T Levels are Level 3 qualifications that are equivalent to three A-levels. They were created in collaboration with employers and businesses, so the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work. Students are provided with a genuine experience of the workplace through practical learning via a 315-hour or 45-day industry placement.
We have offered T Levels at Notre Dame since 2020, when we first introduced the Digital Software Development course. Since then, we have built strong relationships with multiple local employers through the industry placement that is offered as part of the qualification.
An example of a strong employer partnership within our T level offering is our collaboration with Cox Automotive, who transforms the way the world buys, sells, owns and uses vehicles by connecting human intelligence, digital innovation and physical services. Cox Automotive provide placements to both our Business and Administration, and Digital Software Development T Levels, enabling students exposure to real working environments and industry-standard practices. Our partnership has been developed through regular engagement with employer representatives, clear communication of placement objectives, and ongoing feedback to ensure the experience meets both employer and student needs.
Within the Health T Level programme, we have developed a strong partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, allowing students to undertake high-quality industry placements within clinical and healthcare support environments. This is helped through the Leeds Health and Care Academy, and the partnership programme between Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College and Leeds City College, to ensure that all Health T Level students receive a hands-on industry placement. Students gain valuable insight in healthcare settings whilst also developing key skills aligned to the demands of the NHS workforce. The relationship is maintained through close collaboration with placement coordinators and departments across the Trust to ensure that placements are structured, well supported and aligned with the learning outcomes of the T Level qualification. Ongoing communication, placement reviews and feedback allow us to continuously improve the placement experience for students and maintain a sustainable partnership with the Trust.
These partnerships demonstrate our commitment to building sustained employer relationships that enhance student learning, provide authentic industry experience and support progression into employment or further study. We aim to strengthen these connections and identify new opportunities to expand our employer network to increase placement capacity and broaden the sector engagement.
Specifically looking at the Health T Level, 100% of 2025 leavers had a positive destination outcome, progressing to an apprenticeship, employment or a university programme within the healthcare sector. Students progressed to degrees including Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Science, and others achieved degree apprenticeships within the NHS. It is these students who are now meeting the growing demands of the healthcare sector, using the skills and experience they have obtained throughout their time at Notre Dame and on their valuable industry placements.
If you work in an organisation looking to build the next generation of talent in the workforce or would like to find out more about the opportunities available through employer partnerships, please find more information here.
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