THE BIG Placement Pledge - Your opportunity to shape tomorrow, today.
Open your doors to a T Level student and gain fresh talent, new ideas and a future workforce.
We’ve got more young people than ever starting T Levels with us – and every single one needs a great industry placement.
That’s where you come in.
THE BIG Placement Pledge is all about bringing together students and employers to create opportunities that matter. By opening your doors to a student, you’ll be helping them take their first steps into the world of work – and shaping the skills your business and our region need for the future.
Why get involved?
When you make a pledge, you’ll:
- Welcome fresh ideas and enthusiasm into your workplace
- Build a future pipeline of skilled employees
- Get full support from our Work Placement Team every step of the way
Our T Level students are ready to make an impact in:
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Health & Science
- Digital & IT
- Education & Childcare
- Business & Finance
- Agriculture and animal management
What is a T Level placement?
T Levels are two-year qualifications for 16-19-year-olds. Each course includes at least 45 days (315 hours) of industry experience, giving students the chance to apply their learning in real workplaces.
For employers, it’s a low-cost, high-impact way to shape tomorrow’s talent while getting valuable support in the here and now.
We had record-breaking T Level applications in 2025, and it kick-started THE BIG Placement Pledge – our campaign encouraging employers to open their doors to learners.
Across the three-month campaign, here’s what we’ve been up to:
Highlighted the brilliant work of employers already supporting our learners
Celebrated student success, including former learners progressing into skilled roles
Welcomed engagement from new employers, such as Babcock International
Expanded our Work Placement Team to support both employers and learners
The campaign has really shone a light on the fantastic work our employer partners already do.
We’ve heard from organisations who have been supporting T Level students for several years, as well as new employers keen to get involved. What’s clear is the growing recognition of the value these placements bring to workplaces of all sizes.
“THE BIG Placement Pledge has been a real success in bringing employers and education closer together. It has helped us showcase the impact of T Level placements, celebrate the employers already doing brilliant work, and spark new interest from organisations who want to support young people. We’re ending the campaign with real momentum and a stronger network for our students’ future success.”
— Ann Simpson, Work Placement Team Leader
It’s not too late to make your own pledge.
If you’re interested in offering a T Level industry placement, fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with the next steps.
Still not sure?
Explore our T Level industry placement myth-busting guide or hear directly from our employers using the buttons below.
Our current employers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is a T Level placement?
Each placement is 315 hours (approximately 45 days). This can be delivered – for example, one day per week, in a block or a mix of both.
When do placements begin?
Most placements start from the autumn term, but we’ll work with you to find a format and timing that suits your business.
What kind of tasks should students be given?
Students will have a set of targets they’ll be working towards, and these will be provided to you as the employer prior to the student starting. It will be a mix of technical skills and professional behaviours linked to their specific industry or pathway.
Do I need to pay the student?
No – T Level placements are unpaid. Some of our employers choose to pay their students but that is at your own discretion.
Are students covered by our insurance?
In most cases, yes. T Level students are usually covered under your existing Employer Liability Insurance. We can help confirm this with you.
Do we need to do safeguarding checks?
No DBS is required unless the student will be left unsupervised regularly. We provide safeguarding guidance and support to ensure you’re compliant and confident.
Do we need a mentor or training manager?
The student will need a line manager to support them and to be able to complete evaluations and placement monitoring visits as needed.
Will I have lots of paperwork?
No. We’ll handle the documentation and keep admin light. We may ask for basic feedback during or after the placement.
What if things don’t work out?
We stay in contact throughout and will step in to support you and the student if needed.