Cash boost for T-levels announced
by Educate Magazine May 27, 2021 · Sixth Form & College News
Employers will be able to claim a £1,000 cash boost for every T-level student they host on a high-quality industry placement, as part of a new incentive scheme.
The new technical qualifications – co-created with over 250 employers including Fujitsu and Amazon – are equivalent to three A-levels and uniquely combine classroom study with industry placements.
Industry placements form a key component of T-level courses, with students spending at least 45 days (or 315 hours) with an employer.
They offer local businesses a chance to nurture and build a skilled talent pipeline for the future, while helping to level up opportunities as we recover from the pandemic. Students gain vital hands-on experience and invaluable insight of the world of work, setting them up for success in the next steps of their career.
Minister for apprenticeships and skills Gillian Keegan said: “T-levels are a game changer for young people, providing a fantastic high-quality technical alternative to A-levels and helping to produce the skilled talent pipeline of tomorrow as we recover from the pandemic.
“Employers are already recognising the value hosting a T-level industry placement can bring to their business, helping them to build the skilled workforce they need for the future. This temporary cash boost will help even more employers to experience the benefits, while also providing young people with invaluable first-hand experience in the workplace.”
The incentive fund is designed to offer support to employers impacted by the pandemic, to ensure they can continue to host placements. Employers will be able to claim for up to 20 students for the available T Level subject areas from 27 May 2021 until July 2022.
The first three T-levels in design, surveying and planning for construction, digital production, design and development and education and childcare were introduced in September 2020. A further seven will be available from 2021 in subjects including healthcare, science and onsite construction and subjects including finance, media, broadcast and production and legal services will be introduced from 2022 and 2023.
The fund will complement the employer support package already in place, which provides support for employers to deliver high-quality industry placements, through online guidance, case studies and workshops and an Invitation to tender will be launched this summer. This package will be continued into the 2021/22 academic year.
