Havant & South Downs College welcomes Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to its South Downs Campus

T Level staff, students and employers were excited to welcome Education Secretary @GavinWilliamson to the @Be_HSDC South Downs campus on Thursday 17 September.

HSDC is the only Hampshire college offering all three T Level subjects (Education and Childcare, Digital and Construction). T Levels, a new qualification starting this autumn, have allowed HSDC to work with various sector employer boards to co-design and deliver a curriculum offer which meets employers’ needs. Students take part in an in-depth industry placement as part of the qualification which will give them a head start in the world of work.

Mr Williamson was able to meet and speak with students from all three subject areas and even assisted flying a state-of-the-art drone which will be used by Construction students to provide digital site surveying.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

“It was fantastic to have the opportunity to visit HSDC and meet some of the pioneering students embarking on our exciting new T Levels.

“T Levels are a game-changer, providing a high-quality technical alternative to A levels. The new qualifications have been created in collaboration with leading employers so students can get the skills they need to succeed and businesses can access the talent they need to thrive.

“It is brilliant to see them in action and I wish all T Level students across the country they best of luck as they kick start this exciting new journey.”

Education and Childcare Rebecca Wilcockson and Alicia Tenison commented on his visit,

“It was great to see the Education Secretary come to visit to get an inside view of our facilities and experience the practical side of the course”. Construction T Level student Jack Blake added, “The visit was really interesting. He asked us loads of questions about the course. The first two weeks we’ve been introduced to the course and seen what we’ll be doing over the next two years. Mr Williamson was interested in gaining an insight into what we will be doing.” Digital student Joe Harper enjoyed the visit, “I was excited to see Mr Williamson play my karting game. It was entertaining because he was struggling to drive the kart. It was a good day and was nice to meet him.”