The benefits of the new T Level education reforms are explained in a new Enterprise M3 animation, to encourage businesses to link up with schools, colleges and other training providers to support the next generation of employees and entrepreneurs.
T Levels launch in September 2020, focusing initially on three subjects – digital, construction, education and childcare. They are equivalent to 3 A Levels and combine classroom theory with practical learning.
Crucially, they involve a 45-day industry placement to ensure that students have real experience of the workplace and can put their newly-acquired skills into practice.
There will be a great deal of support for businesses offering placements, provided by Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, local training providers – Farnborough College of Technology and Peter Symonds College, Winchester – and central Government, through the Education and Skills Funding Agency and National Apprenticeship Service.
Businesses have an important role in the success of T Level qualifications. A young person’s prospects and the future quality and diversity of skills available in the Enterprise M3 region, depend on the action of businesses working with partners , to nurture and support the next generation of workers and entrepreneurs. As an enterprise region leading hi-tech growth across the UK and Europe, investing in our local people and local growth is important to the continuing success of our region.”
Enterprise M3 LEP is asking businesses to help inspire young people to become “work ready” and offer high-quality placements to those enrolling on T Level courses. There are many benefits for businesses involved:
- Developing a cost-effective recruitment pipeline of talent for entry-level jobs
- Building the skills and capacity of your business
- Having extra resources for day-to-day projects
- Making a more diverse and creative workforce
- Bringing in imaginative and new ideas
- Giving your staff¬ the opportunity to upskill in coaching and mentoring young people
- Providing a positive experience for a local young person
T Levels will involve students acquiring in-depth technical knowledge and be 80 per cent classroom-based with the remaining 20 per cent on industry placement. Apprenticeships, by contrast, are typically 80 per cent on-the-job and 20 per cent in the classroom and more suited for those who feel ready to enter the workforce. Work experience is typically much shorter, often just 1-2 weeks, and arranged by schools before GCSEs to give students a brief taste of being in work.
From 1 April 2024, the responsibility for LEP functions across the Enterprise M3 LEP region has transferred to Hampshire County Council and Surrey County Council.
The Enterprise M3 Board met for the last time in March 2024 and Enterprise M3 LEP is no longer operating as an organisation.
For any enquiries relating to economic development across the counties of Hampshire and Surrey, please visit the Hampshire County Council website and Business Surrey respectively.
Please note that Enterprise M3 LEP staff have transferred to Hampshire County Council to continue to deliver services and activities in Hampshire, including the Growth Hub, the Careers Hub, work on key business sectors, and trade and investment.
They can be contacted at economic.development@hants.gov.uk.
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