FCDO Services T-Level success

Since launching our first technical trainee scheme in 1964, we have seen the benefit of new ideas and fresh perspectives brought to us by students. For 60 years we’ve been developing our apprenticeship schemes, offering a variety of courses and qualifications covering science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

This year, we welcomed our first T-Level student to complete their work placement with us as part of their qualification in Digital Production Design and Development.

This is a new programme for us and we started with one placement. Due to its success, we’re pleased to announce that we are committed to taking on more.

What are T-Levels?

T-Levels are a two-year vocational qualification that students can complete following their GCSE’s, as an alternative to A-levels and other post-16 courses like apprenticeships. They bridge the gap between education and the workplace and are the equivalent of three A-levels.

Education providers and employers design tailored courses together, so the student gets the right mix of classroom and industry-based learning for their subject. Typically, about 20% of their time is spent with the employer, but this can vary.

Transitioning from school to work

For our own T-Level student, this course was their first time in a work environment. As such, we tailored their induction to help them feel at ease. We paired them with a buddy who was a similar age and had recently gone through the apprenticeship process. On the first day we gave them a tour around the department and facilities at Hanslope Park, meeting lots of friendly faces along the way.

The placement

To support our crucial work providing secure services to government, our T-Level student has been focusing on software production and design. This includes secure physical, virtual and cloud environments to protect data.

We placed the student in teams working on projects that aligned with their future career aspirations. This way they could guide their own T-Level, while being involved in critical projects that make a real difference.

With every job it’s important to have variety, so we also planned for them to work on a different project each term. This way they experienced it from start to finish and could focus on one project at a time, and develop the skills needed for their course.

However, it’s not just about learning those hard skills when on a placement. This is where you get to develop your soft skills too, which increase your employability. We worked closely with our student and the college to set goals and objectives that encourage teamwork, problem solving and communication.

I have enjoyed my T-Level placement. All members from the teams that I have worked on have been very welcoming. They acknowledge what aspirations I have for future job roles and put me on teams that match these. The most interesting experience I’ve had is working on the Software Applications team as I’m interested in becoming a Database Administrator. I’m looking forward to spending more time with the different teams to gain a better understanding of the technology sector, the role of  FCDO Services and how the different elements of the sector interlink.”

Would they recommend the placement to another student?

Yes, I would. Every placement day is informative and engaging. Every employee I’ve worked with has been very supportive, which has helped make this experience enjoyable. Additionally, students who are interested in staying on to do an apprenticeship with FCDO Services will have got a chance to experience what it might be like.”