Last Thursday Camden students celebrated their A level, vocational, and – for the first time – T Level results, with students supported to pursue new pathways between qualifications.
As an exciting example of these progression opportunities, two Camden T Level students who completed industry placements at the Francis Crick Institute will now return to the organisation this autumn as degree apprentices, becoming the first participants in the Crick’s T Level programme to progress into scientific roles at the institute.
Their success highlights the value of Camden STEAM, a joint initiative by Camden Council and Camden Learning that links local schools and young people with leading employers across science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Camden’s Education strategy, Building Back Stronger, set the ambition for a Post 16 Education System that benefits all students. By bringing schools and employers together, Camden STEAM helps to create opportunities for young people to experience different careers, develop practical skills, and build relationships with professionals.
The progression of T Level students Sem Nuru and Maciej Brzeziak is a fantastic example of what this kind of partnership can achieve as part of the borough’s commitment to technical and vocational education. Sem Nuru and Maciej Brzeziak began their journey while studying for Laboratory Science T Levels at Maria Fidelis Sixth Form in Camden. As part of their studies, they completed industry placements within the Crick’s Fermentation and Experimental Histopathology science technology platforms, where they gained practical experience and learning alongside experienced technical specialists.
The placements were developed through the Crick’s longstanding engagement with schools across Camden, including classroom activities, laboratory visits and careers events. Its education team worked closely with leaders at Maria Fidelis to create a route into technical scientific careers that would complement students’ academic studies with meaningful workplace experience.
For Sem and Maciej, the placements provided an opportunity to develop practical skills and gain a first-hand understanding of working in scientific research.
Sem said: “Before joining the Crick, I knew I enjoyed science but wasn’t sure where it could take me. What stood out most was seeing how collaborative research is, and how the work contributes to developing new medicines that could help people in the future. I always had lots of questions for the team and they helped me understand the science behind the tasks I was completing. It’s really helped me picture where I want to go next, and I’m excited to be returning as a degree apprentice.”
Maciej added: “As I was making my way through the placement, I felt more and more part of the team. Being trusted to contribute and learn alongside colleagues helped me grow in confidence and develop skills that you just can’t get in the classroom. I can definitely see myself becoming a scientist, and completing the placement really helped reassure me of that. Being able to continue that training at the Crick while studying for a degree is an amazing opportunity.”
Their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn made a strong impression on colleagues across the institute. Both were subsequently offered roles with the teams that had hosted them, alongside places on degree apprenticeships with Manchester Metropolitan University. These degree apprenticeships will allow Sem and Maciej to earn, learn and continue building their scientific careers while studying for a degree.
Their progression highlights the potential of new approaches to technical training and the value of creating wider access to careers in research. It also demonstrates what can be achieved when Camden schools and employers work together to give young people meaningful opportunities to explore their future careers.
Clare Davy, Head of Education and Community Outreach at the Crick, said: “We’re thrilled to see Sem and Maciej continuing their journeys with us. Their progression from T Level placements to degree apprenticeships shows why it is so important to open up different routes into science. By working with local schools and teams across the Crick, we can help students across Camden develop their skills and discover the range of roles that support research. I hope other organisations see this as an opportunity to nurture and grow young technical talent.”
Carol Gamble, Head of Science at Maria Fidelis, has worked with the Crick from the earliest days of its education programme. She said: “We worked closely with the Crick to create placements that challenge students and give them a genuine insight into what it’s like to work in science. Sem and Maciej made the most of every opportunity, building relationships, developing their skills and setting a fantastic example for other students considering this route. We’re so proud that they’re now progressing into degree apprenticeships. It shows what’s possible when schools and employers work together to help students take meaningful steps towards their future careers.”
The Crick, one of the sector’s and the UK’s early champions of T Levels, is now preparing to welcome a new cohort of students. The education team is also sharing lessons from its partnership with Maria Fidelis nationally through the Department for Education, helping other organisations develop high-quality technical placements.
You can learn more about Sem’s and Maciej’s journey here, and read about the borough’s recent inaugural T Level celebration event hosted at the Crick here.
