Supporting future workforce – Vygon UK offers hands-on industry experience in partnership with Cirencester College
Global organisation supports Business and Administration T Level students, as College reports huge 49% boost in demand for the modern, technical qualification
Young adults in the region aspiring to careers in business can now gain valuable workplace skills at Swindon-based medical device manufacturer Vygon UK, thanks to a partnership with Cirencester College.
The collaboration gives T-level in Management and Administration students the opportunity to complete their essential 315-hour industry placement within Vygon’s famed Pierre Simonet Building on Gateway North in Swindon, developing real-world experience that supports their progression into work or higher education.
Previous students we've had:
Two Cirencester College students, George and Phoebe - both aged 17 from Swindon - have already completed their placements, with further students set to join later in the academic year.
George rotated his time working across several departments at Vygon including customer service, demand management, accounting and marketing. He gained experience in data analysis, stock forecasting, financial systems and creative design work, as well as project management skills through an internal SAP research project.
“I really enjoyed seeing how a business operates day-to-day and how much variety there is,” he said. “Working with different teams helped me to develop communication and people skills, and learning software like Canva and Photoshop gave me experience I can use in the future. It’s also inspired me to consider a career in marketing.”
Phoebe, who spent her placement in Vygon’s learning and development team, with additional time in marketing, added: “Being at Vygon showed me what a professional environment is like. I attended training sessions, worked across departments and joined meetings, which has given me confidence and real experience to talk about when I go for jobs. Everyone was really friendly and I learned a lot.”
About T-Levels:
Cirencester College is one of the South West’s leading providers of T Levels - currently offering 14 specialist pathways. In the past year, the cohort for its T Level courses grew by a staggering 49% - showing how popular the burgeoning qualifications are.
T Levels are two-year technical programmes equivalent to three A Levels, including a compulsory industry placement. The college works with a growing network of employers to deliver these placements, with Vygon seen as a strong example of best practice.
What people have said:
Jo Smith, Head of Apprenticeships, T Level Work Placements & Employer Engagement at Cirencester College, said: “Partnerships we have with industry are hugely valuable. Employers help us shape and inform our curriculum so that we are teaching the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are needed in today’s workforce. That means our students are ‘industry ready’, not just academically prepared.”
“By working closely with organisations like Vygon, we can equip students with the technical competencies, professional attitudes and real-world experience employers are actively looking for. Students benefit from placements that are meaningful, supportive and aligned with their career aspirations. George and Phoebe’s experiences are a great example of how powerful that can be for confidence and progression.”
“These collaborations also create a direct pipeline of future talent for employers, who get early access to motivated young people who already understand their workplace culture and expectations. Over time they lead to wider opportunities such as curriculum input, employer talks, site visits and potential job offers - all of which strengthen the local skills base.”
Alain Vix, Learning & Development Manager at Vygon UK, concluded: “We place great value on learning and development - not just with our customers and colleagues, but for young people in our community. Hosting T Level students gives our teams the opportunity to mentor, support and learn from the perspectives of the next generation. It’s been brilliant to see George and Phoebe’s confidence and capability grow throughout their time with us, and we look forward to welcoming more students in the future.”
Located in the heart of the South Cotswolds town of Cirencester, Cirencester College is a leading specialist post-16 provider offering A Levels, T Levels, vocational courses and apprenticeships to more than 3,000 students. The College is highly regarded for its teaching, innovation and student support, and works with employers across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, South Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to develop skilled, work-ready talent.