T Levels are a level 3 technical qualification, for 16 to 19 year olds, which have been developed with employers. They are an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other courses. Each T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels, and focuses on skills that are in demand to help you move onto employment, higher education or an apprenticeship.
They combine classroom learning with an in-depth industry placement. The placement lasts for at least 45 days (20% of your time with us), giving you the opportunity to put the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt at college into practice. You’ll get invaluable experience in the workplace and employers get the chance to meet new talent in their industry.
For all T Levels you will need at least a grade 4 in maths and English. Please check the specific entry requirements for each course.
Successfully completing an industry placement is an important part of the T Level qualification. To achieve this, you will:
Spend at least 45 (105 for Education and Childcare) days on placement. This can include up to 35 hours of work preparation and taster activities, such as job-shadowing or visits to different employers.
Work with employers in real-life work settings to practice and develop your core technical and employability skills.
Work towards specific learning goals, which will be developed by your teachers and work experience coordinator, and the employer before you start your placement. Your
progress will be reviewed at regular review meetings with your tutor and placement manager.
If you are currently working part time in a paid or non-paid job, which is relevant to your course and career aspirations, then you may be able to use this place of work for your placement. Your employer will need to agree to this. We still need our assessors to visit to ensure that you are meeting targets. We also need to check that the employer meets required levels for safety before this can be counted as a placement.
Your industry placement is a great way to put your learning into practice and develop your technical skills and knowledge in your chosen sector. The placement and the experience you gain from it is a great way to make you stand out after you have completed your course. It will be an important addition to your CV. It will help you to:
Gain the experience of being in a workplace setting.
Step out of your comfort zone and build confidence through interacting with professionals and meeting new people.
Identify the type of job you would like to do, and what sort of organisation you would like to work for.
Build your network in the industry, connecting you with people who can give you advice and help you to find future jobs.
Potentially secure a job or apprenticeship with the employer after you have completed your college course.
T Levels comprise five parts. Some of these receive a grade, while others need confirmation that it has been successfully completed:
Core component (year 1), where you will learn a broad range of topics from across the whole of your chosen industry (graded A*-E).
Occupational specialisms (year 2), you will focus your learning on your chosen specialism (graded Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* for each specialism).
Industry placement (confirmation that this has been successfully completed).
English and maths qualifications (confirmation that minimum requirements have been met).
Other mandatory requirements for example work readiness skills (confirmation that these have been met).
Overall you will receive a grade of Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass (C or above on core component), or Pass (D or E on core component).
You will be assessed in a variety of ways throughout your course, including controlled assessments, external exams, an employer-led set project, and practical assignments. this all contributes to your final overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. If you have to resit an exam you may have to pay a fee. If this happens your tutor will explain what to do at the time.
Once you have completed your T Level there are lots of options for you.
You can go straight into work, using the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have learnt through your qualification and industry placement. For certain qualifications you may have to complete a conversion apprenticeship, for example in electrical installation, to ensure that you can work safely in industry.
If you have ambitions to go on to higher education, you can do with a T Level, for full or part time study. You can also look for higher level or degree apprenticeships.
If you do want to go to university you will get the following UCAS points for your T Level.
T Level overall grade | Equivalent A Level grade | UCAS points |
|---|---|---|
Distinction* | A*A*A* | 168 |
Distinction | AAA | 144 |
Merit | BBB | 120 |
Pass (C or above on core component) | CCC | 96 |
Pass (D or E on core component) | DDD | 72 |
T Levels are designed to prepare you for work and involve more classroom study than apprenticeships. With a T Level you will spend approximately 20% of your time in the workplace and 80% in college. In contrast, an apprenticeship is paid on-the-job training which involves 20% of your time in college and 80% in the workplace.
Like A Levels, there are no tuition fees to study a T Level.