Tiffany wanted to combine theory with industry experience, so she opted to study the T Level in Civil Engineering at La Retraite RC Girls School
Why did you decide to pursue a T Level course?
It offers a combination of theory and industry experience, which appealed to me more than other post-16 options. It gave me the opportunity to gain practical skills, build professional connections and explore different career paths within the construction industry. I also liked that it could lead directly into:
an apprenticeship
employment
higher education.
Why did you choose this course and institution?
I was originally interested in architecture and interior design, and the Civil Engineering T Level was the closest course to those career interests. The course offered a balance of technical knowledge and hands-on experience that I felt would help prepare me for a career in construction.
La Retraite RC Girls School’s strong links with industry and opportunities for work placements made it an attractive choice.
Tell us about the course
The T Level combines theory and classroom learning with practical experience, through the 45-day industry placement.
Throughout the course, I have developed technical knowledge of the construction sector while also working on practical projects and case studies based on real-life scenarios. We regularly work in teams, helping us develop:
communication
problem solving
project management skills.
One of my favourite projects involved working with classmates to design and create a peace garden for our school, where we learned about design, landscaping, costs and project delivery. Good organisation and time management are important because there is a significant amount of technical content to learn alongside project work and industry placement requirements.
How is the course assessed?
Through a combination of exams, employer-set projects and practical assessments. These assessments are designed around real-world construction scenarios, helping us apply what we've learned.
How did you arrange your work placement?
My college helped arrange my industry placement with Overbury PLC, which is a key part of the T Level.
During my placement, I worked with different teams, learned about a range of roles within construction and developed professional relationships with industry staff. The experience also helped me build my professional network.
How is college life different to school?
College has given me more independence and responsibility for managing my own time and workload. The learning feels more focused on my chosen career area, and there are greater opportunities to work with industry professionals and gain real-world experience.
The environment is also more collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, practical learning and preparing for employment.
What do you plan to do after completing your T Level?
After completing my T Level, I hope to secure a degree apprenticeship in construction management.
My long-term ambition is to become a construction project manager, overseeing projects from planning through to completion and working closely with different teams to deliver successful outcomes.
What advice would you give to others considering T Levels?
Choose a subject you're genuinely interested in as T Levels are designed to prepare you for a specific industry or career path.
Make the most of your industry placement by asking questions, building relationships, and learning from professionals in the workplace.
Get involved in practical projects and group work, as these experiences help build valuable skills and confidence.
Keep an open mind about career opportunities, as your placement and industry experience may introduce you to roles you hadn't previously considered.
It's a great way to explore career opportunities and gain experience that can help you take your next step.
