Recommendation 26

HM Government · verbatim extract Not Addressed

As part of our employer engagement strategy, designed to develop a pipeline of employers ready to offer placement opportunities, our conversations show there is no evidence to suggest that employers who offer industry placements do so to the detriment of other parts of the skills agenda. Many large levy paying employers see industry placements as a conduit to their apprenticeship programmes. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many SMEs are more likely to engage with the programme where they see tangible progression outcomes for the students they work with such as an apprenticeship opportunity. To build awareness and understanding of T Levels, and therefore industry placements, we have set up the T Level Ambassador Network. Its members are advocates for technical education and the benefits of hosting industry placements and have a key role in bringing industry and education together. The Ambassador Network represents a wide range of sectors but also sizes of employers, with both SMEs and large business representation. In line with broader Government objectives we have adopted a ‘digital first’ approach to our engagement strategy and recently launched the ‘Connect with employers interested in T Levels ’ service, to help providers to connect and build relationships with employers about T Levels and industry placements. The service allows employers to express an interest in offering placements, and providers can access this data and initiate contact. Careers Hubs are already working with over 400 Cornerstone Employer groups that represent a range of business sizes and of sectors. They drive leadership and strategic support within their communities to bring together business effort and engagement with local schools and colleges. The Cornerstone Employer group can provide an efficient way to assemble a representative range of business interests quickly on areas including T levels.