How T Level students can progress after an industry placement

T Level industry placements provide students with valuable real-world experience, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. For employers, these placements are an opportunity to identify and nurture emerging talent, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.

By understanding the progression pathways available to T Level students, businesses can explore ways to retain skilled individuals and support their transition into employment.

Why employers should support T Level student progression

T Level placements are more than just short-term work experience - they help employers:

• • Access a pipeline of skilled talent trained in industry-relevant skills.
  • Develop the next generation of workers to meet evolving business needs.
  • Reduce recruitment costs by offering a clear progression route for talented students.
  • Support corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals by investing in young people’s career development.

By planning how T Level students can progress within your organisation, you can maximise the return on investment from their placement and build a stronger, future-ready workforce.

What are the progression pathways for T Level students?

After completing their industry placement and T Level qualification, students have a range of options, including:

1. Employment (Full-time or part-time roles)

Many T Level students are ready to step straight into entry-level jobs. By hiring a student who has completed their placement with you, you benefit from someone who:

• • Is already familiar with your business, culture, and processes.
  • Has gained hands-on experience and technical knowledge.
  • Requires less training compared to a new recruit.

Employer tip: Consider offering a structured onboarding plan to support T Level graduates as they transition into permanent roles.

2. Higher-level apprenticeships

Some students may choose to continue learning through higher or degree apprenticeships, allowing them to gain qualifications while working. Employers benefit by:

• Retaining skilled talent while further developing their expertise.
• Filling higher-level skills gaps in areas such as digital, engineering, and health.
• Supporting career progression within the company.

Employer tip: Explore apprenticeship pathways in your industry and discuss opportunities with students towards the end of their placement.

3. Further education or university

T Level students can also progress to higher education, such as:

• Foundation degrees or higher national diplomas.
• University degree courses linked to their subject area.

Employers can stay connected with students who choose this route and offer:

• Holiday work experience to keep them engaged with your business.
• Graduate roles once they complete their studies.

Employer tip: Encourage students to stay in touch and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

4. How to plan career progression for T Level graduates using IfATE occupational maps

The Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) occupational maps provide a structured way for employers to plan the next steps for a T Level graduate who joins their workforce.

What Are IfATE occupational Maps?

IfATE has developed occupational maps to show the different career pathways available to individuals after completing T Levels. These maps outline how a T Level graduate can move into employment, apprenticeships, or further education, helping employers design clear career progression routes.

How employers can use IfATE occupational maps

• Identify next steps: Use the maps to see which job roles, apprenticeships, or further study align with a T Level graduate’s skills.
• Plan career pathways: Structure progression routes for new employees, showing how they can develop within your organisation.
• Guide training decisions: Assess whether additional training or upskilling is needed to support a graduate’s career growth.
• Support workforce planning: Use the maps to identify where T Level graduates fill skills gaps within your business.

Employer tip: When hiring a T Level graduate, map out their career pathway in your business, showing opportunities for progression into higher roles or further learning.

5. Making progression work for your business

Plan progression routes early

• Identify roles in your organisation that align with T Level skills.
• Discuss career pathways with students before their placement ends.
• Work with your HR team to develop a clear progression framework using IfATE maps.

Offer mentorship and training

• Assign a workplace mentor to support students during and after their placement.
• Provide additional training where needed to bridge any skill gaps.
• Encourage peer learning by pairing T Level students with experienced staff.
• How to Get Started

Supporting a T Level student beyond their industry placement and T Level qualification is a great way to invest in future talent.

By taking small, practical steps, employers can play a vital role in shaping the careers of young professionals while strengthening their own workforce for the future.