Why host students doing digital T Levels

Hosting a T Level student on an industry placement is a great way for businesses to access fresh talent, support workforce development, and contribute to closing the digital skills gap. With digital technologies evolving rapidly, businesses of all sizes need skilled individuals who can bring new ideas and expertise into the workplace.

T Level students have up-to-date knowledge and practical skills, making them a valuable asset to any organisation working in the digital space.

The business benefits of hosting a digital T Level student

1. Gain fresh talent with in-demand digital skills

T Level students are studying specialist digital pathways such as IT solutions, software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Hosting a placement allows businesses to:

• Bring in tech-savvy students trained in modern digital tools and techniques.
• Get extra support on digital projects, such as data management, coding, website development, or cybersecurity analysis.
• Identify potential future employees and create a pipeline of skilled individuals for your business.

2. Increase productivity without long-term commitment

Industry placements offer flexible ways to bring in additional resources without the long-term costs of hiring a new employee. Businesses can structure placements to suit their needs, including:

• Short-term project support: Students can help with defined digital tasks such as updating websites, analysing user data, or assisting with IT troubleshooting.
• Longer-term placements: Students can be integrated into ongoing projects, supporting teams with a fresh perspective.

3. Contribute to the future workforce

By hosting a digital T Level student, businesses play a vital role in developing the next generation of digital professionals. This helps to:

• Address the growing digital skills gap by providing young people with real-world experience.
• Strengthen the talent pipeline, ensuring businesses have access to well-trained employees in the future.
• Support the local economy by helping students gain skills that prepare them for high-quality employment opportunities.

4. Flexible placements to fit business needs

Many businesses hesitate to offer placements due to concerns about time and resource commitments. However, T Level industry placements are designed to be flexible, allowing businesses to structure them in a way that works best for them:

• Placement length: A minimum of 315 hours (around 45 days), which can be spread out over several months or delivered in blocks.
• Work arrangements: Ideally students are encouraged to do as many of their placement hours in the workplace however, reflecting common industry practices Digital T Level students can spend up to 50% of their hours working remotely. Students can also spend up to a third of their hours undertaking a team project, simulated tasks or training at the school or college site (or another external location), with employer supervision. The school or college will explore these options with you.
• Support from education providers: The school or college will explore these options with employers and help plan and manage the placement, ensuring a smooth experience for both the student and employer.

5. Support employee development through mentorship

Hosting a student isn’t just beneficial for the business - it also provides professional development opportunities for existing employees. Assigning a mentor to the student can:

• Improve leadership and coaching skills among staff.
• Boost team morale by allowing employees to share their expertise and contribute to skills development.
• Create a culture of learning where knowledge exchange benefits both students and the organisation.

6. How industry placements work in digital businesses and teams

This short video shares the real experience of hosting T Level students on industry placements, so that more employers can develop the know-how and confidence to host students themselves. 

The video includes:

1. How industry placements work in digital businesses and digital teams 
2. Benefits to the business
3. Real work
4. Relationships with students
5. Relationships with providers and community.

Video length: 5 minutes 17 seconds

7. Digital roles

The table shows some of the most common roles that a student in a digital placement could fill. Use it to help you consider possible roles for students in your organisation, department or team. It may also help you to think of other roles they could fill as well. 

8. How to get started

If you’re interested in hosting a T Level student on an industry placement, support is available to help you plan and manage the process. School and college providers will work with you to match students to your business needs and ensure the placement runs smoothly.

Find out more about hosting a digital T Level student by contacting a local T Level provide

Related content

• Digital and IT Skill Area
• Digital case studies:
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  • Lloyd's Banking Group Case Study
  • Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary
  • A digital T Level in 5 easy steps