T Level students enjoy ‘amazing’ overseas work placement

Some of our Early Years and Education T Level students have enjoyed a two-week placement in Spain.

The group spent their fortnight working at the Academia Igualada, a private school in Catalonia, thanks to funding from The Turing Scheme UK.

The institution teaches children from nursery age right up to those studying the Baccalaureate – the final stage of secondary school in Spain. 

Developing skills and forging friendships 

Millie McHale said: “On the first day, we were given a tour of the school and introduced to key staff members that we would be working with.

“The experience as a whole was amazing and exceeded my expectations. I have built positive and memorable relationships with staff and children. This placement has helped me develop so many important career skills that I do not believe I would have learnt without this opportunity.”

“I have also built lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget, this has really helped build my confidence. And lastly it has taught me so many life lessons and built my independence in ways I would never have imagined.”

Fellow T Level student Naimah Begum said: “I started the first day with kindergarten one-year-olds.

“I supported by feeding the children, getting them dressed for lunch and taking part in provisions. I was also an English assistant with three students, it was great! It was an environment where I felt confident and had a good conversation with the children.”

Learning about teaching roles and a different culture

Skye Brimacombe also relished her time: “I learnt many different techniques to use in UK placements and a lot about Spanish culture.”

Study support coaches Sophie Sutcliffe and Benjamin Wallis accompanied the students on the trip.

Sophie said: “Our learners will have new ideas for activities which they can use as part of their T Level, and will bring new skills and ideas to their placements in the UK.

Benjamin added: “The placement was directly linked to their vocational course, where students spend time working in a school and supporting children of different age groups. It was a great experience for them to do the same kind of work but in a foreign country.”

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