Kent now has its first T-LEVEL Student, working within the School of Physics and Astronomy. Find out how the experience has been for those involved:
Luke Alesbrook, Technical Specialist, supervisor to student:
Over the past 4 weeks, I have been joined by Paul, a T-Level student, in our lab, and his contributions have been invaluable. From day one, Paul has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. I have been surprised by Paul’s ability to take on tasks with minimal supervision, and his contributions have made a positive difference in our productivity. I know in many cases that people are often unwilling to take on apprentices, due to the high management requirements such roles are perceived to have, however I have been surprised by Paul’s ability to take on tasks with minimal supervision, and his contributions have made a positive difference in our productivity.
Another positive surprise has been how surprisingly advanced Paul’s lab skills are for his age and as such one of the most impressive aspects of his time with us has been how quickly he has mastered the use of complex equipment, including the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the Raman Spectrometer. This is not only good for our research, but it also equipped him with valuable technical skills on these ubiquitous pieces of equipment that will serve him well in his future career.
Paul is also the university’s first T-Level student, marking an exciting milestone in our collaboration with this new qualification program. His success has set a high standard for future T-Level placements, demonstrating the mutual benefits of integrating students into real-world lab environments.
Having Paul as part of our team has reinforced the importance of T-Level placements in providing practical experience that directly benefits both students and employers. We look forward to continuing this partnership, and hope to support more T-Level students, in our lab, in the future.”
Jan Soetaert, research Facilities Manager, manager to student:
We are delighted to announce that the School of Physics and Astronomy has welcomed our first T-level apprentice from East Kent College to work in the Physics labs. This new partnership between EKC and UoK marks an exciting step forward, and we are thrilled with the positive impact it’s having on both the student and our team. The student has shown exceptional talent, and we look forward to building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with East Kent College in the future.
Paul Willis, Lab Technician (undertaking T-Level):
While learning about the labs I have been working in I have taken many transferable skills with me such as learning how to act around lasers, heavy machinery and many other possible hazards allowing me to work not only productively but safely.
I learned to work on physical activities but also working using computers to do basic coding, designing circuits and data entry which is useful when working in other labs doing inventory work and getting involved in electronic projects.
The University of Kent staff has helped me immensely, without their support I doubt I would have learned nearly as much. I find it of importance too not only say Luke and Jan have taught me and supported my progression, of which they have, and I could not ask for better people to work under, especially as I am sure I have tested their patience more than once. Everyone I have met has been kind and incredibly willing to share their advice and what they do to facilitate learning. I have been shown just how much goes into running this amazing university.
Thanks to the once in a life time experience I have had at this university it has consolidated my plan to study and if possible work at Kent university.