T-levels: What Are They and Where Can I Study Them?

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What are T-levels?
How will they differ from A-levels?
Will they replace BTECs?
Where can I study T-levels?
What subjects can I study?

You might have heard quite a lot of talk about the relatively recently introduced T-levels. And you might be wondering what on earth they are.

Well, you're not alone... less than one third of students and parents are unaware of the new qualification, according to a poll conducted by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Keep reading for everything you need to know about these technical courses…

What are T-levels?

T-levels are a two-year programme for 16-18 year old students. Similar to the old option of BTECs, T-levels want to give young people the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to enter skilled jobs, through both classroom learning and an industry placement (315 hours minimum).

After completing your GCSEs, you’ll choose between an academic study programme (A-levels and applied general qualifications), or an occupational route (T-level or apprenticeship).

T-levels are will be equivalent to 3 A-levels. The courses have been designed with employers and businesses, meaning the content is industry standard and relevant.

How will they differ from A-levels?

T-levels offer a different pathway into your future career or further education. Merging classroom learning and real life industry placements, they aren’t restricted to traditional learning styles like A-levels are.

As the government puts it, they provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.

T-level courses include the following compulsory elements:

a technical qualification, which will include: core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area
specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
an industry placement with an employer
a minimum standard in Maths and English if students have not already achieved them

T-levels will be based on identical standards as apprenticeships, approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute), with a lot more hours needed to complete the course than previous industry-based programmes.

T-levels are different from an apprenticeship, which are typically 80% on the job and 20% in the classroom. Apprenticeships are more suited to those who know what occupation they want to pursue, want to earn a wage and learn at the same time, and are ready to enter the workforce at age 16.

Will they replace BTECS?

Post-GCSE qualifications are all being looked at and changed to create a simpler, high-quality system that students, parents and employers will all understand. This means that pathways like T-levels are being created, whilst old methods such as BTECs are being reviewed. However there's been no official action just yet.

For now, BTECs still exist, but watch this space...

Where can I study them?

Luckily for you, the government has compiled a handy list of all providers of T-levels. This government website is your best bet to find your local provider.