T-Levels are a new approach to sector engagement, designed to develop and secure advanced technical skills aligned to industry standards, and to address the increasing skills shortages and labour costs in industries such as construction, as well as the many benefits (for all parties) of placing committed and motivated students into workplaces, through industrial placements.  Often technical students can make a genuine and lasting contribution and present a valuable new recruitment channel to any business.

FIS has been offered the opportunity to host an employer support package presentation, providing information on the benefits of T-Level’s and the support available for employers. There will also be opportunity to ask any questions you have. If you are interested in attending, please email georgeswann@thefis.org by Friday 11 February 2022.

About T-Levels
T-Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are deemed to be equivalent to three A levels.  These two year courses, which launched September 2020, are for 16 to 19 year olds and have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.

T-Levels offer students a mixture of 80% classroom learning and 20% ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 45 days.  The placement can take place as a block, day release or a mix of these, and employers receive an incentive payment of £1000 per student.  The scheme is designed for employer to:

  • Grow the talent pipeline
  • Attract a new generation of recruits from new sources
  • Tackle skill shortages
  • A chance to see potential future recruits using their skills and abilities
  • Streamline recruitment processes

For details of the support available for employers please see T Levels and industry placement support for employers

There are currently two Construction T-Levels:

Design, surveying and planning for construction (available now) the course offers a core knowledge of how the construction industry works, the principles of design and the role of technology and sustainability.  Students then have the chance to specialise in either Building services design, Civil engineering, Hazardous materials analysis or surveying.

Onsite construction (started September 2021) learners have the option to cover at least one trade from a choice of bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, painting and decorating or plastering.  FIS are seeking support to develop an occupational specialism in interior systems installation.

There are a number of progression options open to students.  These include skilled employment, an apprenticeship and higher education.  UCAS points are attached to the overall T-Level achievement grade.  If you would like to offer an Industrial Placement for T-Level students, you can register at Employers Next Steps or call 08000 150 600 (choose option 4).

There is a CSCS Card for Industry Placement: https://www.cscs.uk.com/card-type/industry-placement-card/ specially for T-Level and Traineeship students.