The University’s commitment to offering local young students hands-on experience as part of their technical education has been highlighted in a new toolkit developed by the Institute for Training and Skills Solutions (ITSS).
T-Levels are technical qualifications for 16–18-year-olds, equivalent to three A-Levels. Focused on vocational skills, they prepare students for skilled employment, further study, or apprenticeships. A key component is a 45-day industry placement, providing practical experience for students and early access to emerging talent for employers.
Currently, the University is hosting six Science T-Level students across various labs on campus, including the Central Teaching Labs, Electron Microscopy Unit, Materials Innovation Factory, Musculoskeletal Biology Labs, and Veterinary Diagnostic Labs at Leahurst. Employing a flexible approach with block placements and day release, the University ensures that students gain meaningful practical experience while balancing their academic commitments.
The University was invited to contribute to the creation of the new ITSS T-Level placement toolkit, which provides practical guidance for universities to plan and deliver high-quality placements. The toolkit includes video case studies featuring Liverpool staff and T-Level students, who share their experiences and insights of being involved.
Jan Brett, Strategic Technical Lead for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and the University’s T-Level placements co-ordinator said: “Supporting students through T-Level placements is crucial for developing their skills and paving the way for successful careers. The T-Level Placement Toolkit is a practical resource designed to enhance the effectiveness of these placements. We are proud to contribute to this effort and support both students and universities in considering the value of offering placements.”
In addition to Science T-Levels, the University is planning to expand its placements to include students from other T-Level subjects such as Engineering, Digital, and Creative Arts, supporting a broader range of technical fields.
For more information about hosting a T-Level placement at the University, please contact Jan Brett at janet.brett@liverpool.ac.uk.
For details about the T-Level placement toolkit and to watch the University of Liverpool case studies, please visit ITSS T-Level Placement Toolkit.