News

We're proud to celebrate T Levels Week (Monday 13 to Friday 17 October) and recognise the achievements of our students who are building the skills and experience needed for successful careers.

Since introducing the T Level in Health qualification in 2022, we've expanded our offer to include Business Administration, opening up even more opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills and experience.

Nikki Bradshaw, Ward Manager, commented: "Having been approached asking us to support T Level students, I was really excited about the opportunity this could bring. Working in OPMH, we have supported many older students in the nursing courses who have a limited insight in to the service we offer. By having the chance to support future health care professionals at the start of their training, we are able to give them hands on insight in to the specialities of the service we provide.

"Throughout all of this, myself and the team have been supported so well by Pauline Champion, Early Career and Volunteer Co-ordinator, and all of the team. This included the amazing feedback being passed on to us. All of the team on the ward and the external support have embraced this experience and been really positive about the students. I have really enjoyed being part of this opportunity."

T Levels are two-year courses taken after GCSEs, broadly equivalent to three A levels and carrying UCAS points. Developed in collaboration with employers, they combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Students spend at least 45 days on an industry placement, gaining practical skills tailored to specific sectors.

With a T Level, students can progress directly into skilled employment, higher education or apprenticeships. Our students have achieved fantastic results and are now moving on to a wide range of next steps- from entering the workforce to starting higher-level apprenticeships or university courses.

Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith said: "T Levels are at the forefront of this government's technical education offer. They are excellent qualifications based on employer-led standards and they break down barriers to opportunity, giving young people hands-on experience through industry placements.

T Levels are also helping to build talented workforces - around a third of T Level students who progress into employment get jobs with their T Level Industry Placement employer.

I'm delighted to champion T Levels Week as we ensure these qualifications continue to thrive through our Plan for Change. T Levels are growing year on year, with £28 million of additional investment this year for specialist equipment. I would encourage young people to consider taking a T Level."

We're looking forward to welcome more students on placements in the coming years. Join us on social media this week as we celebrate our incredible students - follow along and share using #TLevelsWeek.