“Together, we are building a pipeline of talent equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience to serve and innovate in the health sector.”
That’s the view of local NHS and college leaders who have created a new way for young people to gain work experience in the health sector.
University Hospitals Tees has celebrated its latest group of T-Level students, from both the health and business administration pathway.
The group have completed placements across its hospitals and community settings in Stockton and Hartlepool.
Both first year and second year students studying their qualifications gathered for a celebration event at the University Hospital of North Tees.
The qualifications have combined classroom study with more than 300 hours of work – preparing young people for being in the workplace.
The students from Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Stockton Riverside College were presented with certificates to mark their achievements over the last year by members of the trust’s education team.
New standard of education
Speaking to the students, Gary Wright, group deputy director of education and learning, said: “T levels are more than just qualifications. They represent a new standard in education – one that blends classroom learning with real-world experience.
“To our students: you’ve chosen a path that requires both compassion and resilience. You have stepped into roles that are vital to the wellbeing of our communities. Whether you are supporting patients on wards, working behind the scenes in labs, or training to lead the next generation of health professionals, you are already making a difference.
“To our educators and NHS partners: thank you. Your guidance, mentorship, and commitment have helped shape these young professionals. Your support ensures that T-Level students don’t just learn about healthcare – they live it.”
Emma Davies, education lead, said: “This is now the second year we have held this event, to celebrate how far our T Level industry placement offer has come and to mark the students’ achievements. The programme has already come so far and there is potential to do so much more which is really exciting.”
Making a difference to people’s lives
Sadie Rookes, a former T level student who completed her industry work placement at the Trust and who is now studying to be a nurse, spoke at the event to share her experience and journey since.
She said: “It was during my placement that everything clicked – working with the district nurses gave me the mindset to move forward. I knew I wanted to be a nurse. It was then that I saw the impact of a reassuring smile, a listening ear and the empathy.
“As I take my next steps into nursing training I take everything I learned in my time doing the T level. Reslience and hard work.
“I want to make a difference in people’s lives, be there for people in their hardest moments, I want to be part of a profession that never stops caring and giving.”
As part of the continuing development of the T Level healthcare offer, the organisation will continue to work alongside all three colleges to continue to offer more placements in the next academic year.
The programme will also be extending its partnership to work welcome students from Stockton Sixth Form College from September.
Thoughts of colleges
“Today is a launchpad to some amazing careers in health – T levels really are a game changer. You are not just in a classroom learning, you are working with staff, caring for patients and picking up skills. It’s not easy. It’s not just learning, it’s problem solving and real life situations.”
Grant Glendinning, chief executive of Stockton Riverside College
“I haven’t seen anything like this partnership that we have seen. Well done to the students, the academic rigour of T level a lot of it is degree level. You work your socks off. It is a real life placement and it has changed the scenery of healthcare training. All of the students have been offered university places which says everything.”
Mick Casey, vice principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education
“We have that ambition to train our young people in Teesside and to keep them here. We need to nurture them, raise aspirations. We deeply value the partnership which represents our shared commitment to this. We are providing outstanding industry placements, offering our students a unique and invaluable opportunity. There is no better classroom than the hospital has to offer in ways we could never replicate at the college alone.”
Jane Reed, Hartlepool Sixth Form College