Oliver Bullock, Director of Teaching, Learning and Digital Innovation at Trafford & Stockport College Group, shares how industry placements, delivered through the Industry Insights Programme part of the T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer, have strengthened the College’s T Level provision.
Thinking back to the beginning of your T Level journey, how did you feel when you found out you'd be delivering T Levels?
Initially, there was a mix of excitement and apprehension. The opportunity to shape a new qualification that bridges education and industry felt significant, but there were also concerns around readiness, particularly around curriculum planning, staff CPD, and industry engagement. Some staff delivering T Levels had very recent and up-to-date industry experience and others had been out of industry for a while, so the Industry Insights programme came along at exactly the right time.
Which parts of the Industry Insights Programme have you found most useful?
The most useful aspects have been the flexibility and relevance of the Education Training Foundation's (ETF) Industry Insights programme. The option for both group and individual placements allowed us to tailor experiences to staff needs. The opportunity for staff to reconnect with current industry practices and develop networks is really invaluable. The financial incentive has also boosted uptake, as we have been able to divert money received for the placements to departmental budgets to spend on resources and enhancing the experience for learners.
What were your key objectives for going on an industry placement?
We have had staff engage in a variety of placements, from legal settings to technology companies. In all cases the objectives were built around strengthening curriculum relevance and building authentic employer partnerships. We want to ensure our delivery reflects current industry practices, even down to the terminology used in day-to-day interactions. Ultimately, it is about bridging the gap between classroom and workplace, so learners can see clear pathways into employment.
What has been the impact on you, your colleagues and organisation?
Industry placements have had a transformative effect across multiple levels. They have boosted teacher confidence and given us a clearer understanding of how curriculum content translates into real-world practice. For colleagues, placements have sparked renewed enthusiasm and fostered deeper collaboration, particularly around curriculum design and delivery modes. Organisation-wide, they’ve strengthened our employer relationships, improved the relevance of our teaching, and helped us meet national expectations for technical education.
How has this benefitted T Level learners?
Learners now experience a curriculum that’s more aligned with industry expectations and is based on stronger employer partnerships. Where our staff have engaged in placements, their teaching is able to be more contextualised, helping learners connect theory to practice. Overall, they’re better prepared for progression into employment or further study, and feedback shows they feel more supported and industry ready.
How has the ETF supported you in the development of your T Level delivery?
We have developed a very positive and productive relationship with our Area Relationship Development Lead, Punam Khosla, which has been instrumental in shaping our T Level delivery. This partnership has enabled us to access tailored guidance and support that aligns with our specific curriculum needs.
Through the ETF’s T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer, we’ve been able to provide targeted and high-quality CPD opportunities for our teaching staff. These have included route-specific training and pedagogical development sessions that have directly enhanced our confidence and capability in delivering T Levels effectively. The ETF’s support has also helped us to embed evidence-informed practices into our planning and delivery, ensuring that our approach remains responsive to learner needs and employer expectations.