T Level Industry Placements
Become a T Level industry placement host and kick-start the next generation of technical careers
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We’re supporting universities and research institutions to host T Level industry placements in science and health, engineering and digital.
What are T Levels?
A T Level qualification is equivalent to three A levels and helps young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to progress into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or further higher education study.
The aim of T Levels is to provide on-the job involvement and practice, over two years, whilst studying towards a level 3 qualification.
What is a T Level placement?
The 45-day employer placements give young people an opportunity to experience how health and science, engineering and manufacturing and digital translates into work.
T Level placements within universities or research institutes help young people discover the world of technicians in academia, research and innovation settings.
“We urge employers to invest in apprenticeship and trainee technician programmes and to host work placement schemes for technical qualifications where possible. (e.g T Level placements in England)”
TALENT Commission Report (Feb 2022)
Promoting science placements and technical career pathways
The Institute works in partnership with the Department for Education, Science Council, and the Gatsby Foundation to:
- Promote universities involved with T Levels to drive the ongoing commitment to technical careers.
- Build connectivity and community across the sector around hosting industry placements
- Capture learning from universities as they begin to offer industry placements
- Raise awareness of how placements lead to career progression within your institution.
Jo Hartley-Metcalfe
Universities T Level Support Manager
“This is not just ‘work experience’, this is a fantastic opportunity that will allow young people to immerse themselves in the exciting world of technicians. Hosting T Level science placements within technical teams is just one way universities can increase technical skills to support research and teaching.”
T Level industry placement FAQs
Who can host a T Level placement?
Any employers in England can host a 45 day T Level industry placement, this includes UK universities and research institutions. The higher education and research sector has an excellent opportunity to engage in this initiative, especially within science, engineering & manufacturing, and digital services, to support and strengthen the future workforce talent pipeline.
Are UK universities and research institutes currently offering T Level placements?
Yes, and participation is on the rise. Since 2024 we have achieved significant success, with more than 35 universities and research institutes now actively collaborating with the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy and hosting or preparing to host T Level industry placements. Our mission is to support more universities and research institutes in starting their journey to host these placements, expanding the number of higher education and research employers offering T Level placement opportunities nationwide.
When do placements take place during the year, and can I influence this?
Most placements are likely to commence midway through an individual’s first year of study, when students have a good level of technical knowledge and skills they have learned from the classroom and are suitably prepared for the workplace.
Providers will make sure they have the right work ethic and a good understanding of the professional behaviours expected in the workplace.
Yes, timings can be influenced. Placements are flexible, and by working together with your local provider, you can develop a model that works well for everyone involved
Do T Level placement hosts have to pay students?
You are under no obligation to pay students but can choose to do so if you wish. This is because T Level industry placements are about providing students with high quality, meaningful training, not work.
Will I be reimbursed for the costs associated with hosting a T Level industry placement?
There is currently no support fund for employers, although costs associated with T Level industry placements should be minimal.
Why should a university host T Level placements, if they are about vocational study, rather than academic?
T Level industry placements have many benefits for the host employer, as well as the individual. Universities are able to promote themselves as employers to inspire the next generation to work for them, allowing them to engage individuals early for recruitment of junior technical roles, higher and degree apprenticeships, or further study into higher education.
It is important to note that many technical professionals can come from either a vocational or academic background. The T Level industry placements provide another route in technical careers pathways and raises visibility of the critical role technicians play in higher education, research and innovation.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to partner with local colleges and sixth forms to strengthen employment and skill development within the community
What should students do an a placement?
Approach the student as you would a new employee, starting with tasks they can observe, then practice, and eventually handle independently. This placement isn’t competency-based, so there are no checklists of specific knowledge, behaviours, or skills. There’s no need to teach the curriculum directly, although familiarity with the practical skills within it can enhance the student’s learning experience. Instead, identify tasks that need to be done, provide the necessary training, and guide them as they take on these responsibilities independently. Prepare them to progress into a junior role within your institution.