Sandwell Colleges sign Employer Skills Pledge with care provider as T Level partnership grows

The Sandwell Colleges have signed an Employer Skills Pledge with Moundsley Hall Care Village, strengthening a partnership that has already helped 45 students start careers in health and social care.

The pledge, signed during National T Levels Week, recognises employers that work closely with the college group to develop students’ skills and meet industry needs.

The partnership is run through Cadbury Sixth Form College, part of The Sandwell Colleges.

All 45 of its T Level health students placed at Moundsley Hall so far have completed their full 315-hour industry placements.

They worked alongside experienced care professionals to build practical skills, confidence and industry knowledge.

Almost all of the students have gone on to jobs in health and social care or to university.

Some have secured flexible bank contracts with Moundsley Hall, which means they can keep working in the care sector while they study.

The care village is welcoming a further 12 T Level health students this academic year. The college is also expanding the partnership to offer media and business placements.

Lisa Capper, chief executive and principal of The Sandwell Colleges, said: “Strong employer partnerships play a vital role in equipping students with the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed in their chosen careers.

“Our Employer Skills Pledge recognises employers who work closely with the college to support skills development and address industry needs. Our partnership with Moundsley Hall Care Village is a great example of this in action, providing students with valuable hands-on experience in the care sector and pathways into future employment.

“The signing of the Employer Skills Pledge reinforces our shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals and ensuring students are prepared for the demands of the workplace.”

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications equivalent to three A Levels.

They combine classroom learning with an industry placement of at least 315 hours.

The qualifications were developed with employers to prepare students for skilled jobs, apprenticeships or higher education.

Denise Wisniewski, HR business partner at Moundsley Hall Care Village, said: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Cadbury Sixth Form College and the opportunities it has created for young people.

“Welcoming T Level students into our care village allows them to develop practical skills and experience the care sector first-hand. Seeing students progress into employment and university, with some continuing to work alongside their studies, is particularly rewarding.

“We look forward to building on this partnership and supporting even more young people as they begin their careers.”

The Sandwell Colleges works with employers across the region to give students industry experience and help them progress into skilled careers.