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 placement must be a minimum of 315-hours and  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 across multiple employers but working towards one set of learning goals
• Remote hours can be used where needed matching the sector established practice
• Up to one-third of hours conducted through simulated activities in skills hubs or training centres

Schools and colleges can help tailor the model to suit your business operations. Every employer involved will need to provide an appraisal of the learner’s progress against an agreed set of learning goals.

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 the placement cover a broader part of the student’s T Level route?

Yes. A student can complete a placement relevant to the broader content of their own T Level pathway or route, rather than only their occupational specialism. The provider must ensure the placement remains relevant to the student’s T Level content and learning goals. 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 some placement hours remotely where needed. The guidance recommends no more than 20% of the placement where possible, but more may be appropriate where remote working is established practice in the sector. This activity 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 as part of work taster activity
• 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?

An employer or employers must oversee the placement. An industry professional who is not teaching the T Level curriculum must set all placement tasks and activities. The employer must provide guidance and training and give an accurate, unbiased appraisal of the student’s performance. 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. The provider must identify the student’s individual needs and must discuss and arrange reasonable adjustments with the employer and student before the placement starts. Adjustments should be assessed and reviewed in a structured, individual and ongoing way. 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. The provider should communicate regularly with you and deal with concerns early. The provider must have procedures to address underlying issues and offer support or mentoring. If the situation remains unsatisfactory, the provider must support the your decision to withdraw the placement offer.

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 way to support workforce development and give back to your profession.

How do we get started?

Speak to a school or college that delivers the Legal Services, Finance or Accounting T Level. 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.

Myth busting for employers