Making the Business Case for Industry Placements

Making the business case for hosting T Level placements

If you're keen to host T Level students but need to bring others in your organisation along with you, a clear case for support can really help. Whether you're having informal conversations or putting together a more formal proposal, this guide offers tips and resources to make it easier.

Why build a business case?

You might not need a full written proposal – but it’s useful to be ready to explain:

• • Why placements make sense for your organisation
  • What the potential benefits are
  • How you’ll manage the practicalities

Even a simple summary or short presentation can help secure support from colleagues and decision-makers.

What could it include?

If you decide to create a written case, here are some useful sections to cover:

• • Background – Why placements are relevant now (e.g. workforce needs, CSR, skills shortages)
  • Objectives – What your organisation hopes to achieve
  • Benefits – From developing talent to building community links
  • Requirements – Staff time, mentoring, basic onboarding
  • Costs and risks – And how they can be managed or offset
  • Success measures – Ways to track the value of the placement
  • Recommendation – What support or decision you’re asking for

Tips for getting others on board

• • Link the opportunity to wider goals like recruitment, development or community engagement.
  • Use real examples or sector stats to bring it to life
  • Keep your messaging clear, practical and tailored to your audience.
  • Be ready to answer questions – especially about time, supervision and outcomes.
  • Show how it could work in practice, with a simple plan and timeline.

Support and resources

We’ve created a template and editable presentation to help you make your case – whether you’re presenting to senior leaders or just starting a conversation with your team.

• • Download the business case template (Word)
  • Download the presentation slides 
  • Case studies and examples of practice

Your T Level provider can also help you prepare and make the case internally.