Your Business, Their Talent – GC backs call for Greater Manchester employers to pledge T Level placements

  • Wednesday, April 2, 2025
  • Posted By The Growth Company

The Growth Company has joined leading employers across Greater Manchester to offer T Level placements – and is urging other businesses to follow their lead.

Backing a new campaign calling on businesses to pledge a placement, GC is providing ten T Level placements to Greater Manchester T Level students.

It launches as even more employers across Greater Manchester get involved in offering T Level placements – unlocking benefits for their business, young people, and the local economy.

The campaign features a series of events, guidance and a dedicated website - www.gmtlevels.org - designed to help businesses understand the process of offering T Level placements and the positive impact they can have. Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to get involved and make a pledge.

Greater Manchester employers are also invited to a webinar on Thursday 24 April, where businesses will hear from the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and a panel of employers on everything they need to know about T Levels and why they should pledge a placement. Businesses can book their place here

T Levels are two-year technical education courses for 16-19-year-olds, combining classroom learning and industry placements lasting a minimum of 45 days. They aim to equip students with job-ready skills and a nationally recognised certificate equivalent to three A Levels.

The campaign supports the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) by strengthening technical education pathways valued by employers, creating a genuine and equal alternative to university, and giving young people a clear line of sight to good jobs.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: "T Levels are a game-changer for Greater Manchester – giving young people real-world experience and giving employers the skilled talent they need to grow.

"We’ve made it our mission to become the UK’s leading Technical Education City-Region, and T Level placements are key to making that happen.

"I’m calling on employers across Greater Manchester to get involved – help shape the workforce of the future, and unlock the benefits of supporting the next generation."

T Level placements provide employers with a number of benefits including:

  • Access to Skilled Talent: Employers gain access to a pool of talented and motivated students who are eager to apply their skills in a real-world setting,  bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
  • Enhanced Workforce: T Level placements provide an opportunity to identify and nurture future employees. By investing in their development, employers can build a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to business needs.
  • Positive Impact on the Community: Supporting T Levels helps to strengthen the local economy and community.
  • Boosted Brand: Participating in T Level placements enhances a company's reputation as a socially responsible and forward-thinking employer.

Mark Hughes, Chief Executive, the Growth Company, said: "As a leading social enterprise, we are invested in supporting local people and communities to thrive, so we’re proud to lead the way in committing 10 T Level placements, giving young people the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed while also benefiting from their enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

"Many of the Greater Manchester businesses we work with are experiencing skills shortages. By offering a T Level placement, employers can help shape the future workforce while giving our young people an invaluable opportunity to experience work and contribute to their business."

Find out more and make a pledge today