What Are T Levels? (And Why Are They Important)

There is a new qualification in town, and whilst the name might be similar, the way of learning is quite different…

T Levels were introduced in September 2020 for 16- to 18-year-olds, and one T Level is the equivalent of three A Levels.

How Are T Levels Different to A Levels?

T Levels are essentially a technical alternative to A Levels.

The core difference between the two qualifications is that whilst A Levels are completely academic, T Levels offer a mix of classroom-based learning and the chance to learn workplace skills in the subject you are studying.

That is because every T Level includes 45 days industry placement.

To make sure the students develop the technical knowledge and skills required in that industry, T Levels have been developed by employers and providers, with support from the Department for Education and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

How Are T Levels Different To Apprenticeships?

At the other end of the spectrum apprenticeships are usually made up of around 80% learning on the job, with the other 20% of the time spent studying.

T Levels workout at roughly the opposite of this.

Eighty per cent of the time is spent in the classroom learning the theory and concept for the industry area, with the other 20% of the time spent getting the practical and technical skills via an industry placement.

How Do I Know If a T Level is For Me?

If you want to learn practical skills relevant to certain jobs, then a T Level is a great choice for you regardless of whether you want to go on to study for a degree, take alternative further education or go straight into the workplace.

Feedback from students who have taken, or are taking T Levels, is that they can help push you in a definite career path, help you develop and increase in confidence and are a great advantage to have on your CV by the way of the industry experience they provide.

All you need to take a T Level is at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9. You will also be required to work towards the attainment of Maths and English if you have not achieved at least a grade 4 at GCSE.

What Can I Study at T Level?

T Levels are being introduced gradually around the country.

Nationally 16 T Levels have already been launched, and the aim is to have 24 T Levels available across the country eventually.

To find out more about the timeline for the launch of T Levels visit the gov.uk website.

To find out what T Levels you can study here at North Kent College, visit the T Level page on our website.

Which Employees Will I Be Working With?

As we mentioned, a big part of T Levels is the fact that they include 45 days of work placements.

Employers that we work with include:

• Berkeley Modular Ltd
• Willmott Dixon
• Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
• Wire Belt Company Ltd
• And many more!

If you are interested in taking a T Level at North Kent College, you will be able to find out beforehand where your work placement might take place.

Do I Get UCAS Points for my T Level?

Yes, UCAS points are allocated to T Levels based on the below:

With the first T Level courses launching in September 2020, the first cohort studying the two-year qualifications got their results in August 2022.

Of the 1,029 students who received results the pass rate was 92.2%, and was broken down as below:

• Distinction or Distinction *: 34.6%
• Merit: 39.8%
• Pass: 17.8%

What Can I Do After Taking a T Level?

Upon completion of a T Level you can:

• Go straight into work.
• Go to university
• Do a higher or degree level apprenticeship.

T Levels are a great mix of classroom learning and industry experience.

They give you an advantage as you will develop many practical skills you will need in the industry you are looking to move into and they look great on your CV as employers will know you have worked in the industry.

Interested in studying a T Level at North Kent College? Visit our T Level page, or contact us to find out more about these exciting new qualifications.