T Levels, Designed with employers, for employers

It has become common knowledge that the UK now faces a skills shortage that could impact the future success of businesses.

In response, the government has worked alongside hundreds of employers to design T Level courses that deliver the skills business needs.

T Levels are a new qualification for students aged 16 to 19 who've finished their GCSEs. They are designed by employers for employers and include a 45-day industry placement that gives you early access to the brightest talent entering the job market.

Each T Level is equivalent in size to 3 A levels and helps young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace.

At the heart of each course, every T Level student completes an industry placement that lasts a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days). Industry placements give a unique opportunity to help develop new talent in the industry, and get young people work-ready.

Businesses can sometimes be reluctant to get involved in T Levels as they are unsure how they work. Here are some key messages to help understand what T Levels and industry placements are and the support available to them.

1. Develop your future talent/workforce and bring fresh ideas and perspective
2. Flexible scheme to meet your business
3. A new qualification developed in collaboration with employers
4. An industry placement is at the heart of each T Level
5. Government funded scheme, but you may have your own business costs
6. The qualification designed by employers to provide the skills set you need

Exploring the benefits and costs of an industry placement

This summarises the costs and benefits employers have been reporting as they start to offer T Level industry placements.

Benefits

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
• Streamline recruitment processes

Skilled hands to support productivity

• Students bringing in skills for specific projects and tasks
• Support for growing teams
• Young people with new skills coming into your industry

New ideas

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

Reputation

• Among potential new recruits and more widely
• 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

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.

Watch a short video HERE

T Levels and industry placement support for employers