This week, Daily Focus is shining the spotlight on T Levels. Here, Phil McPherson, Assistant Principal of Innovation & Partnerships at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College discusses the college’s T Level success.
“Since becoming one of the first colleges nationally to offer T Levels in September 2020, the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College has led the way in delivering high-quality technical education. Over the past five years, our T Level provision has grown significantly, supported by strong partnerships with employers and a dedicated Industry Placement team.
These partnerships have been instrumental in shaping the delivery and success of T Levels. Recent feedback from employers revealed that 80 per cent of placements were rated as ‘very successful’, with 95 per cent of hosts eager to welcome students again. This reflects the mutual benefits of industry placements – students gain real-world employment experience, while businesses benefit from fresh perspectives and a pipeline of emerging talent.
At the college, we take pride in preparing students for their transition from education to employment. Our facilities are designed to simulate professional environments, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workplace. We work closely with employers to support every stage of the placement process, and ensure students are fully prepared before they start – this results in a positive placement experience for the student and employer.
We currently offer 11 T Level courses, ranging from Health and Digital to Legal Services and Craft and Design. Last year, 98 per cent of our students successfully achieved their qualifications, 86 per cent achieved high grades and every student completed the full 315-hour industry placement – a testament to their dedication and the support of our employer partners.
Many students have progressed into higher education, apprenticeships, or employment – in some cases, directly with their placement hosts as they have been so impressive! This highlights the transformative impact of T Levels.
As our T Level provision continues to develop, we’re always keen to welcome new employers into our network. Support through engagement events or hosting a student placement are powerful ways to shape the future workforce while benefiting from the enthusiasm and innovation our students bring.
If your business is interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can continue to build a bright future for students and businesses alike.”
