T Levels are an alternative to A levels and apprenticeships, giving young people the technical and practical skills needed to be an asset in the workplace. They combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement and take place over a 2-year programme of study.

T Level students spend 80% of the course in the classroom, learning the essential skills that they need to work for companies like yours. The other 20% is spent on a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action. The placement itself will last approximately 45 days, spread out over the 2-year period.

Benefits to your business

T Level industry placements bring plenty of benefits for businesses, including:

Recruitment
Grow your talent pipeline. Attract a new generation of recruits from new sources. Tackle skill shortages. A chance to see potential future recruits using their skills and abilities. Young people with new skills coming into your industry. Streamline recruitment processes.

Support for your team and productivity
Students bringing in skills for specific projects and tasks. Support for growing teams.

New ideas
Fresh eyes. New skills. Up-to-date learning. Innovative work practices. Increased creativity. Influencing learning for young people entering your industry.

Grow your reputation
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity. Create case studies to promote your credentials as a good employer. Promote your record as a learning and development organisation.

Staff development and satisfaction
Opportunities for your staff to be buddies, mentors or line managers. Opportunities for staff to gain new management and mentoring skills. Your people feeling valued, challenged and developed. Diverse teams with students who liven up the work environment.

Build your brand
Become recognised as being innovative and forward-thinking. Be seen to be addressing critical issues. Raise your profile with customers, as industry placements become well known.

Build relationships in the community
Get to know local colleges, schools and other providers. Network with other employers to share placements experience and good practice.

Industry placements in 5 easy steps:

Industry placements are at the heart of each T Level course and are delivered in 5 easy steps. Learn how industry placements work >

Employer cost

T Level industry placements are a free government scheme - you don't need to pay to take on a T Level student for a placement.

There may be certain business costs, like time invested in planning, training and supervising, and you can choose to pay the student if you wish.

The Employer Support Fund (ESF) provides financial assistance to employers offering high-quality T Level industry placements between 23rd April 2025 and 31st March 2026.

Employer responsibilities

Employers need to provide:

• a safe work environment
• opportunities for the student to develop their technical skills within your industry
• a line manager to support, supervise and mentor the student
• an induction which includes explaining relevant policies and procedures
• formal feedback on the student’s progress against the agreed learning goals at the end of the placement

Interested in offering a T Level industry placement?

Get more information about T Levels and industry placements, or connect with a local school or college that will support you.

Speak to one of our Business Advisers for more information

Contact our Workforce Skills Team to discuss industry placements in more detail. Emaill [email protected], call 01494 927130, or fill out this online form to book a chat with one of our team.