At Aptus, we strive to give young people the chance to learn and flourish, and are proud to partner with further education providers to offer a range of learning opportunities. Here we speak to Martin Banks, employer engagement officer at Wigan & Leigh College, to get his thoughts on the significance of T Levels and apprenticeships, and learn why they’re so vital in helping to address skills gaps.
Our partnership with Aptus Utilities has been a highly productive and rewarding collaboration. We’ve worked together to provide real-world, industry specific experiences for our T Level students. Aptus has been incredibly supportive throughout the process, offering a valuable insight into the day-to-day workings of the utilities sector while also helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. This partnership highlights the importance of industry engagement in preparing our students for the world of work and ensuring they gain relevant, practical experience that enhances their learning journey.
Currently, we have two T Level students working with Aptus Utilities within their design team. These students, who began their placement in September, have been focusing on a variety of tasks aligned with their course. They’ve had the opportunity to engage in design processes, collaborate on team projects, and apply their technical skills in real world scenarios. The students are gaining valuable experience in areas such as project design, planning, and technical drawing using AutoCAD. These skills are central to their course and are highly valued in the utilities and engineering sectors.
T Levels play a crucial role in addressing the skills gaps we’re seeing across various industries, including civil engineering and construction. By providing students with high quality, industry specific training, T Levels ensure that young people are equipped with the skills that employers are actively seeking. They offer a clear, structured pathway for students to gain both academic knowledge and practical experience, making them job ready upon graduation. For businesses like Aptus, T Levels provide a pool of talented individuals who have been trained in a way that aligns directly with the skills needed in the workplace, helping to futureproof their workforce and fill critical gaps in skilled labour.
We’ve seen an increasing interest in T Levels, particularly as awareness grows about how they provide students with a direct route into well-paid, skilled careers. The trend shows that students are more aware of the benefits of vocational qualifications, and T Levels offer a great alternative to traditional academic routes. As more industries and companies recognise the value of these qualifications, we expect demand to continue growing. We also anticipate that more students will seek out T Levels as a clear pathway to employment, as businesses continue to place more value on practical, hands-on learning that aligns with industry needs.
We are delighted to be working with Aptus due to their commitment to nurturing young talent and their proactive approach to supporting the development of future industry professionals. They offer a collaborative environment where students can gain real, hands-on experience in a professional setting. Aptus’ design team has been welcoming and engaged, providing our students with guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to work on live projects. Their commitment to helping students develop their skills while contributing to the success of the company makes them a perfect match for our educational goals.
Absolutely. More businesses should definitely consider partnering with further education providers. Collaboration between education and industry is essential to ensure that students graduate with the skills employers need. Businesses that engage with educational institutions can play an active role in shaping the future workforce by helping to create tailored training programs, offering work placements, and providing mentorship. For businesses, these partnerships are a great opportunity to scout new talent, ensure a future pipeline of skilled workers, and contribute to the local community by supporting the development of young professionals. It’s a win-win scenario in my opinion.
I would encourage any business considering taking on students or apprentices to take the leap. Not only is it a great way to contribute to the development of the next generation of professionals, but it can also bring fresh perspectives, energy, and innovative ideas to your organisation. Students and apprentices are eager to learn and grow, and by providing them with real world experience, businesses can help ensure that they have the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce. It’s an investment in both the individuals and the business itself, fostering a stronger, more skilled workforce for the future.
