From Classroom to Country Estate: Belton House and Lily Show the Power of T Levels

T Levels offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on the job’ experience with at least 315 hours spent on an industry placement, giving students the technical knowledge and hands-on experience they need to thrive. For employers, it’s a chance to nurture future talent, strengthen their industry, and bring fresh energy into the workplace. National Trust’s Belton Estate, Lincolnshire, is a country estate including Belton House, formal Italian and Dutch gardens, and historic deer park.

Lily, a second year Management and Administration student has been at Belton House as part of her T level placement since January. Lily says she ‘chose T-Levels over other options as I felt that I would benefit more from having the chance to apply my course and learn more so from it.’ She choose to study Management and Administration as ‘it shows the ways that people act; as a whole in an organisation, in a team, or individually, or how they act financially, and most importantly, what I can do to support, change, or interact with the ways people act day to day with other people or the things they do and buy.’

Belton House decide to get involved with T Levels and offer industry placements as ‘T Levels offered more of a benefit due to the length of time the placement was for. It meant students could learn the role and support the department rather than having to find them something to do for a few days. The longevity of the placement has meant it’s been worthwhile training Lily on how to do the role so she can support the team. They found that T Levels are …’ a good qualification with an opportunity to complete more relevant work experience as well as just school work.’ When it comes to supporting the next generation ‘access for all is something that is important to The National Trust, so when we can, it’s good to offer opportunities for younger people to gain skills and experience.’ For Lily the biggest highlight ‘has been the freedom in my learning and allowing me to grow at my own pace, with the support of my work placement so I don’t feel the pressure of how employment may feel coming out of education.’

As for working with Lily, ‘getting to know her and having her be part of the team.’ has been great. ‘Lily has been working with the team on the bookable spaces, the installation of the new telephone system, our Net Zero goals, the day-to-day admin of the site, and helped host the departmental stall at the community festival.’ Lily is full of praise for Belton House staff, saying how they have ‘been exceptionally kind and given me a wide range of transferable skills during my time there. They have been supportive in answering the many questions I have and teaching me anything I didn’t know prior.’

When asked if they would consider employing a T Level student or apprentice in the future, for Belton House the answer was simple-‘yes.’ And for other employers thinking about getting involved, their advice is just as clear: ‘Yes, if you have the capacity and the right safeguarding provision in place.’ Lily herself would recommend T Levels ‘if you are willing to work independently and be the best that you can be in applying yourself to what you are doing. Take the opportunities that come your way, and if you do T Levels, take the placement that will reward you the most in what you get out of it long-term, not just looking at the financials.’

Interested in a hosting a T Level student? T Levels are a powerful way to shape the workforce of tomorrow. By opening your doors to a student, you could make a real difference to them and your sector. For more information on T Levels visit https://www.grantham.ac.uk/full-time-courses/t-levels/

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