I’m sure when the DfE came up with the idea to make the substantial T-level work-placement mandatory and call it an “entitlement”, it was done with good intentions.
But in the real world, they should not need to commission research to confirm what we all know: it’s simply impossible.
Will all T-level routes and related occupations, from engineering to legal and financial, have sufficient employers in all parts of the country to offer the placements?
It’s obvious to me and others that the answer is no, which means we will be creating a post-code lottery, and some young learners will not be able to follow their career choice.
David Hughes at the AoC is therefore right to seek a rethink from the DfE.
And the obvious lesson, as highlighted by the Federation of Small Businesses, is that the policy should follow the research, not the other way around.
Your thoughts