Industry placement models for Business and Administration

T Level industry placements are a vital part of the Business and Administration curriculum. They allow students to put their learning into practice, develop essential skills and gain real insight into the sector. Each placement must last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) and can be structured flexibly to suit the needs of both students and employers.

Placement models
There are three main models for structuring placements:

1. Day release
Students attend the workplace for one or two days per week over a longer period.

This model works well when:
- Tasks are routine or continuous
- There’s a need for consistent involvement
- The student can build skills gradually

Example: A student supports general admin tasks, attends team meetings, and updates spreadsheets each Friday over two school terms.

2. Block placement
Students attend the workplace full-time for several weeks, typically during term breaks or quiet college periods.

This model works well when:
- Projects or events need focused support
- The employer has defined short-term needs
- The student can be immersed in business operations

Example: A student assists with event planning and logistics at a business consultancy over a four-week summer placement.

3. Mixed model
This combines elements of day release and block placement for flexibility.

This model works well when:
- Initial onboarding needs concentrated time
- Project work benefits from consistent input over time
Example: A student completes a two-week induction and then attends weekly to help implement a process improvement project.

Flexible delivery approaches
To help employers offer placements in a way that works for them, several flexible models are available:

Work taster activities: Up to 35 hours to help the student explore the workplace and build confidence before committing.

Example: A student spends a few days shadowing colleagues across departments to understand different admin roles before starting their placement.

Remote (hybrid) placement: Up to 20% of the placement can be delivered remotely if appropriate.

Example: A student completes document preparation and scheduling tasks from a provider campus with virtual check-ins.

Route-level placements: Experience can be gained across the wider business and administration route.

Example: A student rotates through HR, finance and facilities to understand how different functions contribute to the organisation.

Skills hubs or employer training centres*: Students can spend up to one-third of hours in a structured simulated setting before going onsite.

Example: A student builds confidence in handling documents and managing communications before starting at a business support office.

Small team projects*: Students complete employer-set projects in supervised teams.

Example: A group of students help a charity develop a basic CRM system and admin process, working from a college hub with employer guidance.

Part-time work: Paid part-time roles may count if aligned with the T Level.

Example: A student working in a retail admin team develops inventory and finance reporting skills under agreed objectives.

Multiple employers^: Placements split between two employers.

Example: A student splits their time between the main office of a local council and a partner HR consultancy to gain wider administrative experience.

Supply chain and networks^: Involves up to 3 employers in a supply chain or network.

Example: A student supports document handling in a distribution centre, then completes the rest of their placement at a linked supplier’s customer service team.

* ^ cannot be used in combination with another approach of the same type.

Planning your placement
Your local school or college will work with you to design a placement that suits your organisation.
They can:

- Match students with the right skills and interests
- Help agree practical tasks and goals
- Support supervision and onboarding
- Monitor progress and help resolve issues

Industry placements are a flexible, supported way to grow future talent while giving students a meaningful introduction to the business world.