New research by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation [Gatsby] has found that 95% of parents see relevant work experience as an important factor in their teenager’s future employability, yet when thinking back on their own work experience, only one fifth (20%) thought that it reflected the reality of what it’s like to be employed.
A third (33%) can’t help but associate it with menial tasks such as photocopying but they still insist it’s important for the next generation’s career prospects. Of those who think it is important, reasons cited include:
- 78% - Experience the real world of work
- 66% - Can gain specific skills that employers are looking for
- 60% - Be given the chance to improve their personal and business skills
In line with National Careers Week (6th-11th March 2023) and in response to outdated perceptions of work experience, Gatsby is urging parents to learn more about the benefits and opportunities the 45-day T-level industry placement offers their child if they choose to study the new qualification.
Created with employers and equivalent to three A-levels, T-levels offer a unique blend of 80% classroom study and 20% industry placement, putting skills into action and creating a ‘job-ready’ generation that have gained hands-on experience in an actual working environment within their chosen industry. T-level subjects span many specialist areas, from construction and healthcare, to digital and engineering; all providing expert knowledge to students, helping them stand out to employers within their chosen fields.
To aid parent understanding, Gatsby has launched the Parent Placements video series this week. A spin on ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’, Parent Placements sees teenagers give their parents a taster of what a typical day as a T-level student entails. Challenging traditional tea-making perceptions of work experience, the series aims to showcase how T-levels - and particularly the industry placement element - offer students a head-start when it comes to career prospects.
The Parent Placement series kicks off with two students, Amaris Tawia, from London and James Lack from Barnsley.
When asked about his career pathway, James said, “Having my older brother successfully complete his T-level last year, I knew it was good route for me to follow as well. I enjoy the hands-on element of my course, and I get to focus in on areas such as cyber security and ethical hacking. I have just begun my industry placement with Distinction Doors, where I work every Monday and get to apply everything I learn at college into the working world. From helping to upload new software, to transferring systems to the cloud, and learning how the business words, I feel as though I am gaining invaluable knowledge for my professional future.”
On her placement and chosen pathway, Amaris said, “I love the balance of the classroom and site visits. On my industry placement, I get to put knowledge into action on anything from planning and architecture, to working with the latest technology, such as drones to see how Artificial Intelligence and VR can help visualise and construct buildings. Things the classroom can’t teach, include teamwork and leadership skills in a global business setting.”
The series, along with a dedicated hub to answer any parent questions about the T-level industry placement, can be found at https://tlevelinfo.org.uk/industry-placements/
Backed by hundreds of British businesses, from Lloyds Banking Group and Siemens to The NHS - who helped to design the courses, T-levels offer young people an ideal first step into their future career. After a T-level, young people have a range of options to choose from as their next step; from going into skilled employment, to starting an apprenticeship, or further education.
Angela Tawiah, mother of Amaris Tawiah, T-level construction student at La Retraite school who is doing her industry placement with ISG, added: “I am so proud of my daughter Amaris. I feel she has a strong advantage over a lot of her peers thanks to the T-level, and particularly through her industry placement at ISG. It’s invaluable for her to gain such rich, job-based and hands-on experience at this age. I would encourage all parents to find out what their teenager’s interests are and explore T-level options together; that way other parents can proudly watch as their child’s interests turn into impressive expertise, just like I have.”
Karen Vigar, Education Engagement Manager, ISG – a global construction specialist and T-level employer commented: “Working with T-level students has been mutually beneficial for both us as an employer and for students like Amaris. Individuals come to us with sound, pre-existing knowledge from their classroom studies, so it gives them the opportunity to get stuck into applying that knowledge within a live working environment from day one.
“By working with T-level students, not only can we help develop core practical skills, which enrich their CVs and employability, butur teams directly benefit from the mentoring experience through enhanced engagement with new and young talent. We’re always thrilled when T-level students stay on with us into full-time employment.”
Becky Lack, mother of John (T-level construction: design, surveying and planning graduate), and James Lack (T-level digital support services student) at Barnsley College, who is currently doing his industry placement with Distinction Doors, said: “Having both my sons doing T-levels is one of the best decisions we have made as a family. T-levels are more than just an education, as they prepare young people for employment and the real world of work. My eldest son John is way ahead of his peers now, as he has been able to apply all the practical elements of architecture, construction and design into his course, which he learnt on his industry placement during his T-level.
“My younger son James has always been interested in technology and computers – by choosing a digital T-level, he can specialise in an area he is passionate about and learn the core skills needed by employers. I would urge parents to look into T-levels as an option for their children post-GCSE, as I believe they really set you up for your future career.”
Parents can find more information about T-levels, industry placements and see Parent Placements in action at https://tlevelinfo.org.uk/industry-placements/
