What are T-Levels?
T-Levels are two-year technical study programmes aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds, offering a mix of classroom learning and industry placement.
They have been designed in collaboration with employers and businesses to meet the needs of industry and prepare students for work.
Subject areas covered by this new qualification will include, for example: accountancy, agriculture, catering, finance, hair and beauty, healthcare and media.
How do they work?
The two-year course will involve around 1,800 hours focusing on three main elements – a technical qualification, a work placement and basic maths, English and digital skills.
Students will spend most of their time in the classroom, where they will learn about their chosen industry through a mixture of core theory and specialist skills.
The practical part of the course will be on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – about 45 days.
Employers will be able to offer placements as a block, day release or a combination of these.
Why choose T-Levels?
Students who successfully complete a T-Level will have a qualification equivalent to three A-Levels and will receive a nationally-recognised certificate.
The DfE said the aim was to ensure all qualifications were high-quality, necessary, and supported students to progress into employment or further study.
How do T-Level grades compare to A-Levels?
At the end of the course, students will be awarded one of four overall grades, ranging from pass to distinction*. The highest grade is equivalent to three A*s at A-Level and the lowest pass is equivalent to three Ds.
T-Levels are prestigious qualifications that open doors to either skilled employment, higher apprenticeships or higher education. For students wanting to go on to university, T-Levels are worth the same number of UCAS points as A Levels.
How are T-Levels different from apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships suit those students who feel ready for the workplace at 16 years, want to earn while learning, and have already chosen a specific occupation. They spend about 80% of their time with an employer, learning ‘on the job’, and 20% in the classroom.
This is the reverse of the T-Level, which will involve 80% classroom work and 20% work placement. Students will gain a much broader idea of what it’s like to work in a certain sector, with the opportunity to specialise later.
The Parents' Guide to T-Levels
You can find out more about the new qualifications in The Parents’ Guide to T-Levels.
T-Level FAQs
T-Levels will include an industry placement with an employer. Around 80% of your time will be spent in the classroom with the remaining 20% being spent on placement. This differs from an apprenticeship, which is typically 80% on-the-job and 20% in the classroom.
T-Levels combine classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement that will give you the chance to apply this theory and gain genuine experience of the workplace.
Around 80% of your time will be spent at college with the remaining 20% being spent at your placement. This will give you the opportunity to develop the employability skills you need for your chosen career.
The industry placement will be up to three months, although the specific length of the placement, and when 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 employer, young person and the college.
T-Levels are ideal if you have completed your GCSEs and want to get into a skilled job. They will enable you to build the knowledge and experience you need to get the job you want. They are being developed in collaboration with employers with a focus on giving you the skills employers are looking for.
Yes. T-Levels will prepare you to progress into a skilled job, but you can also choose to take further technical training, such as a higher apprenticeship or degree. T-Levels will have the same UCAS points as three A-Levels.
A T-Level will give you the opportunity to continue your studies and get a much broader idea of what it is like to work in a certain sector, with the opportunity to specialise later. Apprenticeships are paid, work-based training for those who know what occupation they wish to pursue.
To study T-Levels at Priestley you will need to have achieved five GCSEs at grade 4 to 9, including English and Maths. To study Software Development you will need a 5 in Maths.
Priestley College has designated funding to help support industry placements, which can be used to support you with your travel costs.
Please visit apply.priestley.ac.uk to submit an application, or call our admissions team on 01925 415415 for more information.
To express an interest in, and stay informed about, T-Levels please email admissions@priestley.ac.uk
