Industry Placement

What are Industry Placements?

Industry placements refer to sector-specific work experiences typically lasting between 45 to 50 days. These placements are structured to accommodate 1 to 2 days per week, varying according to the course requirements, with an approximate duration of 7 hours per day.

T-Levels – The idea behind the new Government Initiative

T-Levels represent a new government initiative aimed at addressing skills shortages across various sectors. The core objectives include finding solutions to these shortages, nurturing future talent, and leveraging new ideas and fresh perspectives within the workplace.

Learners will spend 80% in the classroom/workshop and 20% with an employer so that a full range of skills are developed.

T Level courses include the core content (theory) and an occupational specialism (pathway) to provide the learner with the practical skills required for the world of work. In addition to this, learners will complete an industry placement (minimum of 315 hours) with an employer relevant to their chosen occupational specialism.

Benefits of Industry Placements

An opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the sector as well as an understanding of what jobs are available in that sector and what those roles entail.
Build and develop technical skills, increasing competence and ability to progress into skilled employment.
Develop employability “soft skills” such as communicating, adapting to change, teamwork and problem solving. It will also help you to step outside of your comfort zone.
Increase confidence and take that confidence back into the classroom.
Receive a fuller, more meaningful employer character reference that will help in applying for future job roles or higher education.
Help you to learn about yourself in order to identify strengths and preferences for future career options.

Expectations

Maintaining good attendance and punctuality is essential, and it’s crucial to follow absence procedures if unable to attend. Presenting a professional image, demonstrating enthusiasm by asking questions, showing proactivity, and displaying a willingness to learn are key aspects. Additionally, completing paperwork on a weekly basis, including timesheets and any relevant individual placement documentation such as placement diaries or mileage claim forms, is important. Remember to seize every opportunity presented during the placement to maximise the experience.

Support

– Employer Health & safety checks are carried out prior to starting placement

– Student risk assessments are carried out at the beginning of your placement to identify any areas where support is needed

– Strong communication links between placement coordinator-student-tutor-employer to ensure constant support for learners.

“I have gained a lot from my industrial experience. I can now confidently talk to service users like it is second nature. I also feel confident enough to run activities in the home such as bingo, quizzes and arts and crafts. I have also had many 1 to 1s with service users where I have had to comfort and support them because they were frustrated or upset. This placement has enabled me to work in a professional team and allowed me to use my own initiative. Being surrounded by healthcare professionals has allowed me to ask questions and extend my knowledge. Everything I have learned will help me progress into my studies at university in Adult Nursing.”
Abby Johnson, Level 3 Health & social Care learner

Past student, Hannah, really enjoyed her time at Ganton School. Find out how both students and the employers benefit greatly from placements. 