Fin, from Royal Leamington Spa, completed an industry placement with Procter & Chester (Measurements) Ltd as part of his T Level course and has since progressed into a full-time engineering apprenticeship with the company.
Reflecting on his placement, Fin described the experience as transformative.
“The most valuable lesson I learned during my placement was how to work effectively as part of a large team in a professional environment,” he said. “I also developed strong technical skills in wiring and cable routing, learning to complete work to a very high standard with a focus on neatness, organisation and overall presentation.”
A key milestone during the placement came when Fin worked on a safety-critical aerospace component under tight deadlines.
“The installation was complex and required me to apply all the techniques I had learned during my placement. Being trusted to carry out the work with supervision and completing it successfully was when everything really started to come together. It gave me real confidence in my abilities.”
Fin credits his T Level course with preparing him well for the workplace.
“My T Level course provided a great balance of theory and practical learning. We covered a wide range of skills, including machining, joining and fitting, which gave me a strong foundation and helped me transition into a real working environment.”
After successfully completing his T Level qualification and industry placement, Fin was offered the opportunity to continue his career with Procter & Chester as an apprentice engineer.
“The placement gave me a real insight into the company and the industry, and I’m really pleased to now be continuing my career here as an apprentice,” he said. “It’s a great feeling to know that the experience I gained during my T Level helped open the door to a full-time role.”
He also encourages other students to consider the T Level route. “I would definitely recommend T Levels because they offer experiences you wouldn’t normally get at school or in a traditional sixth form. You gain hands-on learning, practical projects and work experience that prepare you for real employment.”
Employers working with WCG say the partnership also plays an important role in developing future talent while supporting business growth.
Gordon Chester, Managing Director of Procter & Chester (Measurements) Ltd and one of WCG’s engineering employer partners, explained that the collaboration began with a shared aim of creating opportunities for young people while supporting the needs of the industry.
“WCG approached us with the aim of giving young people the opportunity to gain experience in a professional engineering environment while completing their T Level qualification and developing a career in the industry,” he said.
“We’re highly selective in our recruitment process, as candidates need to demonstrate the passion, attitude and attention to detail required to succeed. WCG understands our organisation and the standards we expect, recommending strong candidates for interview so we can identify those who are the best fit for our business.”
The partnership also helps businesses plan for the future by creating a pipeline of skilled engineers entering the workforce.
“Working with WCG allows us to tap into emerging young talent and maintain a steady pipeline of engineers coming into the business,” Gordon added. “Younger engineers bring fresh perspectives, adaptability and a strong ability to learn new technologies, which supports the continued growth of the company.”
He also highlighted the importance of a balanced workforce. “For an engineering business, it’s important to build a workforce with a strong mix of backgrounds. Graduates bring valuable theoretical knowledge, while apprentices and T Level students contribute strong practical skills and hands-on experience. Both pathways are essential.”
Placements also allow students to explore different areas of a business before specialising, helping them discover their strengths while enabling employers to develop talent aligned with future workforce needs.
Through partnerships like these, WCG continues to connect education and industry, ensuring students gain the skills employers need while helping businesses future-proof their workforce.
Businesses interested in supporting the next generation of engineers and developing their future workforce are encouraged to partner with WCG.
To find out more about offering industry placements, apprenticeships or working with WCG, visit:
https://wcg.ac.uk/employer-services
