Sixth Form celebrates T Level students completing first year

Hartlepool Sixth Form is celebrating the achievements of its T Level students as they complete their first year.  

In September 2021, the sixth form became one of the first providers in the country to offer the pioneering T Level qualifications which bring classroom learning and an extended industry placement together on a course designed with businesses and employers.  

They can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships, with the courses on offer reflecting growth areas and addressing industry skills gaps with laboratory science, adult nursing and education and childcare all available to study at Hartlepool Sixth Form from September 2022. 

T Levels are unique as they combine classroom study with industry placements so young people gain valuable work experience in their chosen sector. Abbie-Jo, who is studying adult nursing, has been working with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and hopes to become a paramedic when she leaves sixth form. 

She said: “T Levels are an amazing opportunity as I have gained hands on experience in a ward and with professionals I aspire to work with in the future. 

“This has helped me with projects and exams at sixth form as I can relate what I have done on my placement to better understand different procedures and why things such as legislation are important.” 

Fellow student Amy, who is completing an industry placement at North Tees Hospital, added: “I always knew I wanted to care for people and help them see the positives when times weren’t so good and the Covid pandemic made me more passionate about this. 

“If you want to work in the health sector, T Levels are a good option. I have been able to experience working in a real hospital environment and attend to patients.” 

Many local businesses from NHS trusts to local schools are embracing T Levels as a great way to bring in new ideas and the latest skills, and a new way to find, nurture and secure young talent.  

Victoria Moyse, Work Experience & Placement Lead at Education Partnership North East which includes Hartlepool Sixth Form, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating the success of our first T Level students this summer.  

“We were among the first providers in the country to offer these brilliant new qualifications, and it has been fantastic to see how they have been embraced by young people.  

“We are excited to see our students build on their success next year and where they will progress to once they have finished their courses – whether that be straight into the world of work, university, or other post 18 options such as an apprenticeship.”