Time for T: New resource aims to encourage businesses to offer industrial placements to T Level students

A new resource encouraging industry to help develop the workforce of the future by offering more T Level placements is now available.

'Securing technical talent for your business' is a new digital resource developed by the 欧美AV and six other scientific organisations to highlight the business benefits of offering more industrial placements.

A special webinar was held on 17 September with speakers including T Level students and representatives from businesses who have already provided opportunities to young scientists.

T Levels are two-year courses taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to three A Levels. More practical in nature than A Levels, they include on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days - and have been developed in collaboration with business.

More than 30,000 students have signed up for T Levels across all subjects since their inception in 2020, with 250 schools and colleges in England now teaching the qualifications. What's more, the numbers signing up to take them increasing year on year.

However, demand for placements presently outstrips supply, with many employers still unaware of T Levels. 'Securing technical talent for your business' and the accompanying webinar aim to tackle this by alerting industry to these qualifications and showing them the potential benefits that come with opening their doors to the next generation.

This new publication includes:

  • Case studies from science employers who already offer placements
  • Advice on how placements would work for businesses and the level of resources required
  • Science-specific examples of what learners can do - and have done - on placements
  • Answers to frequently asked questions and information addressing potential areas of concern.

Meanwhile, the webinar offered a chance to hear about the reality of T Levels from those who have already experienced the positive impacts they bring, with business leaders and students going into detail about the value of these placements. Dan Simons, Head of T Level Industry Placement Delivery for the Department for Education, was among those at the launch event.

"The 欧美AV is pleased to contribute to the development of this resource, which will hopefully lead to more opportunities for young people to get the work placements that can shape their careers," said Katie Dryden-Holt, Vocational Skills Programme Manager in the 欧美AV's Accreditation and Careers team.

"Ensuring the next generation has the technical skills needed to thrive in the workplace is so important and T Levels help students by giving them those skills and a real insight into the world of work.

"Course providers have told us of their struggles in terms of securing placements for students and we must address that if we are to open up as many educational pathways as possible to the future workforce and give them the training they need.

"Getting more businesses on board would make a huge difference in helping more young people see what their future in chemistry could look like."

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