Over the past year, the Skills and Development Team has utilised experience gained from operating the Technical Apprenticeship Programme to work alongside The Manchester College to assist in the implementation of T-levels.

The Manchester College’s vision: “At The Manchester College, we’ve got ambitious goals for the future and a strong vision to lead the way in the region, and the country. For Further Education, our vision is to be ‘the leading college for progression and employability.’ As our Higher Education facilities continue to grow, we want to be a leading provider of flexible, affordable, career-relevant university education”

T Levels are technical-based qualifications in England developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for real work, further training, or study. T Levels are two-year courses that can be studied by 16-18-year-olds after finishing their GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A-levels.

Over the past year, we have had the opportunity to invite multiple students to begin their technical industry placements within the University. This included students from both Digital, and Health Sciences pathways, with plans to expand to the Engineering pathway in the future. This is something that we are very passionate about as it allows us to have early sight of young local talent and create increased opportunities to bring them into our technical workforce through our apprenticeship programme.

On the 27th of July, the Technical Apprenticeship Programme were invited to the Manchester College’s Annual Employer Thank You Event at their Openshaw Campus. Lauren O’Hara, an ex-apprentice herself, attended on behalf of the programme team.

During this event, we were presented with the work that the college is doing to improve T-Levels and how the employers, such as us, can help push this forward and help our youth develop into their future roles. Our significant contribution was recognised by the college, and we have been awarded the Gold award for our contribution.

“I am pleased to issue you with this GOLD award which showcases and recognises the much-appreciated contribution you and your company have made this year to the work-readiness of our students.” – The Manchester College

IEP Gold Award Certificate presented to The University of Manchester

We are delighted to have won this award in recognition of the work that both the team and many staff members have put into helping our local youth begin their technical journey and reach their full potential.

Written by Colin D. Baines (Head of Technical Skills and Development, and Technical Apprenticeship Lead)

If you have any feedback to provide, please send it to TCLG@manchester.ac.uk. 

If you have any stories or information you would like to contribute to this blog site, please send them to TCLG@manchester.ac.uk. 

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