course would help me progress towards that.
“All of my teachers were helpful and have expanded my knowledge and skills which I will continue to use throughout my career.
“My placement gave me so much...
What our Students Say
Casey Blakeway, aged 19, Applied Law with Criminology, formerly a student at St Michaels
“I came to an open event and liked the college – it had a nice atmosphere and the staff were friendly. It also had the perfect course combining law and criminology.
“The course is very interesting, the teachers have been very supportive and I’ve enjoyed my time here.