T Level industry placements are helping engineering firms attract skilled, diverse talent
By EngineeringUK
Farrat, a third-generation, family-run firm based in Greater Manchester, has spent 65 years at the forefront of engineering innovation. With around 85 staff, the company develops bespoke solutions to control vibration and thermal energy in buildings and industrial machinery. Like many in the sector, they're focused on future-proofing its workforce.
Why diversity matters
Engineering and manufacturing thrive on innovation. Whether it’s aerospace, automotive, maritime or energy, these sectors need creative thinkers and problem-solvers to stay competitive. And with diversity comes diverse thinking – the kind that sparks fresh ideas and drives breakthroughs.
But attracting young, diverse talent with the right technical skills isn’t always easy. So how are businesses finding and nurturing people who will shape the future of the industry?
Using T Levels industry placements as a ‘long interview’
One of the ways that engineering and manufacturing businesses are finding and recruiting the right talent, is by hosting T Level industry placements.
T Levels are technical qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds, designed with engineering and manufacturing employers to address skills gaps and help businesses bring young talent on board. Each T Level course includes a 45-day industry placement with an employer. This gives businesses a chance to bring in motivated young people, introduce them to the business, and develop their skills on real projects.
When Farrat first heard about T Levels, they jumped at the opportunity to host industry placements.
“T Levels appealed to us because they bridge that gap between apprenticeships and graduates who might have done lots of theory, not lots of practical,” explains Sally Moxon, People Director at Farrat. “T Levels sit somewhere in the middle, and they’ve helped widen our recruitment strategy.”
By offering structured, extended industry placements, T Levels give employers the chance to see students in action. They can assess their skills in real work environments, and identify candidates who can grow with the business.
Expanding the workforce
Farrat has always been committed to bringing young talent into the business – and T Levels have strengthened that commitment.
“Engineering and manufacturing is still a very male-dominated sector. We want people of all different backgrounds to come through. The more diverse the workforce, the more diverse the thought process – and the more innovation,” says Sally.
The company sees T Level students as a vital part of building talent pipeline that better reflects society – and the future of the sector.
Fresh perspectives, real skills
Bringing in students through T Level placements has helped Farrat recruit skilled people with fresh ideas and an eagerness to learn.
“They bring a fresh perspective on a world that’s changing constantly – things we haven’t even considered,” Sally explains. “You need that to drive innovation. The students are keen, hungry to learn, and it’s increased productivity and efficiency.”
Because T Levels have been developed in partnership with employers, students arrive with a strong foundation of practical skills and an understanding of how industry works.
“The students worked in every aspect of production, including water jet cutting machines, moulding assembly and LNR bearing production – seeing the whole process through. Including doing the logistics and dispatch. The students also covered MS Office, production work, lean tools, root cause analysis and technical drawings.”
That practical experience quickly translated into tangible contributions.
“One of our students was set a mini project to research and propose a method for testing product capacity,” Sally adds, “He came back with a clear, well-thought-out road map on how to take that forward. We were really impressed with his work.”
Flexible placements that work for business
Farrat was introduced to T Levels through the Trafford & Stockport College Group. Working closely with the college, they were able to shape flexible placements that worked for both the students and the business.
“The students did placements in chunks, which made sense for us. We could work around their studies and make it practical for the business,” Sally says.
This flexible approach allowed Farrat to get the support it needed, whilst also giving the students meaningful, hands-on experience.
A practical route to recruitment
For Farrat, T Levels have become more than just a way to support local young people. They’re a smart route to recruiting a skilled and diverse workforce. Of the 4 T Level students they’ve hosted on placement, they’ve offered 2 of them apprenticeship roles.
“It’s helped us find people with the right technical skills, fresh ideas and the drive to learn. That’s exactly what we need to keep innovating.”
Interested in finding out how you can host your first T Level student?
Click below and enter your postcode to find your T Level provider. Once you’ve found your nearest available school, get in touch with the T Levels Coordinator who can help you find the right student for your business.
T Levels appealed to us because they bridge that gap between apprenticeships – which are very entry level – and graduates who might have done lots of theory, not necessarily lots of practical. T Levels sit somewhere in the middle, and they’ve helped widen our recruitment strategy.
— Sally Moxon, People Director, Farrat
It’s helped us find people with the right technical skills, fresh ideas and the drive to learn. That’s exactly what we need to keep innovating.
— Sally Moxon, People Director, Farrat
