Greater Manchester businesses urged to offer T Level placements

Employers across Greater Manchester are being encouraged to back the next generation of talent and offer T Level placements to students in the city-region.

Businesses already offering the placements for the technical post-16 qualifications are participating in a new campaign to encourage more employers to offer experiences to learners.

The campaign features a series of events, guidance and a dedicated website designed to help businesses understand the process of offering T Level placements and the positive impact they can have. Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to get involved and make a pledge.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and a panel of employers will also take part in a flagship webinar on Thursday 24 April, at 2pm where businesses can learn more about T Levels and why they should pledge a placement.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said:

“T Levels are a game-changer for Greater Manchester – giving young people real-world experience and giving employers the skilled talent they need to grow.

“We’ve made it our mission to become the UK’s leading Technical Education City-Region, and T Level placements are key to making that happen.

“I’m calling on employers across Greater Manchester to get involved – help shape the workforce of the future, and unlock the benefits of supporting the next generation.”

T Levels are two-year technical education courses for 16-19-year-olds, combining classroom learning and industry placements lasting a minimum of 45 days. They aim to equip students with job-ready skills and a nationally recognised certificate equivalent to three A Levels.

T Level placements provide employers with a number of benefits including:

• Access to Skilled Talent: Employers gain access to a pool of talented and motivated students who are eager to apply their skills in a real-world setting, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
• Enhance the Workforce:?T Level placements provide an opportunity to identify and nurture future employees. By investing in their development, employers can build a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to business needs.
• Positive Impact on the Community:?Supporting T Levels helps to strengthen the local economy and community.
• Boost Your Brand:Participating in T Level placements enhances a company’s reputation as a socially responsible and forward-thinking employer.

The campaign is being delivered by The Growth Company on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Employer Integration Board, working closely with system partners including the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Gatsby Foundation, and Manchester Digital. It is also supported by public sector partners such as the NHS, blue light services, and the Bee Network, reflecting a joined-up Greater Manchester approach to strengthening high-quality technical education.

Clive Memmott OBE, Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“At Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to lead by example. By offering T Level placements ourselves, we’re not only helping to develop future talent but showing our members what’s possible. These placements bring fresh energy into our organisation – and they’re a powerful way to tackle skills gaps. I’d strongly encourage other employers to get involved.”

Lou Cordwell OBE, Chair of the Employer Integration Board, said:

“At the Employer Integration Board, we see T Level placements as a practical solution to both immediate skills challenges and long-term workforce development. These young people bring energy, new thinking, and ambition – and businesses that invest in them now are investing in their own future success.”

Ali Imran, T Level student at Stockport College, currently on T Level placement at GMCA, said:

“My placement at GMCA has been a great experience. I’ve been able to apply what I learned at college, like using customer relationship systems to help teams manage information, and I’ve created data dashboards to help my team. I’m enjoying it so much, and I’ve even recommended T Levels to my friends. I’m currently looking at apprenticeship opportunities once I’ve finished, as I want to continue to work and learn.”