T Level industry placements boosted with new measures

The government has announced reforms designed to cut red tape around T Levels to boost the number taking them and accessing industry placements.

In line with industry trends and real-life hybrid working practices most students will now be able to complete up to 20% of their placement hours remotely, rather than having to do them from a physical workplace, with the allowance increased to 50% for Digital T Levels.

T Levels are technical qualifications equivalent in value to three A levels. They include a 45-day industry placement, giving young people workplace experience in fields including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, early years education and digital technology.

Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships, said: "We are cutting red tape to make it easier than ever for employers and providers to take part in T Level Industry Placements while ensuring students benefit from meaningful, high-quality experiences.

"We’ve listened to businesses and these changes reflect what they need to help them offer T Levels and our missions of boosting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

"Whether it’s offering remote placements in the fast-evolving digital sector or enabling more simulated environments for industries like engineering, we’re giving students more opportunities to gain the skills and experience they need for their future careers.

These changes ensure the industry placements are accessible, practical, and better tailored to prepare students for the modern workplace.

The government is also making it possible to carry out simulated placement activity on the provider site, for example in a school or college, where this is overseen by their industry placement employer.

This includes small group projects and will be especially helpful for high-risk industries such as engineering and manufacturing where students will be able to develop their skills and experience in a safer, controlled setting.

The increased flexibility also benefits small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often face barriers like limited office space. This will grow the pool of potential employers and create more opportunities for students.

Likewise, placements will no longer be restricted to the specific T Level subject being studied by students.

Students can now gain experience across related subjects within their chosen route. For example, within the Agriculture, environmental and animal care route, students can use their placement to explore the shared principles behind Animal care and management, and Agriculture, Land Management and production. This change offers greater flexibility, opening up a wider range of experiences and opportunities for students.

By updating placement guidelines, T Levels are staying ahead of workplace trends, ensuring students gain practical experience in dynamic, evolving industries.