Say Hello to T-Levels!

It’s no secret that education in the UK has undergone a serious make-over, of sorts in the past few years. From changes in everything to curriculum and assessment to the qualifications themselves it seems more and more is changing for students in England. The latest announcement in these educational developments is the introduction of ‘T-Levels’ or ‘Technical Qualifications’ in September of 2020.

So, what are T Levels? In short, they are another route of progression for students after GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A-levels.

Read on to find out what T-levels will offer your students, more information about the first courses available and what we’ll be offering to T-Level students.

What are T-Levels?

As we’ve mentioned, T-Levels are the latest development in educational qualification in the UK and will be available in September 2020. Similar to traditional A Level routes, the courses will run over 2 years and have been confirmed to hold the same UCAS points as 3 A-levels. T-Levels are looking to bridge the gap between A-levels and apprenticeships, offering students another option at this stage in their education. Combining traditional elements of education such as classroom learning and employment experience, for those students wanting to enter a specific industry but who aren’t quite ready to enter the work force full time.  T-Levels will feature a minimum placement period of 45 days, allowing students to experience elements of professional procedure in their chosen field and develop a knowledge to further a career in this field.

How are they different from apprenticeships?

T-Levels differ from Apprenticeships in their structure, featuring predominantly classroom-based learning specific to a certain industry. The inclusion of placement elements or practical experience on a T-Level is much lower than that of an apprenticeship with a minimum requirement of 45 days, although this can be extended should the provider and student both wish to continue. This placement can be delivered over one continuous period, weekly sessions or a combination of scheduled sessions.  However, T-Levels open the door for students to progress onto higher apprenticeships, employment of further study at university, as these carry UCAS points like traditional academic qualifications A-Levels.

When will T-Levels be launched?

The first 3 courses available will be launched in September of 2020 across selected colleges, school and providers in England. It is expected that a further 7 courses will be introduced the following autumn. Once T-Levels have been rolled out in full there will be 26 courses for students to choose from, across varying industries and roles.In simpler terms, the students who entered year 10 in Autumn 2018 will be the first age group to benefit from the introduction of T-Levels.

Structure

T-Levels will be awarded as a technical qualification including theoretical and practical elements. The theory element of the qualification will be divided into key theory for the industry and specialist knowledge for specific occupations or careers within that industry. As we’ve mentioned previously the practical element will be made up of a 45-day placement period. As with all level 3 qualifications T-Levels will include the completion of minimum standards in maths and English if students did not achieve these at GCSE.

Courses

Digital Production - Design and Development

This course will see students develop an understanding for digital elements and their uses, advantages and implementation within business. Students will analyse businesses from every angle from customer service to end user and develop an understanding of processes and stages in-between and how digital tools and skills are utilised to benefit the delivery, quality and growth of businesses. This qualification will educate students on the many IT based roles within business, such as website development and implementation, graphic design and digital marketing.

Construction - Design, Surveying and Planning

This course will let students understand the many roles within the construction industry from planning and surveying to design and construction itself. Students will develop a knowledge of the elements which inform decisions and methods within the construction industry including budget, mechanical and structural science, environmental factors, law and digital technology. This T-Level will prepare students for further study in a chosen specialism or apprenticeships in roles such as architects, structural engineers, surveyors and management roles such as site managers and construction managers.

Education and Childcare

This T-Level will introduce students into the many career opportunities within the educational and child care sector, such as teachers, nursery staff, and child minders. Students will cover topics such as child development, early years curriculum, safeguarding, and SEND. They will develop an understanding for the various opportunities and paths within education and the different institutions such as academies, independent schools, free schools etc. This should allow students to develop an informed path for career progression.

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At Adaptable Travel we’re excited by any opportunity for students to explore education and continue learning. As a provider we’ll be developing brand new trips and adapting some of our fantastic trips, tours and visits to continue to engage and inspire students during T-level study. Our tours and visits are developed alongside the curriculum ensuring that they're as relevant and rewarding as possible for all groups, our T-Level range will live up to this very same high quality that we've perfected!

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