When he left secondary education at English Martyrs School, Michal Szymanski wanted to pursue his interest in the field of electricals. To extend his qualifications, Michal initially looked at a Level 3 course at Leicester College and was ‘surprised’ to find out that a T Level course was available in Electrical Installation.

Michal started the new C7260 T Level in Electrical Installation on 6 Sept 2021. As part of the T Level qualification, Michal was able to do 315 hrs/45 days of industrial placement.

“Although I was not initially aware of the T Level course when I was applying, the work placement element was particularly interesting for me so I signed up,” says Michal.

The Industrial Placement team at Leicester College helped Michal to secure a placement with the Leicester Marriott Hotel in Grove Park, Leicester. Michal has been undertaking a range of work at the hotel – electrical, plumbing and carpentry tasks on Monday and Tuesday throughout the year and coming to College from Wednesday to Friday to study.

Michal continues: “The hotel and my placement supervisor have been very supportive. The work has been challenging but has presented me with an opportunity to overcome these challenges and boost my confidence.”

Michal changed groups at the College to fit in with his placement which enabled him to make new friends in the C group. His improved confidence has been evident in College with more contributions in lessons, working better with his peers and performing practical tasks better.

Michal has now completed the mandatory requirement for industrial placement hours for the T Level course in the first year, has enjoyed the placement and has impressed the maintenance team at the hotel so much that they have offered him a paid summer role before he starts the second year of his course. The hotel maintenance team are also talking to Michal about apprenticeship opportunities for the future.

“I’m keen to focus on the maintenance side of electrical installation and will carry on my studies as an electrician to gain the appropriate qualifications for an apprenticeship and future career,” added Michal.

“The T Level course was the right decision for me and, with a successful industrial placement, has been a great help in developing my experience, skills and confidence.”

Michal’s journey from school to college, from college to an industrial placement, from industrial placement to part-time job, and from part-time job to apprenticeship, shows that the new T Level qualifications at Leicester College are having a real impact.