As a longstanding member of The St Martin’s Group, IBM UK is demonstrating what meaningful employer leadership in technical education truly looks like. Their commitment to T-Levels goes far beyond placement provision. IBM has played an instrumental role in shaping the very design of the Digital T-Level, while pioneering a delivery model that brings extraordinary value to learners, education providers and the business itself.
From contributing to the original employer-led panel that developed the Digital T-Level and its Cyber Security specialism, to empowering its own early professionals to co-design and deliver high-quality placements, IBM has embedded T-Levels into its wider mission to develop diverse future talent and deliver social value at scale. By harnessing the creativity, expertise and leadership of interns, apprentices and graduates, IBM has created a transformative experience that builds work readiness, technical curiosity and confidence among students, while simultaneously developing the next generation of IBM leaders.
This case study showcases IBM’s exceptional contribution to T-Levels and highlights a powerful example of the employer-led innovation and commitment that sits at the heart of The St Martin’s Group’s mission.
IBM UK T-Level Case Study: employer-led development supporting the next generation of talent
We are Foundation, the home for early professionals at IBM UK. As a dynamic organisation, we operate across multiple business lines, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that enables our talented community to thrive. Our team comprises of Graduates, Apprentices, University Placement and school-leaver students, overseen by a team of dedicated early professionals’ managers led by Jenny Taylor MBE.
Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders earns us prestigious external recognition. We focus on social value and developing young people through our early professional Ladder of Opportunity. The T level programme was the ideal opportunity to provide a new channel through which to nurture diverse talent.
Through IBM, a global technology leader, we are strategically positioned to shape the future of the industry. Our organisation’s structure allows us to leverage the expertise and resources of a multinational corporation while maintaining the agility and innovative spirit of a smaller team.
Our T-Level journey began in 2017, when Anna Withrington, one of our Foundation Managers, took on the leadership role in the Digital Support Services employer-led panel to design the Digital T-Level.
Under Anna’s guidance, IBM hosted workshops to design the core of Digital T-Levels as well as the specialism pathway. The panel of employers also recognised a critical opportunity to integrate Cyber Security into the pathway. Undeterred by the absence of a Cyber Security level 3 apprenticeship, the panel initiated and delivered the apprenticeship pathway, ensuring the Digital T-Level now have a Cyber Security specialism.
We have been devoted to T-Levels from their inception. Faced with the challenge of delivering a high-impact industry placement, we turned to our greatest asset: the talent within our early professional’s community. By harnessing the creativity and expertise of our interns, apprentices, and graduates, we created a truly unique and engaging experience for T-Level students.
Under the guidance of a Foundation Manager, our early professionals were given the autonomy to design and develop a comprehensive T Level programme. This empowering approach not only showcased our trust in their abilities but also provided a valuable opportunity for them to develop their skills and expertise. The result was bespoke programs that exceeded expectations, providing T-Level students with a transformative experience that prepared them for the world of work.
Anna (T-Level Ambassador) and Jenny (Apprenticeship Champion) have showcased their expertise and enthusiasm for T-Levels to other employers and training providers at many national events, promoting the benefits of this innovative approach to education.
The delivery of our T-Level placement programme is exceptional due to its innovative approach, collaborative spirit, and tangible impact on the next generation of digital leaders. By harnessing the collective talent of our early professionals, we create unique and engaging experiences not only preparing T-Level students for the workplace but also inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Stand outs are:
* Innovative approach to resource management
* Commitment to empowering early professionals
* Collaborative spirit and partnership with education providers
* Tangible impact on the next generation of digital leaders
We are committed to continuous improvement and through our dedication to excellence, we have developed comprehensive programs that deliver a unique blend of skills, knowledge, and experiences, empowering students to succeed in their future careers.
Work Readiness Training: We equip students with the essential skills required to excel in the job market, including interview techniques, CV writing, and application form completion.
Technical Curiosity: We foster a culture of curiosity and exploration by inviting senior subject matter experts to share their expertise in a collaborative and engaging way.
Real Technical Knowledge: Recognising the challenges faced by some colleges in teaching back-end development, we provide students with hands-on experience and real-world application of technical skills. This practical approach enables students to develop a comprehensive understanding of technical concepts, preparing them for the demands of the industry.
Generative AI: We introduce students to the possibilities of Generative AI, demonstrating its potential to enhance their careers and even create new opportunities in the field of AI. By exploring the practical applications of AI, students gain a deeper understanding of its significance and potential impact on their future careers.
We have adopted a blended model of onsite and virtual placement. This approach allows students to experience the flexibility and challenges of working from home, while also developing essential skills for remote collaboration and productivity. Leveraging our successful track record in London, we are collaborating with the Mayor of Manchester to establish industry placements in the city later this year.
Here’s what one of our learning providers said:
“IBM have been amazing to work with as you have worked with us to ensure students have been accommodated and met their needs. You have supported our students in building a network and provided mentors for all students especially those with special needs that may not have felt confident in knowing they could work with a big corporation. Your staff have been role models to our students and go above and beyond to support the students. The structure and planning of the placement is carefully done, and staff always make time to talk to us about our students.
All T-Level students express increased confidence and readiness for the workforce post-placement. Here’s what some of them said:
One of our students won the first-ever Apprenticeship and Skills T-Level Student of the Year and half of the T-Level students apply to our Apprenticeship and Futures programme. One of our volunteer graduate trainers used his experience to gain his next promotion.
By investing in T-Level industry placements, we underscore our dedication to education, employability, and the future leaders of the digital world. This collaborative approach paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for us all.