Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for
T Levels

Who are developing the Technical Qualifications (TQs)?

There will only be one Awarding Organisation (AO) for each T Level pathway.

AOs are required to follow a procurement process set by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the Institute) in order to develop the TQs. The successful AO is responsible for the specification development and assessment delivery of the TQ awarded.

How will T Levels be graded?

Learners who complete their T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. They will get a nationally recognised certificate to 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 learner’s overall T Level grade, which will be calculated from the grades they achieved on the core component and the occupational specialism(s).

Learners 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.

City & Guilds will not be issuing certificates.

Which providers have been selected to deliver T Levels?

You can access the full T Level providers list on the government website.

Below is a breakdown of the T Level pathways and the AO responsible for the TQs: 

From September 2020 - first delivery 

• Education and Childcare (NCFE) 
• Construction: Design, surveying and planning (Pearson) 
• Digital: Digital production, design and development (Pearson)

From September 2021 - first delivery 

• Construction: Onsite Construction and Building Services Engineering (City & Guilds in collaboration with EAL) 
• Digital: Business Services and Support services (NCFE)
• Health and Healthcare Science and Science (NCFE)

From September 2022 - first delivery 

Engineering: Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control (City & Guilds in collaboration with EAL) 

Business and Administration: Management and Administration (City & Guilds) 

From September 2023 - first delivery 

Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care: Agriculture, Land Management and Production (City & Guilds) 

From September 2024 – first delivery

Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care: Animal Care and Management (City & Guilds) 

How will T Levels work with other post-16 choices?

T Levels will become one of three choices for learners after GCSEs alongside apprenticeships and A Levels.

• T Levels are designed to offer a path for learners wishing to enter skilled professions. These are typically 80% in the classroom and 20% on-the-job.
• Apprenticeships are for those who wish to learn a specific occupation ‘on the job’. These are typically 80% on-the-job and 20% in the classroom. It is more suited to those who know what occupation they want to pursue, are at the working age of 16 and want to earn a wage while learning at the same time.
• A Levels are for learners who wish to continue academic education  

Where can I find your timeline of activities?

Our T Level timeline of activities are accessible from the following pages:

• Construction and BSE
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Business and Administration
• Land-based

How do I become eligible to deliver T Levels?

An update in the government guidance for providers ‘T Levels: next steps for providers’ means that, from September 2023, all providers currently funded to offer classroom-based study programmes to 16- to 19-year-olds will be able to deliver some or all T Levels. Read more online.

Providers who have expressed an interest in delivering will be notified of their eligibility. The process is managed by ESFA, please check their website for all information.

Where can we access more information from?

We regularly update our T Level webpage, however for more information on T Levels please visit the Gov.uk website. 

Are the new T Levels TQs the same as City & Guilds current Technical Qualifications?

No. The new TQs and T Level programmes are new and are not the same as the current Technical Qualifications. However, if you have been delivering the City & Guilds Technical Qualifications, you should be in a good position to deliver and assess the T Level TQs, as the assessment strategy for City & Guilds Technicals is very similar to that proposed for the T Level TQs (external assessment, including examinations, and synoptic assignments). 

Are learners required to have a Level 2 in English and maths prior to starting their T Level Technical Qualification (TQ)?

No, learners don't need English or maths before starting their TQ. If learners do not have a Level 2 in English and maths, as a condition of funding they are required to continue to study towards this to achieve the T Level. 

What support is available for eligible providers in terms of teaching, delivery and assessment?

We have developed a number of resources to support providers from first teaching. These include sample curriculum planners, assessment process guides, marking guides and much more, all of which can be accessed on the T Levels Resource Hub.

Textbooks

Hodder Education have published the below textbooks which cover the core components of each pathway.

Onsite Construction

Building Services Engineering 

Engineering and Manufacturing (due to publish June 2023)

Management and Administration

Webinars

In the run up to, and throughout delivery, City & Guilds will host webinars which aim to support providers through key points in the year. Webinars will cover topics including how to prepare for the core assessments, Employer-Set project delivery, exam delivery and Occupational Specialism assignment delivery. You can find a full list of webinars on our events page.

There is also the Department for Education (DfE) website for more information on T Levels. The Education and Skills Funding Agency has recently updated itsa collection of leaflets, posters, and templates to promote T Levels. You can access these free resources tailored for your learners and employer network via the government’s website.

