From placement to paid work: discovering future media talent through T Levels

Discover how Michael Bayliss, a Research Technical Specialist in Audio Visual Technology at the University of Liverpool has embraced T Level industry placements, giving six Media, Broadcast and Production students valuable hands-on experience while benefiting from fresh ideas, new perspectives and the opportunity to identify future talent — with some students progressing into paid work.

Michael Bayliss, a Research Technical Specialist

Could you tell us a little about your business and the work you do in the media, broadcast and production industry?

I work within the media, broadcasting and production industry, specialising in audio and video production, podcasting, studio recording, post-production and editing, within my professional role at the University of Liverpool, as a Research Technical Specialist in Audio Visual Technology.

My work covers a broad range of activities, from initial production planning and setting up recording environments through to filming, audio recording, editing and delivering finished media content.

A significant part of my professional role also involves supporting teaching and learning across the University of Liverpool. I work with academic staff and students across more than 20 individual modules and subject areas, delivering practical technical teaching, training and support. This includes a particularly diverse range of disciplines, from subtitling and audiovisual translation, language interpreting and radio broadcasting, through to film production, video editing and media creation. This year alone we are estimated 1000 students through the studio doors, and supporting teaching and learning to an overall number of 1500 students.

This allows me to bring real-world industry practices and professional workflows directly into the learning environment, helping students develop the technical skills and practical understanding they need to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

I have a particular passion for sharing my experience, supporting people to develop their technical and creative abilities, and creating opportunities for others to gain practical experience within the industry. This is something that has naturally extended into my involvement with T Level industry placements.

Creating Opportunities

What initially encouraged you to get involved with T Levels and offer industry placements?

For me, it was about creating opportunities for young people to experience the industry first-hand and understand what working in media, broadcasting and production actually involves.

There is only so much you can learn in a classroom. Being able to work in a real production environment, use professional equipment, collaborate with others and contribute to genuine projects provides an entirely different learning experience.

I was particularly interested in sharing my own industry experience, knowledge and understanding, while giving students opportunities to put their classroom learning into practice.

I also see it as an opportunity to support the next generation of technical and creative professionals. The industry needs people with practical skills, confidence and an understanding of professional working environments, and T Levels provide a fantastic opportunity to help develop that talent.

An overwhelmingly positive experience

Before taking on T Level students, did you have any expectations or concerns about offering placements?

Initially, I think there is always an element of uncertainty when bringing students into a professional working environment. You naturally consider how much support they will need, how quickly they will adapt and how you can balance their development with your existing workload.

However, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

One of the things that has surprised me most is how quickly students can develop when they are given the right environment, encouragement and opportunities. They arrive with different levels of knowledge and experience, but by giving them practical responsibilities and allowing them to learn through doing, you can see their confidence grow considerably.

It has also demonstrated that placements don't necessarily have to be an additional burden. With the right planning, students can become a valuable part of the production environment.

Supporting six T Level students

What kinds of projects, tasks or activities have your T Level students been involved in?

Across the last two years, I have supported six T Level students studying Media, Broadcast and Production.

Their experiences have included working with professional audio and video equipment, podcast production, filming, studio preparation, audio recording, video editing and supporting different stages of the production process.

I have always tried to expose students to a variety of activities rather than restricting them to one particular task. This allows them to understand how different aspects of production connect, from the initial planning and preparation through to recording, editing and final delivery.

Where possible, I have also involved them in real-world projects and given them responsibilities that reflect the expectations of working within the industry.

My aim is to make sure that students leave with more than just an understanding of the equipment. I want them to understand the production process, professional expectations, teamwork, communication and the importance of delivering work to a deadline.

How have you supported students during their placements to help them develop their skills, knowledge and confidence?

My approach has always been to provide a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and learning new things.

I tend to introduce students to activities gradually, initially demonstrating techniques and explaining processes before allowing them to take a more hands-on approach. As their confidence develops, I give them greater responsibility and encourage them to work more independently.

An important part of this is sharing my own experiences. I explain not just how something works, but why we approach a particular task in a certain way, drawing on real examples from my professional experience. I do sometimes throw them into the deep end of the project and see how they can cope with the pressure of running an event from scratch.

Communication with the provider is also an important part of making the placements successful. Maintaining a relationship with the college helps ensure that the placement experience complements what students are learning as part of their T Level programme. It also provides an opportunity to discuss progress, development and any support students may need throughout their placement.

I see the placement as a partnership between the student, the college and the employer. The better that communication is, the more valuable the experience can be for everyone involved.

Have any of the students particularly impressed you or exceeded your expectations?

Absolutely. All six students have brought something different to their placements, and it has been fantastic to see their individual development.

What has particularly impressed me is how quickly some students have been able to take the knowledge and practical experience gained during their placements and apply it independently.

One of the biggest indicators of success for me has been taking some of the students on for paid work following their placement experience.

That is a really important milestone because it demonstrates that they have developed beyond simply being students gaining experience. They have acquired the technical skills, professional understanding and confidence to undertake paid work and contribute to real production requirements.

