Bournemouth and Poole College Celebrates First Cohort of T Level Health Graduates

The first cohort has completed the two-year T Level programme, combining technical education with industry placements to give students the practical experience and professional skills needed to progress in the health and care sector.

Students have undertaken placements with a range of leading local health and care organisations, including University Hospitals Dorset at Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals, and Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in theatres, elderly care, oncology and dermatology.  Students have experienced placements in local nursing homes and gained valuable experience supporting the care of elderly residents.  Local employers who supported the placements include Kanesbury Care and Kingsley Care Homes. These placements have enabled students to apply their knowledge within real-world settings, build professional confidence and understand the standards and responsibilities expected within modern healthcare.

Their achievement follows a significant £1.1million investment into the College’s Health and Care Academy, which has transformed the learning environment for students studying on the T Level Health programme.

The Academy provides an industry-standard environment designed to replicate the settings students will encounter in their future careers. It includes a four-bed hospital ward simulation suite, a one-bed clinical skills suite, a care suite with a kitchen and bedroom and three refurbished classrooms. 

With access to medical technology, responsive simulation manikins, and realistic care scenarios, students can develop practical skills in a safe, supervised environment before progressing to industry placements. This approach helps students bridge the gap between education and professional practice, while ensuring their learning reflects the realities of modern healthcare.

The College celebrated the achievement with its wider Level 3 community at a celebratory brunch, giving students and staff an opportunity to recognise the commitment and progress made throughout their studies.

Reflecting on the occasion, Wendy Martin (Vice Principal, Curriculum, Quality and Inclusion), said:

“Every learner has their own unique story – stories of challenge, determination, resilience and achievement – and each is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through commitment and belief in yourself. 

I am incredibly proud of the commitment, effort and growth our learners have demonstrated throughout the year, both personally and professionally. I would also like to thank our dedicated staff, whose encouragement, support and guidance have played such an important role in their journeys.”

The successful completion of the first T Level Health cohort represents an important step in the College’s commitment to developing high-quality technical education that responds directly to the needs of employers and the wider community.

By bringing together industry-standard facilities, specialist teaching and meaningful employer partnerships, Bournemouth and Poole College is helping to ensure that the next generation of health and care professionals are equipped to meet the changing demands of healthcare and play their part in building a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce.