T-Levels are a Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A-Levels, designed as a two-year programme to provide students with the core knowledge and skills needed for entry into various engineering, manufacturing, process, and control occupations. A component of the T-Level is an industry placement, requiring a minimum of nine weeks working with an employer. Students gain an understanding of broad sector issues, including materials and their properties, essential mathematics, design processes, and business awareness. Specialised modules cover areas such as fitting and assembly, machining, composites manufacturing, and fabrication and welding technologies.
Velocity Composites sees the T-Level programme as a crucial pathway to developing the next generation of manufacturing and engineering technicians, roles directly relevant to careers achievable with this qualification, such as aerospace engineering technician, mechanical engineering technician, materials technician, and welder.
Oliver Smalley, chief operations officer at Velocity Composites, joined the company recently, with his appointment announced in February. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, covering both composites and metallics, providing him with an understanding of complex manufacturing environments. Prior to joining Velocity Composites, Smalley held senior roles at Buoyancy Aerospace, BAE Systems, and Brookhouse Aerospace, and has a track record of building greenfield factories across Europe and the UK.
Smalley (pictured) said: “Building high-performing teams is fundamental to our success. My leadership style emphasises collaboration and continuous improvement. Investing in T-Levels allows us to actively shape the skills of the future workforce, ensuring they are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required in our cutting-edge composite manufacturing facilities. This programme is a vital component of our strategy to empower individuals and enable teams to thrive, maintaining a clear focus on our overarching business goals.”
He added: “Drawing on my experience in scaling manufacturing operations and setting up new facilities, I see T-Levels as a direct way to build the skilled base needed for our continued expansion, particularly as we grow our international capability. It’s about securing the talent pipeline that underpins our drive for operational efficiency and supports the strategic aim of delivering tangible benefits to our customers through unrivalled service delivery.”
Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, said: “The long-term outlook for the industry is strong, and shareholders will benefit as production rates increase for both existing and new business. Our ability to meet this demand relies heavily on having a skilled and capable workforce across all our sites. Oliver’s operational expertise and focus on efficiency and team empowerment are invaluable as we implement programmes like T-Levels. This investment in talent is a critical enabler of our growth strategy, helping us to deliver our commitments to all stakeholders and reinforcing our competitive position within the industry for the future.”
By integrating the T-Level programme into its recruitment and development strategy, Velocity Composites is addressing the immediate need for skilled staff and also building a sustainable model for talent acquisition.
