What are T Level Industry Placements and how could they benefit your business?

Many UK businesses are struggling to find employees who have the right skills for the job. Statistics from The Open University show that 63% of UK firms are experiencing a skills shortage, while 68% of employers report that they haven’t been able to find suitable candidates.

This skills shortage has led to the government introducing a range of programmes in an attempt to close the gap and create alternative qualifications for young people that do not require the individual to attend university or other more traditional routes to employment. Industry placements, known as T- Levels are one of these and they aim to meet the needs of various industries while creating more opportunities for people to gain the skills needed in the workplace.

What are Industry Placements (T Levels)?

T Level industry placements are two-year Level 3 technical courses for 16-19 year olds, which are equivalent to three A-Levels and have been developed by the government in collaboration with employers to meet the needs of different industries. 

They combine a mix of classroom learning (80%) and practical ‘on the job’ experience (20%). They are based in businesses as an industry placement for the learner and provide 315 hours of work experience for firms.

T Levels focus on key skill subject areas aimed towards educational and trade-based subjects. The range of T Levels available to students is vast and spans from finance to building services engineering.

There is a three-year roll-out period before all the T Levels become available. The first three were available from September 2020 in the digital, construction and education and childcare sectors. 

Seven further T Levels will be available from September 2021, followed by eight in 2022 and another seven in 2023. 

How will T-Levels benefit your business?

T-Levels will prepare students for various careers by equipping them with the technical skills valued and required by employers in different industries. They provider more pathways to students than those who choose to do A- Levels where there is not the opportunity to be placed in a company and the direction is not as clear. 

So how will this benefit your business? Taking on students with specific skills is expected to boost productivity in the workplace through providing tailored work experience and education while addressing the national skills shortage. T-Levels will create more people who are trained in your industry while providing your company with the relevant skills to achieve your goals. 

Barry Tugwood, Business Skills Adviser said:

“There are several great reasons for a business to consider T Levels. If they are looking for talented young people that could eventually choose your organisation to work for, what better way to attract that early ambition than by offering a longer-term industry placement. 

“This could also be a cost effect solution in starting to recruit the ideal student who are enthused by what you do and the sector you represent, and perhaps progress them on to an apprenticeship for example. 

“The existing staff in your business can benefit too by mentoring a young student and pass on invaluable knowledge whilst growing their own management and support skills.” 

What support is available for businesses?

Business West can provide impartial workforce development planning, which will help you design your workforce for the future and plan industry placements as part of your business strategy. To find out more contact our expert team today or contact the T Level Industry Placements Hotline on 08000 150 600 (option 4).

Last month, the Department for Education announced a new £1,000 employer incentive for T Level industry placements – available until July 2022. Employers can access a £1,000 incentive for each T-Level placement (employers can receive up to 20 payments for each placement). More information about the incentive and how to apply can be found here. 

A number of webinars are being hosted in the coming weeks focused on hosting placements in different roles. All this, along with other support, can be found here.

Business West is hosting an event: T-LEVELS: Inspire the next generation on Wednesday 14th July. Sign up here.