Greater Manchester employers commit to 1000 new T level placements

Greater Manchester employers have committed to supporting technical education in the city-region by pledging over 1,000 additional work placements to T Level students.

Achieving this milestone comes after the UK Government gave its backing to the Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), the city-region’s pioneering plan to transform technical education and put it on an even footing with academic routes into a variety of careers.

T Levels are one of the qualifications that make up the MBacc, and at the heart of every T Level course is a substantial industry placement of at least 45 days. These give young people the chance to work in sectors including digital, construction, and health and social care, enhancing their employability by giving them vital industry experience.  

The length of the placement – at least 315 hours – gives a young person enough time to get comfortable with the working environment, allowing them to learn real skills and to make strong connections. Employers also benefit from the longer placements: T Level students gain relevant knowledge and practical skills, as well as bringing fresh perspectives to a workplace.  Many may go on to complete an apprenticeship in the same company.  

So far, 352 employers across all ten boroughs of the city region have pledged to provide placements. They include industry leaders like IBM, Murphy and Autotrader, as well as small- and medium-sized businesses and public sector bodies including the NHS, Bee Network, emergency services and local councils.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“This is a big moment for technical education in Greater Manchester and a huge endorsement from some of our top employers. These placements are giving young people valuable experience, real skills, and a foot in the door.

“This is just part of our plan to create a progressive, modern, work experience system in our city region – one that benefits both students and employers. We’re determined that every young person who needs one will be able to access a high-quality, 45-day work placement.

“With support from government, we’ll take the?MBacc?to the next level in 2026, opening up good career pathways for all our young people, as more skilled jobs are created in our growing economy.” 

Greater Manchester is leading the way in T Levels success. College students here achieved a pass rate of 93.5% in the last academic year, outperforming the national average pass rate for the third year in a row. 

New data shows 89% of T level learners in Greater Manchester were in jobs, continued study, or both, the year after completing their qualification. 

Anna Dawe, Chair of GM Colleges, a consortium of Greater Manchester’s 9 Further Education colleges including Trafford and Stockport College Group, said: 

“Placements are at the heart of T level success for both Greater Manchester students and employers. Securing 1,000 pledges from employers across the city region will deliver real opportunities for young people and reflects how engaged and invested our businesses are in skills and the future workforce. We look forward to working with partners throughout this year to continue to make the placements a success and secure even more.”