46 Q&A | GAVIN CHADWICK
Q A Gavin Chadwick, R&B Switchgear Group Q:
What inspired R&B Switchgear Group to implement T Level industry placements as part of your strategy to tackle the engineering skills gap? As a provider of specialist electrical switchgear and power solutions to complex sectors like oil, gas, and renewable energy, we rely on a highly skilled workforce to deliver bespoke, safety-critical systems. With a large proportion of our experienced engineers approaching retirement, it became clear we needed a long-term, sustainable strategy to build talent from within. T Level industry placements offered a practical solution. Students arrive with a solid technical foundation so they can get stuck in from the get-go, but it also means we can shape their development early on, ensure they gain relevant hands-on experience, and ultimately start building the next generation of engineers tailored to our business needs.
apprenticeship feel like a natural progression, for both the student and the business. We’ve seen first-hand that T Levels provide the students with a solid technical foundation, giving students the confidence and capability to contribute meaningfully to real projects. While exact numbers vary year-on-year, we typically aim to transition around 30–50% of our T Level placement students into formal full-time roles. This approach allows us to assess suitability before committing to longer-term training – helping us grow our own talent in a structured, sustainable way, while saving time and ensuring greater consistency across the business.
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How did you design the industry placement to ensure that students receive hands-on experience in various areas of the business?
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We created an in-house training programme that enables students to spend time across every part of the business – from engineering design and planning in the office, to hands-on work in the manufacturing workshop. This exposure helps T Level students build a well-rounded skill set, understand how the business operates as a whole, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
How has hosting 12 T Level students had an impacted in terms of skills development and knowledge transfer?
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Bringing in T Level students has created valuable opportunities for knowledge transfer between our experienced staff and the next generation of talent. It’s also driven our team to reflect on
July 2025
Q&A - Gavin Chadwick.indd 30
Bringing in T Level students has created valuable opportunities for knowledge transfer between our experienced staff and the next generation of talent. It’s also driven our team to reflect on their own processes and share their expertise more openly.
their own processes and share their expertise more openly. We’ve seen a clear boost in productivity and energy, with students contributing meaningfully to real work while picking up critical skills.
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What has been the key to the success of transitioning T Level students into full-time apprentices at the company?
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T Level placements have become an integral part of our early talent pipeline. Our current model is designed to support students through meaningful industry experience, with a view to offering full-time roles that lead to a range of career pathways across the business, including apprenticeships. Because T Level students are embedded in the business from the outset, they’re already familiar with our systems, culture and technical expectations. As a result, those who join us via T Levels tend to be more prepared and engaged when they progress into permanent positions. By the time they complete their placements, they’re not just work-ready; they’ve become part of the team. That makes the step into an
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What challenges did you faced while integrating T Level placements and how did you overcome them? As with any new initiative, there were initial questions around how T Level placements would fit into day-to-day operations. But we found that with careful planning and communication between departments, we were able to integrate students smoothly. Their technical ability and willingness to learn made it an easy fit and our local college was a great support, right through the placement. The time commitment and onboarding process were comparable to bringing on a new junior member of staff or apprentice – but as we’ve hosted more students, this has become even more streamlined. The value T Level students add more than justifies the initial setup.
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How have T Level students contributed to your company’s overall growth?
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Our T Level students have made a real, hands-on contribution across the business. They’re bright, enthusiastic, and quick to learn – taking on real tasks that support live projects and help keep operations running smoothly. Their presence has strengthened the team, boosted productivity, and brought fresh energy to the workplace. They also bring a new perspective and aren’t afraid to ask questions or challenge
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23/06/2025 12:35:25