My name is Sean, and I studied the Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level at Weston College. I chose this course because I liked the fact that it included an industry placement, meaning I could gain practical, hands-on experience on construction sites as well as learning in the classroom. I felt this would give me a better understanding of the construction industry and help me develop the skills needed for a future career in the sector.

Throughout the course, I developed my skills in CAD software and gained knowledge of different areas of construction, including quantity surveying, project management and the responsibilities involved in various construction roles. The course also gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learnt in a real working environment through my industry placement, where I gained valuable experience of how construction projects operate day to day.

Some of my most memorable moments at college were the trips we took during the first year, including visits to the NEC. These were great opportunities to learn more about the industry, see different aspects of construction and get to know the rest of the class. These experiences helped make the course more enjoyable and gave us the chance to learn outside the classroom.

I completed my industry placement with Alun Griffiths, where I worked alongside one of their senior engineers on the BSIP Queensway scheme and the Junction 21 scheme. During my placement, I learnt how to use a total station and developed a much better understanding of the different responsibilities within a construction team. Being involved in live projects allowed me to see how the skills and knowledge I had gained at college were applied in practice, while also learning from experienced professionals working in the industry.

I began my placement in November 2025 and, earlier this year, I was offered a job as an Apprentice Engineer with Alun Griffiths. I believe I secured this opportunity by being reliable, showing up consistently and demonstrating my knowledge, skills and willingness to learn. Building relationships with the team and showing that I could contribute to the work being carried out helped me make a positive impression and progress towards my career goals.

My T Level confirmed that civil engineering was the career I wanted to pursue, as it allowed me to explore the industry in more depth and gain a clearer understanding of what the role involves. The industry placement was particularly valuable because it helped me develop many of the practical skills I will need as a civil engineer. It has also given me greater confidence and made me feel more prepared as I progress onto my HNC.

I would definitely recommend T Levels to anyone considering a career in construction. They provide a great balance between classroom learning and practical experience, allowing you to develop useful skills while gaining an insight into different job roles and what they involve on a day-to-day basis.

The industry placement is a particularly valuable part of the course, as it gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice, build relationships with employers and potentially secure a job or apprenticeship. For me, the T Level was an important step towards becoming a civil engineer, and it has helped me build a strong foundation for my future career.

In celebration of T Level week, here is a summary of all of our frequently asked questions surrounding T Levels:

What are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year courses which launched in September 2020 and are the equivalent to three A levels. Unlike A Levels, you will only study one subject for your T Level, as well as a compulsory industry placement in a relevant company to your subject.

This means that after completing your GCSEs, you now have the option to study either T Levels, A Levels, Vocational courses, or an Apprenticeship.

How are T Levels graded?

T Levels are graded overall from Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, and Pass, combining results from your core exams, practical coursework, and industry placement.

How are T Levels different from A Levels, Vocational and Apprenticeships? 

T Levels are different from A Levels because they only allow you to study one subject, and include approximately 315 hours of compulsory work experience that you must complete across the two years.

Similar to Vocational courses, also commonly known as BTECs, T Levels focus solely on one subject, however, they also include a compulsory industry placement that gives you the hands-on experience in a work environment.

T Levels are similar to Apprenticeships, however the classroom to industry placement ratio is reversed. This means that with a T Level, you spend around 75% of your course in the classroom, and the other 25% completing work experience, whereas an apprenticeship is far more placement heavy.

Do I need to secure my own industry placement?

No, unlike an apprenticeship, we have a primary responsibility to help source and arrange one for you, however you are able to find one yourself if you wish.

We have a team of experienced staff to assist when finding the correct placement. This team will make contact with you once you are enrolled to the course and between them and the tutor, you will have all the guidance and advice required to select the best option.

Most industry placements will require you to have an interview, and this is a great way to find out their expectations and whether these fit your career aspiration.

Prior to attending the workplace, Weston College will ensure that you are ready for the placement.

Can I go to University with a T Level Qualification?

Yes, the grade you get from your T Level qualification equates to the same number of UCAS points as the sum of 3 A Levels. For example, a Distinction* would be the equivalent of A*A*A* at A Level, and a Pass in a T Level would equate to CCC/DDD in A Levels.

Not only this, you can also progress onto an Apprenticeship or into full-time employment. The T Level prepares you for any future career pathways due to the blend of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience with industry professionals.

What T Level qualifications are offered at Weston College?

There are a wide variety of T Levels offered at Weston College, including:

Will I be kept on at my industry placement following the completion of my T Level?

Your industry placement does not guarantee you will be kept on with the company, however, there have been several instances from previous students where they have been kept on in order to complete an apprenticeship with the company due to their hard work and professionalism throughout their placement. This is completely dependent on the company though, and should not be expected as a typical progression. The experience you gain from the hands-on placement, however, will prepare you for future career prospects or higher education routes.

Want to become a T Level employer?

Each year we grow our T Level provision, with industry placements forming a critical part of the course. As a potential employer, you could foster their future careers and provide them with valuable insight into real employment.

As part of their course, each T Level learner needs to complete a minimum of 315 hours industry placement, which equates to approximately 45 days. This allows them to embed themselves in your organisation and provide that extra pair of hands.

We have hundreds of talented students across our provision that can support you with a wide range of tasks, with learners impressing businesses across many sectors and completing placements across Somerset, Weston, Bristol and beyond.

If you’re interested in finding out more, click here to register your interest.

Eight T Level learners studying Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction recently visited an exciting Bowmer + Kirkland construction project, the new Lime Hills Academy SEN School in the Langford and Churchill area.

The site visit provided learners with a valuable opportunity to see a live construction project in action and connect their classroom learning with real-world industry practices. During the visit, students were welcomed by the B + K Project Manager, David Enever, and two assistant site staff, who shared insights into the planning, coordination, health and safety requirements, and day-to-day management of a major construction project.

Learners explored different areas of the site and gained a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in delivering a large-scale education facility. They also had the chance to ask questions about career pathways, project management, surveying activities, and the challenges of working within the construction sector.

These industry visits form an important part of the T-Level programme, helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence while preparing them for future industry placements and careers in construction.

Weston College would like to thank the Bowmer + Kirkland site management team for their time, expertise, and support in providing such an engaging and informative experience for our learners.