Local T Level Employers Recognised for Shaping Future Talent 

Local employers have been recognised for their commitment to T Level industry placements at a special employer celebration event hosted by Wigan & Leigh College.

The college welcomed employers, partners and stakeholders to a T Level Employer Breakfast at The Wheel Restaurant, celebrating organisations that are helping to shape the next generation of talent through industry placements.

The event highlighted the vital role employer partners play in preparing young people for the workplace, with employers and students sharing first-hand experiences of the impact placements have on confidence, skills development and career progression.

Speakers included representatives from Galliford Try, Deb’s Diamonds and Citizens Advice, alongside current T Level students who reflected on how industry placements have supported their personal and professional growth.

One of the most inspiring stories came from Deb Foley, owner of Deb’s Diamonds, who spoke about T Level Education student Rose. Deb first knew Rose as a three-year-old child in her care before welcoming her back years later as a T Level student pursuing a career in early years education.

Describing the experience as a “full-circle moment”, Deb spoke of her pride in seeing Rose grow into a confident and capable practitioner, building strong relationships with children and parents and becoming a valued member of the team. Her story highlighted the lasting impact industry placements can have on students, employers and local communities.

The event also showcased the value of placements across different sectors. Galliford Try and T Level Civil Engineering student Will shared how industry placements are helping to build the future construction workforce, including through experience on major local developments such as The Fettlers in Wigan, future home of the town’s new Market Hall. Aspiring Quantity Surveyor Will explained how the placement is helping him take meaningful steps towards his chosen career.

Meanwhile, Citizens Advice praised the professionalism and enthusiasm of its Legal Services students, highlighting the contribution they make in supporting clients while developing valuable workplace skills and confidence.

Speaking at the event, Principal Anna Dawe said:

“Today was about thanking and celebrating the employers who make T Levels possible. Every industry placement gives a young person the opportunity to build confidence, develop valuable skills and gain the real-world experience needed to take their next step into employment.

The stories we heard this morning were a powerful reminder of the difference our employer partners make. From supporting ambitious young people like Will to pursue careers in construction, to Rose’s remarkable journey at Deb’s Diamonds and students making a positive impact through Citizens Advice, every example showed the life-changing opportunities industry placements can create.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our employer partners for opening their doors, sharing their expertise and helping our students build successful futures.”

Anna also highlighted the strength of employer partnerships across the region and the shared commitment to creating opportunities for young people while helping to address future skills needs. She recognised that the invaluable support of our employer partners has contributed to Wigan & Leigh College achieving the highest progression rates into employment and apprenticeships across Greater Manchester.

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications developed with employers and include a substantial industry placement, giving students valuable workplace experience alongside their studies.

The Employer Breakfast formed part of Wigan & Leigh College’s wider commitment to strengthening links between education and industry, ensuring learners develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

As the college continues to lead the way in technical education, employers are being encouraged to join its growing network of industry partners helping to shape the workforce of the future.

Interested in supporting a T Level industry placement?

By hosting a placement, employers can access emerging talent, gain fresh perspectives and play a direct role in developing the future workforce for their sector.

To find out more about T Level industry placements and employer partnerships, contact the Work Placement Team on 01942 761530 or email workplacements@wigan-leigh.ac.uk.