To mark national T Levels Week 2024, Wakefield College has opened the doors to its hospital simulation teaching ward.

Helping to train the next-generation of healthcare professionals, the state-of-the-art suite enables T Level Health students to be immersed into real-life scenarios and simulations which they would experience when working in a healthcare setting.

It models a two-bed hospital ward, where students can practice on and treat realistic mannequins using industry-standard equipment.

With a full-sized mannequin at their disposal, students can test their clinical skills by taking blood samples, removing catheter tubes from the bladder, treating wounds, inserting feeding tubes and more.

Carla Cantrell, Head of Curriculum for Leadership Care & Early Years at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said:

“The simulation ward provides the students with a risk-free environment where they can apply what they are learning in the classroom and refine their skills, which will help them seamlessly transition into their industry placements and their chosen careers further down the line. In addition to providing innovative learning spaces for our students, we are committed to further enhancing their learning through additional enrichment activities, including external visits, trips and guest talks.”

Most recently, T Level Education & Early Years students have enjoyed days out at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Leeds City Museum, MathsCity and Leeds Christmas Market.

Yorkshire Ambulance also recently visited the College to provide students with insight into what it’s like working in the healthcare field and could ask questions about the role of an ambulance driver.

Taking to the outdoors, the learners also hosted their own teddy bear picnic which modelled activities that would be delivered to early years children, including games, making friendship bracelets and face painting.

During T Levels Week, Wakefield College hosted a roundtable with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to evaluate the education landscape in the region. As part of the session, leaders spoke to the

College’s T Level students about their experience and what their expectations are of studying a T Level.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority roundtable with T Level students

T Levels are two-year qualifications which aim to give students a head-start towards their chosen career path. They have been designed alongside employers to ensure learners have the skills and knowledge that are in demand.

Students spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% on a 45-day placement with an employer, providing them with the chance to build skills and knowledge highly sought after by employers, whilst gaining a qualification.

In addition to T Level courses in Health and Education & Early Years, Wakefield College also offers T Levels in Business & Management, Construction and Digital.