T-Levels are rigorous, classroom-based, technical study programmes, designed to support entry to skilled employment in technical occupations at Level 3 and above. A substantial, high quality industry placement (formerly ‘work placements’) with an external employer will be an essential part of each T-Level.
What are industry placements?
Two thirds of employers recognise the significant or critical value of young entrants having work experience for the labour market, and half of employers believe a top priority for education providers should be developing awareness of working life with support from businesses (UK Commission’s Employer Perspectives Survey 2014).
As a result, the Department for Education (DfE) have guaranteed that all 16 to 19 year old students following a new technical education route will be entitled to a quality industry placement, to arm them with the relevant technical skills they need to give them the best possible opportunity to enter skilled employment.
T-Levels are rigorous, classroom-based, technical study programmes, designed to support entry to skilled employment in technical occupations at Level 3 and above. A substantial, high quality industry placement (formerly ‘work placements’) with an external employer will be an essential part of each T-Level.
These industry placements will give students a valuable opportunity to put their learning into practice, develop their technical skills and become more employable. Students will spend a minimum of 45 days with an external employer in a role directly relevant to their course.
Why should my business get involved?
Immediate benefits:
- Extra resources for your projects and day-to-day operations from students developing skills in a course relevant to your business and industry
- Give your employees the opportunity to develop management and mentorship skills
- Bring a fresh perspective into your business
- CSR impact: share with stakeholders how your business has supported local young people into industry placements, improving their employability and progression opportunities.
Long term benefits
- Inspire the next generation to work in your industry
- Address current and future skills shortages in your industry
- Strengthen your recruiting pipeline and increase diversity
- Shared value: benefits for business and society are correlated – increased social inclusion leads to new business opportunities.
Want to know more?
Find out more about T-Levels and the business benefits of industry placements here
If you are an employer and would like to find out more about T Level Industry Placements, this pdf handbook (227 KB) will provide you with information about the different components which make up the programme and how you can get involved and offer an industry placement to a local student. Please get in touch with the work placement department by completing the short form below: