London, 20/09/2024
Welcome Andrew!
Fun Fact about Andrew?
Not so much fun as ‘different’. Part of my right eye is prosthetic!
How do T-levels play a role in addressing the skills shortage in the industry?
In my opinion, T Levels are a great talent pipeline that needs to be embraced by more employers. These talented young people are our future makers.
What specific gaps or challenges have you identified in the current T-level programs that need to be addressed to better align with industry needs?
I am an Industry Partner to our local college so I have a part in how the curriculum is shaped. Learning centres need to reach out to employers to do the same.
In your experience, how are T-levels currently perceived by both students and employers, and what can be done to enhance their appeal and effectiveness in the manufacturing sector?
There is still too little take up of industry placements by employers. There needs to be more education of parents, teachers and young people about the availability of T Levels.
How can closing the skills gap through improved T-level education impact the overall productivity and innovation within UK manufacturing?
These young people are our industry’s future. The delivery of T Levels needs to be in line with industry, and only by open dialogue can this be achieved.
What steps can the industry take, in collaboration with educational institutions, to ensure that T-levels evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of modern manufacturing?
As I touched on briefly earlier, more learning centres need to work in close partnership with employers. The Industry Partner program does exactly that.
What motivated you to become a T-level ambassador, and how did your passion for supporting UK manufacturing and education develop?
I could see the benefits of T Levels immediately. Our personal experience with our learner has been fantastic. From the end of 2023, I just needed to be part of the solution so I became an Industry Partner, Enterprise Advisor, T Level Ambassador, member of the Enginuity SME Advisory Board among other things. I’m not saying all employers need to go that far, just make contact with your learning provider.
What resources or support systems do you recommend to maximise the effectiveness of T-level programs in bridging the skills gap in the manufacturing industry?
The one thing I think will help is mentor training in businesses. There are some real opportunities for existing staff to play a key role in mentoring these T Level learners.
Want to learn more about T Levels? Visit their webpage > T Levels | The Next Level Qualification
That was very insightful about the role of T levels in shaping the future of UK manufacturing.
Thank you Andrew.
As BAE Systems announces that applications for its 2026 apprenticeship intake are open, the company has reached a record achievement with more than 6,800 young people in training across its UK operations. This figure, which includes approximately 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates, underlines the company’s commitment to developing the next generation of British talent.
Rushmoor borough has been awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the 2026 National Armed Forces Day celebrations. The event was awarded to the borough, which includes Aldershot, the Home of the British Army and Farnborough, the birthplace of British aviation, following a highly competitive UK-wide bidding process.
On October 29 and 30, 2025, over 9000 engineering and manufacturing professionals gathered to the NEC, Birmingham, to attend the 16th edition of Advanced Engineering, the UK’s annual gathering for the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Across the two days, visitors witnessed the very latest that the industry had to offer, with over 400 exhibitors showcasing their innovations.
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