More than 150 young people have gained valuable hands-on experience through 315-hour T Level industry placements in technical teams across UK universities and research institutes.
Thanks to an ambitious programme delivered by the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy (UK ITSS) and supported by the Gatsby Foundation, T Level students have been placed in 27 institutions since 2024, with more in the pipeline.
By embedding students within technical teams, institutions have created real-world learning opportunities that are directly supporting teaching, research and outreach activities. In turn, more than 120 technical professionals have developed mentoring, management and leadership skills.
Many placement students have since progressed into university apprenticeships, employment, or further study, showcasing the success of this early career pathway into technical roles.
A new report, T Level industry placements in higher education and research: Sector insights and practical guidance, has now been published. It outlines key achievements to date, highlights best practice from across the sector, and provides practical advice for institutions considering hosting placements.
The report and several resources were launched on 9 July by Sara Davies MBE, Founder of Crafter’s Companion and national T Level Ambassador, at the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS), attended by 500 technical professionals.
Jo Hartley Metcalfe, Universities T Level Support Manager at UK ITSS, said:
“More universities and research institutions are seeing the benefits of hosting T Level students. From Mechanical Engineering to Computing to Information Services and Flow Cytometry – to name a few – students are making meaningful contributions while gaining insight into exciting technical careers.
“Placements are a fantastic way for institutions to grow their own talent pipeline and identify future apprentices, employees or students. At the same time, they provide opportunities for technical professionals to gain valuable mentoring and line management experience.
“We’re confident that even more young people can be inspired to explore technical careers in higher education and research through expanded T Level placement opportunities across the sector.”
Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director for the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and the Technician Commitment also commented:
“This work is helping to inspire a new generation of technical professionals and encourage a new pipeline of technical skills into an aging workforce. Technical professionals are critical to technological and scientific innovation and high-growth sectors central to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
“We are committed to working with partners and institutions to grow a sustainable technical workforce fit for the future, as recommended in the TALENT Commission report. This T Level industry placement programme is just one way we are expanding entry routes into technical careers within higher education, research and innovation to build a strong, diverse and inclusive skills system.”
Natasha Watkinson Project Manager, Gatsby Charitable Foundation added:
“As part of Gatsby’s work to support the provision of high-quality technical education, we are delighted to have helped the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy grow T Level industry placements in universities and research institutes. This initiative has helped to increase the visibility of technical careers to college providers, parents and young people.”