(NCFE) Technical T Level In Health

These 2 year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work. Students will complete a minimum of 45 working days as part of this course which is a compulsory part of the course.

Below you’ll find feedback from students who participated in a two-week work placement on various wards at Leeds Teaching Hospital. Each l3 student was allocated a student Training Nursing Associate (TNA), given a thorough work placement induction and provided with a uniform prior to starting.

Jenny- works as TNA at Leeds Teaching Hospital:

During my time at Leeds City College, I had the amazing opportunity to spend two weeks on a ward at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). I was on L49, the Children’s Day Case ward, where patients come in for procedures such as tonsillectomies and grommet removals.

I got to shadow a TNA, and learnt the ins and outs of how the hospital works. The staff were lovely and welcoming, taught me about the various illnesses and surgeries patients underwent, and were always there to answer any questions I had. I even got to practise how to take observations and admitted a few patients as well.

I loved my experience. It gave me a confidence boost as I found it useful to see what I would be doing when I began my apprenticeship, which I am currently halfway through the first year of. I’m really grateful to Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust for allowing me on this programme, but also to Leeds City College for fighting to make this experience happen.

Davina - studying Child Nursing at the University of Bradford:

My placement was on J25, the ophthalmology ward. While I was there, I had the opportunity to see all of the ward-based work - such as the pre-assessment and outpatients clinic - and even got to go into theatre to watch a cataract removal.

All the staff on the ward were lovely and welcoming, and when I first arrived they provided me with a student booklet giving me a basic understanding of different eye conditions and how they are treated. They took the time to explain to me how to take simple observations, and even let me have a go at admitting patients, discharging, carrying out checks pre-theatre and writing prescriptions under supervision.

Saleena- studying Dual Adult and Mental Health Nursing

I found my placement at St James’ Hospital really beneficial for my professional development. It gave me a massive advantage and valuable insight into my future role, as I am now studying a nursing degree at university. I gained essential nursing knowledge from my placement supervisor and got to see how the ward runs smoothly.

Before my placement, I only had a vague idea of nursing from what I’d seen myself or been told. Being able to shadow the nurses gave me a much more accurate idea of what a nurse’s role really entails. I loved my placement and am very thankful I was given this opportunity. I do think it’s important to be inquisitive, ask lots of questions and request to shadow as much as possible - as college students, there isn’t much we can participate in at the moment and it’s important we get the most out of our experiences.

Erin - studying Combined mental health and social work degree at Edge Hill.

Last year I completed a two-week placement on the Stroke Rehabilitation ward at LGI. I worked with a number of professionals who all gave me a very insightful look into careers in the NHS. For example, I spent time with nurses who let me observe medicine rounds, moving and handling, and personal care. I also shadowed the ward clerk, discharge manager, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists - allowing me to see their different ways of working and the skills they use.

The experience was extremely valuable and I believe it helped me improve my communication skills and confidence. I enjoyed the responsibility of having to develop relationships with service users and found the placement very rewarding.

After completing my placement at LGI, I applied for a bank healthcare assistant role at my local hospital, which I thoroughly enjoy as I have the opportunity to gain experience on different wards and develop key skills. I am now studying an integrated Mental Health Nursing and Social Work degree at Edge Hill University.

Emily - has applied to study Children’s Nursing for September 2021

I enjoyed my hospital placement as it allowed me to experience things I definitely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to before. Although I didn’t get the full experience due to planning issues, I did get to see X-rays, change and feed babies, and helped keep them calm during minor procedures. I also witnessed tracheas being changed and blood tests being taken, and sat in on meetings where they discussed each case and next steps. On my final day, I was sent down to a fellow ward for mothers and babies, allowing me to develop my experience even further.

I’d recommend a placement because it allows you to decide whether it’s something you’d like to pursue. Overall, it’s an amazing opportunity.

Vanessa - worked in a Leeds care home rated as Outstanding, and now studying Adult Nursing at the University of Hull

My placement on St James’ Hospital oncology ward was a great experience. I had the chance to work with the discharge team - learning how they ensured patients had the support they needed at home and regularly checked up on them. I also worked with the nurse to see how hourly observations were taken; they all differ based on their National Early Warning Score and I learnt that the higher the score the more monitoring is required. The staff were really helpful and incredibly caring towards the patients.

My placement gave me insight into what it’s like to work in the hospital, taught me new things and showed me how important it is to have patience as a health and social care professional. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the support of my tutors, who fought to get us placements before we proceeded with our future careers, and I’m very grateful to them. I’m happy I did this course as it landed me my first job while at college!

School leavers who do not wish to follow the A level pathway and prefer a pathway that will enable them to progress onto skilled employment in a technical occupation, or progress onto university.

The core content for the 3 T Levels will cover the following areas:

• The healthcare sector
• Providing person centred care
• Health and wellbeing
• Safety and Environmental regulations in the Health and Science sector
• Managing information and data within the Health and Science sector
• Good Scientific and Clinical Practice
• Core Science concepts
• Infection prevention and control in health specific settings
• Managing personal information

One of the following occupational specialisms

- Supporting the adult nursing team

• Assist with clinical tasks
• Support individuals to meet activities of daily living
• Assist with skin integrity assessments, care and treatment

- Supporting therapy teams

• Carry out a range of therapeutic techniques to support allied health professionals
• Assist with therapy support and help individuals improve their health and/or develop or maintain skills for daily living
• Prepare and maintain the therapeutic environment, equipment and resources

- Supporting the mental health team

• Provide care and support to individuals with mental health conditions
• Assist with mental health therapeutic interventions
• Promote mental well-being

The breadth of content will ensure learners can apply their skills for different purposes and in different roles. There are specialism units that will need to be completed as part of the curriculum.

T-levels are advanced level 3 courses and equivalent to 3 A Levels. They offer a much longer period of industry placement (usually up to almost 3 months) and aimed at students who are very clear on the career path they wish to pursue. The course is a combination of in-class study and work placement.

You must have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s or more at a grade 5 and above and must include English. Maths and science.