T Level placement students bring fresh ideas and real impact to local businesses

T Level students at Bury College are making a real difference to local businesses, bringing energy, fresh ideas, and practical support to a range of industries. From helping with day-to-day operations to contributing to key projects, students are displaying the skills they have developed during their studies.

What a T Level placement student can bring to your business

Cameron, who completed his placement with Bury BID. Nigel Shields, Town Centre Director, said: “Cameron has been fantastic. He has developed a great understanding of our systems and the businesses we work with. With support from our Marketing Manager, he now logs events on our website and plays a role in helping us communicate with the local community.”

Cameron’s contribution was so valuable that he returned over the summer. Nigel explained: “This is a great example of how a placement can lead to a longer-term role. They bring energy, fresh ideas and can provide really valuable support, especially during busy periods like summer or Christmas.”

Across the region, T Level students are supporting a wide variety of businesses. At East Lancashire Railway, placement student Isaac gained hands-on experience in trackwork design and risk assessments. Richard Law, Director of Operations and Safety said at the end of his placement: “It’s no good just having brilliant ideas, you need to be able to communicate them to other people. Isaac did this very well.”

Start-ups are also benefiting from student placements. Isabel, assisting Wild Grazers, has played a pivotal role in developing a new product line. Founder Sharon Hockenhull said: “This project began as an idea, but with Isabel's enthusiasm and knowledge, we've been able to take concrete steps toward launching a new product line. Her work has brought Wild Grazers to life.”

Advice on hosting a T Level placement student

Employers have praised the level of support offered when taking on a T Level student, highlighting how smooth and rewarding the process can be.

Nigel Shields explained: “From the start, we were given a clear idea of each student’s skills and the expectations of the placement. That kind of preparation and safeguarding makes a real difference. It’s been a very positive experience.”

Sharon Hockenhull encouraged other businesses to consider placements as a way to bring fresh thinking to their teams: “Supporting a student like Isabel can breathe new life into your projects. They bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and knowledge from their studies, which can drive your business forward.”

Why employers think placement opportunities are important for young people

For many employers, T Level placements are not just about short-term support, they are about investing in the future workforce.

Nigel Shields reflected: “There’s a perceived shortage of opportunities for young people, but placements like this show that students can make a real difference. With over 400 businesses across Bury town centre, there’s real potential for more placements and even paid roles for students.”

In the healthcare sector, students are making an equally strong impression. Jane Barber, Ward Sister at Salford Royal Hospital, said: “Our experience of hosting T Level placement students has been very positive. They are confident, able to communicate with both staff and patients, and are motivated to learn. A placement gives young people real experience and the chance to explore the type of jobs they are considering for a career.”