Common questions about Legal, Finance and Accounting industry placements

T Level industry placements give students valuable real-world experience and help employers develop future talent in legal, financial, and professional services. Placements can take place in law firms, accountancy practices, in-house teams, finance departments, or across the wider professional and business services sector.

Below are common questions employers ask, with guidance on how schools and colleges can support you to get involved.

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

That’s not a problem. T Level placements are flexible and can be arranged in a way that suits your capacity and schedule. The 315-hour placement can be completed through:

• One or two days per week over a longer period
• Block placements during quieter or more suitable times
• A blend of day release and blocks
• Sharing the placement between up to three employers
• Up to 20% of hours delivered remotely for appropriate tasks
• Up to one-third of hours conducted through approved simulated activities in skills hubs or training centres

Schools and colleges can help tailor the model to suit your business operations.

We’re not a legal or finance business – can we still offer a placement?

Absolutely. Many businesses outside the legal and finance sectors have internal teams handling accounts, payroll, procurement, credit control, legal compliance or contracts. These functions can provide valuable, relevant placement opportunities for T Level students, even if they’re not your primary business focus.

Can we host a student from a different T Level route?

Yes. If your business can provide meaningful tasks linked to another T Level subject, you could host a student from a different course. For example:

• A Digital student could support with databases, systems or reporting
• A Business and Administration student could help in compliance or HR
• A Finance student could support with bookkeeping, payroll or analysis

The school or college will ensure the placement fits the student’s course requirements.

Can the student work remotely for some of the placement?

Yes. Students can complete a proportion (up to 63) of their 315 placement hours remotely, where the tasks are suitable. This might include:

• Drafting documents or reports
• Attending virtual team meetings
• Completing research or administrative tasks

The school or college will help you plan how remote working can be included.

What tasks are suitable for a placement?

This will depend on the student’s T Level, but examples might include:

• Preparing or reviewing documentation
• Supporting client communication and scheduling
• Researching legal, regulatory or financial information
• Shadowing professionals during meetings
• Helping with account reconciliation or budget tracking

Tasks should help students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to the real world. You’ll work with the school or college to agree what’s appropriate.

What if our work involves confidential or sensitive information?

That’s not a barrier. Schools and colleges will help you:

• Brief students on your confidentiality requirements
• Set appropriate boundaries for access to systems or documents
• Focus the placement on lower-risk or internal tasks if needed

Many employers start students on simple tasks and build up responsibility as trust and skills grow.

We’re a busy team – do we have time to supervise a student?

You don’t need to assign one person full-time to supervise. Supervision can be shared across the team, and the school or college will support you by providing:

• Templates and task lists
• Simple mentor guidance
• Check-ins to monitor progress and offer help

Students typically become more confident and independent over time.

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

What are the benefits of getting involved?

Employers often say that hosting a placement:

• Helps develop your future talent pipeline
• Brings energy and fresh ideas to the team
• Offers staff the opportunity to mentor or coach
• Builds links with local schools and colleges
• Demonstrates your commitment to developing young people

Placements are a practical, low-cost way to support workforce development and give back to your profession.

How do we get started?

Speak to a school or college that delivers T Levels in Legal, Finance or Accounting. They’ll:

• Help you design a placement that fits your setting
• Match you with a student
• Provide clear support throughout the process

Whether you’re a large firm or a small practice, there’s a way to make it work.