North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, part of University Hospitals Tees, has been shortlisted in the T Level Employer of the Year category – the accolade highlights the trust’s commitment to providing high-quality industry placements that give young people the skills and experience needed for a successful career in healthcare.
Combining real-world clinical experience with training at its state-of-the-art Health and Social Care Academy, based at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, the programme is creating opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in the NHS. Potential careers include nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Emma Davies, Group Education, Learning and Development manager, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a regional finalist in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our teams and education partners in creating innovative opportunities for young people. We are committed to inspiring and developing the healthcare workforce of the future. Our placement model allows more students to gain valuable experience, build their confidence and develop their skills.”
She added: “By combining project-based learning with clinical experience, we are creating a sustainable flow of talent that benefits both students and healthcare services.”Between autumn 2025 and June 2026, the education and training team successfully piloted a new approach to T Level placements using the Department for Education’s Small Team Project model.
Three students from Hartlepool College of Further Education took part in a project focused on the care of a virtual patient, Maya – applying their learning to a realistic healthcare scenario while developing the values and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
The pilot ended with a showcase event where the students presented their work, demonstrating the impact of the innovative placement model and its potential to enhance learning while increasing placement capacity.
