Learners from a Staffordshire college group have become the first T Level students in the country to take part in work experience with the Ministry of Defence.
The four T Level engineering students from Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group‘s (NSCG) Stafford College are undertaking the first of its kind placement with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) at Beacon Barracks in Stafford, as part of a new partnership with the MOD.
As part of their T Level studies, students must complete 315 hours on an industry placement over two years.
Stafford College’s placement officer Frazer Peters and curriculum manager for skills and technology Ken Foster, were presented with a 16th Signal Regiment Light Aid Detachment (LAD) plaque in recognition of the new partnership at a launch event for the programme, and also took part in a formal signing of the collaboration agreement.
The students were welcomed to the team with a goodie bag and team sweatshirt to wear during college lessons and study time – and demonstrated the practical side of their studies at the launch event by changing the gearbox on a military Land Rover.
Frazer Peters, Placement Officer at NSCG, said: “Watching students exceed expectations in their placements is truly inspiring. Equally heart-warming is witnessing the Ministry of Defence go above and beyond to welcome them, ensuring they feel like an integral part of the team.
“It’s clear these students are not only being guided by exceptional mentors, but are also in the hands of a supportive and caring environment that will help them thrive.”
Captain David Leo, Officer Commanding of the REME Detachment said: “We are thrilled to officially launch this partnership. Our goal is to provide students with the most enriching experience possible, fully integrating them into our team and showcasing the diverse opportunities a career in military engineering has to offer.”
