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Looking to build a pipeline of skilled, motivated young people for your business? T Level industry placements could be the answer. Designed with employers, T Levels equip students with the right technical skills in the classroom and are ready to contribute to the workplace from day one. Whether your small business or larger employer, this quick-read FAQ will help you understand how T Level industry placements work, what’s involved, and why it could be a smart move for your maritime business.
T LEVEL FAQs
What are T Levels and what is a T Level industry placement?
T Levels are technical qualifications for young people aged 16-19. They were created in partnership with employers of all sizes to equip students with the skills businesses need. They combine classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement.
A T Level industry placement involves a T Level student working with an employer for 45 days as part of their qualification.
Organised in partnership with local colleges or schools, industry placements are flexible and designed around your needs as a business. The 45 days can be done in one block, spread over two years or shared with another employer.
I run a small business, is a T Level student right for me?
Absolutely! The feedback we’ve had from maritime businesses of all sizes – including small to medium-sized businesses who have already hosted T Level students has been overwhelmingly positive.
They say T Level students arrive with relevant technical skills, ready to work on meaningful tasks and contribute to the business.
Lots of small businesses end up recruiting their T Level student at the end of their course, either directly into their business or as an accelerated or higher-level apprentice.
What are the benefits of offering a T Level industry placement?
T Levels can help you recruit. Offering a T Level industry placement is a proven way to find and secure new talent for your business. The placement is like an extended interview, where you can test if candidates are a good fit for your business. Lots of small businesses go on to recruit their T Level student at the end of their course.
For example, marine engineering firm – who produce textile and hardware products for the industry – have grown rapidly the last 2 years, from eight to 42 employees. After seeing first-hand the impact of their T Level student, Bradley, the company are keen to offer him the chance to join them as an apprentice after he completes his T Level course next year.
T Level students have the right skills. T Levels were designed with employers from across the engineering and manufacturing sector to address specific skills gaps, which means T Level students have the skills your business needs.
At Rigging Projects, has gained experience across all parts of the business: from quality control to finishing, part-picking and programming. He’s also developed hands-on skills in milling and turning.
T Level students make a positive impact. T Levels are rigorous qualifications, meaning any students who join you on placement are ready to hit the ground running and make a positive contribution to your business.
At precision parts firm , T Level student Amber made a particularly strong impression with her CAD – creating new technical drawings that are now in use across the business. Francis Wilkinson, Quantamatic’s Quality and Regulatory Manager, said: “Amber applied the skills she’d learned at college and elevated our core drawings to a new level. She made a huge, tangible difference and leaves a real legacy”.
What do I need to know before I decide to take on a T Level student?
There is an initial time and resource commitment, though less intensive than taking on an apprentice – making it a first step for employers considering apprenticeship programmes. T Level placements are bespoke to each business, allowing you to tailor the placement to your needs.
Your first step is to contact your local college or school offering T Levels. They will work with you to make sure all three parties (you, the student and the school or college) understand exactly what’s involved.
I’m interested in hosting an industry placement, how do I find a T Level student?
Finding the right T Level student for your business is a partnership between you and your local college or school.
It’s a flexible process and students will be available to start with you throughout the year.
To find out more, visit the T Level website and enter your postcode to find your nearest school or college offering T Levels.