What are industry placements?

An industry placement is part of a T Level course - a new qualification for 16-19-year olds designed by employers.

T Level students spend 80% of the course in the classroom, learning the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.

Industry placements are a shift from traditional work experience to a longer, more structured placement in the workplace for young people to develop real work skills and make a meaningful contribution to your organisation. Placements will last at least 315 hours (approx. 45 days), either in day release or blocks.

Find out more about how industry placements work

Who can offer industry placements?

If you are an employer in England (unavailable in Scotland and Wales), you can offer an industry placement to a T Level student. 

Industry placements must take place in a work environment, so it's a good idea to offer placements via a T Level school or college that's close to your organisation's premises. 

Before you offer a placement, you should make sure you're happy with your responsibilities as an employer. 

How many placements can I offer?

You can offer as many industry placements as you wish. If you would like to host students across multiple business locations, please contact us.

How much does it cost?

T Level industry placements are a free government scheme - you don't need to pay to take on a T Level student for a placement. 

There may be certain business costs, like time invested in planning, training and supervising, and you can choose to pay the student if you wish. 

Find out more about the business benefits and costs of an industry placement

What skills do T Level students have?

The first T Levels started in 2020. By September 2024, there will be  24 T Level courses, covering 11 skill areas.

Within each course, students develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, as well as topics specific to the course and an occupational specialism.

You can offer a placement to any T Level student if you think it will be a meaningful placement. For example, your organisation does not have to have a digital focus to offer a Digital and IT student an industry placement.

Find out more about T Level skill areas

Why should I offer industry placements?

Industry placements give you a chance to work alongside the next generation of workers entering your industry, making sure they develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to succeed. 

They give you:

• fresh ideas and input from the next generation
• a talent pipeline for the future
• a way for you to fill skills gaps
• a chance for staff to develop supervisory and mentoring skills
• an opportunity to build a more diverse workforce
• an enhanced reputation in your community

Find out more about the benefits of an industry placement

How do I offer an industry placement?

More than 5000 employers are already working with local schools and colleges to offer industry placements. Find out more about how industry placements work

If you're interested in offering an industry placement, your first step is to get in touch with T Level schools and colleges near you. 

Once you've found a school or college you'd like to work with, they will support you throughout the process.