Latest News

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (WAHT) has welcomed its first group of T-Level students from Worcester Sixth Form College (WSFC) and Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW) to gain practical experience in healthcare. The course combines classroom learning with industry placements, preparing students for careers in healthcare or further study, including university.

Over the two-year T-Level in Health course, which is equivalent to three A Levels, students spend a significant amount of time in hospitals as part of an industry placement. Twenty-nine students will spend nine weeks across the Trust’s hospitals – Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, and Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre – learning about different healthcare roles and day-to-day work in the NHS. The programme is being supported by the WAHT Education Academy and Widening Participation Team.

Abi Wardlaw, first-year student at HoW College, said: “Over the last few days I’ve been shadowing a healthcare assistant on the frailty ward, and the ward manager has arranged for me to spend time with a physiotherapist so I can see more of what they do. It’s been really inspiring, and it’s exactly why I chose the T-Level route; it gives you the chance to experience different roles and find the one that feels right for you.”

Khadeeja Qubra, student at WSFC, reflected on her placement so far at Worcestershire Royal Hospital: “I chose to do a T-Level because we get to apply our learning from college in a real hospital setting. The staff are so welcoming, and I feel like I’m already part of the team. My favourite part of the placement is speaking to the patients – I love it!”

Both colleges involved in the programme have praised the placements. Rachel Briggs, Course Lead at WSFC said: "We are delighted and very grateful to have the opportunity to work in partnership with the Trust in supporting our T-Level Health students. These placements allow students to work alongside experienced and specialist NHS staff to gain valuable practical experience, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical study and real-world application which best prepares them for future employment within their chosen fields."

Mo Haran, Vice Principal at HoW College, added: “It’s been excellent to launch the new T-Level course which is helping to bridge the skills gap in the health industry. We are so proud of the students that are enrolled on the course and are blown away by their dedication and commitment to their studies and future careers - all of the students have settled so well and been ingrained into their teams which is fantastic to hear.”

By offering T-Level placements, WAHT is nurturing local talent and building a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for the years ahead. The Trust is also supporting the wider effort to address the skills shortage in healthcare and helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.

Hayley Flavell, Chief Nursing Officer for WAHT, said: “These placements provide an excellent opportunity for students to see a wide variety of healthcare roles and experience the NHS in action. It is a fantastic way for the Trust to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and we welcome this opportunity to widen participation and engage with our local community .”

T-Levels are a crucial stepping stone for students, paving the way to permanent employment or further study. For the first time, the University of Worcester has offered guaranteed interviews on their Adult Nursing BSc course for HoW and WSFC students upon successful completion of the T-Level, helping to retain local talent within the county.