Process Evaluation of Support for T Level Industry Placements

This document describes an evaluation of the Career Development Fund (CDF) program, which is designed to prepare providers for the implementation of industry placements and T Levels in England. The evaluation employed a combination of stakeholder interviews, provider surveys, employer interviews, and data analysis to assess the program's effectiveness, challenges, and overall impact. Results showed that while industry placements were largely successful, there were difficulties in engaging employers and allocating sufficient resources. Providers with previous experience in employer engagement were more successful in meeting their targets. Employers appreciated the program but faced issues with integrating placements into schedules and ensuring learners were adequately prepared. The evaluation recommends appointing dedicated coordinators and improving communication to enhance placement quality. Despite initial challenges, providers are hopeful that with continued support, the integration of industry placements into educational programs will improve. The evaluation also emphasizes the importance of high-quality placements, with factors such as duration, occupational specificity, and learner readiness being crucial. Funding concerns for the sustainability of the program were noted, as well as the need to support inclusivity for learners with additional needs. The document concludes that with early planning and sustained funding, industry placements can be effectively scaled up, benefiting both learners and employers. The views presented in the document are from the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department for Education. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Education (DfE)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Individual interviews; Output or performance modelling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: December 2018

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes