We hear from Joanne Kaiser, Health and Safety Manager at Telling Finishings’ about their collaboration with Vision West Nottinghamshire College (VWNC) and its T Level students, highlighting the long-term benefits for the business, young people, and the wider construction industry.
Joanne Kaiser, Health and Safety Manager at Telling Finishings
Joanne, explained that at Telling Finishings, investing in people has always been as important as delivering quality projects. Their collaboration with Vision West Nottinghamshire College (VWNC) and its T Level students is a strong example of how education and industry can work together to create real opportunities, meaningful experiences, and long-term value for both businesses and young people, which is essential for the future of the construction industry.
She said: “Through structured work placements and recruitment, we have supported the development of future construction professionals while also strengthening our own teams by welcoming motivated, capable individuals who bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the workplace.”
She explained that two such successful individuals are Ava Ward, 17, who is currently on a work placement with the business while completing her T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction at VWNC, and Liam Armstrong, 18, a Trainee Quantity Surveyor at Telling Finishings who has successfully completed a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning at VWNC.
Joanne, asked Ava and Liam to share with us their thoughts and experiences on the T Level qualification and working with Telling Finishings. We also hear the thoughts of key staff at Telling Finishings about their ongoing investment of time, guidance, and opportunities in young people through T Level qualifications. They all agree this not only helps shape careers but also contributes to building a skilled, confident, and sustainable workforce for the years ahead. Here is what they had to say.
Ava Ward, Work Placement Quantity Surveyor
Gaining real-world experience through T Levels
Ava explained that she is currently in her second year of the T Level qualification and when deciding what to do after leaving school, she found that this qualification suited her best, as it offers real-world experience through 315 hours of work placement.
She said: “After starting the course, the college arranged an interview for me with Telling Finishings. I wanted to apply for the position of Placement Quantity Surveyor because it was outside my comfort zone.
“During the interview, it became clear that it was the right position for me, as it would challenge me and provide valuable insight into the industry. I was delighted when I was offered the opportunity.”
Talking about her work placement hours, she explained that she has been involved in a variety of projects, ranging from residential to commercial buildings, including new-build schools, care homes, and heritage renovations.
She said: “Telling Finishings have taught me many new skills and greatly expanded my knowledge of the industry. I have learned to use different software, such as Bluebeam, and have advanced my Excel skills. I have also gained hands-on experience with real-life take-offs, site measurements, and inspections. One particular skill I have developed is maintaining a professional approach and confidently communicating with people on site.”
She concluded by saying: “Initially, I wanted to study architecture at university, but through my experience at college and my time at Telling Finishings, I recently applied for and have been accepted to study a degree in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.
“I would strongly encourage students to study T Levels, as mine has had a huge impact on my future career plans. The knowledge you gain from a T Level is unique to the course; no A Levels provide the specific skills, knowledge, and practical experience that a T Level offers.”
Liam Armstrong, Trainee Quantity Surveyor
T Level experience opens doors in construction
Liam explained that he successfully completed a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning at VWNC and believes there is no better gateway into this side of the construction industry. For him, it has acted almost like an essential crash course, making everything much easier to understand when experiencing it in a future construction-related role.
He said: “I found the opportunity at Telling Finishings through an advertisement provided by the college. I can honestly say I’m glad I spent my time on the T Level, because once I started the role as Trainee Quantity Surveyor, everything fell into place much faster than I expected. I was able to quickly pick up tasks such as applying measurement standards, completing take-offs, reading drawings, and understanding construction regulations.”
He concluded by saying: “In the future, I plan to develop more advanced skills in quantity surveying and contract management, which will enable me to oversee multiple sites for Telling Finishings.”
Danny Orwin, Divisional Director of the Tiling Division and Matthew Hallam, Divisional Director of the Plastering Division
Investing for the future
Talking about Telling Finishings’ investment in young people, Matthew Hallam, Divisional Director of the Plastering Division, explained that the business has a strong belief in ‘investing for the future’ and understands the importance of providing opportunities for young people looking to enter the industry.
He said: “We have provided numerous trainee programmes and courses to young people over the years, which has required allocating a lot of time across the business; this can come at a cost to any business despite its importance. However, this is where I feel the T Level Placement differs the most.”
Daniel Orwin, Divisional Director of the Tiling Division added: “We are committed to identifying and developing talent that will strengthen our business in the long-term. One of the most positive pathways into our industry in recent years has been through the T Level qualification, particularly in construction and surveying disciplines.”
