Studying a T Level can offer young people an invaluable head start in their careers by combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience in the workplace. Through industry placements, students gain a deeper understanding of their chosen sector, develop essential skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed. For students like Matthew Millward and Carson Hamer, this real-world experience has opened doors to exciting opportunities and set them apart from the competition.

 

Building valuable skills through industry placements

Bury College student Matthew Millward, who is studying a T Level in Management and Administration, recently completed his 315-hour placement with VUE Group, a leading provider of cameras, telematics, and vehicle safety solutions. Working as a Business Administrator within the finance team, Matthew has gained a range of technical and professional skills that will give him a real advantage when applying for future roles.

“I’ve learned a lot here, mainly email etiquette, Excel skills, and how to use proper financial software,” Matthew explained. “I’ve also learned how to work in an office environment, which is something I’ll need in the future.”

Matthew also completed complex tasks, including identifying discrepancies in financial reports using pivot tables in Excel, a task of which he is particularly proud. His experience at VUE Group has helped shape his ambition to progress onto a degree apprenticeship, allowing him to continue learning in a professional setting.

Student Matthew Millward on computer whilst Luke Smith supports
Matthew Millward stood with Luke Smith outside

For the VUE Group, hosting a T Level student has been equally rewarding. Luke Smith, Assistant Management Accountant, said:

“Matthew has been a valued member of the team. He has picked things up very quickly, he has grown in confidence, and he has managed to navigate challenges of the role really well. He is a very good problem solver."

"Matthew has brought a fresh new perspective to the department. He is incredibly diligent, if he spots an issue, he will not stop until he has figured it out. Not only does a placement give students valuable experience and help build confidence, but it also helps them decide whether they have chosen the right career path.”

Luke added that Matthew has made such a strong impression that the team would love to welcome him back once he has completed his course.

From placement to permanent role

For former Bury College student Carson Hamer, a T Level placement has already turned into a full-time position. After completing his T Level Management and Administration course at Bury College, Carson secured a role as a Customer Service Coordinator at LGC, a global leader in scientific sectors.

During his placement, Carson gained experience across several departments including customer service, dispatch, and micro. This insight has proven invaluable in his current role, where he supports clients in international territories such as Romania, Singapore, Malaysia, and Egypt.

“I’ve gained lots of technical skills, including CRM systems like Salesforce, Outlook, and live chat functions,” said Carson. “Working in these different departments has given me context and understanding that really helps me in my role today. My placement at LGC has been great for my professional development, helping me gain real world experience and workplace maturity at a younger age.”

Student Carson Hamer sat with line manager looking at computer
Carson Hamer and Cerys Waywell stood in front of LGC logo

Cerys Waywell, Customer Support Manager at LGC, praised the positive impact of Carson’s placement:

“Carson was our first experience of having a placement student in the customer service team. He has been very hard working, always punctual, and has such a good work ethic. We have been pleasantly surprised with him, hence why he now has a permanent position with us."

"He really impressed me early on when he presented to a room of people he did not know during a training day. He just got on with it and smashed it. Carson is such a good team player and constantly gets positive feedback from his colleagues.”

Creating progression opportunities through T Levels

Matthew and Carson’s journeys are shining examples of how T Level industry placements can help students develop key skills, build their confidence, and stand out to employers. Whether it is preparing for a degree apprenticeship like Matthew or securing a permanent role like Carson, these placements offer students a strong platform to shape their future.

By combining classroom learning with real-world experience, T Levels give students the chance to turn opportunities into rewarding careers.

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