The T Level Professional Development (TLPD) offer from the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) has been commissioned by the Department for Education and developed with experts in collaboration with learning providers and employers, to support providers. It includes a mixture of live online and face-to-face workshops, e-learning resources, mentoring, networking, and industry collaboration. At the core is a range of subject specific training which provides practical help to everyone involved in the planning and delivery of T Levels. Find out more.

When should learners be registered on T Level pathways and Occupational Specialisms?

Providers should provide good IAG to students so they can judiciously decide about their T Level pathway within the first few weeks of their course. This should include their preferred choice of pathway and Occupational Specialism. We recommend this is recorded on their ILR in October of year 1.

To ensure providers receive the correct level of funding, a student’s Occupational Specialism must be confirmed in the final data return of year 1 (ILR R14 / Autumn Census), although changes after this date are possible.

Providers must ensure that they register their students on the Technical Qualification with City & Guilds and enter them for assessments as relevant.

Are learners able to switch between T Level pathways and Occupational Specialisms?

• For students switching between T Levels, Providers must consider the degree of overlap between the two T Levels and the remaining time before any assessments in determining if a transfer is possible.
• Some students will need to restart their T Level as attainment from one T Level cannot count towards another, and they will need to take the relevant assessments to pass their T Level.
• Some students may want to switch to a different Occupational Specialism within the same T Level pathway, including in the second year.   

Any changes to a student’s T Level – whether pathway or Occupational Specialism – should be recorded on the ILR/Census as soon as possible and should also match the registration and assessment entries submitted to City & Guilds.

How can you withdraw a learner from a T Level programme or switch their Occupational Specialism?

Providers should inform City & Guilds if a learner decides to switch their Occupational Specialism or withdraw from their T Level TQ as soon as it becomes known. To do this please complete in this form.

Please be advised that specific refund rules are applied to withdrawals and cancellations for T Level TQs. If the learner’s registration or assessment entry is cancelled by 31 January of the same academic year, the provider will receive a full refund (including late and very late fees). 

If a cancellation is completed after 31 January, City & Guilds will not provide a refund of any fee associated with T Levels registration or assessment entry, even for cancellations completed within 30 days of the booking.

Would the T Level rule out or cause a reduction in funding if they were to progress onto an apprenticeship?

City & Guilds are working closely with the Institute and the DfE on the progression opportunities for T Level learners across different sectors. We will provide an update when we have more information.

Can a learner progress and still get full funding for a Level 3 though or will APL apply?

Prior learning must always be taken into consideration and duration and funding adjusted when a learner is moving from one programme to another, at the same level or lower in a similar occupational area.

How will the funding work for someone moving onto a Level 3 apprenticeship programme?

As long as the learner is assessed to ensure that prior learning has been taken into account, moving from a T Level to a Level 3 apprenticeship presents no issues from a funding aspect.

What is the funding band for Onsite Construction and Building Services Engineering (BSE)?

Onsite Construction is a band 6 whilst BSE is a band 7.

Table below shows the average and minimum hours and funding rate for each band

More information can be found on the Government’s website.

Which universities recognise and accept T Levels?

As T Levels are new qualifications, the DfE are working closely with universities to raise awareness of T Levels and their progression routes to higher education. 

UCAS have published the tariff points for T Levels to support progression to higher education.

Note: Not all universities and colleges use the UCAS tariff when making offers to prospective learners, but if you’re concerned about whether a qualification will be accepted, it’s best to get in touch with the university or college directly for more details on their entry requirements for the particular course of interest.

Some employers have raised concerns on the lack of progression routes at Higher Level Apprenticeships. In some sectors, Apprenticeships are not suitable as progression routes from T Level as they would not have the industry skills and experience required for these higher-level job roles. How can this be addressed?

City & Guilds are currently in discussions with both the Institute and DfE regarding progression options for a student post T Levels. The aim of T Level is to provide a broad curriculum which allows various options for a student.

If a learner steps off a T Level mid-way through do they get anything to show what they have achieved if anything?

We will publish a result slip on Walled Garden to show what a learner has achieved towards the Technical Qualification (e.g. Core exam/Occupational specialisms). ESFA will also release Statement of Achievements to providers to capture at component level what a learner has achieved (e.g. Core/Occupational specialism/Industry placement).

Is there an intention for the T Level to be valid as an exemption within the apprenticeship standard? It could be a potential progression route after completing the T Level?

