T Levels Week 2025

This week we are Celebrating National T Levels Week at Cronton!

We’re incredibly proud of our Class of 2025, who achieved a 100% Pass Rate in their T Level qualifications with every student gaining a Merit or Distinction grade, a fantastic achievement that showcases their hard work, dedication, and the outstanding support from our tutors and industry partners.

We’re so proud to celebrate our amazing students and their next steps after completing their T Levels!

Isabelle Skitt – Edge Hill University – Nursing (Child)
Jess Brown – The University of Salford – Diagnostic Radiography
Megan Riley – University of Leeds – Nursing

Benjamin Aston, Learning Support Mentor at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group

Hear from Benjamin Aston, Learning Support Mentor at NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, as he shares his thoughts on the relationship between Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Cronton Sixth Form.

The Relationship Between LUHFT and Cronton College Is A Strong Partnership.
Our collaboration with Cronton College, particularly with the unwavering support of Abbie, the Placements Officer, and Steph, the T-Level Lead, has proven to be an invaluable partnership. The students from Cronton College consistently demonstrate high standards of professionalism, enthusiasm, and a commitment to learning, making them an excellent asset to our teams at LUHFT. The level of dedication and skill that Cronton College students bring to their placements is a testament to the quality of education they receive and the support they get from the college.

How Does the NHS Benefit from Students on Industry Placements, and What Do They Bring?
The NHS benefits significantly from students on industry placements, bringing a fresh perspective and a dynamic energy to our teams. These students offer valuable support across various departments, helping us meet operational demands while enhancing our patient care. They bring new ideas, a thirst for knowledge, and an eagerness to apply the theories they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Their presence also helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice, which is essential for our evolving healthcare environment. Having students on placements allows our staff to engage in mentoring and skills development, which fosters a culture of learning and growth throughout the organization.

What Skills Do the Students Learn That Are Much Harder to Teach in the Classroom?
The students from Cronton College gain essential workplace skills that are challenging to teach in a traditional classroom setting. These include:

• Communication Skills: Navigating professional communication with patients, healthcare teams, and other professionals is something best learned through experience in a real clinical environment.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams is a critical skill in the healthcare sector, and it’s something that comes with hands-on experience.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: The ability to think on one’s feet and adapt to changing situations is essential in healthcare. Industry placements provide the students with exposure to real-life challenges where they must learn to be resourceful and flexible.
• Professionalism and Emotional Intelligence: These soft skills, such as managing emotions in high-pressure environments and interacting empathetically with patients, are difficult to teach in theory but develop naturally during placements.

What Are the Positives of Working with Cronton College, and What Are the Students Like?
Working with Cronton College has been a rewarding experience for our teams. The students come well-prepared, motivated, and eager to make a meaningful contribution to patient care. Cronton College has fostered a culture of professionalism and a strong work ethic in its students, which is evident from the very first day of placement. Their commitment to their roles, combined with their enthusiasm to learn and improve, makes them a valuable asset to our organization.

Additionally, the support provided by Abbie and Steph ensures that the process is seamless. Their communication, organization, and dedication to both the students and the employers make the partnership efficient and effective. The students from Cronton College are not only academically strong, but they also possess a sense of responsibility and maturity, which is critical in healthcare settings.

What Advice Would You Give to Other Employers Who Are Considering Offering Industry Placements to Students?
For any employer considering offering industry placements to students, I would strongly encourage you to take the leap. The value that students bring to your organization far outweighs the effort required to support them. Here are a few key pieces of advice:

• Provide Structured Support: Ensure that students have access to mentoring and guidance. This will help them integrate into the team quickly and gain the most from the experience.
• Create a Welcoming Environment: Foster an inclusive, professional, and supportive environment where students feel like they are truly part of the team. This will enhance their learning experience and contribute to their success.
• Embrace the Opportunity to Learn: Working with students offers valuable opportunities for your staff to mentor, reflect, and learn as well. It can rejuvenate the workplace and offer new perspectives.
• Collaborate with Educational Partners: Partnering with colleges like Cronton College ensures you are getting students who are well-prepared and eager to learn. Their placements can be structured to ensure they’re getting the most out of the experience while supporting the needs of your organization.

By offering industry placements, you contribute to the future of the industry while gaining motivated, skilled individuals who can make a positive impact in your workplace.