Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is supporting the development of future healthcare professionals by welcoming T Level students from the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group.
The first cohort of students have started their placements and will gain hands-on experience working on the wards at Pinderfields Hospital and Dewsbury and District Hospital. All 16 students are studying the T Level in Health, specialising in Supporting the Adult Nursing Team.
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels, combining classroom-based theory with practical learning and extensive work placements. They prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience necessary to excel in their chosen careers.
The Trust’s Professional Development and Education Unit (PDEU) has a history of working collaboratively with the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, successfully running apprenticeship programmes for support workers. These new T Level placements build on that legacy and reinforce the Trust’s commitment to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Emma Gregory, Clinical Lead for the Non-Registered Workforce at the Trust, shared her enthusiasm:
“We’re really excited to welcome our first T Level students! They’ll get a great opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience with us here at the Trust and in the NHS. Partnering with our local colleges is such an important way to give students real-world experiences while inspiring the next generation of healthcare workers and showing them all the great things about a career at Mid Yorks.”
The students’ journey begins with a comprehensive induction week, hosted by the PDEU team at the Trust’s Healthcare Academy. This induction includes training in a ward simulation environment, ensuring students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for the ward environment. Following the induction, students will shadow colleagues in various departments, including elderly care, spinal injuries, and stroke rehabilitation.
Carla Cantrell, Group Head of Department for Health & Social Care at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our T Level Health students to experience a variety of healthcare support roles in a realistic and fast-paced working environment. The team at the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust have been incredibly supportive of the partnership and gone the extra mile to ensure students’ placements match their career aspirations, enabling them to develop industry-standard skills and knowledge which will enhance their prospects.”
The T Level in Health programme is available at Wakefield College, Castleford College and Selby College and covers core topics including managing personal information, health and wellbeing and providing person-centred care.
As part of the programme, learners can choose a range of specialisms including the Supporting Healthcare Core, Supporting the Adult Nursing Team and Supporting the Care of Children and Young People.