T Level Engineering and Construction students from South Bank Colleges have been putting their knowledge into practice through valuable industry placements with leading employers.

Engineering students recently completed a nine-week placement with the Engineering team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Meanwhile, Construction students gained behind-the-scenes insight into a major London site during their placement with Willmott Dixon.

The experiences gave students an opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, explore possible careers and understand how the theory learned in the classroom is applied in real working environments.

Engineering experience at Guy’s and St Thomas’

During their 45-day placement, T Level Engineering students worked alongside the mechanical engineering team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

The students accompanied engineers as they responded to maintenance jobs across the hospital estate. They were encouraged to diagnose mechanical problems, suggest possible causes and attempt practical solutions under the supervision of experienced members of staff.

One student described the placement as “transformative, challenging and informative”.

They explained: “The placement strengthened my career aspirations in engineering, but it also opened me to the possibility of completing an apprenticeship rather than going directly to university.

“When we accompanied members of the mechanical team to a job, they would ask us to diagnose the issue and allow us to attempt to fix it. This strengthened our problem-solving skills and allowed us to put the theory we had learned at college to the test.”

One of the most memorable tasks involved helping the team replace an old, rusted motor and pump. The work required several members of staff to collaborate, overcome problems and identify the safest and most effective solution.

The placement also introduced students to complex mechanical systems that they had not previously encountered.

The student added: “Some of the systems were difficult to understand because we had not studied them in depth before. I dealt with this by making sure I asked questions whenever I was unsure.

“The placement gave me more confidence in using tools and equipment and helped me develop practical, hands-on skills to complement the theory I had learned at college.”

The experience has also influenced the student’s future plans.

“I would like to pursue a career at Guy’s and St Thomas’. The knowledge and skills I gained during only 45 days of placement have been crucial in helping me take the next step in my education and possible engineering career.

“The mechanical team provided valuable insight into working at the hospital and strengthened my decision to pursue this type of work.”

The students were welcomed and supported during the placement by Alex Gull and members of the hospital’s Engineering team. The student particularly thanked Victor for helping to develop their knowledge and confidence, as well as Dalu, Rob and Derek for their guidance and support.

Photographs of the engineering placement at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust kindly supplied (with thanks) by Graham Shaw.

Exploring construction history with Willmott Dixon

T Level Construction students also stepped beyond the classroom during their placement with Willmott Dixon.

As part of the experience, the students visited the former London Fire Brigade headquarters, where they were given a tour of the historic building and learned more about the challenges involved in working with existing structures.

The visit took them from the main areas of the former headquarters down into its basement, where they were able to explore a surviving Second World War bunker.

Alongside offering a fascinating glimpse into London’s history, the tour helped students consider how construction professionals assess, preserve and adapt older buildings.

Industry placements are an essential part of every T Level. They allow students to develop technical skills, professional confidence and a clearer understanding of the career opportunities available to them.

Through partnerships with organisations such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Willmott Dixon, South Bank Colleges students can experience authentic working environments while building the knowledge and skills that employers need.