Common questions about Health and Science industry placements

T Level industry placements provide students with invaluable real-world experience in health and science settings, while offering employers the opportunity to cultivate future talent and support workforce development. These placements can take place in various environments, including hospitals, laboratories, care homes, research facilities, and community health organisations.

Below are common questions employers have, along with guidance on how schools and colleges can support you in offering a successful placement.

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.

Can we offer placements in non-clinical roles within our organisation?

Yes. Students can complete placements in various departments that support their course and skill development. For instance, you might host:

• A Digital student in your IT support or data analysis team
• A Business and Administration student in your administrative or HR department
• A Finance student in your accounting or budgeting team

The school or college will ensure the placement tasks align with the student’s qualification requirements.

Can part of the placement be completed remotely?

Yes. Up to 20% of the placement hours can be completed remotely, provided the tasks are suitable and support the student’s learning outcomes. Examples include:

• Data analysis or report writing
• Virtual meetings or training sessions
• Administrative tasks that don’t require on-site presence

The school or college will assist in structuring the remote component appropriately.

What tasks can students undertake in healthcare settings?

Students can engage in various supervised tasks, such as:

• Observing patient care and clinical procedures
• Assisting with non-invasive physiological measurements (e.g., blood pressure, temperature)
• Supporting administrative duties related to patient care

Consent and supervision are essential when students are involved in patient-related activities.

What tasks can students undertake in science workplaces?

In scientific settings, students may:

• Perform routine laboratory tasks under supervision
• Assist with equipment maintenance and calibration
• Conduct basic experiments following standard procedures
• Support data collection and analysis

Tasks will be assigned based on the student’s current skills and learning objectives.

What if our workplace has high safety or regulatory requirements?

Safety and compliance are paramount. Schools and colleges will support you in:

• Conducting comprehensive inductions covering health and safety protocols
• Developing risk assessments tailored to student involvement
• Ensuring students understand and adhere to regulatory standards
• Helping students meet any starting requirements such as vaccinations and occupational health checks

Placements can be structured to focus on low-risk activities initially, with responsibilities increasing as appropriate.

We’re concerned about supervision time - can we still participate?

Yes. Supervision can be managed effectively by:

• Sharing responsibilities among team members
• Utilising guidance and resources provided by the school or college
• Scheduling regular check-ins to monitor progress

Students often become more independent as they gain experience, reducing the supervision burden over time.

Can we host under-18s in healthcare settings?

Yes – with appropriate planning and safeguarding. NHS and other healthcare employers can host under-18s on T Level placements, but should follow sector guidance to manage risks and ensure safety. This includes providing appropriate supervision, considering the nature of tasks, and carrying out a thorough risk assessment.

Read the guidance for recruiting under-18s into NHS healthcare roles:

Recruiting under-18s into the NHS 

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 are the benefits of hosting a T Level placement?

Employers often report that placements:

• Introduce fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the team
• Provide opportunities to mentor and develop future professionals
• Strengthen connections with local schools and colleges
• Enhance the organisation’s reputation within the community

Participating in T Level placements is a meaningful way to contribute to workforce development and talent cultivation.

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?

Reach out to your local school or college offering T Levels in Health and Science. They will:

• Discuss suitable placement models for your organisation
• Match you with a student whose interests align with your work
• Provide ongoing support throughout the placement process

Whether you’re a large healthcare provider or a small research facility, there’s a flexible placement model that can work for you.