Two major employers working alongside North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) have been shortlisted for the T Level Regional Awards, part of the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025.

BAM and Bleckmann have been recognised for the outstanding support they provide to T Level students, delivering high-quality industry placements that prepare young people for future careers.

The awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional apprentices, T Level learners, and the employers who bring technical education to life through meaningful industry engagement. For NWSLC, the shortlisting of both employers reflects the strength of its industry partnerships and the college’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce.

BAM in the Midlands has played a key role in supporting Engineering and Manufacturing T Level students, hosting seven learners so far. Placements are closely aligned with the curriculum, giving students access to sustainability-focused projects, charity initiatives and major regional developments. Learners also gain experience with industry-standard software, CPD opportunities and exposure to roles across BAM’s supply chain. Since 2022, BAM in the Midlands has supported 59 T Level students, with the majority progressing into apprenticeships, direct employment or higher education.

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"We see T Levels as a vital part of our future workforce pipeline," said Phil Eves, Social Sustainability Manager at BAM Construction in the Midlands. "These placements allow us to see each learner’s potential and help them develop skills and confidence. The feedback from students has been excellent and we continuously adapt our approach to make the experience as innovative as possible."

Bleckmann, a global logistics and supply chain management business, has also been shortlisted for its work with Digital T Level students. Learners are placed within its Business Intelligence department, working on live projects that build technical, analytical and interpersonal skills. Students are encouraged to lead initiatives, present to stakeholders and gain an understanding of the operations of a major logistics organisation.

The company's placement model has been designed as a benchmark for best practice, with structured support from onboarding through to project delivery. According to Bleckmann, many students leave placements with newfound confidence and the ability to present at senior level.

"We're passionate about supporting local education and helping students see the wide range of careers available in logistics," said Nicola McCluskey, HR Business Partner at Bleckmann.

"Our placements give learners real-world tools and experiences and we’re proud of the impact we’ve had so far. As we expand across the region, we’re excited to grow our involvement further."

Ian French, UK BI Manager at Bleckmann, added: "T Levels help us identify emerging talent early and students leave with a real insight into digital operations. We’re building a future workforce that understands both the technical and interpersonal demands of modern business."

Regional winners will be announced later this month, with national finalists progressing to the awards finale in London on 26 November 2025.

NWSLC Principal and Chief Executive Marion Plant OBE said: "We are incredibly proud of BAM Construction and Bleckmann for being shortlisted for these highly regarded awards. Both employers have made a real and lasting impact on our students, offering them life-changing experiences that go far beyond the classroom. This recognition highlights the power of strong employer-college partnerships in shaping the workforce of tomorrow."

NWSLC currently delivers T Levels across subjects including business, computing, engineering and manufacturing, digital and gaming, media, childcare, health and social care, and education. By working with employers such as BAM and Bleckmann, the college continues to lead the way in providing high-quality technical education.