Your responsibilities as an employer

This page is designed to help you understand your responsibilities when hosting a T Level student on an industry placement. It offers clear, practical guidance so you can plan ahead, feel confident in your role, and provide a meaningful experience for the student.

Your school or college partner (known as the provider) will support you at every step. By working together, you can create a structured and supportive placement that benefits both the student and your business.

Before the placement

Work with the provider to:

• • Agree the dates, duration and delivery model (e.g. block, day release, or blended)
  • Set out what the student will do and how they’ll be supported
  • Select the most suitable student
  • Confirm the learning goals and complete an Industry Placement Agreement

Make sure:

• • You have a named supervisor or mentor in place
  • Relevant health and safety checks and risk assessments are completed
  • You have appropriate insurance and policies in place (e.g. safeguarding, confidentiality)

During the placement

You’ll be expected to:

• • Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive working environment[GL1] 
  • Provide an initial induction and any training the student needs to settle in and get started
  • Support the student to complete meaningful tasks linked to their course
  • Offer regular supervision and feedback
  • Stay in touch with the provider to flag any issues early

The provider will check in with you and the student throughout the placement.

After the placement

Once the placement ends, you’ll be asked to:

• • Take part in a short review with the provider
  • Provide feedback on the student’s performance and development
  • Consider offering future placements or progression opportunities (optional)

This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on what went well and how future placements could be developed.

If things don’t go to plan

If a student is struggling, or if your capacity changes, contact the provider as soon as possible. They can:

• • Support with a review of the placement plan
  • Help make changes to tasks, hours or delivery model
  • Offer pastoral support to the student

Remember, you’re not expected to manage this alone.

Further support

If you’re hosting for the first time, explore these resources:

• • Step-by-step guide for first-time hosts
  • Tips on mentoring and supervision
  • Common challenges and how to handle them