The Port of Dover is committed to supporting local young people and educational institutions in the delivery of T Level qualifications. Through its T Level placement programme, the port provides opportunities for students to gain valuable real-world experience while supporting the curriculum through tailored presentations and hands-on mentorship.
Connecting education and industry
Working in partnership with East Kent College Group, the Port of Dover engages with engineering, business, construction, and IT T Level teaching teams at campuses in Dover, Folkestone, and Canterbury. The engagement process begins in the classroom, where representatives from the port introduce students to its operations and activities. These presentations are tailored to match the specific curriculum requirements of each T Level.
For example:
- Engineering students learn about the port’s range of assets, range of assets, maintenance and engineering management processes.
- Business students gain insights into a broad range of business operations such as HR, finance, and procurement.
- IT students explore infrastructure and system development.
Through these sessions, students gain a practical understanding of how their studies apply in a real-world setting, while also learning about placement opportunities.
Hands-on placements and mentorship
Industry placements at the port are structured to provide students with real-world experience, including interviews and feedback to prepare them for the working world. Students work two days per week at the port and while on placement, they engage in work shadowing, complete specific tasks or projects, and are guided by mentors who tailor the experience to their interests and career goals.
The mentoring relationship is a two-way process, offering students guidance while also helping mentors develop leadership and communication skills. For instance, one engineering T Level student worked closely with an engineering technician, who encouraged curiosity and deeper understanding of mechanical principles. This mentorship not only benefited the student but also provided the mentor with valuable experience that led to their promotion to a supervisory role.
By investing in T Levels, we’re not only helping students succeed but also ensuring that our workforce is ready for the future. These placements are a win-win for everyone involved.
Marisa George, Learning and Development Partner, Port of Dover
Building the talent pipeline
Since the programme’s launch, four students have successfully completed their placements, five are currently working alongside the port’s experienced team, and three additional opportunities are available. By supporting T Level placements, the Port of Dover is strengthening its talent pipeline, promoting itself as an employer of choice, and ensuring that its workforce is prepared to meet the future needs of the business and the wider port sector.
In addition to supporting students, the port has also offered placements to teaching staff, helping them better understand the practical applications of the curriculum. This collaboration ensures that classroom teaching remains relevant and aligned with industry requirements.
The T Level programme at the Port of Dover exemplifies how industry placements benefit both students and employers. Students leave with a deeper understanding of their field and practical experience, while the port gains the opportunity to shape the next generation of skilled professionals.
As Marisa George, Learning and Development Partner at the Port of Dover, explains, “By investing in T Levels, we’re not only helping students succeed but also ensuring that our workforce is ready for the future. These placements are a win-win for everyone involved.”
