T Levels

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WHAT ARE T LEVELS?

T Levels are a new two-year course, that is being introduced by the government, primarily aimed at 16 to 19-year-old learners. Equivalent to three A levels, they are a level 3 technical option that combines classroom-based learning with a strong element of on-the-job training through a 45-day industry placement.

T Levels have been developed in select subject areas, alongside employers and businesses to ensure they meet industry needs. The courses are being rolled out gradually to colleges and providers.

The qualification is made up of...

Technical Qualification:

Core content (knowledge and skills relevant to all occupations covered by the T-Level)

An occupational specialism (the knowledge and practical skills to enter employment in a particular occupation)

Industry placement:

Every T-level will include an industry placement with an employer, which will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can be longer.

WHAT T LEVELS CAN I STUDY AT STOCKTON RIVERSIDE COLLEGE?

EDUCATION AND CHILDCARE

Early Years education and childcare / Assisting Teaching

HEALTH AND SCIENCE ROUTE

Supporting Healthcare (various pathways)

CONSTRUCTION ROUTE

Carpentry, Joinery and Bricklaying

DIGITAL ROUTE

Digital Production, Design and development

HAIR AND BEAUTY ROUTE

Specialisms in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy

BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION ROUTE

Business Support / Team leadership and management

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A T LEVEL AND A LEVEL 3 VOCATIONAL COURSE?

T Levels are the technical equivalent to three A levels. They will cover core theory, concepts, and specialist skills and knowledge for a specific career or occupation. The main difference between the T Level and a level 3 course is the compulsory industry placement. This will last a minimum of 315 hours and makes up 20% of the course. Academically demanding, T Levels incorporate English, maths, and digital content.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A T LEVEL AND AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprenticeships are built for those who know what occupation they want to pursue and are ready to enter the world of work. They are typically made up of a combination of 80% on-the-job training and 20% in the classroom. T levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and providers so that the content “meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work”. T Levels are based on the same industrial standards as apprenticeships, created specifically by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. On a T Level, you will spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a placement.

WILL A T LEVEL GIVE ME ENOUGH UCAS POINTS TO GET INTO UNIVERSITY?

Yes. T Level qualifications carry UCAS tariff points. A T Level is worth the same number of UCAS points as three A levels. UCAS points will be allocated according to your overall grade. T Level students can progress onto higher education, employment, or an apprenticeship.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I DON’T ACHIEVE THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Transition Programmes will be available for a number of T level pathways which will be designed to help an individual develop and achieve entry-level requirements for T Levels over a year. The transition programmes will potentially include elements such as vocational qualifications, work experience/visits, master classes, and English and maths but will be designed specifically around moving onto a T Level in a particular sector. It will effectively mean your T Level becomes a three-year programme, from start to finish.

WHO ARE T LEVELS SUITABLE FOR?

T Levels are a great choice for students who:

Aspire to achieve an advanced level of technical excellence in a chosen career pathway
Value the opportunity to develop their technical skills within both the classroom and the workplace
Are keen to experience the world of work and develop their employability skills
Wish to start a career in a more advanced role or would like to progress onto a higher-level apprenticeship or a degree course at university.

HOW LONG IS THE INDUSTRY PLACEMENT?

The industry placement will be up to three months, though the specific length of the placement and the date it will take place during the two-year course, will depend on your T Level. Placements could be undertaken as a block, or as individual days, depending on the model that works best for you, the employer, and the college. You will not be paid for your industry placement but will gain invaluable experience as part of the qualification.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT T LEVELS?

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