The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham today joined students at The Manchester College’s Openshaw campus as they found out how they’d done in their T Level and other vocational and technical qualifications, some of the key education pathways that make up the MBacc.
Among the students collecting their results at The Manchester College in Openshaw today was 19-year-old Henry Mafe from Whalley Range, who is aiming to secure an apprenticeship in medical research after receiving a distinction in his T Level in Laboratory Science:
“I’m really happy with my result; it’s better than I expected! I always knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship, and a T Level seemed like the best pathway for that. I got the work experience, and also studied the core science modules. I did my placement in the lab at Cancer Research UK, which was brilliant.
“I would definitely recommend T Levels. Having that work experience really puts you in a good position if you want to go into an apprenticeship, but it’s also really good if you’re applying for university.”
Typically studied over two years, by 16-19-year-olds, T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and students spend 80 per cent of their time in the classroom and 20 on an industry placement, which lasts a minimum of 45 days.
Building on the excellent work already being led by colleges across Greater Manchester, over the past year, employers have backed the MBacc by pledging an additional 700 new work placements for T Level students, supporting the goal that every young person who wants one will be able to do a work placement.
The prestigious employers on board include Murphy, Nexperia and Autotrader. Royal Oldham Hospital, part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, has pledged the city region’s first midwifery placements, allowing students from Oldham College to gain real-world experience within the NHS. Students are also gaining valuable work experience by doing T level placements in transport, engineering and project support across the Bee Network.
Plans to create UK’s first university-style independent living for apprentices have also moved forward, with young people and some of Greater Manchester’s leading employers backing the proposals.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Results day is a huge moment in any young person’s life, and I want to congratulate everyone across Greater Manchester who is opening their results today. Whether you’ve taken A levels, T Levels, or other level 3 vocational qualifications, there are real opportunities here for you to get a great job in our growing economy.
“We’ve made real progress in the first year of MBacc, thanks to the dedication of schools, colleges, independent training providers, employers, and The Growth Company, who have done brilliant work in driving up T Level placements across the city region.
“Meeting students from The Manchester College today was truly inspiring. Their ambition, talent, and determination show exactly why technical education matters — and why Greater Manchester is proud to back it.”