City & Guilds, with support from EAL, are currently working on content mapping and amplification which will be discussed with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the institute) in order to provide a clear guidance on progression routes.

Are T Levels only for 16-year olds that leave school, or for learners of any age?

T Levels are a broad programme that follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A Levels. These two-year courses, which launched September 2020, 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. 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). These are specifically designed for 16-19 year old learners however, an adult could also undertake a T level programme.

What will the new TQ be covering? 

The new TQ in Management and Administration pathway will cover the following optional occupational specialisms:

• Business Improvement
• Team Leadership/Management
• Business Support

Where can I access the outline content for the TQs from? 

The outline content can be accessed via the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website.

How can I get involved in the development of the TQs?

There are a few ways to get involved:

Providers: to support City & Guilds and ILM in the development of the T Level, which will involve writing and reviewing qualification content and assessment. Please get in touch with our team to find out how you can get involved: qualdevelopment@cityandguilds.com.

Employers: to support local providers with the delivery of the Industry Placement for T Levels: The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and National Apprenticeship Service (part of ESFA) will work with employers and providers on industry placements. Employers interested in finding out more about industry placements can contact 08000 150 600 or email: tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk.

Is the T Level only for Level 3 standard learners?

The intention for any learner undertaking a T Level is to reach the Threshold Competency at a level 3 standard at the exit point for the programme.

Each provider will undertake a rigorous interview and induction programme to ensure that the T level is right programme for the learner.

Are there any fees to join the Employers Industry Board (EIB)?

No, there are no fees join the EIB. We will just need your time and expertise.

Is there a limit on the number of boards or trailblazer groups that I can be involved in?

There are no limits. Sharing experience is a positive thing as long as there is no conflict of interest.

How can employers get involved in T Levels?

There are a number of ways employers can get involved:

Supporting City & Guilds in the development and amplification of qualification and assessment materials. Get in touch with our team to find out how you can get involved: qualdevelopment@cityandguilds.com.

Supporting local providers with the delivery of the Industry Placement for T Levels: The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and National Apprenticeship Service (part of ESFA) will work with employers and providers on industry placements.

Employers interested in finding out more about industry placements can contact 08000 150 600 or email: tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk.

The Education Secretary has recently unveiled a new package of measures so employers can be at the heart of T Levels.

Discover more about the support for employers >

How can employers offer industry placements?

Employers can offer industry placements as a block, day release or a mix of these.

The placements will last 315-420 hours (approximately 45-60 days). Providers will support employers offering industry placements, including assistance with the necessary paperwork, a careful planning process, and support with designing the placement.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and National Apprenticeship Service will work with employers and providers on industry placements. Employers interested in finding out more about industry placements can contact 08000 150 600 or email: tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk.

For more information visit the government website or visit the T Levels website.

Learn more industry placements from the Department for Education’s website.

Are there any restrictions as to when work placements would need to take place? Could placements take place over the summer period, or do they need to only be during the academic year?

Industry placements can vary in length but must last for a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days), not including lunch breaks. There is guidance on industry placement on the government website which outlines the industry placement requirement and support available. Industry placements give students an opportunity to develop their practical and technical skills in a role directly relevant to their vocational course. They also give employers the chance to ensure that young people are developing the skills and experience that industry needs. Placements are recorded in hours rather than days - to reflect different working practices.

Do we know how the work placement will work? Do we need to commit to provide these through Government targets?

There is no commitment on employers providing placements unless or until you confirm a placement with the provider. More information can be found here.

Will there be any government targets for employers to meet in relation to the workplace?

There are currently no public sector targets for providing T Level placements. However, this might change in the future.

As more employers are embracing working from home, how can we adapt work experience to incorporate remote working?

Employers will work closely with the Training Providers throughout the industry placement. They should work together to design the placement ensuring it meets both the needs of the business and that the student is given the experience they need to complete their course by allowing them to put into practice the knowledge and skills they have learnt in the classroom. Development of technical skills, knowledge and work-based behaviours in a real working environment must also be included.

With regards to work placements and the time allocated to these, how would this affect individuals who may need visas to work (paid or unpaid) and their interaction with T Levels. Are T Levels open to people requiring visas as they can do traditional Study Visa qualifications such as colleges?

For the purposes of T Levels, the funding guidance for 16-19 provision applies regarding student eligibility. As work placements are unpaid, they are unaffected by the need for a work visa and form part of the programme of study. The relevant student eligibility criteria can be found in Annexe F of the post 16 Funding Regulations. 

