Toby Milligan, a student embracing T Level opportunities with Sodexo
The 17th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) takes place from 5 to 9 February 2024, and Thursday 8 February marks T Level Thursday. To celebrate this day, Toby Milligan, a T Level student in Sodexo’s Corporate Services business, shares his journey and the benefits of pursuing a T Level qualification.
Motivation behind pursuing a T Level qualification
I was motivated to pursue a T Level qualification over a BTech due to its hands-on and practical approach. While BTech courses are often coursework heavy, T Level offered me the opportunity to learn through practical experience, which aligns better with my learning style.
The structure of my T Level placement
The structure of my T Level placement involved completing 16 core elements in the first year, covering standards, materials, and legal aspects, while also developing skills through workshop activities. The second year focused on independent project work, including building prototypes based on project briefs, from design to installation, while considering costs. My industry placement was invaluable in exposing me to the workplace environment, providing both work experience and essential life skills.
Memorable experiences from my placement
One memorable experience was receiving coaching from Stu Walker, who is a site technician, on how to dismantle a pump. Through this experience, I learned how to plan and execute tasks methodically, which has since been applied to other tasks, enhancing my problem-solving skills.
Preparing for entering the workforce
My T Level qualification has prepared me for the demands of the workforce by teaching me the importance of time and understanding the reasoning behind tasks.
"Unlike classroom settings where tasks are completed and moved on from, the workplace demands continuous productivity and adaptability, skills I've honed through my T Level experience."
Support mechanisms
At college, I have a dedicated coordinator who assists with placements and provides guidance. Additionally, interacting with fellow students has been beneficial for sharing experiences and learning from each other. During my placement, I've had the support of a mentor, Stu, and the entire team on site. Sodexo's learning and development platform Ingenium has also provided additional resources and courses to support my learning journey.
In conclusion, pursuing a T Level qualification with Sodexo has not only equipped me with practical skills but also provided invaluable industry experience and support. As I look forward to contributing to the workforce, I am grateful for the opportunities and guidance provided through my T Level journey with Sodexo.