T Level Students in Healthcare Sector Meet the Employers Event

On Thursday, 26th September, Bournemouth and Poole College hosted a unique and dynamic T Level Health "Meet the Employers" event, offering an exciting opportunity for students to connect with a wide range of local health and care employers. This innovative event, designed in a speed-dating format, brought together 40 enthusiastic T Level Health students and various employers from the health and care sector, including representatives from the NHS.

The event allowed students to engage in quick, insightful conversations with multiple employers, providing them with a valuable glimpse into different career paths within the health and care industry. This format encouraged direct interaction between students and professionals, fostering meaningful connections that could help shape the students' future careers. The diversity of employers present gave students a comprehensive overview of the wide range of roles available in the sector, across health and care.

The event was closely tied to the new T Level Health programme, which requires students to complete a 315-hour (9-week/45-day) placement within local health and care settings. These placements are a crucial element of the programme, offering students the chance to gain hands-on experience in real-world environments. By participating in the event, students were able to explore potential placement opportunities and gain a better understanding of what to expect from their upcoming experiences.

One of the key benefits of the event was the opportunity for students to ask questions and learn about the daily realities of working in health and care roles. Employers shared their experiences and insights, giving students a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of working in the sector. This exchange of information was invaluable in helping students make informed decisions about their career paths and in preparing them for the demands of their placements and future employment.

The event was a resounding success, with excellent feedback from both students and employers. Students appreciated the chance to speak with a variety of professionals and explore different career options in a friendly, dynamic setting. The format allowed them to meet multiple employers in a short amount of time, maximizing the networking opportunities available. Employers, in turn, praised the students for their enthusiasm and preparedness, noting that the event provided a great platform for identifying potential future talent for the sector.

This event marks an important milestone in the college's ongoing efforts to support students in their journey towards a career in health and care. By facilitating direct connections with industry professionals, the college is ensuring that students are well-prepared for their placements and future employment. The event not only provided valuable networking opportunities but also reinforced the importance of hands-on experience in building a successful career in health and care.

The college extends its gratitude to all the employers and students who participated in the event and contributed to its success. The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by everyone involved made the day a truly memorable and impactful experience. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future, continuing to provide our students with valuable opportunities to explore their careers and connect with industry professionals.

Jacky Hoyle, of NHS Dorset said: A huge thank you to Louise Garner and the team at Bournemouth and Poole College in arranging the first ‘Meet the Employers’ event. The event was a resounding success, offering an invaluable platform for Health T level students and professionals from NHS and Social care to come together for the first time.  The event fostered strong partnerships between BPC NHS trusts and local Care Providers, creating opportunities for Health T level students to explore various career paths and gain insights into industry placements.” 

She added: “The collaborative nature of the event encouraged meaningful discussions, interactive time for questions and ensuring that all the students left with an enhanced knowledge of what to expect from a health T Level industry placement.    The positive energy in the room truly highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting our young people with their career development while investing in our future health and social care workforce.”

Luke Wiltshire, Learning and Development Manager at Colten Care, also attending the T Level Employer Event said: “It was a pleasure to be invited along to this event to meet with such a passionate and enthusiastic group of T level students. The event allowed us to understand the T Level qualification and promote working in the care home sector to the students who had some questions prepared for us. This event is great preparation for the students and gives them experience of meeting employers and helps them prepare for interviews and their three-week placement.”