How do you envisage integrating work placements within the course?

Industry placement is part of the wider T Level programme and not part of the technical qualification (TQ) design. It will be monitored and developed within the colleges and by the Department for Education (DfE). We will make some suggested curriculum plans that a centre may find useful.

How will consistency of experience be maintained between colleges, regions, employers and industries?

We are responsible for the TQ development and as such our quality assurance process will monitor the delivery of assessment assigned to the qualification delivery. We will not monitor the industry placement as that will be the role of DfE.

What flexibilities are available regarding employer projects for those employers working in safety critical industries where there are mandatory training requirements before anyone can start work. Will employers be expected to pay for that mandatory training?

DfE and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (the institute) have worked with employers to understand which T Levels may require prior training to enable the learner to go on-site for their placement. The T Level Placements Industry Guidance Document Annexe D, offers guidance on how placements in those industries that require prior training for safety, can take place. The document can be found on the website here.

Are there any industries / types of employers being targeted for the initial roll out of these T Levels?

T Levels cover occupations across the breadth of the Engineering and Manufacturing sector and they are targeted at providing the core knowledge needed to enter the sector. The outline of content for each pathway can be found on the website here.

Will technical curriculum have flexibility depending on the dominant industries in the local areas?

This will be down to the centre to decide which occupational specialism they intend to offer; we would imagine this will be based on their local industrial needs.

T Level learners won’t be in employment, so how can there be an "Employer Project" as part of the assessment for the Core?

Although the learners won't be employed, they are required to complete 45-60 days of work experience.Learners will apply the learning from their work experience and qualification to complete a project that we will create with employers.

Is the expectation that the work placement will be one 'chunk' or spread across the two years of the T Levels?

Work placements can be delivered flexibly, either in blocks or through a day release model.

Who will be offering the work experience if employers are engaging with apprentices?

The government’s vision is that employers will engage with these young learners.

When it comes to delivery of T Levels, technical support is clearly available from City & Guilds. But for SME in particular, is there likely to be any mechanism, or central resource, to help businesses deal with all the admin of placements, including safeguarding and all the other necessary but very time-consuming realities of working with young people?

This is something that our Employer Industry Board can help. This includes advice and share best practice and ideas to support all employers. The government has published the following guidance, which will support all providers and is updated regularly.

Where can I access results for my candidates?

To view candidate results please use the new ‘T Level Results Slip’ report. It is available on Walled Garden in ‘Candidate results’ sub-menu of the ‘Reports’ section. Please see Registrations, Bookings and Results Guide for more information on how to find and read the result slip.

Please do not use existing reports in Walled Garden (such as candidate history, results listing or certification listing) to view results for T Level as they will not provide the level of detail required.

How can I download results for my candidates?

You can download a PDF version of the results slip either for one specific learner or for a group of learners.

To download results slips, navigate to the ‘T Level Result Slip’ report on Walled Garden, enter criteria for the search and then download results slip. If you have selected multiple learners, all results slips will be combined into one PDF file.

Please see Registrations, Bookings and Results Guide for detailed guidance on how to find and download results slips.

How do I understand the results slip?

The Results Slip will show raw marks, UMS and grades for attempted components and sub-components. Please refer to the ‘T Level Technical Qualification - Grading Guide’ for detailed explanations on these. This guide will be available from 18th August on our T Levels Resource and Support Hub.

How do I access scripts and marks?

You can find learner scripts for exam Paper 1 and Paper 2 and relevant marks as well as marks for Employer-Set Project on the ‘T Level | Post Results Service’ section of the T Level Service Portal starting from August 18th. Please see Registrations, Bookings and Results Guide for more information on how to find the scripts.

Where can I find the grade boundaries for each of the assessments to better understand how candidates have achieved?

Grade boundaries and other useful information can be found in the relevant ‘Core Report’ on their qualification page.

Has the on-going impact of the pandemic and the delivery of these new qualifications been taken into consideration?

Yes, generosity has been applied in the awarding of the summer 2022 Core assessments, hence grade boundaries are likely to change for future series.

My learners have not achieved one or more parts of the T Level Technical Qualification, what is the next opportunity to retake?

Learners are able to request a re-take for the Core Exams and/or Employer-Set Project during the Autumn or next Summer series. Occupational Specialisms can only be taken as part of the Summer series.

My learner is unhappy with their grade, is there an opportunity to improve their grade? 

