Recommendation 2

There is a risk that colleges cannot secure enough industry placements for more students to complete their T Levels. Industry placements are a mandatory part of a T Level. While 98% of students finishing their T Level in summer 2024 completed a placement, colleges will need to find significantly more placements should student numbers increase in line with forecasts. However, only one third of employers are aware of T Levels and colleges face challenges sourcing placements in certain locations and for certain courses, such as engineering, digital and health. The Department has previously estimated that a shortage of teachers and industry placements would limit T Levels to 48,000 enrolments but is now confident this risk has been mitigated. For example, from January 2025, it allowed 20% of a placement to be remote (50% for placements in Digital T Levels) and recently reintroduced funding, available from 23 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, for small to medium employers offering placements or those offering health- related placements. The Department has trialled placement co-ordinators for some integrated care boards. It is having conversations with mayoral strategic authorities and recognises that Local Skills Improvement Plans are useful in raising awareness of T Levels. recommendation The Department should set out its plan to improve employer awareness of T Levels, capitalising on local arrangements, including Local Skills Improvement Plans and expanding good practice in finding health placements through integrated care boards.