As we mark national T levels Week from 13 to 17 October 2025, the Engineering Council celebrates the growing recognition and impact of T levels on the engineering and technology workforce.
Introduced in 2020 as an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other post-16 qualifications, T levels are designed to combine classroom learning with practical experience. Each course includes a 45-day industry placement, offering a pathway into skilled employment, higher education or further training.
These placements play a vital role in developing new talent and preparing young people for the realities of working life. By equipping students with the technical knowledge and hands-on experience, students can apply what they have learned, while building the skills and confidence needed to thrive in industry.
According to EngineeringUK data, this year’s T levels results have highlighted:
- a 60% increase in T level student numbers across all subjects
- a 56% rise across engineering and technology-related courses
- almost half of all young people who had completed their T level course had gone on to pursue an engineering and tech-related course
The growing popularity of T Levels reflects their value beyond just education - they offer employers a meaningful opportunity to actively shape and support the next generation of engineers and technicians. By collaborating with education providers in designing and assessing T level courses, employers help solve industry skills gaps and harness a skilled future workforce.
Addressing skills gaps
Early employer engagement helps develop a workforce with the technical skills to address critical shortages in engineering and technology.
Identify, develop and access to young talent
T level placements offer the chance to connect early with promising new talent –who can integrate and become familiar with the organisation, potentially becoming future employees.
Increased productivity
Students can bring with them new ideas and perspectives with the motivation to contribute positively to organisational projects and processes.
Relationship-building with further education institutions (schools/colleges)
Employers can strengthen relationships with schools and colleges, for the benefits of training and recruitment. It’s also a chance to raise the organisation’s profile in the community and among future employees.
Improve diversity
Provide access to engineering careers for underrepresented groups to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
You can learn more about offering T level placements and the benefits involved by visiting the UK Government website
The Engineering Council encourages all organisations – both large and small – to get involved and support the next generation of engineers, but in the continued growth of the engineering profession.
