NAW 2026 – T Level Thursday

For T Level Thursday, we’re spotlighting Belle Parfitt, a second year Construction T Level student who joins our West Slopes Project team every Wednesday and Thursday. West Slopes will deliver 1,899 new student bedrooms plus a supermarket, café and Health & Wellbeing Centre — a major scheme for the University of Sussex and a brilliant environment for a young learner to experience real construction.

🌟 Belle’s Story So Far
Belle began her journey in carpentry before realising she wanted to understand how full projects come together. Switching to a Construction T Level gave her the chance to blend classroom learning with hands‑on experience. With no previous links to construction, she’s driven by seeing a project grow from the ground up and is now aiming for a career in Project Management.

🔧 Learning on a Live Project
During her placement, Belle has:
• Shadowed Julian Smart, Site Manager of 34 years
• Attended meetings with senior project leads
• Joined site walks, testing sessions and daily briefings
• Gained early insight into planning, coordination and tracking
• Started completing order forms and updating trackers

And she’s only four weeks in! “The site is huge — I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn. Everyone has been so helpful, and it’s made a massive difference to my confidence.” One of her biggest discoveries has been the world of MEP: “Learning more about MEP works has been unbelievably interesting. It’s shown me I’d love to specialise more on my way toward project management.”

💡 Personal Growth & Career Insight
Belle has already developed stronger communication, confidence asking questions, and a better understanding of how different contractors work together. Her biggest challenge? “Not being scared to ask questions. Everyone has been so supportive.”

🎯 A Pathway Shaped by Experience
“This placement has completely solidified that I want to pursue project management through an apprenticeship. I love learning on the job and don’t want to miss gaining real experience before committing to a degree.” She now feels more prepared, more motivated and part of the Hopkins team. “Hopkins have gone above and beyond for me.”

Would she recommend a T Level placement here? Absolutely. 🚀

Ready to start your career? Explore apprenticeships and early‑career opportunities: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ep3FYVBW

#NAW2026 #TLevelThursday #TLevels #EarlyCareers #ConstructionCareers #Hopkins #WestSlopes #SkillsForLife