Stoke on Trent College Careers Co-ordinator Chrissy Pawlisyn examines the impact of T Levels so far and looks to dispel some of the more frequently encountered myths that have arose about the qualifications.
T Levels are a relatively new, high quality technical qualification for people aged 16-19, which combine classroom learning with a 45-day work placement. They have been designed to help young people develop the skills and knowledge needed to go on to employment or higher education, such as university.
However, like with any new qualification, there are some common misconceptions and misunderstandings. Here I aim to dispel some of the most frequently encountered ones.
“T Levels are just an unpaid Apprenticeship”
False – if you choose to study a T Level programme you will spend 20% of your time on industry placement and 80% in the classroom. With an Apprenticeship this is reversed – so you would spend 80% of your time in the workplace and 20% of your time in the classroom.
“T Levels are for people who aren’t academic”
False – T Levels are for anyone who wants to get the skills they need to get a job in a variety of interesting and exciting industries.
T Levels still involve a large portion of academic study similarly to A Levels, however with T Levels, you’ll also gain real life experience of the industry you’re preparing for! Each module has been designed to reflect what is happening in your chosen industry right now and predicts trends for the future – equipping you with everything you need to enter the working world after your studies.
“T Levels are just rebranded BTECs”
False – while T Levels are replacing certain BTEC courses in some areas, there are significant differences between T Levels and BTEC study. The purpose is very similar, in that T Levels are designed to help you gain the skills needed for your chosen career, but they also have a much greater focus on work experience.
T Levels also differ from BTECs as they have been designed and developed with the help of industry professionals and crafted to the specific requirements of the industry.
“You can’t progress onto university with T Levels”
False – T Levels prepare you to progress into a skilled job, but they also provide you with the qualifications needed to pursue further education such as a degree or a Higher Apprenticeship. One T Level is equivalent to three A Levels, and as long as you get the points needed for your chosen university, there is nothing stopping you from progressing into further education.
“T Level students will struggle to get a job”
False – quite the opposite in fact! T Levels are designed to meet the current and future needs of the job market, so having a T Level can actually make you more employable. As part of your T Level, you’ll spend a minimum of 315 hours (a total of nine weeks) with a business, gaining valuable industry experience alongside seasoned professionals, building your industry connections and networking with potential employers, further increasing your chances of employability post-study.
The placement allows you to put into practice the things you have learnt in the classroom and gives you the opportunity to further develop your skills and knowledge, take part in meaningful projects and business activities, and try out your potential career path. Having this hands-on experience will be highly attractive to many employers as the future world of work needs people with industry experience and knowledge.
“T Levels are only for people who want to do a trade”
False – T Levels provide a pathway into many more careers than you’d expect – and not just in the trades. From September, the College will offer T Levels in Media, Adult Nursing, Business Administration, Engineering, Digital Production, Midwifery and much more.
For more information visit the website www.stokecollege.ac.uk/t-levels or come along to one of our Open Events: www.stokecoll.ac.uk/open-events
If you are an employer and are interested in providing T Level placements, please click here.
