College calls for more placement opportunities as T Level student numbers soar

Wiltshire College & University Centre is calling on more businesses to help create opportunities for young people after the institution’s T Level student numbers rose by almost 50%.

The college has welcomed more than 600 T Level students this academic year, up from around 400 last year.

The two-year qualifications, equivalent in size to three A Levels, combine classroom learning with a minimum of 45 days of industry placement, giving students the chance to gain valuable workplace experience alongside their studies.

Among those who have benefited is former T Level Engineering student Lucy Harding, 19, from Westbury, who secured an apprenticeship with AJM Engineering in Corsham after completing her industry placement with the company. 

Lucy, who was recently named Engineering Student of the Year at the college’s annual Student Awards, progressed from Level 2 to Level 3 before taking the next step into her engineering career. 

Now undertaking a three-year apprenticeship, she is gaining hands-on experience in programming and operating machinery, working on a variety of engineering projects. 

Speaking about her journey, Lucy said, “I started on Level 2, worked my way up to Level 3, and now I’m on an apprenticeship with the employer I did my work experience with. 

“It’s amazing what you can do after getting that bit of education. It’s great.” 

Lucy’s experience highlights how industry placements can open doors for young people, helping them develop practical skills, build confidence and make valuable connections with employers. 

Ann Simpson, Work Placement Team Leader at Wiltshire College & University Centre, said, “Industry placements are at the heart of T Levels, giving students the opportunity to develop real workplace skills, build confidence and gain experience that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom.” 

The college works with businesses and organisations across Wiltshire and the surrounding areas, including Wiltshire Council, Mitie and Salisbury District Hospital, to provide placements across a range of T Level subjects.

For employers, placements offer an opportunity to introduce young people to their industry, bring fresh perspectives into the workplace and identify potential future talent. 

Rich Garland, Account Director at facilities management company Mitie, which supports T Level students through placements at its MOD Corsham site, said, “What students bring is energy, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective. 

“It’s not hard to support them – all it takes is a conversation. T Levels give us the chance to inspire young people and challenge them in ways they wouldn’t experience elsewhere.” 

With student numbers continuing to grow, the college recently encouraged more businesses to follow its example by getting involved in THE BIG Placement Pledge, which ran until 31 October 2026.

The campaign invited employers to pledge opportunities for young people to experience the workplace, whether through an industry placement, workplace visit or industry talk.  

For more information about T Levels and the courses available at Wiltshire College & University Centre, visit: www.wiltshire.ac.uk. 

Pictured: T Level Engineering Student of the Year Lucy Harding