Qualifications like T Levels offer real-life work experience and can play a vital role in helping to support individuals into green careers.
At the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), we know that achieving a sustainable future depends on people. Meeting the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the transition to net zero requires a skilled, motivated workforce with the right knowledge and experience.
Carly Ward is Partnerships Specialist at SDN Mesma Group. Here, she highlights how qualifications like T Levels can play a vital role in helping to shape the next generation of sustainability professionals. Carly and her colleagues work with employers nationally supporting them with everything they need to know about taking on T Level industry placements. This ranges from in-person conferences, webinars and to one-to-one support, all fully funded by the Department for Education.
T Levels: a practical pathway into green careers
T Levels are two-year technical qualifications for young people aged 16-19, designed with employers and equivalent to three A Levels. They combine classroom learning with substantial industry placements, around 315 hours of real work experience.
For young people with an interest in sustainability, T Levels provide a practical and inspiring entry point into areas such as environmental management, land stewardship, renewable energy, sustainable construction, and green business services. Please read on to discover example case studies later in this article.
This approach aligns closely with ISEP’s mission. Through the ISEP Sustainability Skills Map and the Green Careers Hub, ISEP works to ensure that every profession can embed sustainability, and that learners have clear, supported routes into meaningful careers that make a difference. We have recently been involved in an ISEP education roundtable which explored themes such as the routes to bridging the green skills gap, challenges for the education sector, and how to keep up to date with a rapidly evolving green landscape.
Student perspectives: careers with purpose
The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich (Science/Environment T Level placement)
“Taking part in real research projects on plant health gave me confidence that I can make a difference to global challenges like food security and climate change.”
This highlights how science-focused T Levels provide a pipeline into vital green careers in environmental research, agriculture, and biotechnology. You can read the full case study here.
Somerset Reindeer Ranch (Animal Care T Level placement)
“Working hands on with the animals taught me more than I could ever learn in a classroom. I’ve realised how much I want to be part of a career that supports animal welfare and conservation.”
Placements like these connect directly to green careers in ecology, conservation, and sustainable farming, showing young people how animal care is part of the wider sustainability picture. Access the full case study here.
Employer voices: building capacity for the sector
Steve Johnson (General Service Manager, Mercedes-Benz)
“Young people and apprentices are the way forward for the trade, we can give them an insight into what the industry is about.”
Click here to read on.
Green industries, from electric vehicles to renewable energy, depend on young people entering the workforce with up-to-date technical knowledge. As Steve notes, T Levels give students genuine insight into industry practices, building a motivated and skilled future workforce.
The Wildlife Trusts are another great example of how T Level industry placements are enabling students to take their first steps into the world of work – promoting the diversity of roles in the environmental sector and improving our understanding of how to attract and support young people at the start of their careers. Click here to find out more.
This highlights how science-focused T Levels provide a pipeline into vital green careers in environmental research, agriculture, and biotechnology. You can read the full case study here.
Green Careers Week: showcasing opportunities
Every November, Green Careers Week celebrates the exciting and varied roles available in the sustainability sector. At ISEP, it is an opportunity to showcase the impact of T Levels and highlight the opportunities they create for students and employers alike.
Through the Green Careers Hub, ISEP shares pathways, resources, and guidance to help learners, educators, and businesses connect. This year, during Green Careers Week, ISEP will be highlighting the range of green jobs and providing support for educators and careers leads to empower their students.
Investing in skills for a sustainable future
ISEP is the global membership body for anyone wanting sustainable change that delivers across government, business and society. By harnessing the collective expertise and experience of our global membership, we set the standard in sustainable leadership, knowledge, skills and practice.
T Levels are an important part of an ecosystem of skills. They provide learners with the practical experience and confidence to succeed, while giving employers early access to talented individuals motivated to make a difference.
By working together as education providers, employers, students, and professional bodies, we can ensure that the sustainability profession continues to grow in strength, relevance, and impact.
T Level industry placement support for employers (TLIPSE) is the national hub for T Level information and support for employers. There are many useful resources, tools and case studies to help individuals understand, plan and host T Level placements in their organisation. Please also keep an eye on this page where you can attend regular free events to learn more about T Levels.
We invite employers, educators, and learners to explore our resources, including the Green Careers Hub and ISEP membership options and join us in shaping the green workforce of the future. We actively support organisations with the Gatsby funded Education landscape resources which help to bridge the gap between education and employers. Please go to the Education Landscape website here and download the free resources today.
Author: Carly Ward, Partnerships Specialist at SDN Mesma Group
Sources: gov.uk, City & Guilds, The Wildlife Trusts
Images provided by SDN Mesma Group and Carly Ward
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