In this week’s Future of Assessment series, Gavin O’Meara is joined by NCFE’s Barbara Archer (T Levels Partnership Manager) in discussion with Janet King (NCFE Sector Manager for Education and Childcare) and Kim Smith from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The show focuses on the challenges and opportunities that come with the work placement element of a learning programme, with a particular spotlight on T Levels and Early Years. We are all aware of the disruption caused by the global pandemic across the whole sector– and students’ ability to access industry placements and gain that vital hands-on experience was one of the most impacted areas. Gavin and Barbara explore how links have been facilitated between education and industry in relation to T Levels, what collaboration we have seen, and how to increase employer understanding of these flagship new qualifications. The show also looks at the challenges that early years providers and employers have faced and how they have overcome these barriers to ensure learners could progress in their chosen field.