Apprenticeship – Ben Irvine is one of many students to have benefited from a T Level course with Hartlepool College.
PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH
HOW HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE IS LEVELLING UP
Learning – Ben Irvine completed his engineering and manufacturing T Level with Hartlepool College in summer 2025, having spent his industry placement as a trainee mechanical engineer at Liberty Steel.
T LEVEL
TAKEOVER
Hartlepool College of Further Education is fast becoming a regional leader in delivering T Level qualifications, providing students with a powerful alternative to traditional routes.
For students in the North-East seeking a direct route into highly skilled careers or superb university programmes, the T Level – equivalent to three A Levels – is proving its worth.
Hartlepool College currently offers four essential T Levels that support key regional and national industries: construction, building and engineering( design, surveying and planning), health, education and early years, and management and administration.
While many T Level students who complete are finding success straight in the job market, a significant number are also choosing to progress to higher education.
The success of the college’ s T Level model is backed up by glowing employment outcomes.
Ben Irvine is just one example. Ben completed his engineering and manufacturing T Level in summer 2025, having spent his industry placement as a trainee mechanical engineer at Liberty Steel.
“ Hartlepool College is delighted that Ben has secured his new maintenance engineering role,” said Steve Lord, employer liaison officer at Hartlepool College.
“ This came as a direct result of the excellent impression he made during an extended working interview as part of his T Level placement.
“ Initially a very shy student, Ben came out of his shell in his placement, blended in, and has quickly become a well-regarded member of the steel producer’ s maintenance team.”
Ben is an apprentice and has the option to pursue an employersupported HNC( Level 4) next.
The health T Level cohort also saw incredible success, with every student achieving a merit or distinction overall.
All students secured multiple university offers from courses including midwifery, child nursing and paramedic science.
Individual standouts include Libby Bryan, nominated for national T Level Student of the Year by her placement, and Mary Laidlaw, whose university interview for a paramedic course was deemed“ the best interview” the programme leader had ever been involved in.
Steve said:“ Repeatedly, our T Level students are gaining valuable experience and confidence that transfers directly into their chosen career paths.
“ The extended T Level industry placements, typically lasting around 45 days, provide a thorough proving ground and meaningful preparation for future employment.
“ Employers often offer full-time roles to our outstanding students upon completion, having had the opportunity to assess their attitudes, work ethic and cultural fit over an extended period.”
Beyond the T Levels, Hartlepool College offers a wide range of other courses and apprenticeship programmes to suit every ambition and learning style.
Whether students are looking for vocational training, technical qualifications, apprenticeships or a direct route into employment, the college provides comprehensive options.
Hartlepool College is committed to providing pathways that meet the diverse needs of the student community and regional employers.
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