T Level Students at The Bedford College Group Gain Real-World Engineering Experience with Lockheed Martin UK

T Level courses across The Bedford College Group are opening doors for school leavers who want a hands-on, career-focused route into the workplace.

Combining high-quality technical learning with a substantial industry placement, T Level students gain real experience with employers, build confidence in professional environments and develop the practical skills needed for skilled jobs, higher apprenticeships or university. From contributing to live engineering projects to working with the tools and technology used in industry, T Levels offer an opportunity to learn in the workplace and to start building a career from day one.

Sophie Smith and Micah Taylor, who are studying the T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) at Bedford College, are one such example. As part of their programme, which combines classroom learning with a substantial industry placement, they have been working at Lockheed Martin UK (LMUK) in Ampthill since September.

The rover, originally built around seven years ago by graduates and apprentices and inspired by NASA’s Curiosity Rover, had fallen into disrepair over time. As part of their placement, the students carried out a full rewire and chassis repairs before upgrading the control system and integrating an AI-enabled camera. The enhancements now allow the rover to detect and interpret objects in its surroundings, transforming it into an interactive and fully operational demonstration platform.

Last month, the rover was showcased at a careers fair at Silverstone University Technical College (UTC), where it attracted significant attention from visiting students. More than 200 students viewed the rover throughout the day, with many asking questions about how it worked and how projects like this are delivered in industry, demonstrating the impact of giving young people the opportunity to work on meaningful, real-world challenges.

James Woolley, Head of School for Engineering and Motor Vehicle at Bedford College, said:

“I’m incredibly proud of how Sophie and Micah have approached their placement with Lockheed Martin UK, applying what they’ve learned at college to a real engineering project and showing real confidence and technical ability. This is exactly what T Levels are designed to do: combine high-quality learning with meaningful industry experience, so students develop the practical skills employers need and take real steps towards successful careers.”

Mark Lawson, Engineering Manager, Lockheed Martin UK, added:

“Our partnership with Bedford College to support T Levels has enabled us to broaden the opportunities we offer young people through our Early Careers programme. T Levels play an important role in developing the next generation of skilled professionals, combining academic study with meaningful, hands-on experience in a real working environment.

“Sophie and Micah made an extremely positive impression during their time with us. They demonstrated strong technical understanding, professionalism, and a proactive approach to learning from the outset. Over the course of their placement, they grew in confidence, contributed effectively to the rover regeneration project, and showed a clear commitment to developing their skills.”

T Levels are designed in partnership with employers to ensure students develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and workplace behaviours that industry needs.

Find out more

The Bedford College Group offers a wide range of T Level courses for school leavers across its colleges, providing a high-quality technical alternative to traditional academic routes.

To find out more about T Levels and the opportunities available, visit:
https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/study/school-leavers/tlevels/