Investing in Future Talent — Why Kane International Backs T Levels

During National T Level Week 2025, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and its regional partners are celebrating the achievements of T Level students and highlighting the transformative impact of technical education across Greater Manchester. 

One Greater Manchester organisation Kane International, has already embraced T Levels to build a pipeline of skilled future talent - placing technical education at the heart of what they do. 

Why T Levels make sense for business 

Unlike short work experience placements, T Levels give students 45 days in the workplace. That’s enough time for them to properly settle in, contribute to live projects, and show what they can do.    

From designing gas analysers that keep homes safe to building advanced automotive tools, the business relies on engineers and technicians with specialist knowledge. But finding those skills locally isn’t always easy.  

"If you want great talent, the best way is to engage with schools and colleges. You’ll never struggle to find the skills you need." Jonathan Hoole, Managing Director at Kane International

At Kane International, T Level students have:  

• Helped set up new machinery on the production line.  

• Brought fresh ideas to improve processes and ways of working  

• Injected positive energy and creativity into the workplace.  

As Jonathan said: “We’ve increased our intellectual horsepower by bringing in T Level students.”  

Breaking down barriers  

Some employers worry they don’t have the time or resources to support young people. But Kane International sees it differently:  

• Training is an investment that also supports existing staff development.  

• Businesses quickly get back the time spent upfront through new skills and productivity.  

• It’s a free pipeline of talent, one that can be shaped to meet industry needs.  

Jonathan said: “It’s our duty as a business to help the next generation. If we’re engaged, we won’t have a skills shortage.” 

What are T Levels? 

T Levels are a key part of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc), an ambitious plan to give young people a clear line of sight into good jobs in the city-region’s fastest growing sectors. The MBacc builds on the excellent work already being led by colleges across Greater Manchester, delivering high quality technical education and industry placements. This means young people gain the real-world experience employers need, while businesses like Kane International benefit from a better-prepared future workforce.  

This is how technical education can directly shape the workforce Greater Manchester requires to grow in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing and green technologies, a sector GMCA is focusing on locally, based on employer demand and job growth. 

Shaping the future of industry  

During the process of offering T Levels organisations will partner with a college – and these partnerships don’t just benefit students, they give employers influence too. Kane International worked with The Manchester College to help shape a new course around printed circuit board (PCB) production, the technology that underpins almost every modern electronic device.   

A message to other employers  

Organisations like Kane International see first hand how young people can energise a workforce and bring fresh thinking. Students who might have considered global brands like Rolls Royce or Goldman Sachs chose Kane International instead, thanks to the meaningful opportunities they experienced during placements.  

Jonathan’s advice to other employers is clear:  

• Don’t wait for talent to appear, grow it.  

• Make time to invest in young people.  

• Engage directly with schools, colleges and universities.

Jonathan said: “Businesses are made of people. If you don’t train and grow the best, you won’t have a great business.”