Knowing that I can trust them with professional work, having seen their development first-hand, is incredibly rewarding. It also demonstrates the value of industry placements in preparing young people for employment.

Plan and be realistic!

How have you managed and incorporated T Level placements into the day-to-day running of your business?

I think the key is planning and being realistic about what you can offer.

Rather than expecting students to arrive and immediately understand everything, I build their experience around a combination of demonstrations, practical activities, project work and opportunities to observe professional workflows.

I try to make sure that students are involved in meaningful activities and aren't simply given repetitive tasks to fill their time.

I also think it is important to adapt to the individual student. Some may be more confident with cameras, others with audio, editing or the creative side of production. Understanding their strengths and interests allows me to provide opportunities that challenge them while helping them develop new skills.

Ultimately, I want students to feel that they are contributing to something worthwhile and that their time on placement has genuinely helped prepare them for the industry. I treat them like an additional staff member, they get keys, swipe badges, access to their own computer and email accounts, all the equipment at their disposal.

What have been the biggest benefits of offering T Level industry placements to your business?

One of the biggest benefits has been the opportunity to share my experience, knowledge and understanding with the next generation.

However, it is not a one-way relationship. I learn from the students just as much as they learn from me.

They bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, creativity and different ways of approaching problems. They often introduce ideas and approaches that I might not have considered, and that exchange of knowledge is something I really value.

There is also something incredibly rewarding about watching someone develop from being relatively inexperienced to becoming confident in using professional equipment and contributing to production work.

From a business perspective, having access to individuals who have already developed an understanding of professional workflows and production environments can also be extremely valuable.

From industry placement to paid opportunities

Have the students made a tangible difference to your business or contributed to a particular project or outcome you're proud of?

Yes. One of the outcomes I am particularly proud of is seeing students progress from their initial placements into paid opportunities.

The placements have allowed me to identify individuals who demonstrate the right attitude, enthusiasm and technical ability. Through the experience they gain during their placements, they become familiar with professional equipment, production processes and the expectations of working within the industry.

Being able to subsequently offer some of those students paid work is a fantastic outcome.

It means that the placement has provided a genuine stepping stone towards employment, while also allowing me to work with people whose abilities and potential I have already had the opportunity to see develop.

For me, that is exactly what industry placements should be about: creating meaningful opportunities that can lead to something beyond the placement itself.

Has offering T Level placements changed the way you think about recruiting, developing or supporting young talent in your industry?

Definitely. It has reinforced the importance of looking beyond someone's existing experience and qualifications and recognising their potential.

Students don't necessarily arrive with all the technical knowledge or confidence required to work independently, but that doesn't mean they cannot become valuable members of a production team.

With the right support, encouragement and practical opportunities, they can develop incredibly quickly.

It has also made me appreciate the importance of giving young people genuine responsibility. Rather than simply observing professionals, they need opportunities to participate, make decisions, solve problems and understand what is expected of them in a working environment.

I think T Levels offer employers a fantastic opportunity to identify and nurture future talent at an early stage.

My advice would be to give it a go!

What would you say to another employer in the media, broadcast or production sector who is considering offering T Level placements but isn't quite sure where to start?

My advice would be to give it a go.

You don't need to have an elaborate placement programme or be able to offer students experience in every aspect of production. Start with what you already do, identify the skills and activities students could become involved in, and build the experience around that.

Communication with the college is important, as is understanding what the student needs to achieve during their placement.

I would also encourage employers not to underestimate what students can contribute. Give them opportunities, involve them in real projects and allow them to develop their independence.

You might initially think that you are giving up your time to support someone else's development, but you will probably find that you gain a great deal from the experience too.

Looking back on your experience, what has been the most rewarding part of supporting T Level students, and would you encourage other businesses to get involved?

Without a doubt, the most rewarding part has been seeing the students grow.

Watching someone arrive at the beginning of their placement, perhaps unsure of themselves or unfamiliar with certain equipment and processes, and then seeing them develop into a confident individual who can undertake tasks independently is fantastic.

I particularly enjoy being able to share experiences from my own career, pass on knowledge and give students opportunities that they might not otherwise have access to.

The fact that some have progressed into paid work makes the experience even more worthwhile.

I would absolutely encourage other employers to get involved. It is an opportunity to support the next generation, contribute to the development of your industry and potentially discover future employees along the way.

For me, the biggest reward is knowing that I have helped someone take a step towards a career they are passionate about.

"I think one of the greatest things about supporting T Level students is that it isn't just about teaching them how to use equipment or complete a particular task. It's about sharing experiences, knowledge and understanding, and giving them the opportunity to see what working in the industry is really like. Seeing their confidence grow, watching them develop their skills and knowing that some have progressed into paid work as a result of their experience is incredibly rewarding. You give them an opportunity to learn, but they also bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm and perspectives that you learn from too. It's a genuinely rewarding two-way experience." - Michael Bayliss, Research Technical Specialist in Audio Visual Technology, University of Liverpool