Local students start apprenticeships after gaining T-level qualification

Lincolnshire Co-op has been working with The Priory Witham and Priory Lincoln Academies for the past two years to offer students studying a T-level in either Management and Administration or Digital (Cyber Security) a nine-week work experience placement.

The Technical (T) Level qualification, equivalent to three A-Levels, is an alternative qualification that combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience. The concept was rolled out by the Department of Education in 2020 with 21 different course subjects available.

During the placement, the students work across different teams in the co-op's Support Centre including cyber security, community, talent acquisition, central operations, project management and finance.

The retailer provided T-level placements to 6 students last year and to a further 7 this year, who are set to complete their work experience in October 2026.

Former Priory Witham Academy student Bailey Smithson and Owen Bradley, who studied at Priory Lincoln Academy, completed their work experience in October 2025.

After standing out during their placements and completing their T-Levels in summer 2026, both started full-time apprenticeships at Lincolnshire Co-op's Support Centre in June 2026.

Project Apprentice Bailey spent time with the teams in Sustainability and Procurement, Project Management and Project Governance during his placement. Bailey said: "I realised I wanted to work at Lincolnshire Co-op because the teams I worked with were so supportive and welcoming. If I had any questions, they took the time to help and made me feel valued.

"When I was offered the apprenticeship, I was so proud and couldn't wait to get started.”

Owen, IT Application Apprentice, gained experience in the IT Support Team and Application Management Team.

Owen said: "If anyone is considering T-Level's I would highly recommend it. Not only do you get a qualification, but you also get a placement opportunity, which can lead you to gaining connections, or even going straight into the industry you want to work in."

Erika Stainton, Lincolnshire Co-op's Careers Development Lead, said: “Although T-Levels are still a new qualification, we are seeing growing numbers of students choosing this route because of the valuable blend of classroom learning and industry experience.

“At Lincolnshire Co-op, we’re proud to support different pathways of progression that help people of all ages and experience develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for their future careers and ultimately make life better in our communities.”