T Level FAQs

Choosing the right course to do is very important and with the recent introduction of T Levels there are now even more choices. In case you are not sure what T Levels are here are some FAQs that we have put together to help you.

WHAT ARE T LEVELS?

T Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training, or further study. T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days.

HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM A LEVELS?

T Levels are two-year technical programmes, designed with employers, to give young people the skills that industries need. The ‘T’ stands for technical and from 2020, T Levels will give 16 to 19 -year olds a technical alternative to A Levels. A Levels follow a more academic route while T Levels provide a technical alternative that will prepare young people for careers.

HOW LONG DO T LEVELS TAKE TO COMPLETE?

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. We expect the total time for a T Level to be around 1,800 hours over the 2 years, including the industry placement.

ARE T LEVELS BETTER THAN APPRENTICESHIPS?

An apprentice spends most of their time in the workplace, learning on-the-job, whereas a T level student will spend most of their time in the classroom. If a student performs particularly well in their technical studies, they can progress onto higher or degree level apprenticeships. So, the answer is that actually they are different but still vocational based.

CAN I GO TO UNIVERSITY WITH T LEVELS?

Your T Level will be worth UCAS points – a T Level Distinction* is worth the same as 3 A Levels at A* – and will be recognised by universities and other education providers so you can choose to continue studying if you wish.

DO EMPLOYERS RECOGNISE T LEVELS?

T Levels are designed with employers to give young people the skills that industries need, so therefore employers are pleased that these new qualifications fit their criteria.

ARE T LEVELS BETTER THAN A LEVELS?

One T Level qualification is equivalent to three A Levels and is worth the same amount of UCAS Tariff points overall. For example, achieving a Distinction* in your T Level is equivalent to achieving three A*s at A Level – both are worth a total of 168 UCAS Tariff points. So, they are different because they are vocational and will suit students who prefer to have a more technical career.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER T LEVELS?

T Levels prepare you to progress into a skilled job, but you can also choose to take further technical training, such as a higher apprenticeship or degree, if you don’t want to move straight into a job.