What are T Levels?
- T-levels are relatively new, government-backed, career focused qualifications for 16- to 19-year olds.
- T Levels are a 2-yr qualification that you can do post-16 (after GCSEs) and as an alternative to A Levels or an Apprenticeship.
- They’re roughly equivalent to three A-levels
- More than 250 leading businesses & employers helped design T-Levels, to make sure they prepare students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.
- During your T Level, you spend 80% of your time in the classroom & 20% on a 45-day work placement. So, they give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies.
- Currently, you can take T Levels in Health and Science; Finance and Accounting; Education and Childcare; Engineering and Manufacturing; and Digital services. From September 2023, you will also be able to take T Levels in Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Catering; Craft and Design; Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy; Media, Broadcast and Production; and Legal Services
- The courses are available at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England. You can find your nearest T-Level at tlevels.gov.uk
What do T Levels consist of?
T Levels consist of:
- A nationally recognised technical qualification that provides technical knowledge and practical skills specific to a particular industry or occupation.
- A 45-day work placement in that chosen industry or occupation.
- The development of transferable workplace skills, meaning you can progress on to work, a higher apprenticeship or higher education depending on the occupation you wish to pursue.
What are the advantages of T Levels?
- The 45-day work placement enables you to get valuable experience and learn what a real career is like while you study.
- A T Level will prepare you for work, further training or further study.
- A T Level is an ideal career pathway of you are an individual that prefers vocational programmes to academic courses.
How is a T Level different to an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship typically involves 80% pf your time spent “on the job” with 20% study time, and is suited to individuals that want to “earn while they learn” and are ready to enter the workforce.
T Levels are more academic. You will spend 80% of your time in the classroom, and benefit from a 45 day unpaid work placement.
Do T Levels give UCAS points?
A T Level does give UCAS points, and T Levels are recognised by universities and other education providers, meaning you can continue to study after completing your T level, if you want to.
For example – a T Level Distinction* is equivalent to 3 A Levels at A*.
Students should check with each University whether T-Levels are accepted for the course or degree or higher apprenticeship they wish to do, as this is subject to change each year.
You can find an up-to-date list of higher education providers that have confirmed T levels bare suitable for entry onto a minimum of one course here: Providers that have confirmed T Levels suitable for entry on one course – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What’s the difference between A Levels and T Levels?
The main difference between T-Levels and A-Levels is that T-Levels focus on one subject whilst A-Levels require you to focus on a few different subjects.
T-Levels are more practical/vocational based, whereas A-Levels are more theoretical. However, both routes require academic study and both A Levels and T Levels are accepted by universities and employers.
What does “T Level” mean?
The ‘T’ stands for technical. T Levels provide 16 to 19 -year olds with a technical alternative to A levels.
Do universities accept T Levels?
Your T Level will be worth UCAS points – a T Level Distinction* is equivalent to 3 A levels at A*, for example – and will be recognised by universities and other education providers so you can choose to continue studying afterwards if you wish.
Students should check with each University whether T-Levels are accepted for the course or degree or higher apprenticeship they wish to do, as this is subject to change each year.
Do you get paid for T Levels?
No. You are not entitled to a salary as part of your T Level work placement.
T Levels Near Me – How to Find a T Level Provider
You can take T Levels at selected colleges, schools and other providers across England. You can find your nearest T-Level at tlevels.gov.uk
When were T Levels Introduced?
The first 3 T levels were launched in September 2020, with 7 more introduced in September the following year.
As of September 20022, there are 16 different T levels to choose from, with even more expected to be added in September 2023.
Why were T Levels introduced?
Following the ‘Post-16 Skills Plan’, published in July 2016, a review of Technical Education took place, with the objective of creating an alternative career pathway for young people who prefer vocational programmes to academic courses.
Contact Us
The National Careers Service provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills, and the labour market in England to anyone aged 13 and upwards.
To speak to a National Careers Service adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our webchat. Lines are available from: 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday, and 10am – 5pm Saturday.
