New £3.5m T Level Training Facilities Open at Bradford College

Newly remodelled T Level training facilities have opened at Bradford College, thanks to a £3.5m investment from the Department for Education.

Bradford College partnered with Sewell Construction for the multi-million-pound T Level Capital Fund (Wave 5) project. Construction began on the new facilities in May and involved remodelling several areas within David Hockney Building.

In addition to creating new lecturing spaces for business and media students, the project created hair and beauty facilities and refurbished The Grove training restaurant for students to hone their skills in a real-life work environment.

Pamela Sheldon (Head of Projects) said: “We were delighted to work with Sewell Construction once again to bring even more exceptional vocational T Level facilities to Bradford College. Their team helped us realise ambitious plans that turn our students’ passions into successful professions.

“Sewell Construction haven’t just helped us to create a better campus for our students, but they were also involved in our curriculum, supporting construction students with masterclasses, work placements and industry insight days. Together, we are helping young people achieve their potential, and really change lives.”

The new commercial and training salon includes a barbering facility, nail bar, and laser room for beauty treatments. Business and admin students also benefit from refurbished classrooms, and media students will use the latest technology in a new TV studio, editing, and sound suites.

T Levels are two-year qualifications that can be completed after GCSEs as an alternative to A levels, post-16 courses, or apprenticeships. They have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give students the knowledge and skills needed for the workplace. We currently offer one-year Foundation T Level courses (bespoke progression programmes) and two-year T Level courses across Education & Early Years, Business, Construction, Engineering, and Health, with more T Level courses in planning for 2025 onwards.

This is the second phase of T Level facilities at Bradford College following Capital Fund Wave 4 investment in science and technology rooms last year. Also overseen by Sewell Construction, the previous refurbishments created a mock nursery and simulated hospital environments for childcare and health students.

Dave Major, who led the project for Sewell Construction, said: “It’s fantastic to work with a partner who shares our values, and our team have loved getting involved in supporting the next generation of construction professionals. The College has been really keen to embed sustainability and social value into their refurbishment projects, and we’re looking forward to seeing students enjoying their new facilities.”

Sewell Construction and Bradford College also worked together over the summer on a £1.1m refurbishment of the College’s Advanced Technology Centre (ATC). The remodelling created new catering facilities, an art room, beauty room, hairdressing room, and a science lab for Progression to Learning and Work students.

Learn more about Bradford College T Level programmes.