More than half of T Level Digital students at Calderdale College have secured Higher Apprenticeships at Lloyds Banking Group, following the successful completion of industry placements and a competitive recruitment process. Starting salaries exceed £28,000, a highly competitive figure for young people entering their first roles in banking and financial services.

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications designed to give 16-19-year-olds the skills and experience to enter the world of work, combining classroom study and professional placements.

Through a long-standing partnership with Lloyds Banking Group, students completed real-world placements at the bank’s Halifax and Leeds sites as part of their course. Working across digital, data and business operations teams, they applied their T Level learning to live projects while developing the skills needed to succeed in a large financial services organisation.

As part of the programme, students also had the chance to prepare for job interviews and took part in a formal recruitment process, including a series of assessments, giving them the opportunity to secure a Higher Apprenticeship upon completion of their studies.

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “This achievement reinforces our commitment to providing education that is shaped by industry and leads directly to high-value career opportunities with leading employers. Seeing our students secure competitive roles at the end of their course is exactly what we strive for.

“Our partnerships with employers such as Lloyds Banking Group demonstrate the real power of T Level qualifications in opening doors for young people in their chosen careers. We are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments and look forward to watching our alumni continue to shine.”

Tom Mott, Business Support Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, added: “Partnering with Calderdale College since 2022 has been a fantastic way to invest in local talent .

Over 50 T Level students have gained valuable industry experience with Lloyds Banking Group, and 21 have started their careers through our Higher Apprenticeships. Supporting young people in our communities is central to our purpose, and we’re proud to help them thrive.”

Among last year’s outstanding cohort is Edward, whose accomplishments have been recognised at both regional and national level. After being awarded T Level Student of the Year for Yorkshire & The Humber region at Lloyds Banking Group, Edward has been named one of the top three T Level students in the country at the 2025 National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.

Edward, who is now on a Level 4 Software Engineering Higher Apprenticeship at Lloyds Banking Group, commented: “A T Level was the perfect way to introduce myself to the world of work while being supported by college tutors and support staff. The course allowed me to focus purely on my passion for all things digital and progress in my career.”

With a strong focus on digital skills, the College sets students up for successful careers, partnering with over 500 local employers across 25 sectors.

Calderdale College continues to expand its T Level offer, with the next cohort of school leavers starting in September 2026. To find out more, visit: calderdale.ac.uk/tlevels