What to expect from a T Level work placement: Business edition 

During your T Level course, you will be required to complete a 45-day work placement.

This placement will be organised by you, with the support from an Industry Liaison Officer. This placement will provide you with the chance to work with a local employer in the industry you would like to enter once you have completed your course.   

We recently caught up with one of our T Level Business Management and Administration students, Gabi, who is currently completing her work placement at Thanet District Council. During her time, she worked alongside the Democratic Services team and will spend time with departments such as Housing, Property, and Environmental Services. 

Typical placement day 

9am – 10am 

When I first arrive, I will log in to my laptop, check my emails, and arrange meetings for the team using the council calendar system. 

10am – 11am 

We usually have a team meeting around 10am. During this time, I take notes so I can write up the minutes of the meeting and send these out to the team. 

11am – 11:15am 

We always ensure to have a quick break in the morning, during this time I will get a hot drink and take some time away from the screen.  

11:15am – 12pm 

I will spend this time typing up the minutes from the team meeting and send these out to the relevant team members. 

12pm – 1pm 

Lunch time, I tend to head into town from lunch. Some weeks we all eat together as a team which I enjoy.  

1pm – 4pm 

In the afternoon, I usually help organise the Council Chamber ready for any evening meetings. I help plan the seating chart, sort the name cards and organise refreshments for the visitors. I finish the day replying to any relevant emails and chatting with the team about new projects I could get involved with. 

What has been your favourite day at your placement so far? 

“One of my favourite experiences was attending my first council chamber meeting. I was really nervous because it felt very official and I had never experienced anything like it before. Nick, my mentor, showed me how to take meeting minutes properly and explained the process to me while the meeting was happening. 

“The meeting involved someone applying for a taxi licence. He explained his situation and why he deserved the opportunity, and after he left the room, everyone discussed the decision carefully before inviting him back in to hear the outcome. 

“When he was granted the licence, he became emotional because it was going to change his life. That moment really stayed with me because it showed me the real impact the council’s work can have on people. Before my placement, I did not fully understand what councils actually did, but seeing the amount of responsibility and work involved was really eye-opening.” 

What skills have you developed during your placement? 

“I have definitely improved my communication skills because I regularly email people, organise meetings, and speak with different members of staff. My organisation skills have also developed through setting up meetings, preparing nameplates, and making sure everything runs smoothly. 

I have also improved my teamwork skills because everyone works together closely to organise meetings and support each other. 

Another important skill I have developed is confidence when speaking to people in senior roles. At first, I thought speaking to senior managers would feel intimidating, but everyone has been approachable and welcoming. I have learned how to communicate professionally while also realising that they are normal people you can have conversations with.” 

Finally, would you recommend a T Level to other students? 

“Yes, I would definitely recommend a T Level. If students have already completed a Level 2 course and enjoyed it, I think progressing onto a T Level is a great next step because it helps you continue developing your skills and knowledge. 

The T Level combines theory with real work experience, which helps you grow professionally and prepares you for future careers. It gives students practical experience as well as qualifications, which makes it a valuable course.” 

Gabi is a fantastic example of the value of work placements. Her time with Thanet District Council has given her the opportunity to put the core skills she has developed on her course into practice in a real working environment.  

Through this experience, she has strengthened her teamwork and communication skills, grown in confidence and developed a better understanding of the workplace. These skills are helping her feel more confident about future interviews and, overall, better prepared to take her next steps into the world of work. 

If you would like to find out more about the T Levels we offer you can join us at our next Open Day.