An appeal has gone out for more employers to consider hosting T Level students.
Staffordshire County Council has made the plea to mark T Level Thursday today, which is part of National Apprenticeship Week.
T Levels are high-quality technical qualifications for 16-19-year-olds, blending classroom learning with an extended 45-day industry placement.
Figures show 92 per cent of T Level students progress into work, training or education after completing their course.
And the council says employers frequently report that placements bring fresh ideas and additional capacity while helping to tackle local skills shortages.
Martin Murray, the county council’s acting leader and cabinet member for economy and skills said: “Our businesses play a vital role in helping young people take their first step into a career.
“T Level placements give employers an opportunity to shape future talent while supporting a young person to gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed.
“We’re proud of what our T Level students are achieving, and we encourage more businesses to get involved.”
Kealey Deakin, who is completing a Business Management and Administration T Level with a placement at the county council, chose the qualification as a hands-on option that also provides real industry experience.
During her placement, she has supported the council’s Healthcare Events Training Team, gaining experience in financial processes, systems and event planning.
Kealey, aged 19, said: “It has really helped me grow in confidence and understand more about finance. It has shaped the way I work and given me skills I can use straight away and take forward into later life.”
She added: “It has been great seeing how what I learnt in college connects to real work.”
Businesses interested in finding out more about offering an industry placement should follow this link.
