From September 2023, Shrewsbury Colleges Group will be offering T Levels in a number of subjects. The subjects are:
- Business and Administration Route (Business Support)
- Construction Route (Design Surveying and Planning for Construction)
- Digital Route (Design and Development)
- Education and Childcare Route (Early Years Educator)
- Engineering & Manufacturing Route (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) • Health and Science Route (Supporting Adult Nursing)
- Legal, Finance and Accounting Route (Legal Services - Business, Finance and Employment)
T Levels or Technical Levels are ground-breaking new qualifications which are equivalent to 3 A Levels. T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training, or study.
Q: How many T Levels do I need to study?
A: One, a T Level is an academically rigorous full-time and standalone programme.
Q: Will I earn a wage whilst studying a T Level?
A: You will not earn a wage on a T Level course as you will be on a work placement with the employer. You won’t be employed.
Q: How long does a T Level take?
A: A T Level qualification is a two-year course, including the industry placement. This is a significant increase on most current technical education courses, ensuring that students gain as much experience as possible while undertaking the qualification and are well prepared for the workplace.
Q: What’s the difference between an A Level course and a T Level course?
A Levels are subject-based qualifications which can be studied as part of a three A Level programme or a mixed A Level/Vocational programme. A T Level is a full-time programme equivalent to 3 A Levels.
Q: Who are T Levels for?
A: T Levels are ideal if you have completed your GCSEs, and wish to continue your studies but also want to get into a skilled job. They are also great if you prefer a practical approach to your studies. They enable you to build knowledge and experience to help you get the job you want. T Levels are developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so you will have the skills that employers in your chosen industry need. T-levels are ideal for you if you are focussed on a particular career or work skills and either want to progress to university, further training, an apprenticeship, or employment.
Q: What’s the difference between a T Level and an Apprenticeship?
A: T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships. With T Levels you will spend approximately 20% of the time on a work placement and 80% of the time in the classroom. This differs from an apprenticeship, which is typically 80% on-the-job and 20% in the classroom and is 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.
Q: How is a T Level graded?
A: Students who complete their T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction, or distinction*. They will get a nationally recognised certificate which will show their overall grade and a breakdown of what they have achieved. The T Level certificate will include:
- an overall grade for the T Level, shown as pass, merit, distinction or distinction*
- a separate grade for the core component, using A* to E
- a separate grade for each occupational specialism, shown as pass, merit or distinction
It will also include confirmation that the student has:
- met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications
- completed the industry placement
- met any additional mandatory requirements
A student’s overall T Level grade will be worked out from the grades they achieved on the core component and the occupational specialism(s). Students who do not pass all elements of their T Level will get a T Level statement of achievement which will show the elements they have completed.
Q: Can I go to university after studying for a T Level?
T Levels will provide several progression options to students. These include skilled employment, an apprenticeship and higher education. To help T Level students get into higher education, UCAS tariff points will be allocated to T Levels. UCAS points will only be allocated to the overall T Level grade. Students must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.
Q: Why would I choose an unpaid T Level over a paid Apprenticeship?
A: T Levels and Apprenticeships are different. A T Level will give you the opportunity to continue your studies and get a much broader idea of what it’s like to work in a certain sector, with the opportunity to specialise later. Apprenticeships are paid, work-based training for those who know what occupation they wish to pursue.