The government is investing millions of pounds to give young people access to T Level qualifications to help them gain the skills they need to secure rewarding careers.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are 2-year courses which are equivalent to 3 A Levels and are becoming one of the main choices for students following GCSE’s. Based on the same standards as apprenticeships, T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers to meet industry needs and to prepare students for entry into employment, apprenticeships or further / higher education. They offer students practical and knowledge-based formal learning at a school or college, and on-the-job experience through an industry placement.
More about industry placements
Industry placements are time spent by T Level students working in an organisation with an employer which are focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for the job. Each industry placement should be a minimum of 315 hours / 45 working days (can be offered as a block placement, day release or a combination of both), and must take place in the physical workplace (i.e. not virtually / online). Employers offering industry placements are supported with paperwork, planning and design of the placement.
Industry placement benefits to employers
T Level industry placements can offer many benefits to employers, such as:
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- Recruitment – Bringing young people into the industry can be a cost-effective way of recruiting. It can help tackle the skills shortage and provide early access to a pool of talent for entry-level jobs.
- Innovation – Industry placements provide up-to-date learning and innovative work practices that can be shared with your organisation, both of which can also be to the benefit of existing employees.
- Reputation – Industry placements demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to diversity as they allow you to attract and recruit from a wider talent pool in the local community, thereby helping to raise your profile with clients and potential customers.
- Learning & Development – Opportunities for existing staff to develop new management skills by becoming mentors / line managers to students and developing your profile as an organisation which facilitates learning and development.
- Increases Productivity– Industry placements can improve productivity, which helps support growth.
T Level courses are currently available in the following areas:
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- Business and Administration
- Construction
- Digital
- Education and Childcare
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health and Science
- Legal, Finance and Accounting
This portfolio will be expanded over the next two years to include:
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- Agriculture, Land Management and Production
- Catering
- Craft and Design
- Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy
- Media, Broadcast and Production
- Legal Services
- Animal Care and Management
In response to the increasing popularity of T Levels, we have developed an “Entering the World of Work” training course. This programme is designed to be delivered to placement students, school / university leavers and new apprentices as part of the workplace induction process. Developed and delivered by professionally qualified consultants with multi-sector experience and knowledge of the employment issues typical to each, it’s intended to address the lack of soft skills that is so often a source of frustration for employers and can result in the employment of young people not succeeding. Educating young people in this regard and developing their ability to adapt to working life will not only be to their own benefit, it is in the interests of the employer.
If you’re an employer thinking about offering industry placements and need further guidance or information on the above training programme, please contact us on 01942 727 200 to speak to a member of the team or email enquiries@employeemanagement.co.uk.