Learners have an opportunity to re-take their Core Examinations and/or ESP, there is no cap on the number of attempts (within their T Level programme). The highest UMS achieved for each sub-component will be used to calculate the learners overall Core grade.

How can I submit Review of Marking (ROM) requests?

If you want to request a clerical check or review of marking for specific candidates, please fill in this application form. The deadline for applications is 29th September. Full details are available in our centre document library under 'appeals'.

When can I book for the autumn series?

Autumn entry period is from 1st September to 30th September. Note there are fees applied for late entry. You can view all fees in the ‘Fees’ section of the T Level Resource Hub.

When are the Autumn exams for Building Services Engineering and Onsite Construction?

Paper 1: 10th November

Paper 2: 17th November

For more information on key dates please refer to the key date schedule documents below.

T Level Technical Qualification in Building Services Engineering for Construction (PDF)

T Level Technical Qualification in Onsite Construction (PDF)

When will the Building Services Engineering and Onsite Construction Employer-Set Project for autumn be available?

From 31st October. The Employer-Set project delivery window is from 7th November to 2nd December. All evidence needs to be uploaded before 2nd December.

For more information on key dates please refer to the key date schedule documents below.

T Level Technical Qualification in Building Services Engineering for Construction (PDF)

T Level Technical Qualification in Onsite Construction (PDF)

When will the wave two TQ specifications for 2021 delivery be ready?

The specifications for Onsite Construction and Building Service Engineering are available on our dedicated page.

As a 2021 provider will I be able to see the specification/s earlier than September 2020?

Yes, we actively encourage involvement from centres during the TQ development phase. We will keep publishing our draft specifications, which will be used at our regional network meetings currently planned for the summer term.

Who is the target audience for an ‘On-site’ and ‘BSE’ T Level Pathway?

Young people who are between the ages of 16 to19 and interested in pursuing a career in construction but unclear of the pathway available to them. The opportunity to undertake a T Level programme will give them the knowledge and skills within their chosen occupational specialism to take them to threshold competency.

Is there a bridging qualification so learners can access apprenticeships afterwards?

Currently, there isn’t a separate bridging qualification available. However, the TQ will be based on the apprenticeship standard for that occupational area as agreed by IfATE.

How many pathways will you be offering in the Engineering and Manufacturing route?

City & Guilds and EAL will deliver all three pathways within the Engineering and Manufacturing route: Design and Development; Maintenance, Installation Repair and Manufacturing Processing and Control.

What will the new TQ be covering?

The TQ consists of an overarching core content and a range of specialist core skills and workplace practices that are relevant to the pathway studied.

Where can I access the outline content for the TQs?

Engineering and Manufacturing pathways:

• Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
• Engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
• Design and development for engineering and manufacturing 

What are the key differences between T levels and what is on offer with current apprenticeship standards?

T Levels provide learners with a broad set of skills and knowledge where apprenticeships mean you will be fully competent within a specific occupation. Apprentices will be employed by a company whereas a T Level learner will be a full-time student.  

What is the expectation of the work placement, and how can this be quality controlled?

It is expected that learners will complete a minimum of 45 days work experience with a maximum of 2 employers. The work experience can be a flexible as possible in terms of delivery between the provider and employer. For further guidance visit the dedicated page.

What IAG is being give to candidates to help them to choose T levels and the occupational specialisms?

We are working weekly with many different providers to ensure they are fully aware of the intention, content, assessment and progression associated with T Levels. Providers should be able to advise learners and parents. We are also working with social media outlets and creating different types literature around T Levels for stakeholder groups.

What does GLH stand for?

Guided learning hours.

How does 1400-1800 hours compare to a single A-Level?

One A-Level is equivalent to 360 GLH, an engineering T Level will be equivalent to 3 A-Levels. Additional hours on programme are due to requirements such as the work experience (minimum of 315 hours).

You mentioned that the Employer Set Project is actually a real-life scenario, not an explicit project set by an employer - is there anything which actually does involve extended working with employers, and if so how will that be organised?

The employer set project is an assignment completed towards the end of year 1. The learners will be given a real life engineering scenario and be expected to complete an number of tasks based on that specific scenario.   

Do you see any changes to the Apprenticeship Standards for Degree Apprenticeships as T Level qualified people come in with more practical skills than historically A-Level Qualified people would?

The T Levels are not a replacement for any apprenticeships. T Levels will be one of three main options available to 16-18 year old learners at level 3, in September 2022.

