Common questions about Creative and Design industry placements

T Level industry placements give students the chance to gain hands-on experience in real creative and design settings – while giving employers a fresh perspective and the opportunity to support future talent in the sector.

Placements can take place in areas such as visual and graphic design, content creation, broadcasting, publishing, interior and set design, and digital production.

Below are some of the most common questions employers ask – and how schools and colleges can support you to make it work.

What if we can’t offer a full-time, long-term or regular placement?

T Level placements are designed to be flexible. The required 315 hours can be delivered through:

• One or two days a week across several months
• Block placements at quieter times in your calendar
  • A blend of blocks and day release 
  • A shared placement, split across two or three employers
• Up to 20% of hours delivered remotely where appropriate
• Simulated activities, where needed, for up to one-third of the total hours

Your school or college will work with you to design a model that suits your capacity and creative workflow.

Our projects are often short and fast-paced – is that a problem?

Not at all. Placements can be designed around your projects. Students might work across different briefs during their time with you or focus on a single commission.

You can:

• Involve students in early-stage ideation or research
• Assign a project that runs the length of the placement
• Build in time for shadowing, review, and reflection

Schools and colleges understand how creative timelines shift and can help plan flexibly.

Can freelancers or contractors support the student?

Yes – as long as the student has a named supervisor and a safe, supportive environment. Freelancers or associates can be a great source of guidance, particularly if they work closely with your business or are co-located.

The school or college can advise on what’s appropriate and help make sure students are well supported day-to-day.

What kinds of tasks can students do?

Tasks should align with the student’s T Level and help them develop relevant technical and transferable skills. These could include:

• Supporting with visual content, animation or layout
• Assisting with set, costume or interior design preparation
• Helping with editing or post-production
• Carrying out research and creating mood boards
• Preparing presentations, scripts or storyboards
• Supporting marketing or digital media activity

You don’t need to hand over big responsibilities. Start small and build confidence gradually.

Can we offer placements in other parts of our business?

Yes – placements don’t need to be in core creative roles only. If you have a marketing team, operations team, or customer service function, you may be able to host students from other T Level routes.

For example:

• A Business and Administration student could support with scheduling or events
• A Digital student might work on social media analytics or website updates

Speak to your local school or college about what’s possible.

Can the student work remotely?

Yes – students can complete up to 20% of the placement remotely, provided the tasks are suitable and the student is well supported.

This might include:

• Design work using shared platforms
• Online project research or script writing
• Attending remote team meetings

Remote work should still include clear tasks, feedback and contact time – your school or college can help you set this up.

What if we’re a small business or studio?

That’s not a barrier. Many smaller creative businesses offer brilliant placement experiences.

Placements can be shared with another employer or spread out over time. You don’t need to have a formal office – a safe, structured, and creative environment is what matters most.

We’re concerned about time to supervise – is that manageable?

Yes – supervision can be shared across your team and doesn’t need to be full-time. Schools and colleges will provide:

• Simple supervision guidance
• A plan for student tasks and goals
• Ongoing support and check-ins

Some employers also involve apprentices or junior staff as mentors – which can be great development for them too.

Can we support students with additional needs?

Absolutely. Schools and colleges will work with you to plan appropriate support. This might include: 

• Adjusted hours or duties 
• Extra check-ins or buddy systems 
• Use of assistive technologies 
• A tailored support plan to ensure success 

With the right planning, many students with additional needs thrive in technical settings and contribute positively to teams.

What if things don’t go to plan?

Even well-planned placements can come with a few bumps along the way – and that’s completely normal. Your school or college is there to support you. Whether it’s adapting tasks, re-setting expectations, or pausing and restarting the placement, you’re not expected to manage challenges alone. 

Top tips for a smooth placement 

• Keep communication open between you, the student and the school or college 
• Treat the student like a new team member – set clear expectations and offer feedback 
• Start small – confidence builds quickly with encouragement and structure 
• If anything isn’t working, talk to your provider early – most issues can be easily resolved 

How do we get started?

Speak to your local school or college that delivers T Levels. They’ll work with you to: 

• Design a placement model that fits your business 
• Identify suitable students 
• Provide guidance and support throughout the process 

Placements are flexible – and there’s a model to suit even the most dynamic creative businesses.