Technical qualifications designed to meet industry demands

What are T-Levels?

T-levels are the new intense technical vocational qualifications introduced by the government to meet the demands of various industries that require a highly skilled and practical workforce. They are designed to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enter employment within industries such as engineering, it, construction, health and more.

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What are T-Levels?

What’s the difference between T-Levels and vocational courses?

Difference between T Levels and BTECS.jpg

T-levels are advanced level 3 courses and equivalent to 3 A Levels. They offer a much longer period of industry placement (usually up to almost 3 months) and aimed at students who are very clear on the career path they wish to pursue. The course is a combination of in-class study and work placement.

Vocational courses are also advanced level 3 courses and equivalent to 3 A-Levels however, they have a shorter work experience period (2 weeks) and mainly focused on developing key skills during practical sessions in college.

Find a T-Level near you

Can I study both?

You cannot study both at the same time. They are both full-time programmes of study and will require you to commit only one.

Which is better?

Both T-Levels and vocational courses are equal in their levels and equal in what you learn. They are both equally valuable to employers and universities. The only difference is the industry placement and work experience you will gain within the practical side of the course.

You will need to be more confident in undertaking a T-Level as you will work alongside managers and supervisors who will teach you a specific trade and skills, give you real job responsibilities and you will be accountable for your work.

For both T-Levels and vocational courses, you will need to be dedicated, highly focussed and have a good sense of which career you would like to follow. Depending on your study style, you can choose whichever programme you feel would suit you more.

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What T-Levels are available?

Many industries are now ready to support T-Level students from September 2020:

September 2021

Building services engineering
Childcare and education
Digital business services
Health and social care
Construction
Science

September 2022

Legal and Finance
Accounting
Maintenance, installation and repair
Manufacturing and process
Design, development and control
Management and administration

September 2023

Animal care and management
Agriculture, land management and production
Craft and design
Cultural heritage and visitor attractions
Media, broadcast and production
Hair, beauty and aesthetics
Catering

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What are the entry requirements?

T-Levels entry requirements are slightly higher than vocational courses as there is the added element of you committing to a long industry placement. Employers expect a mature approach to your job role and your college would expect a high standard of work to be produced. The requirements are a minimum of five GCSE grades at 9–4 including English language and maths.

Vocational course requirements are slightly lower as there will be more opportunity for you to re-draft coursework to gain a higher result. The requirements are a minimum of four GCSE grades at 9–4 including English language or maths.

However, certain programmes have subject specific requirements for example Engineering may require a 5 or 6 in GCSE maths, so make sure to double check what they are before you apply.

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What can I progress into?

You can progress into the industry and sector your T-Level programme relates to. Some students may also be offered employment or an apprenticeship by the same organisation they completed their industry placement in. In such cases this is down to employers being highly impressed by the students commitment so it’s important to put in 100% effort.

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Do universities accept T-Levels?

Yes. As T-levels are advanced level 3 programmes, you will gain UCAS points to join a university. You can either apply for a degree or a degree apprenticeship. You can also progress straight into employment as you will have built key skills necessary for the sector.

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What can I do with my degree?