With T Levels a hot topic on the education agenda currently, The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) explains why it is calling on electrical contractors to reap the benefits on offer from T Level ‘industry placements’.
T Levels are the new technical training route for 16-18 year olds. They are a Level 3 qualification taken over two years, where the learner spends 80% of their time at college and 20% in the workplace.
During the course they’ll learn core building services principles and, for those who aspire to be an electrician, follow an electrotechnical specialism route to learn specifically about electrical theory, principles and practises.
Learners also need on-site experience over 315 hours (around 45 days) via an industry placement, working with an electrical contractor to gain on-site skills and knowledge.
Once they complete their T Level, learners can progress onto an ‘accelerated apprenticeship’ already with skills and knowledge under their belt, making for a shorter apprenticeship training programme.
A chance to test the water
For those possibly thinking about recruiting an apprentice, T Level industry placements provide an ideal opportunity to test the water with a learner and get to know them before committing to an apprenticeship.
As there is no obligation to pay wages there is minimal financial outlay, making it an effective way to gain additional support for your business whilst giving a chance to the next generation of electricians.
Paul Western of Helix Electrical was contacted by Chichester College Group and agreed to offer a placement to T Level learner, Billy. He quickly saw not just the social benefits, but also the business benefits, of having an additional pair of hands available.
Paul says: “The benefits (from a business perspective) of having the learner work with us has been the additional productivity we’ve been able to achieve. We found we were probably 20-25% more productive over time, which translates into additional revenue for the company.
“I think industry placements are a great way forward and they help you with your business, as well as helping you decide whether an apprenticeship is right for you as an organisation. This gives you an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ if you like but also pay something back to the community, and to the wider industry in general.”
Spread the hours to suit your business
The 315 hours of the placement is spread over a model that suits each business – this could be via day release over a number of months, block release, or a mixture. You could also share a placement with another employer to make up the total number of hours required.
Full support throughout the whole process is provided by your local college or training provider and they will help you to find the right learner, will work with you on all the necessary paperwork and arrange regular contact throughout the placement to monitor progress.
TESP worked on a video to promote Paul Western’s positive experience, and is now encouraging all electrical contractors to consider offering industry placements.
“We all remember that first opportunity we got in the industry when we first started out; this is your chance now to give that same opportunity to someone else” said Nathan Smith, TESP Skills Ambassador.
“It’s not just the feel-good factor that comes with passing your skills and knowledge onto a young learner, it’s the business benefits that come with it as well.
“Increased productivity and efficiency, plus – if you’re thinking about recruiting an apprentice – a T Level industry placement can act as an extended interview period, to really get to know a young person and decide if they’re the right fit for your business.”
There are providers across England offering the T Level in ‘Building Services Engineering for Construction’, which includes the electrotechnical specialism route.
Paul Western concludes: “I think for me, as an individual, using the T Level industry placements is a great way to help support my company and support the future generations. My advice to any company thinking about a T Level industry placement would be to just go ahead and do it.”
Get more information and details about T Level industry placements here
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