T Level Results Day 2026: Technical education leads a new generation of engineers into industry
With technical education firmly on the national agenda, a new generation of skilled, work-ready talent is stepping into engineering and manufacturing. Students across the country receive their T Level results today – a culmination of two years spent building the practical knowledge and experience employers are looking for.
T Levels are two-year technical qualifications for 16-19 year olds, developed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience they need to thrive in industry.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the sector, T Levels offer a powerful way to close skills gaps and invest in future talent.
Closing the skills gap
Ongoing skills shortages continue to challenge the engineering and manufacturing sectors – but T Levels are helping to bridge that gap by connecting young people with real-world experience and employer needs. T Level students arrive on placement with a solid foundation of knowledge, including an understanding of key equipment, processes and industry standards.
Norwich-based machinery manufacturer Redpack has hosted T Level students on industry placement within its 80-strong workforce for the last few years. Gary Howard, General Manager, has been impressed by the breadth and quality of the students’ skills:
“We were approached by the local college to take on some T Level students, and I’m so pleased we said yes. The students we’ve hosted have lots of enthusiasm, motivation and commitment. Because they’re studying for a technical qualification, they have the technical knowledge needed for a meaningful placement.”
He adds:
“We’ve also found it’s been beneficial for our employees’ professional development – by mentoring the T Level student, they can develop their own leadership skills. They’re a brilliant asset to the business.”
One of the key strengths of T Levels is their ability to prepare students for high-quality apprenticeships; Redpack has offered roles to seven of their T Level industry placement students, with all progressing onto Level 4 apprenticeships.
A strong foundation for apprenticeships
As part of their course, engineering and manufacturing students each complete a 45-day industry placement that gives them hands-on training and valuable insights into workplace culture. This, combined with other relevant experience, can in some cases pave the way for accelerated apprenticeships – shortened programmes designed for young people who already have practical skills and a strong understanding of the workplace.
This year, in the nuclear sector, Sellafield has piloted T Level industry placements for three students. All three have been offered the chance to come back as apprentices, and each one has accepted the opportunity.
Marc Skilllen, Education and Skills Manager for Sellafield, says:
“With T Levels, we can see the importance of that starting point, as the qualifications lead to one of our internal job roles through one of our apprenticeship pathways.”
He adds:
“The 45-day industry placement is like a long interview process, so we can offer them an apprenticeship without any further application or the sort of assessment centre activity that apprenticeship programmes normally start with.”
T Level industry placements have quickly established themselves as an integral part of Sellafield’s recruitment strategy:
“We’re really scaling this in the second year by hosting 9-week industry placements for 16 T Level students, as it’s efficient for us. We know how many engineering and maintenance vocational apprentices we need, and we know how many degree apprentices we need.”
Ready to find T Level talent for your business?
Thousands of newly qualified T Level students are ready to step into the workforce
– thanks to the support and real-world experience provided by their industry placements.
By hosting a T Level student, you’ll be helping to shape the next generation of engineers and manufacturers – and putting your business in the best position to spot and secure future talent early.
Find out how to host a T Level industry placement here: employers.tlevels.gov.uk
This content was kindly provided by The Gatsby Foundation, to learn more about their work please visit: www.gatsby.org.uk
