T Level placements help shape Cornwall’s future NHS workforce

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) was an early adopter of T Level placements seeing it as an opportunity to recruit young talented colleagues who could address any future workforce gaps.

T Levels are an alternative to A levels and apprenticeships for 16- to 19-year-olds, focusing on vocational skills and giving them a head start to the career of their choice.

RCHT supported 11 T Level students for placements in 2022 to 2023 and of those 5 remained working for Kernowflex (bank), 2 were offered Nursing Associate apprenticeships and 1 is training to become an Operating Department Practitioner (UCAS).

In 2023, we supported 12 students and are hoping we can retain some of the students when they complete their T Level in July. In September 2023, we introduced a new T Level model that built in taster days, observational placements, and training to become a healthcare support worker. We also interview all students who wish to apply for a placement to build their confidence in the NHS recruitment process.

Nikki Pryke, Apprenticeship and T Level Lead, said:

“Enhancing our programme has given the students a great insight into working for the NHS and built confidence in communicating with patients.”

Our T Level programme was awarded the regional winner for the Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year in the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.

We are also now working with Cornwall College to support 2 of their Health T Level students with placement opportunities and welcomed a further 10 students from Truro College on Monday 3 February on placements.

Bonnie Houghton, Deputy Team Leader for Health and Social Care, from Truro and Penwith College, said:

“We have worked in close partnership with RCHT since the inception of the T Level in Health. With our first cohort beginning in September 2021, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, collaboration and close communication was essential to the success of the programme.”

“With shared ideologies to raise standards and secure the future pipeline of Cornwall’s healthcare workforce, RCHT has been responsive to the needs of the college and its students, leading change and enabling T Level in Health students the opportunity to work across a range of acute settings, including maternity, operating theatres and wards.”

“Not only has this inspired students to reach further and aim high in their career ambitions, these clinical experiences have reinforced curriculum knowledge and have led to some fantastic results for our learners.”

Tia Rogers, Year 2 T Level Health student with Truro and Penwith College, said:

“At RCHT I have developed a range of clinical skills and enjoyed putting my learning into practice. My placement has helped me to decide my future career in adult nursing, as I was unsure before I started my T Level Health. When I’m on the ward I feel supported by the healthcare professionals who help me to grow and improve.”

Izzy Hicks, also a Year 2 T Level Health student with Truro and Penwith College, added:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Royal Cornwall Hospital as a student. I have been able to get a wide range of experience on both specialist areas and a ward, where the staff have been so inviting and supportive throughout. It has not only helped me to build on my confidence and expand on my knowledge, but also helped me to decide what career path feels best for me and build on the qualities necessary to achieve this.”