Students are gaining workplace experience at a leading manufacturer.
Cirencester College students are taking part in placements with Swindon-based medical device manufacturer Vygon UK, as part of their Management and Administration T Level course.
The partnership gives students the opportunity to complete their 315-hour industry placement at Vygon’s Pierre Simonet Building on Gateway North, providing hands-on experience in a professional setting.
Jo Smith, head of apprenticeships, T Level work placements and employer engagement at Cirencester College, said: "Partnerships we have with industry are hugely valuable.
"Employers help us shape and inform our curriculum so that we are teaching the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are needed in today’s workforce.
"That means our students are ‘industry ready’, not just academically prepared."
Two students, both aged 17 from Swindon, have already completed their placements with Vygon.
George gained experience across several departments, including customer service, demand management, accounting and marketing.
He said: "I really enjoyed seeing how a business operates day-to-day and how much variety there is.
"Working with different teams helped me to develop communication and people skills, and learning software like Canva and Photoshop gave me experience I can use in the future.
"It’s also inspired me to consider a career in marketing."
Phoebe focused her placement within Vygon’s learning and development team, with additional time in marketing.
She said: "Being at Vygon showed me what a professional environment is like.
"I attended training sessions, worked across departments and joined meetings, which has given me confidence and real experience to talk about when I go for jobs.
"Everyone was really friendly and I learned a lot."
The college has seen a 49 per cent increase in demand for T Level courses in the past year.
T Levels are two-year courses with a technical focus and include a compulsory industry placement.
The college currently offers 14 specialist T Level pathways.
Alain Vix, learning and development manager at Vygon UK, said: "We place great value on learning and development – not just with our customers and colleagues, but for young people in our community.
"Hosting T Level students gives our teams the opportunity to mentor, support and learn from the perspectives of the next generation.
"It’s been brilliant to see George and Phoebe’s confidence and capability grow throughout their time with us, and we look forward to welcoming more students in the future."A partnership is giving students in the region hands-on experience in the business world."
Cirencester College serves more than 3,000 students and works with employers across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire, and Oxfordshire.
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