T Levels

A T Level can be broken down into three main components: 

Core component: Usually delivered during year one, the core component is classroom-based and will help learners understand concepts, theories and principles relevant to the T Level. 

Occupational specialism: This is a more specialist area within the broader T Level pathway and usually relates to a specific occupation or career. Depending on your chosen pathway, this may be classroom or workshop based.  

Industry placement: Learners will spend 45 days working with an employer within an industry related to their T Level pathway. These 45 days could be in one block or spread over a period of weeks. Find out more about the industry placement: T Level industry placements: delivery guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Each component is assessed. The core component is assessed through externally set written exams either in the summer of year 1 or the autumn of year 2. There is also an Employer-Set project set by the Awarding Organisation but undertaken in a classroom-setting. 

The occupational specialism is assessed through externally set synoptic assignments. 

There are no nationally set entry requirements for starting a T Level. Each college, school or independent learning provider sets their own requirements. For more information, check with the relevant school or college.

• York College and the Management and Administration T Level - For York College this T Level and its industry placement component have created opportunities to tailor their offering to local skills needs.

• How Chelmsford College and Essex County Council are working together to prepare young learners for the future - Hear from the college, the council and learners on how the Management and Administration T Level is creating new opportunities.

• T Levels: the gold standard in technical qualifications - It’s now been two years since the role out of T Levels began. With providers up and down the country adding them to their curriculum, are you up to speed on what they are and how they can benefit learners or have an impact on skills shortage? 

• Use your expertise to help develop qualifications - We need experts from industry-leading organisations to help shape T Level technical qualifications.  

• What are T Levels and how can they help close the skills gap? - Read our article to learn more from lecturers, employers and learners about the qualification that is shaping the future of technical education – and how T Levels could help prepare learners for an apprenticeship. 

• Engineering and Manufacturing T Level - Exeter College tutors and students, and local employers, share how the Maintenance, Installation, and Repair pathway is getting learners ready for industry.