Lleyton’s T Level Experience at Airedale Hospital

Lleyton is studying a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning at Bradford College, completing his industry placement with Robertson on the Airedale Hospital redevelopment project.

His placement has given him the opportunity to put his classroom learning into practice on a live construction site.

“It’s been good so far,” he explains. “You can only learn so much in the classroom. But to be out there and see it all step by step… you can learn a lot.”

Learning on a Live Construction Project

Working on the Airedale Hospital redevelopment has exposed Lleyton to a wide range of real on‑site tasks. “We’ve just finished strip outs of two wards to completely renovate and modernise them,” he says. “We finished wards six and fourteen, and now we’re starting on wards one and nine.”

He has also gained insight into early‑stage design work on another project at Teal House, helping him understand how planning and construction link together.

A key part of his weekly role is supporting progress tracking on site: “I’ll do a daily site walk with OpenSpace, using a camera on my head, to see the progress every week.” He also shadows site managers and takes on responsibilities that help him him learn how a major construction project is coordinated.

Developing Professional Skills and Confidence

The placement has had a big impact on Lleyton’s communication and confidence. “You’ve got to communicate a lot in construction,” he says. “Being around a lot of people and talking to people has really helped my communication skills.”

He is trusted to carry out practical checks and report issues: “Sometimes I’m asked to go and check on the site and report if I see anything done wrong. It’s nice to be trusted like that.”

Connecting College Learning With Real‑World Practice

For Lleyton, the combination of theory at college and hands‑on experience on site is what makes the T Level so valuable. At college, he studies detailed technical content — including some challenging maths — which directly supports the planning and measurement tasks he completes on site.

He explains: “There are some things I learn in class that I won’t learn on site, and other things you learn on site that you won’t learn in the classroom. That’s why it’s good to be able to do both.”

New Technical Skills and Hands‑On Experience

Through his placement, Lleyton has gained skills that go far beyond the classroom. “I can do quite a few new things on site now,” he says. He has also learned to use industry‑standard digital tools such as AutoCAD and OpenSpace, which will support his future studies or employment in the construction sector.

Preparing for Future Progression

Reflecting on his progress, Lleyton feels ready for the next stage of his career. “I feel like I’m now a lot more ready than I would have been without the T Level,” he reflects. He’s considering a degree apprenticeship or university, with quantity surveying and project management as potential pathways.

Advice for Future T Level Students

His message to anyone thinking about a T Level is simple: “I’d tell them to go for it. With the work placement you gain a whole lot of insight and experience. It can really help you develop into your chosen field.”

A Unique and Valuable Learning Experience

leyton describes his T Level as “a unique but valuable learning experience.” His time at Bradford College and his placement with Robertson have helped him build technical skills, confidence, and a clear sense of direction — proving the strength of T Levels in preparing young people for highly skilled careers in construction.

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