T Level Industry Placements: Employer Support Fund (ESF)

The Employer Support Fund (ESF) is now available to help employers deliver high-quality T Level industry placements by contributing to the essential costs of hosting a student. The fund runs until 31 March 2026 and aims to make it easier for more businesses – especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and organisations in priority sectors – to get involved.

Whether you’re interested in offering a placement for the first time or looking to scale up your involvement, this fund can help you cover key expenses that directly support a student’s time in your workplace.

Who is eligible?

The fund is available to:

  • Employers of all sizes hosting T Level industry placements for the Health T Level or placements in the Construction route
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hosting placements for all other T Levels (An SME is defined as a business with fewer than 250 employees AND less than or equal to £44m in annual turnover or a balance sheet total of less than or equal to £38m.)

More information can be found using the following links:

  • Online Guidance: Full guidance on the ESF can be found here.
  • Article for Employers: Employers can find relevant information in an article here.