As part of government reforms to reduce red tape and increase the number of students taking T-levels, up to half of their industry placements can be completed remotely.
According to industry trends and hybrid work practices, students can complete up to 20 percent of their placements remotely. The allowance for digital T levels has been increased to 50 percent.
The government stated that this would expand the opportunities for learners to gain the necessary skills to help reduce the reliance of the country on migrant workers to fill in skills gaps.
The T-levels have the same value as three A-levels. The nine-week placement gives young people the opportunity to gain workplace experience.
In his Budget for 2017, Philip Hammond announced the introduction of T levels. He plans to replace 13,000 BTEC qualifications by T levels that are “more relevant” to employer’s needs. The first group of young people who will receive T-level qualifications is expected to do so in August 2022.
Since then, the number of students pursuing T-levels continues to increase. In the 2023-24 year, more than 16,000 students began a T level – almost as many as the first three cohorts.
Jacqui Smith said, “We’re cutting red tape so that it’s easier for employers and providers than ever to participate in T-level industrial placements, while also ensuring students get meaningful and high-quality experience.”
We listened to the businesses, and these changes reflect their needs to offer T-levels. They also support our mission to boost economic growth and remove barriers to opportunities.
We’re providing students with more opportunities to develop the skills and experiences they need for future careers.
The T-levels include a number of work placements that give students the opportunity to gain experience in their field and develop the necessary skills.
Ofsted’s 2023 report found that T-levels combine high-quality learning with practical skills development at their best. At their worst, however, T-levels were not as students had expected. Many also reported that they had been misled by their content.
Now, the Department for Education allows students to simulate a placement in a college or school under the supervision of their employer.
Elaine Billington is the chief people officer of National Highways. She said, “Having flexibility in areas such as placements in remote locations and at route level will help us to grow the number and types of placements that we offer.”
This is very important for us, as it helps us develop the skills we need today and tomorrow. It also builds talent pipelines to fill critical roles in our industry.
Andrew Hockey, Chief Executive of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board said: “The Department for Education’s decision to permit supervised simulation placements on provider sites represents a major breakthrough for our industry. The ECITB has been promoting this for many years.”
This change is particularly beneficial for industries with high hazards, such as engineering construction. It will allow T-level students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a controlled and safe environment.
Employers can now provide a more comprehensive experience in the industry by combining flexible remote options with route-level placements. These changes will better prepare students, and employers can feel confident in supporting T level placements throughout our industry.
The DfE stated that the increased flexibility would also benefit SMEs who often face obstacles such as limited office spaces, and help to grow the pool potential employers while creating more opportunities for student.
Students will be able to get experience in a variety of related fields, not just the T-level they are studying. This will not be applicable to T-levels for education or dental nursing specialisms that have licensing requirements.
Director of the National Foundation for Educational Research, Suzanne Straw, welcomed these reforms. She said that the completion of the 40-day placement in an industrial setting is a key element to the T-level qualification.
Finding suitable placements is becoming more difficult as the number of T-level students increases. By adopting hybrid working practices that allow students to do some of their placements remotely, it will make placements more accessible and easier to secure. It will also better prepare students for the workplace.
It is important that learners receive adequate support and are placed in high-quality placements when working remotely.
Next month, the DfE will issue detailed guidelines that will be effective immediately.
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