In September 2020, Weston College will be one of only fifteen education providers delivering T Levels and will launch with the new Digital T Level.
The new qualification is highly anticipated, with one of the benefits being learners will spend a minimum of 45 days with a relevant employer carrying out their Industry Placement to really hone what they learn in the classroom.
Employers are recognising the potential that this new qualification can bring to their company; by building a pool of new talent, gaining support from an additional pair of hands, who can bring fresh ideas and provide them with the opportunity to mould a learner into a future employee.
Leading digital companies, Wiltshire based Zircon Software, and Somerset based Eloquent Technologies and Cardstream, have pledged their support to Weston College and the new qualification, by committing to take on Digital T Level learners for their Industry Placements for 2020.
David Owen, Managing Director at Zircon Software, said: “Industry placements are an excellent way for a business to identify future tech talent by offering a structured work placement programme.
“Key to the success of our business is building a talented workforce and we are delighted to work in partnership with Weston College to offer industry placements to students studying digital technology courses.”
These thoughts were echoed by David Ford, Managing Director of Eloquent Technologies, who said: “We had great success last year through offering industry placements to Weston College learners and we are excited to be extending the partnership into next year.
“Our placement student’s work was of such a high standard, that when he told us he was intending on taking a gap year, we hired him on a fixed term contract as he had become a critical member of our team.”
Adam Sharpe, CEO of Cardstream, added: “Industry Placements offer the opportunity to meet keen and eager potential employees, that can be developed into future leaders of your business.
“We are delighted to support Weston College, through their Digital T Level programme, from experience we know that the College develops learners of a high standard, that can support our business and who we can help further develop their talents.”
T Levels are delivered over a two-year period and provide an alternative to A Levels for 16 to 19-year-olds who would rather study work-related courses than traditional academic subjects. They provide a mix of industry-specific technical knowledge and practical skills and an industry placement of at least 45 days.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “We are excited to launch the Digital T Level in September, and to have endorsements from Eloquent Technologies, Cardstream and Zircon Software shows how important these qualifications are going to be for the business community.
“We have had success stories throughout the industry placement programme, and we are looking forward to this extending this into T Levels, and developing career pathways for our learners, in partnership with leading tech sector employers.”
You can find out more about the Digital T Level, by clicking here:
Employers: https://www.weston.ac.uk/work-experience’
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