Stockport College shares experience of T Level student

With students across the borough nervously awaiting results for post-16 qualifications to be released on Thursday 14th August, Trafford & Stockport College Group shares the experience of one its T Level students at Stockport College.

Callum’s route into construction

Callum always knew he wanted to work in construction. When a place on a joinery course didn’t work out, his tutors at Stockport College suggested the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction.

It turned out to be the right move, as Callum secured a job as soon as he finished the course.

“With my grades, the college thought I’d be a good fit for the T Level,” he says. “I liked that it included work experience, so I decided to go for it.”

As part of the course, Callum completed 315 hours of work experience with construction firm John Sisk in Stockport. He got the chance to see a variety of roles in action, including site management, quantity surveying, and planning, by shadowing professionals on live projects.

It was site management that appealed to Callum the most and has since led to a full-time opportunity – an apprenticeship in Site Management with Caddick Construction. He started work for the company in July, and his formal apprenticeship begins in September.

The role came through college, after a tutor shared that an employer would be visiting. “They gave us some background about the company, and I liked the sound of it, so I went along, applied and got the job,” says Callum. “It’s really worked out for me.”

He knew that university was never the plan. “I’ve always been better with hands-on learning – being on site suits me,” he added.

Having to go through an interview process to secure his T Level placement also helped prepare him for the apprenticeship application: “It gave me experience and confidence, so I wasn’t going into it blind.”

Alongside his studies, Callum has stood out for his commitment and support for others. He’s spoken at Stockport Town Hall about his placement experience in front of employers and council members, volunteered during the holidays as a mentor on the Construction Cares programme, and helped peers stay motivated and on track at college.

Tutors describe him as someone who’s always early, always involved, and always willing to help. A strong role model with a great attitude and now a promising future in construction.