Talking about Ava, Matthew explained they have quickly found that she has provided real value to the business, not only in her designated field of quantity surveying but also by supporting the administration and health and safety teams she works alongside.
Matthew said: “She has excelled in all aspects of surveying, whether that is quantifying materials, carrying out site measures and variations, taking projects off in the office, or processing and analysing job costs.
“Ava has demonstrated that she has all the credentials to become an integral part of any construction based commercial team, in whichever discipline she decides to explore. She’s shown confidence beyond her years, is reliable and punctual, and is not afraid to ask questions when she is unsure. On site she carries out tasks seamlessly and is observant of her surroundings, understanding her remit and executing the task at hand professionally and accurately.”
Talking about Lia , Daniel said: “Following the successful completion of his T Level, Liam attended an interview with us and quickly stood out from the other candidates. From the outset, it was clear that he had a strong understanding of both the technical and practical aspects of the role, as well as a realistic appreciation of what working in a busy construction environment involves. This gave us the confidence to bring Liam into the business, where he has since become a valued member of our Tiling Division. We are also pleased to be investing in further training and development for him.”
He explained that since joining, Liam has added real value to the team. He said: “He has been heavily involved in carrying out take-offs and measures on site, producing accurate information that supports both our commercial and operational functions. His attention to detail, ability to work independently, and willingness to take responsibility have been particularly impressive for someone at an early stage of their career.”
“What has stood out most is how effectively the T Level has prepared Liam for full-time employment. He is comfortable on site, communicates well with site teams, and understands the importance of accuracy, health and safety, and professionalism in everything he does. He approaches tasks with confidence, asks the right questions when needed, and consistently delivers work to a high standard,” said Daniel.
Speaking about the T Level course, Daniel said: “Liam’s progress since joining us reinforces the benefits of the T Level route into construction. It equips young people with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to transition successfully into the workplace, while also providing employers with individuals who are ready to contribute from day one.
“Based on our experience, we would strongly support the continued development of T Level programmes and would encourage other employers within the industry to consider T Level students as a genuine and valuable recruitment pathway.”
Matthew agreed with Daniel’s assessment of the T Level course and said: “Based on our experience with Ava we would strongly recommend offering practical work placements to T Level students, as these opportunities provide invaluable real-world experience.”
Kelly Hammond, Construction Work Placement Engagement Advisor for VWNC
About the T Levels
T Levels are a two-year technical qualification for students aged 16–19, designed with employers in mind to ensure that young people develop the skills and knowledge that industry genuinely needs. Equivalent to three A Levels, T Levels combine classroom-based learning with real-life work experience, preparing students for skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher education.
A key feature of T Levels is the industry placement, which forms a core and mandatory part of the qualification. Students are required to complete a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) in the workplace, allowing them to apply their learning in a real professional environment. These placements help students build confidence, understand workplace expectations, and develop technical and employability skills that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone.
Talking to Joanne, Kelly Hammond, Construction Work Placement Engagement Advisor for VWNC said: “Employer partnerships, such as the one with Telling Finishings, are vital, and we greatly appreciate the support they provide. These partnerships give students meaningful exposure to live projects, professional teams, and industry-standard practices. In return, employers gain access to enthusiastic and motivated learners who bring fresh perspectives, strong digital skills, and a genuine willingness to learn.
“They also enable employers to help shape the future workforce and identify potential talent at an early stage.
“T Level students typically demonstrate strong commitment, professionalism, and adaptability. They are well-prepared, supported by their college, and keen to contribute positively to the workplace. Many employers highlight students’ enthusiasm, initiative, and ability to integrate into teams.
“By aligning education with real industry needs, T Levels play a vital role in supporting local skills development. They help address skills shortages, strengthen employer links, and create clear progression routes into employment, apprenticeships, and higher-level training, benefiting both learners and the local economy.”
Conclusion
Joanne explained that, in their experience, collaborating with VWNC and T Level students has reinforced their belief that high-quality, real-life work placements and the recruitment of T Level-qualified young people from our community is essential for the future of the construction industry.
She concluded by saying: “We are proud of Ava and Liam’s success, and this demonstrates how these programmes can bridge the gap between education and employment, benefiting students, employers, and the wider construction industry alike.
“By continuing to invest time, guidance, and opportunity into young people, we are not only shaping careers but also helping to build a skilled, confident, and sustainable workforce for the years ahead. T Levels are proving to be more than a qualification; they are a genuine pathway into our industry, and one we are proud to support.”
To learn more about T Levels visit: www.tlevels.gov.uk
