T Level Industry Placement Case Study: Inspiring Future Engineers at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton

Introduction
T Level industry placements offer a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while contributing to innovative projects. At Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Henri and Owyn, two T Level Engineering students, worked on transformative projects within the base's Innovation Hub. Their industry placement not only enriched their educational journey but also highlighted the potential of T Levels to military and civilian employers alike.

Background
RNAS Yeovilton, a premier military unit known for its cutting-edge engineering and innovation, collaborated with Yeovil College to host its first T Level industry placement. The initiative was driven by a shared goal of fostering STEM skills and engaging with the community. Lieutenant Commander Alex Halliday and Lieutenant Richard Wilmot, the Engineering Training Officer, spearheaded the programme, supported by Dominic Mason from Yeovil College, the T Level Coordinator.

Student Contributions
Under the supervision of military engineers, Henri and Owyn were tasked with developing prototypes to address practical challenges. Their key project involved redesigning flight planning equipment to improve efficiency and usability. Utilising CAD software and 3D printing, they rapidly advanced from initial designs to functional prototypes.

Lt Cdr Halliday said:

"The T Level students brought enthusiasm and time—valuable resources when addressing complex problems. Their CAD skills progressed rapidly and have become proficient. They’re now as capable as any of our personnel in using this tool, which has made them highly effective contributors to our work." Henri reflected, "My CAD and 3D printing skills improved massively during my placement, giving me confidence for my future career."

Owyn added:

"This experience taught me resilience and adaptability—critical skills for engineering."

Benefits to RNAS Yeovilton
Lt Cdr Halliday noted: "For our Leading Hand, this experience has been invaluable. As the students’ supervisor, he’s gained significant leadership experience, which is different from his prior roles managing young engineers. For the wider unit, the presence of T Level students has demonstrated that we can overcome challenges by looking beyond traditional processes. Their fresh perspective has reinforced the importance of innovation in our approach."

Lt Wilmot also highlighted, "The students worked on a longstanding technical issue related to aircraft computers. Their prototypes and ideas are paving the way for a larger project to address this challenge at scale."

T Level students brought invaluable fresh perspectives to the unit. They proposed innovative solutions that sparked discussions among senior engineers and their work demonstrated the immense potential of integrating young talent into military projects. The success of the programme also strengthened community ties, showcasing the military's commitment to supporting education and skill development.

Challenges and Solutions
Integrating under-18 students into a military environment posed unique challenges, including safeguarding, security clearance, and supervision. Dominic Mason explained, "Security clearance was another potential barrier, but the team at Yeovilton was incredibly supportive in managing the process. Once on site, the students required supervision due to safeguarding requirements, which the unit has managed effectively."

Future Opportunities
The programme's success has prompted discussions about expansion. Lt Cdr Halliday advocated for scaling the initiative. He added: "I’d advocate for expanding the T Level programme across the Royal Navy, especially within the Innovation Hub.  With the right support and coordination, we could take on additional students. Expanding the programme would allow us to address more technical challenges while continuing to provide valuable learning experiences for students."

Encouraging Other Employers
This case study demonstrates the transformative impact of T Level industry placements for both students and organisations. Dominic summarised: "Military industry placements offer a unique environment for students to develop technical and essential skills. I highly recommend them to other colleges and military units."

For employers considering T Levels, the advice is clear: start with a well-defined project, ensure robust support systems, and embrace the fresh perspectives students bring. As Henri and Owyn's experience shows, the effort is well worth it—for the students, the organisation, and the wider community.

Conclusion
T Level industry placements at RNAS Yeovilton exemplify the T Levels potential to bridge education and industry. By taking on students like Henri and Owyn, employers can inspire the next generation, get them to tackle real-world challenges and fosters innovation. Lt Wilmot concluded, " These placements bring immense benefits—not only to the students but also to the unit and the wider community. They strengthen community engagement, enhance understanding between the military and educational sectors, and provide our teams with opportunities to develop leadership and management skills. It’s a win-win for everyone involved."