How Can the SSIoT Shape Your Future in Engineering? Liam’s T Level Apprenticeship at Thales, Crawley
With engineering skills in high demand across the UK, T Levels are emerging as a promising way to bridge the skills gap. Designed with input from employers, these industry-focused courses provide students with a career pathway, as well as the practical experience and confidence needed to excel in the engineering sector. The government is working to increase T Level uptake, meaning these qualifications have the potential to play a crucial role in building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Liam’s Story – T Level Engineering Apprenticeship at Thales
Liam, 18, is a student at Crawley College studying T Level Maintenance, Installation and Repair (Electrical/Electronic). He secured an apprenticeship with Thales Crawley, where he has helped assemble key manufacturing components for aviation and radar equipment.
Reflecting on his experience, Liam said:
“I chose a T Level because of the work placement, I thought that it would be a really good way to get my foot in the industry and see if I actually liked what I was going into. It was cool to see the things that you learn about in theory at college, put into actual practice as it really helps solidify your knowledge.”
Nicola Anderson, Head of Apprenticeship Development at Thales in the UK, added:
“The programme has proven a great way to access a more diverse talent pool …we see T Levels as key to building our apprenticeship pipeline and building the workforce of tomorrow.”
T Levels and Engineering Apprenticeships at SSIoT and Crawley College
Thales is a key partner of the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT) and Crawley College. It supports two T Level routes: a one to two week placement for level two foundation students and a 45-day placement for level three T Level students. Thales also offers concentrated summer internships between the first and second years of the T Level. All students who successfully complete a T Level placement are fast-tracked through the recruitment process, with many receiving apprenticeship offers.
What Do Current T Level Students Have to Say?
Liam offered some advice to students considering T Levels:
“At our age, it’s not always easy to know exactly what you want to do. But T Levels give you the chance to see first-hand what an apprenticeship really involves and to make the most of the opportunities that go with that – networking, practical learning and, of course, real-world experience.”
Looking ahead, Liam added:
“I think engineering right now is a very good thing to go into. Not only because the work is interesting and varied, but also because the profession is in high demand, so there will always be plenty of opportunities out there.”