Local IT business highlights benefits of placements at T Level Employer Event
T Level placement provider Genius IT Solutions believe the qualification is equipping York College students with "skills for life" far beyond those gained on traditional work experience programmes.
Addressing an audience of potential future placement partners and careers teams from local secondary schools, guest speaker David Harris, from the York-based firm, also spoke of the “two-way benefit” companies are experiencing when they invite teenage learners into their workplace.
Mr Harris was talking at a T Level Employer Event held in our Cookery training restaurant, where guests heard from businesses and curriculum staff about the benefits of the T Level qualification and placement opportunities.
He went on to highlight the “dynamic partnership” in place between his company and York College tutors and teams. Genius has taken six placement students from York College so far, and Mr Harris highlighted the benefits to Genius, which he said include access to motivated, tech-curious students, a fresh perspective, and new ideas and extra capacity to support client work and projects.
He also added that taking placement students provides Genius staff members with the opportunity to mentor and shape future IT professionals and gives the company a proven pathway to future apprentices and employees.
Mr Harris said: “We actively support student placements because they create a genuine two-way benefit. Students gain meaningful, real-world experience, while Genius IT Solutions benefits from fresh perspectives and the opportunity to develop future talent for our industry.”
He also explained that the placements are shaped to support course learning outcomes and that the partnership with York College had led to multiple successful student journeys so far. He concluded: “This isn’t just about work experience; it’s about building careers, confidence and skills for life.”
T Level student Connor Dennison, who was on placement with Genius, but was sadly unable to attend the event, told us "During my T level placement at Genius Tech, I adapted to working in a professional environment, delivering real products to real clients. Furthermore, I developed valuable communication skills, specifically learning how to translate technical concepts for a non-technical audience, which is a vital skill in the software industry."
During the event, York College Curriculum Standards Manager for Engineering Lisa Wheeler also gave visitors an overview of the T Level educational model, which combines a mixture of classroom learning and “on-the-job” experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours.
Lisa explained that these technical qualifications – which are equivalent to three A Levels – are designed in collaboration with employers and will help young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace. She also went to explain how they provide students with the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, higher-level study or an apprenticeship.
York College Work Placement Team Leader Emily Grimes then provided an overview of the placement structure, and explained how the college works with industry partners to create a bespoke placement model that works well for both sides. She also talked about the T Level Employer Support Fund, which has been introduced by the Government, and can cover essential costs such as equipment, insurance, security passes and software licenses.
Apprenticeships coordinator Joanna Ableson also popped in to give a brief insight into the wider apprenticeship partnership opportunities available at York College.
After the presentations, guests were treated to a restaurant-quality buffet lunch prepared by our Level 2 catering and hospitality students, followed by coffee and some time for networking with curriculum staff and other local businesses.
In addition to Genius IT Solutions, other employers that attended the event were GSB Solicitors, Cycle Street, City of York Council, RSPCA York and York Cares. Careers advisors came along from The Joseph Rowntree School, St John Fishers Catholic High School in Harrogate, Woldgate School, Boroughbridge High School, Selby High School, Millthorpe School and All Saints Catholic School, and many commented on how much valuable new information they had gained about T Levels to pass on to their students and parents.
York College currently runs 10 T Level courses in Broadcast, Media & Production (Content Creation & Production); Building Services Engineering for Construction - Electrical Installations; Construction Design, Surveying & Planning; Digital Security & Support; Digital Software Development; Education & Early Years; Engineering & Manufacturing; Events & Venue Technician; Health; and Leadership & Management.
This provision will increase to 13 in September 2026 when we will be introducing new courses in Craft & Design – Jewellery Maker; Legal Services; and Marketing.
If you are interested in offering a placement to one of our T Level students, please email placements@yorkcollege.ac.uk
Want to discuss any of our T Level, degree, higher-level, vocational and A Level courses or apprenticeships with our expert team of tutors and check out our state-of-the-art facilities? Then, please come along to our next Open Event. Details on dates can be found here