We have found that some employers will take an apprentice for 4 days a week and a T Level student for 1 day?

This could be a common theme that providers adopt to ensure the work placement is achieved. The exact details around the work placement will be agreed between the provider and the individual employer and many different models could be used.

Do all providers have to deliver all pathways?

No, providers can decide to do one, two or all three pathways based on their ability to deliver the different disciplines. 

Who issues the actual certificates out of interest?

IFATE will issue certificates to learners completing T Levels.

Are the core exams set in stone, could a more blended approach be used for assessment. Combination of multi-choice, set paper based exam and a practical scenario?

Core exams are externally set and marked, they cannot be blended.

With so many pathways this will be difficult to offer as the student numbers will be too small?

Providers do not have to deliver all pathways or occupational specialisms so can concentrate on areas most relevant to their needs.

Will the students have to decide their pathway on enrolment?

As some will not understand the differences in the first few weeks? Providers will determine which T Levels they will deliver and learner will select accordingly. Providers can choose to run introductory events to learners. This will give learners a good understanding of the different specialisms available from that specific centre. Learners will have to be registered to a pathway shortly after enrolment.

Is the employer set project going to be general or specific to each pathway?

There is an employer set project for each pathway. So one for D&D, MIR and MPC.

How do centre’s know what equipment to purchase?

All specifications have a section within that identifies the selection of resources and equipment that should be available to deliver the T Level. 

Will students on placements be paid or will it be accepted that its work experience and not paid employment?

Industry placements are part of a course and there is no legal requirement or expectation that students will be paid. However, employers can decide whether or not to pay the learner  and how much. For further information visit the dedicated page. 

The core component is very general and may switch learners off who aiming for vehicles? 

The main aim of the E&M T Level is designed for learners to have a general understanding of engineering and be threshold competent in the occupational they choose which is why the core component is general. Those who are wishing to take the vehicle OS can apply the core knowledge they have gain into new technology of vehicles such as hybrids, electrics.

Are T Levels only available in England?

T Levels an England only initiative, they are currently only available in England

Will there be a pilot runs in designated centres for Engineering & Manufacturing T Levels.

There are no pilot however, There is a selection of centres who are OFSTED Grade 1 & 2 that have been selected to deliver T Levels from Sept 2022. They have identified which pathway is appropriate to their skills and resources and can select to deliver one or more occupational specialisms. To find out who these providers are view the DfE provider list. 

Will Universities accept T levels as meeting their entry requirements, especially the maths content? A number of Universities accept A Level at grade B or C

We are working with a number of university's to ensure that progression to HE is a valid route. The institute is also working with HE establishments again to validate this progression option. 

For T-Levels students moving into an apprenticeship will there be a significant reduction in funding due to prior knowledge and experience?

It would be dependent on the pathways and apprenticeship standard but generally yes.

Are you working with any publishers for text books?

We are currently working with a publisher to produce a text book around the Core. We are hoping this will be ready for early 2023.

What pathway do you offer for the Business and Administration route?

We offer the Management and Administration T Level pathway.

What does the Technical Qualification cover?

The new TQ in Management and Administration pathway will cover the following optional occupational specialisms:

• Business Improvement
• Team Leadership/Management
• Business Support

The outline content can be accessed via the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website.

Will the Management and Administration T Level have UCAS points?

Yes. T Levels have UCAS points.

Are you working with any publishers for textbooks?

We are currently working with a publisher to produce a textbook around the Core. We are hoping this will be ready for Spring 2023.

Is there an opportunity to share contacts of registered providers who will be delivering from Sep 2022 to start up working groups in local areas?

Due to GDPR this is extremely difficult. Please liaise with your local ETF rep who will put you in touch with other providers in your area. To locate your local rep please see the dedicated website. 

Would City & Guilds facilitate the Employer Set Project or the Colleges are expected to carry this out?

The Employer Set Project (ESP) will be set by City & Guilds as part of our assessment design. The provider will facilitate the delivery of the assessment within the controlled assessment window set by City & Guilds.

Does all Core theory need to be delivered before the ESP window starts?

Providers need to embed the core skills within the teaching and learning of the technical qualification content. The Employer Set Project and Core exams are assessed and examined from the core component and will include core skills content.

Can you confirm the funding band for the M&A T Level please?

You can find the funding bands for all T Levels here.

Do you have sample curriculum plans?

