Why we back T Levels: the Chamber of Commerce shares their experience
The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is leading by example, supporting the next generation of talent by hosting T Level students.
We spoke to Lucy Mulligan, Marketing Director at the Chamber, to hear about their experience so far, the positive impact on their team, and why they’re encouraging more businesses to get involved.
(Pictured: Lucy Mulligan, Marketing Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce)
What are T Levels?
T Levels are high-quality, two-year technical qualifications designed for 16–19-year-olds, equivalent to three A Levels.
They’ve been developed with over 250 employers to meet the needs of business and industry. Students spend 80% of their time in the classroom learning technical skills and knowledge, and 20% on an industry placement, giving them real experience of the workplace.
Giving young people a meaningful experience
Q: Why did the Chamber decide to get involved with T Levels and offer placements this year?
Lucy: Skills have always been high on our agenda. We’ve been active in various skills programmes for years, and through our work on the Local Skills Improvement Plan and engagement with mayoral initiatives, we recognised the importance of exploring new ways to support young people into work. T Levels give students real, practical experience and we really liked the idea of opening up the inner workings of the Chamber to them.
Longer placements, deeper learning
Q: Do you offer other opportunities for students alongside T Levels?
We do. We’ve hosted work experience placements and apprenticeships before. But we’ve found that short placements don’t give students the chance to see projects through from start to finish. That’s why we like T Levels, students get to apply their learning over a longer period and properly embed within a team.
Real-world experience from day one
Q: What kind of work have your T Level students been involved in?
So far, they’ve had a full induction and told us they wanted to learn “everything” which we love! They’ve worked on events, logistics, marketing, and even presented at events and networked with businesses. We’ve trained them on our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and digital tools, and they’ve helped us with outreach, research, and meeting follow-ups. They’re not just making tea, they’re building real experience and connections.
Two students from Hopwood Hall College, Logan and Blake have already begun their placements with the Chamber. Both have spoken about how the experience is helping them build confidence, business skills, and professional networks.
Positive impact on students and the team
Q: Have you seen any early impact on the students or your team?
Absolutely. Their confidence has already grown so much. At first they were shy at events, now they dive in and start chatting with attendees. For our team, it’s been refreshing to have their energy and perspectives. They've brought ideas for TikTok campaigns and helped us create content in ways we wouldn’t have thought of.
Advice for other employers
Q: What would you say to employers worried they don’t have time or structure to host T Level students?
If you treat a T Level student like a real team member from the start, it doesn’t take that much extra time. Yes, the induction phase needs a bit of effort, but they can genuinely add value to your business. You’re giving a young person a chance, but you’re also gaining new insight and support. And you don’t have to do it all yourself, your wider team can help guide them too.
Setting up placements was easier than expected
Q: Were there any obstacles to setting up the placements?
Not really. The process was easier than we expected. There was some paperwork and insurance documents, a health and safety form, but the college was incredibly supportive and guided us through. The biggest part is getting to know your student, understanding their strengths, and tailoring the experience to suit them. From there, it evolves naturally.
T Level students: ambitious, motivated, and ready
Q: What advice would you give other employers considering T Levels?
Don’t underestimate these students. We signed up to set an example, but we’ve been genuinely impressed by their enthusiasm, productivity and quality of work. They’re ambitious, motivated, and ready to make the most of the opportunity.
Proud advocates for T Levels
Q: How is the Chamber promoting T Levels to others?
We’re proud advocates of T Levels. We share our experience across our social media channels and through our networks. Senior leaders like our Chief Executive, Policy Director, and Deputy Director of Research all actively promote T Levels too. It aligns with our work on skills gaps and employer engagement, and we’re committed to using our platform to encourage others to get involved.
Get involved
The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s experience shows that T Level placements don’t just benefit students, they bring fresh energy, ideas, and new skills into businesses too.
Interested in supporting the next generation?
The T Level campaign is part of the MBacc’s mission to increase the number of quality workplace experiences, the campaign builds on the excellent work already being led by colleges across Greater Manchester, who are at the forefront of delivering high-quality technical education and industry placements.
Greater Manchester’s colleges are leading this work on the ground, and the campaign is being delivered in close collaboration with them alongside the Growth Company, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the Employer Integration Board, and other key partners.
Find out how your business can get involved with T Levels here: GM T Levels | Your Business, Their Talent(exteral link)
To find out more ways to support technical education, please visit: Shaping Greater Manchester's Future Workforce - Greater Manchester Combined Authority (internal link)
Article Published: 29/04/2025 13:08 PM