Boost your business with
education and skills
Engaging with schools, colleges, universities and the wider skills system can benefit your business in many ways. Here we’ve identified five key benefits, based on feedback from real businesses, with video case studies outlining how different employers have experienced these benefits first-hand.
Get involved
New talent
New talent
Fresh perspectives
Fresh perspectives
Staff development
Staff development
Build partnerships
Build partnerships
Support your local community
Support your local community
Technical Education Explained
England’s technical education system is designed in collaboration with employers to ensure learners gain the skills needed for the workplace. It sits alongside the academic route, offering practical, hands-on learning with real-world relevance.
T Levels
T Levels are two-year courses for 16–19 year olds, combining classroom learning with a substantial industry placement (around 45 days). Developed with employers, they’re a high-quality technical alternative to A Levels.
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
HTQs are post-18 qualifications at levels 4 and 5, such as Higher Nationals or Foundation Degrees. Approved HTQs meet industry standards and help learners gain job-ready skills for specific occupations.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow learners to earn while they learn, combining paid work with off-the-job training. Available at various levels, they are a great way to grow talent within your business while helping individuals progress into skilled roles.
Understanding the system. Finding your place in it.
The education landscape in England spans early years to adult learning, helping people build the skills needed for life and work. For employers, understanding the system reveals valuable ways to engage, develop talent, and support business growth.0-5
Early Years
Learning starts early. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework covers nurseries, childminders and reception classes, laying the foundations for future education.
5-11
Primary Education
Delivered in Key Stages One and Two, this stage develops literacy, numeracy and a broad curriculum. Pupils attend primary schools and are assessed through national tests.
11-16
Secondary Education
Covering Key Stages Three and Four, students typically study towards GCSEs or equivalent qualifications. Some may follow a more technical route from age 14.
16-18
Further Education
Known as Key Stage Five, students can take A Levels, T Levels, or begin an apprenticeship. Education or training is compulsory until age 18.
18+
Higher and Adult Education
Post-18 options include university degrees, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), higher apprenticeships and further education courses for adults. This stage is delivered by colleges, universities, and training providers, often in partnership with employers.
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