As it’s National T-Levels Awareness Week, GRAHAM is celebrating the positive impact T-Level placements are having across our projects, helping to develop the next generation of construction professionals while addressing the industry’s future skills needs.
To date, GRAHAM’s Building Division is supporting 36 T-Level students, directly hosting 26 placements across projects in England, with a further 10 students gaining valuable industry experience through supply chain partners. By participating in these placements, students can put their learning into practice within live project environments and gain first-hand experience of the wide variety of careers available across the construction sector. In doing so, the programme generates lasting social value through skills development, increased employability and enhanced career opportunities for young people.
Building Skills for the Future
T-Levels have become an increasingly important route into the construction industry, combining classroom-based learning with substantial industry placements. For employers, they provide an opportunity to engage with emerging talent, support technical education and develop a pipeline of future employees equipped with relevant skills and industry knowledge.
As the construction sector continues to face skills shortages across a range of disciplines, initiatives such as T-Levels are helping to attract more young people into the industry and showcase the breadth of careers available beyond traditional trade occupations.
At GRAHAM, we recognise that investing in young people is essential to the long-term success of both our business and the construction sector. Through hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to live projects, students are developing valuable technical, professional and interpersonal skills that will support their future careers.
Steven MacKinder, Head of Social Impact at GRAHAM, said:
T-Levels are providing an important pathway into construction careers, helping us engage with talented young people while strengthening the industry’s future workforce. By offering meaningful workplace experiences, we’re not only supporting students’ development but also helping to build the next generation of construction professionals.
These placements create lasting social value by improving employability, supporting social mobility and giving young people the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to access rewarding long-term careers in construction.
From T-Level Student to Degree Apprentice
The impact of T-Level placements can be seen in the career progression of John Harris who completed a placement with GRAHAM on our Houndshill Shopping Centre extension project.
Following the success of his placement, John has continued his career journey with the business and is now undertaking a degree apprenticeship as a Site Engineer on our Brewery Gardens site in Manchester.
His progression demonstrates how T-Levels can act as a springboard into long-term careers within construction, providing students with practical experience, industry connections and a clear pathway into apprenticeships and higher-level qualifications.
John Harris said:
Completing my T-Level placement with GRAHAM gave me hands-on experience, support from experienced colleagues and a much better understanding of what a career in construction could offer. It’s been an important stepping stone in my journey from student to degree apprentice and Site Engineer.
Supporting Industry Placements Across Projects
The workplace element of T-Levels gives students the opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals and gain first-hand insight into how major construction projects are delivered.
At GRAHAM, placements have supported students across a range of disciplines, including site engineering, project management, commercial, planning, design and sustainability, helping them develop practical skills while exploring potential career paths within the industry.
This commitment continues across our project portfolio, with plans to welcome additional T-Level students onto Oasis Academy Temple Quarter, Castle Rock School and Cranbourne School projects in the coming months. As a contractor on the Department for Education framework, GRAHAM is proud to support the expansion of high-quality industry placements, helping more young people gain the experience and confidence needed to pursue construction careers.
Interested in partnering with GRAHAM?
As we continue to expand our T-Level programme across projects, we welcome conversations with colleges and training providers looking to deliver high-quality industry placements for their students. Contact us at info@graham.co.uk.