We're thrilled to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing our incredible partnership with Dudley College.
Hear first-hand from Louise Williams, our IT Service Desk Manager, and two of our inspiring T-Level students, Bhavjeet Billen and Callum Whitehouse, as they share their experiences and insights from the course.
T-Levels are 2-year courses, equivalent to 3 A Levels, launched in September 2020. Developed with employers and education providers, they prepare students for skilled employment, apprenticeships, or further study. Combining practical learning with industry placement, T-Levels bridge the gap between education and real-world experience.
“This will be the second year we have supported work experience students from Dudley College, which has provided valuable hands-on experience, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios. This exposure not only enhances their practical skills but also boosts their confidence and understanding of working life.
Additionally, the placement has helped the students identify their areas of interest and potential career paths. Overall, these placements bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering a skilled and knowledgeable future workforce.
Our students spent the first few weeks of their placement with 8 departments within Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) and from these taster sessions they chose the team they would like to spend the remaining time with, which aligned to their interests and course criteria.
Planning the students’ time and activities is key to the success of the placement and all of the DDaT teams played a part in welcoming and supporting them through their journey.”
Louise Williams - IT Service Desk Manager
"I have worked with every team in IT, seeing the responsibilities and skill sets being shared and applied to real world problems, and sometimes being able to employ my own skills on projects which has been a delight.
So far I've been getting on great with everyone and enjoying a real work environment."
Bhavjeet Billen
"So far during this placement I have been involved in a range of topics and aspects of the job. I have shadowed many workers and also joined in with some of the activities they are involved in.
As well as this I have also done things such as signing off tickets, booting up laptops through the bios and travelling to sites with fellow workers.
So far I believe I have learnt a lot of things which would both be useful in a working scenario and useful towards my college course."
Callum Whitehouse
Want to find out more? Please email bchft.apprenticeships@nhs.net
