Progression from T-levels in health and care

A new report commissioned by Gatsby Education highlights the growing role of T-levels in strengthening the health and social care workforce pipeline, while also identifying opportunities to embed them more systematically into workforce planning. 

In Inspiring the next generation: T-levels and health and social care workforce planning and progression, Professor Richard Griffin explores how the Health T-level is aligning with workforce strategies and supporting student progression into employment. Drawing on a review of national and local strategies alongside twenty semi-structured interviews, the study presents an encouraging picture of progress. 

Engagement with the Health T-level is increasing across the sector, with employers and system leaders recognising its potential. This growing confidence is also opening doors for related non-clinical pathways, including Management and Administration and Digital routes, helping to build broader and more sustainable workforce pipelines. 

The findings underline clear benefits for employers offering industry placements. These include stronger partnerships with local education and skills providers, improved access to a more diverse and representative talent pool, and better recruitment into roles considered “at risk.” Notably, the report highlights that T-level students who progress into support worker roles show higher retention rates than those recruited directly. Familiarity with workplace environments, alongside developed skills and a strong commitment to careers in health and care, are key factors driving this success. 

As an ICS workforce lead says in the report:

“We are actually able to see that by providing placements for these T-level learners, we are getting people interested not only in healthcare, because perhaps they’re interested already, they’re doing a T-level, but they are now interested in your organisation.” 

This points to one of the clearest benefits of the Health T-level: it enables employers to build relationships with young people early, helping convert general interest in the sector into commitment to a specific organisation or local system. 

However, the report also points to a significant challenge: while T-levels align closely with national priorities – such as recruiting locally and supporting the ambitions of the NHS and its Ten Year Plan – there is limited evidence of coordinated workforce planning to support their rollout at national, regional, or local levels. 

This gap presents an opportunity rather than a barrier. With clearer strategic alignment, including within the forthcoming NHS Workforce Plan, and stronger collaboration between employers, education providers, and policymakers, T-levels can play a central role in addressing workforce challenges. 

Overall, the report offers a positive and practical roadmap: by building on early successes and strengthening coordination, T-levels can help inspire the next generation while delivering tangible benefits for the health and social care sector. 

Download the full report here.