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Discover how three engineering and manufacturing businesses are using T Level industry placements to build their future workforce and create diverse, skilled teams.
Businesses like Quantamatic, Lyndhurst Precision Engineering and R&B Switchgear Group have been benefiting from T Level industry placements for years. They’ve given young people, particularly young women, the opportunity to step into an industry that needs their talent, ideas and energy more than ever.
Skilled, motivated students – ready to contribute from day one
Engineering and manufacturing T Levels are a two-year technical qualification that blend classroom learning with a meaningful 45-day industry placement. Designed in collaboration with employers, they give businesses the chance to work with driven young people equipped with in-demand technical skills.
As part of her T Level placement, Amber supported Quantamatic’s CAD design work – offering practical skills and a fresh approach to their processes.
“Amber applied the skills she’d learned at college and elevated our core drawings to a new level. She made a huge, tangible difference to the business,” says Quantamatic’s Quality & Regulatory Manager, Francis Wilkinson.
Quantamatic was so impressed with Amber’s work, they’re already taking on their next student. “Amber completely exceeded our expectations and left a legacy on the business that goes well beyond her placement.”
Turn T Level industry placements into long-term hires
Offering a T Level industry placement is a proven way to find and secure new talent. Many businesses have gone on to offer their T Level students permanent roles once they’ve completed their course – either directly or as part of an apprenticeship.
The placement is like an extended interview; you can test – and shape – the student’s skills to see if they’re a good fit for your business, before committing to an apprenticeship or full-time role.
Over at R&B Switchgear Group, T Level placements have been so successful that five students have been offered permanent apprenticeships.
“They’re keen, enthusiastic and bright. It’s really boosted the business, and the people within the existing team as well,” says Gavin Chadwick, Technical & Training Manager.
The company, which employs over 100 skilled professionals, sees T Levels as a key part of its recruitment and succession planning – a strategy to nurture new talent in a specialised and ageing workforce.
Driving diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry
Across all three success stories, one theme stands out: T Levels are helping businesses encourage and nurture young female talent. Engineering remains a male-dominated space, but T Levels are beginning to change that.
“In a traditionally male-dominated industry, it’s great to see a pipeline of female talent coming through. This is a fantastic entry point to the business,” says Samantha Nicholson, Managing Director at Quantamatic.
At Lyndhurst Precision, two of the three students on placement were female.
“I’ve been really heartened by how many young women have been applying. We’d love to encourage more women into engineering and support them to thrive,” says Andy Wilding, Technical Manager at Lyndhurst Precision Engineering.
Why should engineering and manufacturing businesses consider hosting T Level industry placements?
- Students bring technical knowledge and skills ready to apply from day one
- Placements enable businesses to identify future recruits before committing long-term
- Because students are doing real work, industry placements boost productivity
- T Levels are great way to support the next generation of engineers and manufacturers, and help businesses create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
“If each company in the industry took on just one student, we could all benefit. It’d be a better picture all round.” Andy Wilding, Lyndhurst Precision Engineering
To find out more about offering a T Level industry placement, visit employers.tlevels.gov.uk
