In a significant boost for young people in the region, businesses have pledged to offer over a thousand “quality work experience placements” to students pursuing T-Levels in Greater Manchester. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience, providing invaluable opportunities for the next generation of tech talent.
T-Levels, introduced in 2020, are two-year technical qualifications that combine classroom-based learning with a substantial industry placement, equivalent to three A-Levels. The 45-day placements will be available to students studying subjects such as digital software development, engineering, and media production, among others.
Dylan Nomovi, a 17-year-old student at The Manchester College, is one of the beneficiaries of this programme. He has begun his placement at the technology giant IBM, where he is developing an e-commerce website and utilizing cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. “The company was really welcoming, the people were amazing, and they really helped me settle in,” Dylan enthused.
Ella Tsui-Lau, an assistant principal at The Manchester College, emphasised the importance of these partnerships, stating, “The key to retaining students on T-Level courses is the quality of education and the partnerships with employers.” She added, “It’s so rewarding to see students go on to a higher national apprenticeship or even full-time employment.”
Leon Butler, the Chief Executive of IBM in the UK and Ireland, which employs around 600 people in Manchester, praised the capabilities of the T-Level students, saying, “Everyday I’m blown away by the capabilities of students on T-Level courses and apprenticeship schemes.” He highlighted the company’s efforts to ensure the students are well-versed in a corporate environment, including opportunities to deliver presentations.
Declan Brooks, a 16-year-old student from Hazel Grove in Stockport, is also pursuing a T-Level in digital software development. He sees the programme as a stepping stone towards his entrepreneurial aspirations, stating, “Getting into the world of work is how I want to get my foot in the door and further ahead. I’d like to start my own business.”
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s pledge to work with local colleges and businesses to expand T-Level work placements is a significant step in providing young people with a clear pathway to high-quality jobs in the region’s growing sectors. As the Manchester Baccalaureate aims to offer a technical alternative to the existing English Baccalaureate, these initiatives are poised to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in Greater Manchester.