Build your future workforce with T Level industry placements

Are you struggling to recruit? We know it’s a challenge for many in our sector, but T Levels could be a solution. These two-year qualifications for students aged 16–19 combine classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement, helping businesses spot future talent and build a pipeline of skilled engineers.

Key benefits for businesses

• T Levels are a route to recruitment. One in three T Level students who progress into work are hired by their placement employer (DfE).
• T Levels were designed in partnership with employers of all sizes to meet real business needs.
• T Levels are a high-calibre qualification. Students learn practical skills which prepare them to step straight into work.
• T Level industry placements are flexible. The 45-day placements can be done in blocks, on day release, or shared with another employer.

Supporting business growth with a reliable talent pipeline

R&B Switchgear Group, a Manchester-based power engineering specialist, has grown substantially during the last five years. Prompted by this growth, the leadership team noticed a widening skills gap emerging so turned to T Levels. They welcomed their first group of T Level students in 2023, and the following year took on six more. 

The students’ hard work and enthusiasm for the job impressed, as Gavin Chadwick, R&B’s Technical & Training Manager, says: “The T Level students have been a breath of fresh air. It’s boosted the business, and the people within the existing team as well.” R&B have now taken on five T Level students as apprentices, after completing their course.

Offering T Level industry placements means businesses can see students in action before deciding whether to recruit them full time. At Grantham-based manufacturer BGB, placements are viewed as extended interviews. Production Manager, Nathan Flower, says: “You really get to know each other over the 45 days and can see the young talent in action – by the end of it you have a clear view of whether the student is a good fit for your business. I think that’s brilliant.” 

Other businesses have seen the benefits of hosting T Level students too. Gary Howard, Managing Director at Redpack Packaging Machinery in Norfolk says: “We’ve found it’s been beneficial for our employees' professional development; by buddying with or mentoring the T Level student, they can develop their own leadership skills.” Redpack has offered full-time apprenticeships to seven of their T Level placement students and plans to take on more next year.

Skilled and motivated: how T Level students are adding value from day one 

Many businesses who’ve hosted T Level students have been impressed by their technical knowledge and ability to contribute to real tasks from the very start.

Lyndhurst Precision, an engineering firm based in Lancashire has hosted six students so far.  Technical Manager Andy Wilding says: “T Level students come into Lyndhurst with existing knowledge about engineering, they’re not starting from scratch. You can really get the students involved – we’ve had them fabricating, using CNC machines, programming. We're not making up fictitious jobs for them; they’re here helping the business.”

And for Farrat, an engineering company in Greater Manchester, T Level students’ existing skills were part of their appeal. People Director, Sally Moxon, explains: “We liked the idea of working with T Level students as they sit between apprentices – where we teach someone from scratch – and graduates, who may lack practical experience in the workplace. T Levels are the perfect blend; the students add value to the business quickly because they have the technical knowledge.”

A win-win for businesses and young people

For Farrat, R&B Switchgear, BGB and Lyndhurst Precision, the message is clear: T Levels are an important part of their recruitment strategy. Students offer both technical expertise and fresh ideas – helping businesses shape and secure their future workforce. 

Watch our video to find out how T Levels have helped close the skills gap for engineering and manufacturing businesses.

Ready to find tomorrow’s talent, today?

To find out more about hosting a T Level student, visit www.tlevels.gov.uk/employers.