An EKC Group alumna has praised the T Level qualification for helping her secure an apprenticeship in her chosen field.
Alice Tester, who studied a T Level in Business Management and Administration at EKC Folkestone College, completed 315 hours of work experience with Walker Construction as part of her course.
Her dedication and performance during the placement led to an offer for an apprenticeship as a Technical Bid Writer.
“Getting the industry experience was something that I was keen to experience and put on my CV, so I decided to do a T Level,” Alice said.
“Everyone at Walker’s was so supportive and keen to share their knowledge, and I think that’s what I really enjoyed, and I was very grateful to, halfway through, be offered an apprenticeship as what I’m doing now.
“Honestly, I loved every minute of my work experience with Walker Construction, but I really enjoyed going around each business department and learning about what everyone does, what the business does, and seeing how the business course at college related to a real-world business as such.”
Despite only being with the company for a few months, Alice continues to go from strength to strength and was even nominated for a prestigious award.
“It’s been really nice to be supported as a woman in construction, and Walker Construction nominated me for the Women in Construction Awards with Design and Build UK,” she said.
“I was very grateful to have made the final seven shortlist of the One to Watch category.”
Reflecting on the importance of work placements and the T Level qualification, Alice said it was “pivotal” to where she is today.
“The work experience that I did while I was studying at EKC Folkestone College with Walker Construction was very pivotal to where I am today,” she said.
“It’s allowed me to develop my understanding of the business course that I undertook, but also to the practices that are applied within actual business.
“To any other employer who is considering offering work experience, I would say please do offer it because a lot of students would be very grateful.
“If you’re thinking of doing the T Level, I would definitely recommend it. I really enjoyed my time doing the course and the work experience, and feel that they’ve both gone hand-in-hand.
“The intention of the T Level is such a good idea, and I feel it’s benefited me. If you don’t always know what you want to do, or if you’re doing a course and you know what you want to do, and you would like some industry experience, it’s a good way of getting that.
“You can do your work experience with a couple of different providers so you can get an understanding of how different companies do things in different ways, so I feel like that’s another key benefit.”
This success story comes as EKC Canterbury College recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Walker Construction, reinforcing their shared commitment to delivering high-quality training, learning, and employment opportunities for students across Kent.
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