T Levels are brand new high-quality courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year qualifications are based on the world’s best technical education systems and blend classroom learning with workplace experience.

The first 3 T Levels – in the fields of digital, construction and education & childcare – have just launched at selected colleges and schools across England. Over the coming years, a total of 24 T Levels in 11 skill areas will start, covering subjects ranging from accounting and catering through to manufacturing and science.

There are 3 main differences between T Levels and most existing post-16 courses:

  1. Designed by employers for employers. More than 250 employers worked with technical experts to specify the course content so you can be confident that T Level graduates will have the best knowledge and practical skills to support your business.
  2. Innovative workplace experience. Each student completes an industry placement, lasting at least 45 days, where they put their knowledge and skills into practice on real projects, see what their career could be like and, most importantly, become work ready.
  3. Recognised qualification. These are rigorous courses that are designed to provide a quality alternative to A levels and apprenticeships for those young people who know the career they want to pursue but also want to keep their options open. Since each T Level is equivalent to 3 A levels and attracts the same UCAS points, they offer students the opportunity of moving straight into an entry-level skilled role, higher apprenticeship or continuing to further study.

T Levels represent the biggest reform to technical and vocational education for a generation and are part of the Government’s strategy to address the skills gap and streamline the post-16 education landscape to help both students and employers understand what young people will learn and where it could lead.

Why they are relevant to you now?
Even before graduates join the labour market, T Level industry placements offer real opportunities to businesses, regardless of their size or sector. Many businesses are embracing these as a great way to bring in new ideas and the latest skills and as a new way to find, nurture and secure young talent. See what employers have said about industry placements.

While Covid-19 continues to impact many businesses, some employers see T Levels and industry placements in particular as an opportunity to ensure they have the best skills in place to rebuild and to make the most of whatever the future brings.

More than 250 colleges, schools and other providers are already arranging industry placements for students either on new T Level courses or as part of other courses in readiness for the rollout of later T Levels. They will partner with you to decide how an industry placement could work in your business, to identify the right student, ensure it runs smoothly, complete any necessary paperwork and to answer any questions you have. You can even share the placement with another employer.

For information and support on hosting industry placements including toolkits and webinars, click here, or to find a learning provider in your area contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 08000 150 600 or email tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk.


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