Celebrating T Levels Week: UHDB hears from students learning valuable 'hands-on experience in patient care'
This week is T Levels Week - an opportunity to recognise the part University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) are playing in shaping the clinical workforce of the future, and the impact T Level students are having here as they gain "hands-on experience in patient care".
UHDB is currently supporting 18 T Level students - 17 in clinical roles and one in a non-clinical role - as they complete their 45-day industry placements at the Trust.
These placements are a vital part of their learning journey, giving students practical experience in real healthcare settings and helping them build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Six T Level Health students, currently studying at Derby and Burton colleges, share their placement experience at UHDB
Caitlin is a T Level Health student at Derby College currently on placement on Ward 307 at Royal Derby Hospital. She was originally accepted onto a BTEC course; however, she chose the T Level route after learning about its mix of practical and theoretical teaching, alongside 315 hours of placement. She has ambitions to become a Paediatric Nurse and values the real-world experience.
She said: “Being on placement has helped me see what nursing is really like. I loved my time in the day centre, but working on the ward has shown me the clinical side of things and confirmed that this is the path I want to take.”
Her first-year placement in a day centre was rewarding, but she finds that her current hospital setting is giving her deeper insight into clinical nursing and she Is already exploring future pathways, including apprenticeships.
Abbie is a T Level Health student from Derby College currently completing her second-year placement on Ward 206 at Royal Derby Hospital.
She said: “This year has been so much better; I’m doing more clinical skills and getting involved in patient care. It’s helped me see what working in healthcare is really like.”
After her GCSEs, she knew A-Levels weren’t for her and chose the T Level route for its practical focus and the UCAS points it offers, keeping university as a future goal.
While she is still exploring career options, Abbie is considering nursing or medicine. Her second-year placement has been a highlight, offering more real-life experience and clinical skills.
Aniela, a T Level Health student specialising in adult nursing at Burton and South Derbyshire College, shares how her placements on Ward 16 and the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) have provided hands-on learning in patient care, clinical tasks and strengthening her nursing skills.
She explains: "Being at the hospital never feels like a chore, it’s something I genuinely look forward to. The support from staff and patients has made every placement a valuable step toward my dream of becoming an adult nurse."
Millie-May is a T Level Health student from Derby College and is currently on placement on Ward 202 at Royal Derby Hospital.
Millie originally planned to study a BTEC in Health and Social Care but chose the T Level route for the applied learning it provides and the practical element of learning towards achieving her goal of becoming a paramedic.
“Year one placement taught me fundamental skills like good communication, which I now apply every day on the ward in year two," she said.
Qiannah, a T Level Health student at Burton and South Derbyshire College, is currently on placement at Queen’s Hospital Burton as a trainee Healthcare Assistant on the stroke ward. She explained how she supports patients with personal care and is gaining valuable skills and experience to help her pursue her goal of becoming a paramedic.
"Studying a T Level in Health and completing my placement on the acute stroke ward at Queen’s Hospital Burton has given me hands-on experience in patient care and helped me develop vital clinical and communication skills that will support my future career aspirations as a paramedic."
Dominica who studies at Derby College has praised staff and the opportunities T Levels has enabled her to be part of. She said: "The staff were extremely supportive, welcoming, and really engaged with my learning and development. I have been provided with step-by-step processed guides and had the opportunity to shadow team members. A real team environment has given me experience of working with different departments to develop strong communication skills, listening skills and gain a positive cultural environment. Overall, I would 100% recommend the NHS to build your learning, progress in different career paths and feel valued as an individual and team."
What are T Levels?
T Levels are innovative, two-year courses for young people aged 16–19, taken after GCSEs. They are broadly equivalent to three A Levels and carry UCAS points, making them a strong route into university, apprenticeships, or skilled employment.
Developed in collaboration with employers, T Levels combine classroom learning with practical experience. Each student completes a minimum of 45 days in an industry placement, ensuring they gain real-world insights and develop the skills that employers truly value.
Why T Levels matter
T Levels are helping to bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing the next generation of professionals with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to thrive. At UHDB, we are proud to support this initiative and to welcome T Level students into our teams — they bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a passion for learning that enriches our workplace.
If you would like any information on T Level qualifications or would like to support a T Level student in your area you can email uhdb.industryplacements@nhs.net