HPE embraces T-Levels: Welcoming students to learn with them

[Maninder_R]

What are T-level Placements?

T-Levels are qualifications that offer an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other courses for 16 to 19 year olds. Made up of 80% college work and 20% industry placement, T-Levels offer valuable workplace experience alongside learning, setting students up for an apprenticeship or entry level role once they complete their course.

Here at HPE, we have taken on six T-Level students from Bolton College, all placed in our Manchester Office for two days each week. Their courses started in September and will run until May, in line with the academic year. Whilst they are with us, they will gain experience across a range of different business areas, giving them exposure to all aspects of the organisation to better understand the tech industry and how HPE operates. Our students have already been introduced to several business units including cyber security, presales and sales, getting hands-on and testing out the tools that the various teams use, understanding how each unit fits into the wider business.

T-Levels are a great alternative to traditional studying, opening another avenue for learners who are interested in following a different career route. T-Levels benefit both the student and the organisation, providing us here at HPE with a pipeline of candidates for our apprenticeship programmes, with potential applicants one step ahead, holding existing understanding and experience of HPE. This new opportunity allows us to diversify our workforce, encouraging individuals who may not previously have had this opportunity, and giving them the chance to join HPE.

What are T-Levels actually like?

Khalid Bham and Brad Farrell are currently working for their T-Levels with us, and we asked them to give us an insight to their courses and experiences so far.

Brad told us that his passion had always been technology, and explained, “The T-Level course applies tech to a business and real-world context; therefore, it makes more sense from a career perspective.”

Khalid agreed that T-Levels are a great alternative to apprenticeships, telling us, “I saw this as a great opportunity to ‘get my foot in the door’ within the industry, and the skills I would pick up and the people I would meet would give me such a big advantage over other college students who didn’t have this opportunity.”

The students told us about their highlights so far, with Khalid enjoying taking a new perspective on the tech industry and learning more about multiple aspects of HPE. He said, “At HPE, you are at a company that is essentially everywhere in emerging tech, and you are surrounded with experts who, in their specific fields, are amongst the best.” Brad told us that, “The content is insightful, the advice is invaluable, and the people are wonderful.”

T-Levels provide an opportunity to test the water in an industry, as well as picking up valuable life and business skills and as Khalid pointed out, “If you think you might want to go into tech, but are still unsure, then the least you will get from the experience is clarity! But my advice would be to be yourself and be curious. There are no stupid questions here, everyone is friendly, and no one will turn down an opportunity to chat with you.” Brad has found working with experts every day invaluable, advising those considering a T-Level option to “Secure yourself a good placement by any means necessary!” He added, “The work-placement aspect is the tipping point for a life changing career opportunity.”

We love our T-Level students and look forward to seeing their development throughout their placements. Find out more about T-Levels at https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/