Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Successful implementation of the new T level qualifications risks being delayed by a lack of...
Conclusion
Successful implementation of the new T level qualifications risks being delayed by a lack of work placements. In May 2018, the then Permanent Secretary at the Department requested and was given a ministerial direction, as he had concerns about the feasibility of delivering the new T level technical qualifications in 2020. The first three qualifications were launched in September 2020, but we remain concerned about the practicability of implementing the programme. A crucial element of each T level is the 20% of time spent on a work placement at a relevant employer, but colleges tell us of difficulties in securing those placements. COVID-19 has forced many employers to work virtually, and this is likely to reduce the opportunities for work placements even further. The ESFA acknowledges that some people still do not know what T levels are, but says it is working to engage with employers about the programme. Recommendation: The Department should write to the Committee before the start of the next academic year setting out what up-to-date assurance it has that there will be enough work placements for T levels. This should cover what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the availability of placements, and plans to incorporate virtual placements.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: July 2021 4.2 It is crucial that industry placements are high-quality to ensure that students have a successful T Level experience. 4.3 The department is monitoring the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the delivery of industry placements. The first cohort of T Levels is relatively small, with approximately 1,300 students. The department has introduced some temporary flexibilities to placements to support their delivery, which includes reducing the number of minimum placement hours required for students on the Early Years Educator Occupational Specialism. The department has invested over £165 million since the 2018-19 academic year to help providers build capacity to deliver placements and is providing dedicated support to providers to help them source placements. The department has also implemented a package of support for employers, where they can access advice, workshops and webinars, and is running a pilot to test what financial support employers need to deliver placements. The department will continue to work closely with providers and employers to ensure it understands the delivery challenges and how to overcome them. 4.4 The department will write to the Committee in July 2021 to set out what assurances it has that there will be enough industry placements for T Levels; what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the availability of placements; and what further support the department will put in place to ensure there are enough high-quality placements available for students.