How T Levels are helping manufacturing businesses recruit

This Manufacturing Day, many businesses across the country are opening their workshop doors to show local communities what it’s really like to work in manufacturing. From precision engineering to high-tech CAD design, it’s a chance to showcase just how diverse and rewarding careers in the sector can be – and to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

For small and medium-sized businesses, it’s an opportunity to build your talent pipeline. Many young people considering their education and career pathways will be looking to find out what hands-on manufacturing work is really is about. Among them will be Engineering and Manufacturing T Level students.

What are T Levels?

T Levels are a two-year qualification for 16–19-year-olds, combining classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement. Students gain practical experience in real workplaces, while putting their technical knowledge and expertise into action.

These qualifications were designed with employers, so you know the students have the technical skills you need for your business. For small to medium sized firms, this means access to motivated young people who are learning the latest skills in manufacturing, while adding value to your day-to-day operations.

Hosting a T Level student gives you the chance to see their skills in practice over an extended period – helping you build a clearer picture of how they’d fit into your team than an interview alone. In fact, one in three T Level students who go into work are hired by the employer who hosted their placement (source: Department for Education).

Lyndhurst Precision Engineering, a manufacturer producing bespoke components for the aerospace industry, has hosted five T Level students on their industry placements. Three of those T Level students have since completed their course and gained apprenticeships in the local area. Technical Manager Andy Wilding shares his experience: “Working with T Level students gives us a much better chance to find out whether they’re the right fit for our business. You get a feel for what the students are good at.

“Our current student, Lucy, was great on the semi conversational programming for our long bed CNC machines with Heidenhain controls. Dan, one of our experienced machinists showed her how to use it and she picked it up straight away, we were really impressed.”

Why T Levels matter for aerospace businesses

Finding and recruiting the right people is essential to futureproofing your workforce.

By hosting a T Level industry placement, businesses can:

• Find and nurture young, high calibre talent keen to carve out a career in the sector
• Shape their learning to reflect the technical skills your business needs
• Strengthen links with local colleges and training providers – helping you secure talent for years to come
• Boost your businesses productivity
• Inspire young people with rewarding careers in the sector.

The time to act is now

The number of young people choosing T Levels is increasing year on year. Many of these students will now be looking for placements with manufacturing businesses like yours.

By hosting a T Level industry placement, businesses can secure early access to the next generation of manufacturing talent and help plug the long-standing industry skills shortage to ensure the sector continues to thrive.

To find out more about hosting a T Level student and the benefits for your business, speak to your local college or visit: www.employers.tlevels.gov.uk.