We are currently in our third year of delivering the government's new flagship T Level qualification. It combines the academic rigour of traditional A Levels with the work based learning of apprenticeships. Students undertake a 9 week industry placement with an employer, where they complete meaningful work or projects that contribute to the employer's business.

The nature of this work/project is agreed in advance. Our current employer partners are really excited and enthused about the T Level and have loved working with our students…

Digital Next has hosted 2 sets of T Level students now and each group has been an absolute pleasure to have.

The students were mature beyond their age, worked hard and intelligently under clear instruction, fitted in with the team and most importantly have been an asset to us. Their desire to learn and constantly progress was commendable.

After being shown how to do things, without issue, were able to perform key tasks to a high level and standard on a daily basis.

They have learned a great deal about the real-life applications of digital marketing and online channels such as Google, Facebook & Insta, website platforms and content creation.

At the end of each 10-week placement I saw a massive amount of development in the students from a personal and subject knowledge level (we as an agency learned a bit too).

We are already looking forward to our next group of students in September 2023.

Jade Merabi

Digital Strategy Manager

Digital Next

We also encourage all of our students on courses such as A Levels and BTECs to undertake at least one week's work experience. Providing an industry placement is an opportunity to introduce young people to the realities of working life within a willing organisation, to help them secure and sustain employment in an ever moving field. By taking students on work experience, you get an opportunity to engage, inspire and inform young people about what working life is actually like.

If you would like to be at the forefront of this exciting new chapter for education and businesses please contact employerlinks@osfc.ac.uk, for further information. We look forward to hearing from you.

You can shape the career of young people in Oldham today.