MPs congratulate Walsall College students on Results Day

MPs and employers joined in the results day celebrations for T Level, BTEC/vocational and A Level students at Walsall College today (18 August).  After receiving their final grades, students are now heading on to university, degree level apprenticeships, further training and self-employment.

Those celebrating included T Level students who achieved a 97% pass rate, with 94% achieving Distinction and Merit grades.  Launched in 2020, these A Level-equivalent qualifications combine classroom learning with an industry placement.

Congratulating them in person were Walsall North MP, Eddie Hughes and Shadow Minister for Skills and Education, Toby Perkins MP.

Commenting on everyone’s achievements, Principal and Chief Executive, Jatinder Sharma OBE, DL said: “Many congratulations to all our students and staff on Results Day.

“Supporting people into higher levels of study and jobs is at the heart of everything we do.  It makes us proud therefore that the vocational technical and academic qualifications we offer are designed and delivered in a way where learners fulfil their potential and employers’ skills needs can be met.”

He continued: “A successful T Level model is now in place and expanding rapidly; cementing our position as the biggest T Levels provider in the local area.

“We also have a new A Level-BTEC hybrid programme launching in September as well as new Apprenticeship Standards.  These demonstrate our proactive, ambitious approach and commitment to delivering quality education and training to futureproof local industry and economic priorities.”

Two students on the T Level Education and Childcare who attended industry placements at local nurseries have now been offered employment.  The rest of the group are progressing on to university to study teaching, counselling and paediatric nursing among other courses.

The T Level Education and Childcare comes under the awarding body, NCFE.

David Gallagher, Chief Executive at the educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning NCFE, said: “I want to congratulate all T Level learners picking up their results today. As the very first cohort to do so, their achievements cannot be understated, and everyone should feel extremely proud of this accomplishment.

“We’re delighted to have been selected by government to spearhead the development of T Levels in a range of subject areas and, thanks to a collaborative effort, we’re now seeing the difference they will make to those who matter most – the learners themselves.

“While some may go straight into employment and others will continue their education, what’s important is that T Levels provide an accessible alternative for learners that prepares them for the world of work. I’m excited to see them continue to go from strength to strength.”

Students on the T Level in Construction – Design, Surveying and Planning also have bright futures ahead.   Five students so far have secured degree level apprenticeships with their T Level industry placement provider, Balfour Beatty VINCI working on the HS2 project.

Further information about T Levels at the college can be found here.