From classroom to construction: How social value managers champion the T Level journey
From classroom to construction: How social value managers champion the T Level journey
By Sally Kinchin, Social Value Manager, Wates
Today, we’re proud to spotlight Social Value Manager, Sally Kinchin, whose work is setting the benchmark for how T Levels are delivered across key Department for Education projects.
Read Sally’s full interview to learn how she’s shaping the next generation of construction professionals.
“As part of National Apprenticeship Week, I am proud to share how social value managers at Wates turn T Level placements into meaningful pathways – not only for students, but for our project teams and the communities we serve.”
Q: What were your first thoughts when you heard about T Levels?
A: From a social value perspective, I saw a bridge between education and employment, especially for young people who might not otherwise have thought about a route into the construction industry.
The 315 hours (45 days) work experience helps students to decide whether this career path is right for them. It also helps to develop key employability skills that are difficult to teach in the classroom, such as communication, teamwork and time-management.
Q: How do you set a T Level placement up for success?
A: The key to a successful placement is in the preparation. We work closely with the college, designing the structure of the placement and selecting the most suitable candidate.
We design a plan together to ensure activities align with their T Level qualification objectives. This will include a set of learning goals, their agreed working pattern and the key activities students will undertake on placement, as well as the required knowledge and skills
Students are paired with a committed mentor who arranges regular check-ins and feedback sessions to ensure the placement is meaningful and the students are happy.
Q: What has your experience been like supporting T Level students on placement?
A: It has been genuinely inspiring. Students arrive curious and a little unsure, but by the end of the placement, they are asking questions, offering ideas and taking ownership of tasks. You can see the growth in their confidence and real pride they have in contributing to the activities, which is extremely rewarding.
Q: What misconceptions did you have that changed once you got started?
A: People assume mentoring will be a drain, but with a clear plan and preparation, it is often quite the opposite. Colleagues who take the time to support students generally feel a sense of reward that they have given back and inspired young people into the industry.
Also, the students pick up the tasks quickly and have new and different ideas on how to complete them, so we can learn a lot from young people to support our continuous improvement too.
Q: What would you say to colleagues or other businesses who are hesitant about hosting a T Level student?
A: The benefits far outweigh the effort: it is a commitment, but your team builds leadership skills, the student gains a meaningful experience, and our industry becomes stronger and more inclusive.
T Level placements are a vital part of how we build a stronger, more skilled and more inclusive workforce. We want to encourage young people into the industry and show them that construction is much more than they might think, with lots of different roles and opportunities to get involved.
With social value managers leading the way, students get a worthwhile work experience, teams grow their leadership skills, and Wates strengthens its commitment to social mobility and future talent.
