Would you like to give the next generation of Shropshire workers a helping hand with their career development?

If so, the employer engagement team at Telford College are eager to speak to you.

The college is rolling out more of its new T-Levels in September, expanding the range of choice from health and digital skills to new areas such as fashion, film, textiles, TV, and much more.

T-Levels are two-year programmes which are equivalent to three A levels, but with a greater focus on workplace-based training – making them ideal for those who prefer a more vocational approach to learning.

The unique aspect of T-Levels is that they’re they include exciting placements with some award-winning local employers . . . and that’s where the college says Shropshire Chamber members and supporters can help.

Could your business offer one of these placements to a Telford College T-Level student, giving them priceless workplace experience?

Andrew Turner, director of vocational studies at the college, says: “T-Levels are based on similar standards to apprenticeships, and have been designed with leading businesses and employers to deliver the knowledge and skills that people need.

“By developing programmes in collaboration with employers and businesses, we can make sure that the content meets their skills needs – and prepares students for work, further training, or study.”

Among the new T-Levels coming on stream at the college in September are craft & design, and media broadcast & production. They will sit alongside already thriving health and digital programmes.

Andrew says: “We are investing a significant amount of money in extra equipment and facilities for these T-Level courses, in addition to our already well-established Creative Hub and media suites.

“And we have lined up exciting placements with a broad range of businesses, including award-winning media companies – but we’d like to add more local employers to the list.”

Companies which have already stepped forward to offer placements include:

YARRINGTON OF SHREWSBURY: Mark Allsop, managing director of the full-service media and events agency, says: “A placement at Yarrington will see students working on the development and execution of large-scale awards, conferences, plus filming and streaming programmes, or maybe flying drones over Shropshire, capturing footage for inclusion in corporate videos. We encourage placements, to enable students to experience the sharp end, and gain real practical experience in a real-world working environment.”

J&PR OF WELLINGTON: Managing director Kirsty Smallman says: “We are so pleased to be a T-Levels media broadcast and production employer with Telford College from September this year. The workforce of the future is currently still in school and we have a responsibility to give them the very best opportunities on their doorstep. T-Levels will give them the chance to learn so many skills, especially those missing soft and communication skills, and allow them to access future employment opportunities too.”

  • Could you offer a placement to a T-Level student? Contact the college on 01952 642200. A series of T-Level employer information events are also being held – the next one is on July 2nd. For more details, see telfordcollege.ac.uk