East Sussex College students supporting Age UK charity
Students from East Sussex College’s Accounting and Business and Management T-Level courses have been working with Age UK East Sussex to gain hands-on experience in a real workplace environment, supporting the charity’s work across its services.
East Sussex College students have made such a positive impact during their industry placements at Age UK East Sussex that the charity has expanded its T-Level opportunities from two placements to five.
T-Levels are two-year qualifications designed with employers to prepare students for skilled employment or further study. A key element of the programme is the 315-hour industry placement, giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in a real working environment.
During their placements, students have been involved in a wide range of day-to-day activities including meeting and working alongside volunteers, gaining an understanding of the retail operation, and supporting the running of charity shops and warehouse environments.
They have also gained experience in key operational areas such as customer service, stock control, sorting and rotating donated items, and handling money. In addition, students have contributed to merchandising and creating window displays, as well as taking part in marketing-focused activity to help improve the presentation of stores, enhance the customer experience, and ensure stock and displays are as engaging and appealing as possible.
Age UK East Sussex said the contribution from students has been so valuable that it has increased the number of placements available across its organisation, opening up opportunities across multiple branches.
A spokesperson from Age UK East Sussex said: “We would like to say thank you to all the students who have joined us on their T Level placements this year. We really appreciate their help and the support they have given us across our shops and warehouses. They are making a real difference, and we are very grateful for the time and energy they have contributed.”
At East Sussex College, students on T-Level courses including Business and Management, Accounting and new for September 2026 Cyber Security at the Ore Valley Campus, are able to access placements that connect classroom learning with real-world experience, helping them build confidence and employability skills.
Cody Nash, one of the Business Management and Administration T-Level students who completed their placement at Age UK East Sussex, said: “Undertaking the industry placement at Age UK has been very rewarding.
"With valuable support from the college, I was able to secure this opportunity, which allowed me to develop my skills and attributes in a new and different setting, while gaining valuable hands-on experience and deeper insight into the sector. I found the experience so positive that I chose to continue my journey with the company once my placement was complete.”
Alongside placements, Age UK East Sussex has also supported the College by engaging with students through employer talks and promoting volunteering opportunities, helping learners understand how voluntary sector experience can strengthen future career prospects.
The college says the success of the placements highlights the value of strong employer partnerships in preparing young people for the world of work, while also supporting organisations with enthusiastic and motivated learners who bring fresh ideas and energy.
A spokesperson said: “If you’re an employer looking to enhance your business, improve efficiency, or bring fresh energy and ideas into your organisation, get in touch with [email protected].”
For more information about T-Levels and employer partnerships at East Sussex College, visit www.escg.ac.uk/.