BREAKING BARRIERSHow T-Level transition days on University Campuses open doors for students - Social Mobility in T Level Transition

BREAKING BARRIERS

How T-Level transition days on University Campuses open doors for students

Enabling social mobility in Salford

Social mobility in T Level transitionContents

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Breaking Barriers

T Level Transition, Salford

Breaking barriers:

How T-Level transition days on university
campuses open doors for students

T-Level transition days hosted on university campuses are proving to be a game-changer for students, particularly in terms of social mobility and career aspirations.

For many T-Level students, the cost and commitment of higher education can feel overwhelming, often deterring them from considering university as a viable option.

However, events like the recent transition day at the University of Salford are demonstrating that university isn’t as financially daunting or socially intimidating as they might have thought.

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A first step into
higher education

For students like Brianna Cunliffe from Wigan and Leigh College, stepping onto a university campus for the first time was a pivotal experience.

“I've never stepped foot in a university in my life. Today is the first time I've ever done it, and you really do get the feel of it,” she shared. By touring the facilities, meeting students, and speaking with industry professionals, Brianna and her peers were able to visualise themselves in a university setting, something they might not have previously considered.

The day also provided practical insights into university life, dispelling myths about the learning environment. Many students initially assumed that university education was confined to lecture theatres and extensive coursework. However, seeing hands-on engineering labs, robotics rooms, and interactive maker spaces helped them realise that higher education is more dynamic and applied than they had imagined. “I did think it was just all pen and paper, but it’s more than that. You get real-world experience,” Brianna noted.

Addressing financial concerns

One of the most significant barriers to higher education for T-Level students is financial anxiety.

Concerns about tuition fees, student loans, and the overall cost of university often discourage students from considering further education.

However, the transition day at Salford addressed these concerns head-on.

Through dedicated sessions, students learned about student loans, repayment structures, and financial support options.

University of Salford lecturer Nicky Harris highlighted the importance of these discussions:

“Many students come from backgrounds where their parents haven't attended university, and their biggest fear is how they’ll afford it. Breaking it down for them – that repayment is based on earnings and isn’t immediate – helped ease those concerns.”

For Brianna, this knowledge was transformative.

“After today, I feel a lot less stressed about it. I realised that if I can’t afford to pay right away, I don’t have to. It’s made me think that university is a real option for me.”

Many students come from backgrounds where their parents haven't attended university, and their biggest fear is how they’ll afford it. Breaking it down for them – that repayment is based on earnings and isn’t immediate – helped ease those concerns.

Nicky Harris, University of Salford

Broadening
career horizons

Beyond financial concerns, another major takeaway from the transition day was the broad range of career opportunities available through higher education.

Many students start their T-Level journey with a narrow focus on entering a trade immediately after college. However, by interacting with industry professionals from Morgan Sindall and the university faculty, they learned that a university degree could enhance their career options.

Leon Hilton, a lecturer at Salford College, observed this shift in mindset among his students. “Before today, many of my students were set on going straight into a trade. But seeing the university, learning about professional routes in civil engineering, project management, and surveying, they’re now thinking bigger.”

Brianna echoed this sentiment, stating that the event helped her consider multiple pathways. “I was undecided before, but now I know that I can work part-time while studying. That way, I get experience in the industry and a degree, which will help me progress in the long run.”

A lot of my students thought that university just meant classrooms, so they were amazed seeing the robotics in the SEE building - it's just opened their eyes to what's possible. Day's like today definitely help them because now I can see them thinking about putting more effort into enabling them to go to university - it's not as daunting as they thought, they're enthused by what they've seen and seen that there's a nice transition between T-Level and University - so it's been a nice little stepping stone."

Leon Hilton, T-Level Lecturer, Salford College

The role of industry in bridging the gap

A key contributor to the success of the transition day was the involvement of Morgan Sindall early careers employees.

Their representatives not only shared their career journeys but also reassured students that there are multiple routes to success.

Nicky Harris emphasised the importance of this collaboration:

“It allows students to see that they don’t have to follow a rigid path. There are different ways to reach the same destination, and industry is there to support them.”

From designing inclusive buildings to engaging in discussions about sustainability, students participated in activities that mirrored real-world challenges. These experiences helped them develop teamwork and problem-solving skills—key competencies for both university and the workplace.

The future of T-Level transition days

The success of this event highlights the need for more T-Level transition days to be held on university campuses.

By demystifying university education and offering students first-hand exposure, these events have the potential to significantly boost social mobility. They empower students with knowledge, expand their career horizons, and break down financial fears, making university a tangible and achievable goal.

As Brianna put it, “Days like today make you realise that university is not as daunting as you think. It’s actually something to look forward to.” With more initiatives like this, the journey from T-Levels to university will continue to become clearer, more accessible, and ultimately, more attainable for students from all backgrounds.

After today, I think I'm definitely going to go to university now!

Brianna Cunliffe, T-Level Student