Richard Quigley MP has become the first Member of Parliament to offer T-Level industry placements in his office.
The Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight West has offered placements to three Media, Broadcast and Production T-level students from the Isle of Wight College. The second year students will gain invaluable industry experience whilst undertaking the placement from Mr Quigley’s constituency office.
Approximately half of all creative jobs are found outside of creative industries and with MPs increasingly expected to use social media and digital communications to engage with constituents, an MP’s office can provide students a unique opportunity to develop their skills.
Over the course of their placement, the students will gain experience in areas including media production, digital communications, and community engagement – all of which are vital in public and private sectors.
T-Levels are a gold standard vocational qualification for 16–19-year-olds, designed to provide a blend of classroom learning and practical experience through industry placements. By welcoming students into his team, Richard is helping to demonstrate the value of placements and the important role they can play in preparing young people for their future careers.
This is a significant step forward in promoting vocational education and hands-on learning in the workplace. The MP hopes more MPs will follow-suit by offering T-level placements in either their constituency or Westminster offices.
The Island MP has spent much of his first year, working with employers to find practical solutions to provide young people with the skills and opportunities needed to prepare them for work. And he believes T-Levels have an important part to play in providing the technical skills needed to address skills gap across the UK economy.
Richard Quigley MP said:
“One of the biggest barriers to students taking T-Levels is a lack of awareness. Taking on T-Level students, giving young islanders an unrivalled opportunity to develop skills, whilst promoting the wealth of opportunities on the Island, in turn helping more young people to get into work, it’s a win win.
“Our office is already benefiting from the students’ energy and ideas.”
“I really hope other employers, including MPs, consider how they can support vocational learning. It’s vital that we give young people the skills and the confidence they need to enter the workplace.”
Richard’s decision to take part in the T-Level programme has been warmly welcomed by the Members Support Services Team in parliament, IPSA, Island businesses, and the Isle of Wight College.
Principal and CEO of The Isle of Wight College, Ros Parker OBE said:
“T-levels provide an excellent route into industry. Alongside the academic challenge, these placements provide an opportunity for young people to develop the critical skills employers need. Richard is leading the way with this innovative approach that will prepare our young people for meaningful and stimulating careers.”
It is a powerful endorsement and recognition of how learning on the job has the potential to bridge the gap between education and employment, addressing the current skills gap.
