Evaluation of the Industry Placements Pilot

The Industry Placements Pilot Programme was introduced as part of government aims to reform and strengthen technical education in England. Industry placements will be an integral part of the new T Level programmes which will help learners taking classroom-based qualifications gain demonstrable technical and vocational expertise. Within the T Level programmes, placements will be of 45-60 working day duration and will offer a structured learning experience. The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned 21 providers to test a set of new placement design dimensions: The model - block...  [+] Show more

The Industry Placements Pilot Programme was introduced as part of government aims to reform and strengthen technical education in England. Industry placements will be an integral part of the new T Level programmes which will help learners taking classroom-based qualifications gain demonstrable technical and vocational expertise. Within the T Level programmes, placements will be of 45-60 working day duration and will offer a structured learning experience. The Department for Education (DfE) commissioned 21 providers to test a set of new placement design dimensions: The model - block release, day release, or a mixture of block and day release; The preparation of the learner - by pilot providers or a national level organisation; and The monitoring and management of placements - by providers or through national level brokerage and/or project management.

The aim of this research project was to provide independent external, process evaluation of the Industry Placements Pilot Programme. The aim of the evaluation was to: Assess the effectiveness of different placement and support models in different contexts; and Provide evidence on implementation highlighting lessons for full, national roll-out. The research was based on qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the Pilot Programme. This included interviews across 3 waves with a range of staff in all 21 providers and staff at the national brokerage and support organisation. Employers and learners were also interviewed. In addition, management information was analysed and a survey of learners undertaken. Providers were also engaged in a series of webinars, online forums and learning events throughout all waves.

Excerpts from publication.