T-Levels Week: Vicarage Park School champions the value of industry placements.

Industry placements are a key part of T Levels, giving students the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice, develop essential workplace skills and gain first-hand experience in their chosen sector.

Vicarage Park School has supported Kendal College’s Education and Early Years T-Level students by providing valuable placement opportunities in a real educational setting. Working alongside experienced staff, students can build their confidence, develop their understanding of working with children and discover more about careers in education.

Building skills for the future

Katie Green, Headteacher at Vicarage Park School, believes one of the biggest benefits of industry placements is the opportunity for students to experience the workplace first-hand.

“The biggest benefit is that students gain real-life experience in a professional environment. They are able to develop practical skills, build confidence, and understand workplace expectations in a way that cannot be replicated in a classroom.”

These experiences help students develop the practical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, while also helping them make informed decisions about their future career paths.

Learning beyond the classroom

At Vicarage Park School, students have the opportunity to apply their learning in an authentic educational environment, gaining insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of working in a school.

Katie explained how the experience helps prepare students for their next steps:

“The placement at Vicarage Park has provided students with valuable opportunities to apply their learning in a real educational setting. They have developed key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, initiative, adaptability, and professionalism.”

Working alongside experienced education professionals also enables students to explore different career pathways and grow in confidence when working with children and colleagues.

For students considering a future in education or early years, this hands-on experience is an important opportunity to connect their studies with the realities of the profession.

Supporting the next generation

Industry placements benefit students, but they also provide an opportunity for schools and employers to play an active role in developing the future workforce.

Katie encourages other organisations to consider offering T Level placements, highlighting the benefits for both students and employers.

“I would strongly encourage other employers and schools to offer T Level industry placements. They provide a fantastic opportunity to support the development of young people while also benefiting from the fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment that students bring.”

She added that placements help bridge the gap between education and employment, allowing students to develop the skills and experience needed for future success while enabling organisations to contribute to the growth of the future workforce.

Kendal College would like to thank Vicarage Park School and Katie Green for supporting its Education and Early Years T Level students and helping them develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to take their next steps.

Take your first step towards a career in education Interested in working with children or building a future in education? An Education and Early Years T Level at Kendal College combines classroom learning with a substantial industry placement, helping you gain valuable experience and prepare for your next steps, whether that’s university, further training or employment.

Katie Green, Headteacher - Vicarage Park School