Nov 7, 2023
By Chloe Franklin, Marketing and Communications Manager, EngineeringUK
If you’re a small business in engineering and technology, you’ll know the industry is at the heart of our future productivity and prosperity. You’ll also realise how important it is to have a skilled and motivated workforce. But with the UK facing a skills shortage in engineering, it can be really difficult to find the right people.
That's where T Levels come in. T Levels are a new type of technical qualification that have been specifically designed to address skills needs. The curriculum is up-to-date and relevant and engineering employers of all sizes have had an input. They combine classroom learning that includes both theory and practical, hands-on training with an extended industry placement. Students complete a T Level with the knowledge and skills they need to hit the ground running in their careers. And for you to benefit from fresh, young talent coming through.
It's hard running a business right now. So how can T Levels help?
T Levels offer a range of benefits to engineering, manufacturing and technology businesses, including:
- The key to unlocking young talent T Levels are attracting a high calibre of students, many of whom would not have considered a career in engineering before. This gives small businesses access to a new pool of potential employees
- Reduced training costs T Level students gain valuable industry experience during their placement, so small businesses don't have to spend as much time and money recruiting and training them
- Increased productivity T Level students are equipped with the skills they need to be productive from the start, which can help your business boost its output and efficiency
- Improved innovation T Level students bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the workplace, which can help small businesses to stay ahead of the curve
What does a T Level look like?
Students can choose between 3 Engineering & Manufacturing T level courses to be relevant to your work:
- Design and development
- Maintenance, installation and repair
- Engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
Plus there are other T Levels that might also be appropriate, such as those in digital and construction.
Getting started with T Levels
Watch the short case study above to see how one engineering and manufacturing business continues to enjoy the benefits T Levels bring. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Visit the T Levels website for employers It has all the information you need about T Levels, including how to offer an industry placement
- Attend a T Levels employer event This is a great way to learn more about T Levels and to meet other businesses that are offering industry placements.
- Working with local schools and colleges to develop partnerships and to promote T Levels to students. For example, businesses could offer to give talks to students or host open days. Contact your local school or college and they’ll be able to tell you how to get involved
- Offering industry placements This is the best way to support T Levels. Industry placements of 45 days can be tailored to the needs of your business
T Levels really make a difference
T Levels are a vital part of the future of engineering, technology and manufacturing in the UK. Reassuringly, T Levels align with industry standards. They’re of high quality and are rigorously tested. Students learn a wide range of skills, including producing and interpreting drawings, building models and simulations using CAD software, quality control, fault finding, and risk assessments – and can be tailored to suit your business.
By joining the growing number of businesses taking part and supporting T Levels, businesses like yours really can play a critical role in helping secure the future of engineering in the UK.
Find out more
Visit gov.uk to see how your business can benefit from T Levels and start the process for offering T Level industry placements.
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