T Levels are new qualifications available to students after they finish school. T Levels last 2 years and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. The first 3 T Levels were rolled out in September 2020 in these subject areas:

• Design, surveying and planning for construction
• Digital production, design and development
• Education and childcare

These 3 courses are currently available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England. There are plenty more T Levels in development that will be ready to roll out in September 2021 – from healthcare science to onsite construction.

How do T Levels work?

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships – they’re designed by groups of employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. However, T Levels differ from apprenticeships as instead of equipping learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need for a specific occupation, T Levels provide a more-rounded education in the field.

T Level students cover the core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area, which prepares students for work, further training or study. Students complete a mixture of classroom learning (around 1,500 hours) and on-the-job experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (around 45 days).

What T Levels will be announced in the future?

In September 2021, T Level courses start in:

• Digital business services
• Digital support and services
• Heath
• Healthcare science
• Onsite construction
• Science
• Building services engineering for construction

In September 2022, these T Levels will start:

• Accounting
• Design and development for engineering and manufacturing
• Engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
• Finance
• Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
• Management and administration

Then, there are further T Level courses in development for launch in September 2023:

• Animal management
• Agriculture, land management and production
• Catering
• Craft and design
• Hair, beauty and aesthetics
• Human resources
• Legal
• Media broadcast and production

As you can see, there’s a range of new courses launching over the next few years across a wide spectrum of sectors. T Levels will be a popular option for students, which is why almost 200 training providers have already signed up to deliver the T Level Transition programme.

How can providers start delivering T Levels?

If you’re interested in delivering T Levels, you need to submit an expression of interest to the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education. You can find out how it works and when the next round of applications opens on the gov.uk website.

T Level providers will be supported by the Association of Colleges. They’ll help with planning, delivery preparations, networking and sharing best practice. Providers will also receive additional funding to support the transition to T Levels – a one-off payment of £20,000 to each provider delivering T Levels for the first time between 2020-2022.

 

T Levels are expected to be the next big thing in post-secondary education. To find out more about how they work, how they’re delivered, and the funding available for providers, download your T Level frequently asked questions.