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Making the case for work placements at the Department for Education’s Skills Summit
Employers discussed the provision of work placements at the Government’s recent Skills Summit.
Lord Sainsbury, founder of the Gatsby Foundation and Chair of an independent panel which reviewed technical education in England, attended the inaugural Skills Summit and discussed the importance of providing young people with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in the workplace. As part of their T Level programme, students will complete an extended work placement with an employer, relevant to the occupation they are working towards. This approach will bring England in line with practice in other high-performing technical education systems, where an extended placement of three months or longer is commonplace for young people.
Justine Greening, Secretary of State, hosted the event, supported by the Confederation of British Business. Bringing together employers representing over 3.5 million UK employees, She set out Government's commitment to building a technical education system that works for employers and learners.
"We are determined to work in partnership with business to provide them opportunities to match the talent across the country. That is why this government is investing billions in technical education and why today I am calling on employers to bring their innovation, creativity and commitment to technical education reform. Only employers can provide the work placements and apprenticeships that make these reforms a success."
At the Summit, business leaders were encouraged to sign-up to the 'Skills Statement to Action' - a commitment to collectively create a strong skills programme to boost social mobility, reduce inequality and deliver the workforce the nation needs.