The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a £6.3 million Employer Support Fund aimed at increasing access to T Level industry placements. With a focus on health and construction, the fund also supports small and medium-sized employers in other T Level routes, aiming to break down barriers to participation.
The funding at a glance:
£1.8 million for construction placements
£4.5 million for health placements
Additional support for SMEs offering placements across all other T Level sectors
Providers can claim up to £800 per student for placements starting between 23 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, with claims processed twice a month.
This funding comes as the 2023-2024 iteration of the Employer Support Fund only saw 46% claimed, while T Level enrolments have seen an uptick by 59%. With students needing employer placements to complete their qualifications, this targeted, accessible approach is important for the future progression of T Levels.
What does this mean for T Level students?
This fund significantly increases the opportunities for students to complete their required 45-day (315-hour) placements, which are essential to successfully completing a T Level.
Key takeaways:
Greater placement availability: the fund will allow a larger amount of employers, including SMEs, to afford to host students, increasing access and geographic reach.
Better quality experiences: employers can invest the funding in equipment, training, PPE, and mentorship, which in turn will provide better, more strategic training for students.
More inclusive opportunities: the fund enables smaller, more regionally diverse employers to participate, which allows all students, regardless of background or location, more equitable access to placements.
What does this mean for T Level Educators?
The Employer Support Fund offers teachers and support staff a more proactive role in shaping employer partnerships and improving placement outcomes.
Key takeaways:
Employer engagement: the fund helps to reduce the burden for employers, making it easier for staff to secure new partnerships, especially in high need sectors like health and construction.
Better resources: with increased placement capacity, educators can match students more effectively based on skills, interests, and career goals.
Educational efficiency: with setup costs covered, the burden of sorting safety checks, materials, or onboarding for placements is lowered, so staff can allocate their time to support students directly.
What does this mean for colleges offering T Levels?
Colleges play a pivotal role in the success of this new Employer Support Fund, and have the opportunity to benefit significantly from its delivery.
Key takeaways:
Flexibility: colleges will receive funding based on forecasted student numbers and local employer need, allowing for targeted support where it’s most needed, like health and construction.
Efficient resourcing: the fund will help to reduce pressure on colleges to subsidise placements internally, meaning budgets can be used to support quality delivery and student care.
Improved outcomes: by ensuring more students complete placements, colleges support progression into skilled employment, higher education, or apprenticeships, increasing college performance and student success rates.
Ultimately, the £6.3 million Employer Support Fund marks a strategic move by the Department for Education to make T Level placements more accessible, more inclusive, and more effective. By directly reducing the financial barriers for employers, especially in critical sectors like health and construction, this fund will help T Levels deliver on their promise of preparing the next generation of skilled workers.