What occupations will they focus on?
T Levels are to be developed for the following occupational pathways:
- Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
- Business and Administrative
- Catering and Hospitality
- Childcare and Education
- Construction
- Creative and Design
- Digital
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Hair and Beauty
- Health and Science
- Legal, Finance and Accounting
When will they be introduced?
A limited range of T Levels will be introduced by the government in 2020, and are currently being collaboratively developed by the Department for Education (DfE), the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA), education providers and employers.
T Levels are to be phased in, starting with a limited number of options to be offered by a controlled number of colleges and schools. The DfE hopes to have all its intended pathways available for final assessments by 2024, although it may be later before T Levels are universally available.
2020 - Limited pathways
2021 - Additional routes added
2022 - Final routes added
How will T Levels work with other Level 3 study programmes?
Applied General Level 3 qualifications such as our Cambridge Technicals form part of the academic route, with the primary purpose of providing access to further study at university.
The technical route is designed to take people into occupations and higher level technical training. The T Level programmes will mirror the same occupational pathways as apprenticeships.
The DfE will be reviewing which qualifications it should fund at Level 3, and intends to engage with interested parties throughout the design of the review.
What if a student isn’t ready for a Level 3 T Level programme at age 16?
Students who are not ready to access a technical education route at age 16 will be offered a ‘transition year’ to help them prepare.
Will T Levels be funded?
The DfE has committed additional funding specifically for T Levels, rising to an extra £500M per year when they are fully in place.