Countering common misconceptions: Here’s how placements can work for any organisation

Still unsure whether a T Level placement would work for your organisation? You’re not alone.

Many employers have similar questions before getting involved – and that’s completely normal. But in most cases, the things that cause hesitation can be easily addressed.

Here are some of the most common concerns we hear, along with practical reassurance based on real experiences from employers across different sectors.

Time and resource

“It will take too much time to supervise someone”

The reality: You don’t need to provide full-time supervision. Many employers share responsibility across a team or involve junior staff, such as apprentices, as buddies or mentors.

“I wasn’t sure I had the time to supervise a student, but working with our T Level provider made it manageable.” – Health Education England

“It sounds like a lot of paperwork”

The reality: Your T Level provider will take the lead on documentation. They’ll guide you through what’s needed, including risk assessments and placement agreements.

“It was all really simple – the college handled the paperwork and gave us everything we needed.” – Wilmott Dixon

Size and suitability

“We’re not a big enough company”

The reality: T Level placements work for employers of all sizes. Small and micro businesses often offer excellent learning experiences and benefit from the support students provide.  By choosing the delivery approach which works for you, you too can host an industry placement.

“We’re only a small company but have hosted several students. It’s been really worthwhile.” – LCB Construction

“Our workplace isn’t suitable for a student”

The reality: If you offer a safe, welcoming environment and meaningful tasks, a placement is possible. Providers will help you adapt things if needed.

“I didn’t think we’d have the right setup, but it turned out the student could apply their skills in lots of ways.” – Softcat

Cost and expectations

“Do I need to pay the student?”

The reality: You don’t need to pay students. Industry placements are part of their course. Some employers choose to offer travel or lunch costs, but it’s entirely optional. A targeted Employer Support Fund will be available to support placements starting from 23rd April 2025 to 31st March 2026 and contribute to the essential costs for all employers hosting Health and Construction T Level students and SMEs providing placements for all other T Levels.

“There’s no obligation to pay, though we did offer lunch and travel which the student appreciated.” – Fujitsu 

“I’ll have to give them loads of work to do”

The reality: You agree the tasks with your provider in advance. These are often small, structured and manageable. The focus is on developing skills and confidence.

“We were surprised how quickly our student settled in and took on meaningful tasks.” – BAE Systems

Skills and supervision

“What if the student doesn’t have the right skills?”

The reality: T Level students study technical content before their placement. Your provider will help match a student to your business and support them to prepare.

“The student already had good knowledge – we just needed to show them how to apply it in our setting.” – IBM

“We’re not trained to supervise students”

The reality: You don’t need teaching experience. You just need to provide guidance, encouragement and a safe environment. Providers offer resources and check-in support.

“We treated them like a new team member and supported them the same way – it worked really well.” – JCB

Safeguarding and liability

“I’m worried about health and safety or safeguarding”

The reality: You’ll need employer liability insurance and a basic risk assessment. Your provider will help you meet safeguarding responsibilities. Students are treated like any new recruit.

“The safeguarding process was clearly explained – we felt fully supported.” – North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust

More information on this topic.

“What if something goes wrong?”

The reality: If issues arise, your provider will help. Whether it’s an adjustment, a change of plan or extra support, you’re not expected to manage it alone.

“There were a few bumps at the start, but with support from the provider, everything settled down.” – Accenture

Value and impact

“I’m not sure it’s worth the effort”

The reality: Employers often gain more than they expect. Students can bring energy, ideas and useful support – and many go on to become future recruits.  34% of those who are in work and who did an industry placement are working for their industry placement organisation (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/technical-education-learner-progression-survey-2024)

“Our student brought a fresh perspective and contributed to real projects. We’d definitely do it again.” – NHS Trust

“I’m not sure where to start”

The reality: Start by contacting a local college or school that delivers T Levels. They’ll explain the process, guide you through the setup, and support you throughout.

“We didn’t know where to begin, but once we contacted our provider, everything fell into place.” – Mott MacDonald

Placements shaped around your needs.

Your school or college will help you to design and build a placement model which works for you and your business.  Placements can be flexible and if you are concerned you can’t do it all here are some practical ways employers can host students:

Combine face-to-face and remote hours

You can offer part of a placement remotely:

• Up to 20% of hours for most T Levels
• Up to 50% for Digital T Levels

This is ideal if your workplace uses hybrid working, or if capacity for on-site support is limited.

Tip: Use remote hours for research, online training, project work or virtual meetings – just make sure students have regular check-ins and support.

Use team-based or project-based supervision

If you’re concerned about staff availability, placements can now include:

• Small group projects supervised by more than one team member
• Activities that mix observation, shadowing, and real tasks
• Simulated activities at a provider site (with your input), if needed

Tip: Apprentices and junior staff can make great mentors or buddies – and benefit from it too.

Work with other employers

You don’t have to do it alone. Placements can be split across:

• Multiple departments or sites within your organisation
• Two or three [GL13] employers working in partnership
• A shared project that spans different roles or locations

 Tip: This can work well if you’re a small business or only able to host part of the time.

Adapt to changes in business needs

If your availability changes after the placement has started, you can:

• Adjust the schedule
• Pause and restart
• Switch to a different delivery model in agreement with your provider

Tip: Keep in touch with your provider – they can help re-shape the placement if circumstances shift.

Want help dealing with issues during a placement? See our tips for overcoming challenges in the workplace.