Trial T-Level placements reflections
“T Levels are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels.
T Levels offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.”
Following a Poverty Trap simulation in Oxford we were introduced to Activate Learning Further Education College and we were invited to help with the introduction of T-Levels through offering 2 industry placements, in a hybrid fashion, for their business studies course as a trial ahead of the national roll out later this year.
Instantly, we knew that we wanted to work on our new Empathy Store and the role of e-commerce and campaigns to craft more empathy and more action.
A year on and we caught up with our two students, Barbra & Krishna as they come to the end of their first of two years with us.
1. Why did you choose an industry placement with Empathy Action?
Barbra
I chose to do my industry placement with Empathy Action as their values closely aligned with mine and with my overall goal in life which is to help people little by little who are affected daily by global issues. I’ve also wanted a chance to gain first hand experience on assisting running an organisation; such as doing website administration, marketing, touching on finance and making up social media posts.
Krishna
I chose Empathy Action as my industry placement because it was something that got my attention when Ben was giving his introduction at Activate Learning. That's when I knew I had to be involved. As well as my family background with charities and my genuine feeling to help other people.
2. What have you enjoyed during your time with us?
Barbra
I have mostly enjoyed being able to tap into my creative side. Ben and Cam have allowed me to slowly believe in myself and my capabilities by giving Krishna and I a lot of creative freedom when it comes to tasks. My favourite tasks that I have done at Empathy Action are most definitely coming up with social media concepts, creating posts and stories and also taking a few pictures for the website itself. I have also enjoyed website administrating and learning how to start a campaign.
Krishna
This has been my first experience with empathy action and I have really enjoyed every bit of it. Having said that, the things I enjoyed the most were the Valentine's Day campaign and web design. Throughout the year we did many activities and all of them were very new and enjoyable to me.
Valentine’s campaign: ‘Your Heart Matters’ #SendWithEmpathy
3. Can you describe what a week would look like whilst working here?
Barbra
(Whilst remote) At the start of the day we will begin with a check-in. This will start with either an update with each other on how we have found last week and its tasks; and/or, we’ll start off straight with a slight brief on the tasks for the week. Afterwards we’ll each get started on the tasks, if help is needed we would just text on the group chat. Once done we’ll do our check-out which is usually longer than the check-in and we’d update each other on the tasks done and receive our feedback.
Krishna
We would have a zoom meeting in the morning also known as check in, check in is when we get our tasks for the day from Ben who is the director of Empathy action. During the meeting, he will explain to us what we need to do and ensure that we understand what we are doing. It usually lasts between 10-15minutes. Afterwards, we do our tasks as instructed if we get stuck or aren’t sure we have a whatsapp group where we can communicate and ask for help. After our task is done, we have the check-out meeting where we present what we have done and give our ideas.
4. During the past year, how do you feel you have grown in your understanding of business and charities?
Barbra
I definitely have. With Empathy Action I was able to have a huge say in what goes on behind the scenes of an organisation and I felt as though my opinion and voice was important. I got to tap into a more business mindset and actually understand how businesses and organisations in general should work.
Krishna
During my time with Empathy action, I have gained a lot of knowledge and insight that I was not aware of . I was able to see the inside of how a business/charity works, and sometimes how challenging it can be while launching certain campaigns, etc. It is safe to say that I learned a lot more about the charity. When we visited Tunbridge wells, where the office is located we were shown part of the Desperate journey that left me speechless.
5. Favourite moment?
Barbra
It will have to be going down to London for in person meet ups and experimenting with photography with the products. Also playing around with website layouts and social media marketing concepts!
Krishna
One of my favourite moments was visiting Tunbridge, where we met the team in person for the first time and when we met in London and spent the whole day in a Lebanese restaurant having some of the most delicious food ever and having great conversations as well as doing work.
6. What would you say to someone considering a placement with EA? Any special tips?
Barbra
If you’re like me and sometimes are not too confident with your own ideas, EA will definitely love to listen out to what you have to say and will gradually help you build self confidence within yourself and your ideas!! Everyone on the team is super friendly and you’ll quickly get along with everyone. Since the placement is remote, make sure you have your own space where you can work and focus in, because sometimes for me, it can get boring at home.
Krishna
I would tell them you choose the right place if you are someone Empathetic and values to help others. As well as someone who is going to have a fun time with EA. My tip would be never be scared to give an opinion if you have something to say or any idea don't hesitate at all. The team is super friendly and always welcomes new ideas and opinions.
7. What advice would you give us as a team?
Barbra
Honestly, I can’t really think of any advice. I’ve found every aspect of the team really cool!!
Krishna
Keep doing what you guys are doing because you guys are amazing!
8. Give us a line about what you would say to the world about empathy?
Barbra
Empathy is to feel someone else's feelings and to be able to put yourself in their shoes. Take a chance to put your feet in their shoes.
Krishna
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
