Learn about Kayleigh's experience completing her T Level industry placement at the University of Portsmouth
Launched in 2020, T levels are the two-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent to 3 A Levels.
They’ve been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.
Earlier this year, the government announced a 10% funding boost worth around £30 million in the 2023/24 academic year to support the scaling up of T Levels. The Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon expressed his support on Gov.UK saying that "T Levels are a key rung on the ladder of opportunity, giving students the opportunity to combine classroom-based learning with valuable hands-on industry placements."
T Levels are a key rung on the ladder of opportunity, giving students the opportunity to combine classroom-based learning with valuable hands-on industry placements
But what do the realities of a T level look like for students and employees?
Kayleigh Penhall is studying T Level Digital: IT Production, Design and Development at Havant and South Downs college and is on her industry placement as a Digital Communications Developer at the University of Portsmouth. She talks us through her experiences, and ambitions for the future.
What is your role?
I work alongside Becky Miles as a Digital Communication Developer in our Business Services and Research Office which is the administrative Hub for the Faculty of Business and Law’s Research and Innovation activity.
Becky explained the University’s Vision and Strategy and set me a number of projects to complete. I’ve then worked with the team to prioritise these projects, setting deadlines and KPIs. Some of the projects I've completed have been the maintenance, quality control and editing of the Portsmouth and South Coast Business website using WordPress. I’vealso used Drupal to create and edit pages on the University of Portsmouth's webpage and I’ve even built a wireframe application to allow easy management of the Faculty of Business and Law’s social media feeds. Along with many more successful projects and tasks.
How has the placement experience contributed to developing you personally?
The placement experience has personally developed me by allowing me to apply theory into practice, expand my skills and knowledge, as well as network and build professional relationships.
What have been your highlights so far?
During my placement, some of the standout moments for me include contributing to the development of the Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week website, building relationships with my colleagues in the office and, of course, attending the Christmas meal last year.
What would you say to any student who is completing an industry placement?
Make sure that you research and choose a placement that aligns with your interests or an area that you see yourself being in the future. It’s important to invest your time in a work placement that offers maximum value, allowing you to showcase your existing skills while also building new ones.
How would you define your placement year experience?
A great experience, allowing me to feel self-empowered to grow, learn and achieve.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans revolve around two distinct paths. At the moment I'm looking for a Project Management Degree Apprenticeship to gain practical expertise in project delivery, but I'm very interested in entrepreneurship and maybe bringing my own business ideas to life. Both avenues align with my desire for personal and professional development, and I am excited to see which path I end up choosing.
Kayleigh’s line-manager Becky said "Kayleigh’s breadth of knowledge and attitude toward taking on projects has been amazing. She very quickly understood our business needs, which combined with her proactive approach meant she picked up and successfully completed a number of projects"
Kayleigh created and developed websites for us using WordPress, Drupal, and Google Sites; she’s created eNewsletters in Mailchimp and, she’s worked with complex formulas in spreadsheets. Currently Kayleigh is developing an App using Python which will enable University staff to track activity across our social media channels.
Becky went on to say "the whole team have been continually delighted by Kayleigh’s abilities and work ethic, she’s been such fun to work with and has been an amazing asset to the University."
The whole team have been continually delighted by Kayleigh’s abilities and work ethic, she’s been such fun to work with and has been an amazing asset to the University
Author: Becky Miles is the Business Liaison Officer and works in the Business Services and Research Support Office at the University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Business and Law.
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