NAA Event Review: The Gatsby Foundation

4th July 24

For the latest in our programme of member webinars, last month we hosted the Gatsby Foundation who delivered an introduction to T Levels for employers.

The Gatsby Charitable Foundation was set up by David Sainsbury (now Lord Sainsbury of Turville) in 1967 and has since given Gatsby more than £1 billion to distribute to charitable causes. Gatsby works in areas that David Sainsbury and the Trustees are particularly passionate about and where they believe charitable funding can make a real difference. Gatsby is active in strengthening science and engineering skills through technical education in the UK by developing innovative programmes and informing national policy.

Kevin Burke, from the Gatsby Foundation, gave a T Level summary explaining how T Levels help ensure a new pipeline of skilled and motivated talent to help bridge the skills gap and technician shortages, highlighting that T Levels are:

• New 2-year technical qualification option for students aged 16

• Designed with employers from across industry

• Provide a broad base of learning

• Provide a high-quality qualification

• Includes a 45 day industry placement hosted by an employer, giving students early insight to industry while shaping their knowledge, skills and behaviours to suit the workforce.

In terms of Engineering and Manufacturing, T Levels started in September 2022, with the awarding organisation being City & Guilds and occupational specialism includes applied Maths, English and Digital Skills in further depth, made up of 50% practical learning and 50% theoretical learning.

An overview of the Engineering and Manufacturing route was then given, together with details on industry placements, how they can directly benefit an engineering and manufacturing business, and a step by step guide for employers on how to host one of these placements.

Details on The Education Landscape’s “A Guide for Employers” were shared and can be downloaded at www.educationlandscape.org.uk  

To find out more about T Levels, visit www.employers.tlevels.gov.uk  

Finally, if you would like a copy of the webinar presentation, please contact Zoe.