T-Level Week: How local employers are helping develop the next generation of talent
Developing the next generation of skilled workers starts long before someone’s first full-time job.
Across East Sussex, employers are working with East Sussex College to give T-Level students practical experience, build their confidence and help them understand what a career in their chosen industry really looks like.
As part of T-Level Week, we want to show our appreciation to all the amazing businesses that already work with us to offer industry placements. These companies are helping young people turn what they learn in the classroom into skills they can use in the workplace.
Bringing creative careers to Hastings with 181st Street
For Hastings-based marketing agency 181st Street, working with T-Level students is about helping local young people access careers in an industry they might otherwise struggle to enter.
The agency, based at The Studio Hastings, has invested in a dedicated creative workspace to train the next generation of marketing professionals. It hosts four East Sussex College Business T-Level students, giving them experience of live campaigns for national and international brands.
Students have worked on social media campaigns for luxury fashion brands and helped run photoshoots, gaining an insight into the creative and commercial sides of the industry.
The partnership also demonstrates that young people can develop careers in marketing without having to move away from the area. For employers, it offers a way to identify emerging talent and help students develop the practical skills needed to progress.
181st Street is looking to expand its programme, showing how employer partnerships can create more opportunities for young people while helping to develop Hastings’ creative economy.
Supporting the future healthcare workforce
The East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is another important partner in developing local talent, offering opportunities across a much wider range of careers than many people realise.
East Sussex College is working with the Trust to support future workforce development through its NHS Career Pathway Academy. The partnership includes T-Level placements in areas such as engineering, digital, business intelligence, accountancy, business administration and customer services, alongside opportunities to learn about clinical careers.
Students also benefit from meeting healthcare professionals and learning about their roles, helping them understand the different routes into the sector.
For Health T-Level student Freddie Hesmer, practical experience has been an important part of preparing for his ambition to become a paramedic.
Freddie completed two placements, one with the activity team at Old Hastings House, supporting residents with activities and day-to-day interaction. The other with the Conquest Hospital. These experiences helped him develop his communication skills and understand the importance of working with people.
“Learning how to communicate properly has to be one of the best aspects of the industry placement. I think you can’t learn that from sitting in front of a PowerPoint,” Freddie said.
After finishing college earlier this year, Freddie has progressed to university to study Paramedic Science.
Making a difference in the community with Age UK East Sussex
Industry placements can also benefit charities and community organisations, giving students the chance to develop business skills while contributing to services that support local people.
Age UK East Sussex has supported East Sussex College students from Accounting and Business & Management T-Level courses. During their placements, students have taken up roles in charity shops and warehouse operations, worked alongside volunteers and gained experience in customer service, stock control, merchandising and marketing.
The contribution made by students has been so positive that Age UK East Sussex has increased the number of T-Level placements it offers from two to five.
A spokesperson from the charity’s HR team said: “We would like to say thank you to all the students who have joined us on their T-Level placements this year. We really appreciate their help and the support they have given us across our shops and warehouses. They are making a real difference, and we are very grateful for the time and energy they have contributed.”
The expansion is a clear example of how placements can work for both sides. Students gain experience across different areas of an organisation, while employers benefit from their contribution and can help them build skills for the future.
Building construction careers through real projects
In construction, industry placements give students the chance to see how their classroom learning translates to real projects, from understanding technical plans to working alongside experienced teams.
Former East Sussex College T-Level student Rohan Doyle is now a Site Manager with Sunninghill Construction. After completing his Construction (Design, Surveying and Planning) T-Level and gaining experience with the company, he has returned to the College in a professional capacity, helping oversee the construction of its new Green Automotive Centre of Excellence at Ore Valley in Hastings.
Rohan has also welcomed around 120 current construction students to the site, giving them an opportunity to see the work involved in a major development and learn more about the industry.
His journey illustrates the potential of strong links between education and employers. Students gain insight into real working environments, while businesses can help nurture the next generation of construction professionals.
Developing local talent benefits everyone
From marketing and healthcare to charity operations and construction, these partnerships show the range of opportunities available through T-Level industry placements.
Students gain experience, develop workplace skills and make more informed decisions about their future. Employers, meanwhile, have an opportunity to support young people, share their expertise and help develop the talent their industries need.
Could your organisation support the next generation of talent?
East Sussex College is keen to continue building relationships with employers across the region, and this T-Level Week is calling for more organisations to come forward to offer meaningful placement opportunities and support local workforce development.
Offering a T-Level industry placement is an opportunity to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into your team. Students are keen to learn, develop their skills and contribute to the workplace, bringing a fresh perspective and confidence with digital tools. By treating students as part of the team and giving them meaningful work to get involved in, employers can help them build valuable experience while benefiting from their contribution.
Find out more about T-Levels at East Sussex College or contact the College at eastbourne.careers@escg.ac.uk, hastings.careers@escg.ac.uk or lewes.careers@escg.ac.uk, to discuss industry placement opportunities.