T Level Industry Placement Case Study: Empowering Aspiring Engineers at RMB Chivenor

Introduction
T Level industry placements bridge education and real-world experience, providing students with invaluable exposure to practical engineering. At RMB Chivenor in North Devon, four T Level Engineering students – Kai, Jake, Callum, and Matt – each undertook a transformative industry placement within the military’s engineering unit. This experience not only developed their individual technical skills but also illustrated the potential for military placements to shape future engineers.

Background
RMB Chivenor, home to a mix of Royal Marines, Royal Navy, and Army Commando personnel, collaborated with Petroc College to host the base’s first T Level industry placements. This partnership aimed to enrich students’ educational journeys, enhance their technical skills and demonstrate the British military's commitment to development of STEM skills. The programme was championed by Colour Sergeant Jackson and Sergeant Clamp, both Royal Marines, whose teaching and mentoring skills ensured the programme's success. The initiative was further supported by Captain O'Brien and Lieutenant Whale of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who helped to align the placement with both military and educational objectives.

Student contributions
Each student worked on unique projects and tasks that enhanced their technical capabilities. One key project involved redesigning and constructing a soapbox car to support a local primary school outreach event, where students applied both theoretical and practical engineering skills. Design & Development student, Kai, reflected, “Redesigning the soapbox car has been a highlight. Last year, we created a prototype that didn’t work well, so this year we redesigned and started building it properly.”

The students also gained experience in blacksmithing, welding, and fabrication. Individually, they applied their learning to practical scenarios working on military vehicles at both the Armoured Support Group in Bovington, Dorset and Chivenor. This allowed them to build on specialist skills, such as using computer-aided design (CAD) and operating workshop tools like band saws and angle grinders, to expand their confidence and technical expertise.

Colour Sergeant Jackson encouraged the students to reinforce their learning by explaining concepts to others, “Teaching someone else what you’ve just learned is the best way to solidify your knowledge”. Although guided by mentors, much of each student’s work required self-direction and initiative, allowing them to build independence in problem-solving.

Benefits to RMB Chivenor
The industry placements proved mutually beneficial. For the students, it offered a unique opportunity to learn in a structured yet dynamic environment using the skills they had been developing at college. For RMB Chivenor, the students’ fresh perspectives reinvigorated the unit. Colour Sergeant Jackson reported, “Having young students around has re-enthused me for the trade side of my role. They’ve reminded us of the joy of learning and discovery.”

Sergeant Clamp added, “Their presence gave our junior leaders an opportunity to develop their teaching and mentoring skills, an invaluable experience for their career progression.”

Challenges and solutions
Adapting to a military environment posed initial challenges, including strict discipline and high expectations. However, the students rose to the occasion, demonstrating professionalism and a strong eagerness to learn. Their prior cadet and engineering experience helped to ease the transition and tailored onboarding by RMB Chivenor staff ensured they were prepared for the demands of the unit.

Safeguarding and health and safety measures were also carefully implemented, with dedicated liaison between Petroc College and RMB Chivenor, ensuring compliance with the required standards.

Future opportunities
The success of these placements has sparked interest in expanding the programme, and Sergeant Clamp expressed enthusiasm for future cohorts, “We’d love to continue this programme. It benefits everyone involved and strengthens community ties.”

Encouraging other employers
Military placements, as demonstrated by RMB Chivenor, offer a unique environment for students to develop both technical and essential skills. Michelle Bright of Petroc College emphasised, “It’s an excellent opportunity for students interested in engineering within a military context. The structure and hands-on experiences are unparalleled.”

Conclusion
The T Level industry placements at RMB Chivenor exemplify the programme’s potential to merge education with industry. By integrating students into real projects, RMB Chivenor not only supported their development but also enhanced its own operations. As Matt reflected, “Here we’re actively learning and doing the work ourselves. It’s been a detailed and valuable experience.”