The Department of Education has announced reforms to vocational T Levels in England in a bid to boost uptake.
Under the new plans, most students will now be able to complete up to 20% of their placement hours remotely, rather than having to do them from a physical workplace, with the allowance increased to 50% for Digital T Levels. The government says this change is in line with industry trends and real-life hybrid working practices.
Another change will enable students to carry out industry placements—a key feature of T Levels, offering students invaluable experience in their chosen fields—in a simulated environment on the provider site, for example in a school or college, with the activity overseen by their industry placement employer. The government says this will reduce barriers for SMEs who often don’t have the necessary space, which will in turn grow the pool of potential employers and create more opportunities for students.
Moreover, placements will no longer be restricted to the specific T Level subject being studied by students, enabling them to gain experience across related subjects within their chosen route.
The government says that, by updating placement guidelines, T Levels are staying ahead of workplace trends, ensuring students gain practical experience in dynamic, evolving industries.
The changes are part of wider government reforms to deliver the skills businesses need to grow without being dependent on migrant labour, as outlined by the Prime Minister last week.
Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “We are cutting red tape to make it easier than ever for employers and providers to take part in T Level Industry Placements while ensuring students benefit from meaningful, high-quality experiences.
“We’ve listened to businesses and these changes reflect what they need to help them offer T Levels and our missions of boosting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity.
“Whether it’s offering remote placements in the fast-evolving digital sector or enabling more simulated environments for industries like engineering, we’re giving students more opportunities to gain the skills and experience they need for their future careers.”
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