T-Levels

T Levels are a new qualification designed for 16 to 19-year-olds in England who have finished their GCSEs. Designed with employers for employers, they provide an alternative to A levels and apprenticeships, equipping young people with the technical and practical skills necessary to be an asset in the workplace.

We all recognise the skills shortages faced by employers that can hinder business growth and success. In response, the government has worked alongside hundreds of employers to design T Level courses that deliver the skills businesses need. Each T Level helps young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace over a two-year programme. At the heart of each course, every T Level student completes an industry placement that lasts a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days either in day release or blocks).

By hosting an industry placement for a T Level learner, your business can:

• Build a talent pipeline for junior positions, apprenticeships, and internships.
• Provide your existing staff with opportunities to develop management and mentoring skills.
• Train a young person with the specific skills your business needs

Additionally, you may offer the student a permanent position after they complete their industry placement.

Difference Between T Levels and Apprenticeships

T Levels are different from apprenticeships. T Levels prepare students for work, further training, or further study, with a balance of classroom and industry experience. In contrast, apprenticeships are typically 80% on-the-job training and 20% classroom learning, making them more suitable for those who want to earn a wage and learn simultaneously, and who are ready to enter the workforce at age 16.

T Levels can lead to accelerated apprenticeships as they are recognised as prior learning. This recognition can reduce the time required to complete an apprenticeship program, saving a business both time and costs.

Find out more

As a business, you might want to find out more about Industry Placements and how to get involved. There are also a series of T Level webinars, including recordings of previous presentations.

If you are a student, visit the T Levels website where you can enter your postcode to find colleges, schools, or other providers offering T Levels.

As a parent / carer, there is a dedicated microsite with T Level resources for parents and carers.

If you are a provider, you can register to deliver T Levels.