You can find a copy of the sample curriculum planners here.

Is the ESP completed under exam conditions?

Centres should supervise the ESP under controlled conditions. These are not the same as JCQ conditions.

What are the dates for the Core assessment?

Core exam paper 1 6th June 2023 9.30am-12.00pm

Core exam paper 2 13th June 2023 9.30am-12.00pm

The Employer Set Project will be released on 27th March 2023. The controlled assessment window will open 3rd April 2023 and close on the 12th May 2023

We are aware this period covers the Easter holidays and centres should plan accordingly around this. 

When does the Employer Set Project learner evidence need to be uploaded by?

The Employer Set Project evidence needs to be uploaded no later than 12th May 2023.

Is there a marking grid for the Employer Set Project?

Marking grids for the ESP will not be available to providers until results have been released for the assessment window.

What is the maximum file size allowed?

File sizes should not exceed 2.5GB per file. Please compress larger video files prior to upload.

To locate the accepted file types see page 29 of the TQ Employer-Set Project Assessment process guide. 

Would you recommend the ILM materials and videos as resources to support with the T-Levels?

ILM have developed a range of learning resources which broadly cover the topics within the TQ but are not specific to the T Level.

These are available on SmartScreen. Here is a link to our website for further information

How do I download the Employer Set Project live assessment?

City & Guilds will use the T level Service Portal (on Learning Assistant) to release the live ESP assessment materials securely to providers. The materials will only be made available to those providers who are approved, have valid registrations and have booked their candidates onto the ESP for the specific assessment window (series).

Once downloaded, providers must keep all assessment materials stored securely at all times. If you have any technical difficulties with the portal, you should contact the Quality team on 0300 303 53 52.

Do City & Guilds provide templates for learners to use during the Employer Set Project?

City & Guilds have provided a sample observation record as part of the Employer Set Project. This can be downloaded from page 47 of the TQ Employer-Set Project Assessment process guide.

A sample project initiation document (PiD) can be found on our website under the Documents > Assessment Materials > Employer Set Project > PiD template.

When is the first date for teaching?

Agriculture, Land Management & Production (ALMP) will be available for first teaching from September 2023; and Animal Care & Management (ACM) from September 2024.

What is a core pathway?

Content that is common to one (or more) occupational specialisms will be assessed via a core pathway exam.

Do learners take one core pathway, or can they take more than one?

Learners will only be able to take one core pathway (related to their occupational specialism).

What is the employer set project (ESP)?

The ESP is not directly linked to each learner's industry placement. The ESP is set by City & Guilds as part of our assessment design. It is designed to develop and apply the core skills important for employability in land-based industries, for example - analysis, communication, teamwork and decision making.

Who writes the employer set projects?

We are working with employers throughout the development of the TQ. These employers will work with our Development and Assessment team to develop the employer set projects throughout the lifetime of the TQs.

What are the occupational specialisms (OS)?

The OSs enable the development of knowledge and skills necessary to enter employment and correspond to apprenticeship standards.

What is the industry placement?

Every T Level includes an industry placement with an employer focused on developing the practical and technical skills required for the occupation specialism. These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can last longer.  Providers will ensure learners have an industry placement and will support employers offering industry placements.  The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and National Apprenticeship Service (part of ESFA) are working with employers and providers on industry placements.

What are the guided learning hours for T Levels?

GLH are still to be allocated and approved. This will be done as part of the TQ development. We will be seeking views from providers on manageability.

Do we have to deliver certain topics in each year?

A suggested model (though not one we can dictate, the delivery is up to individual providers) is - The learners will sit the common core and core pathway assessments (including the employer set project) in year 1, and the occupational specialism assessment in year 2 - the arrangement of unit delivery will be arranged accordingly by the centre.

Why has the habitat option been paused and is it likely that this will not now run?

The Institute has made the decision to pause the development of the Habitat management (land and water) occupational specialism within the T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production. This will enable the Institute to further engage with sector and employer representatives to assess whether there is sufficient evidence to support the continued inclusion of the specialisms and ensure that the content and structure of the qualification provides students with progression opportunities to relevant occupations. If there is sufficient evidence to support the development of the specialism, then it will be restarted at a later date.

Will C&G enable us to modify assignments to local conditions?

C&G are in the middle of assessment development of the occupational specialisms so there is no definitive answer to this at the moment. If any modifications to assessments for local conditions are allowed this will be provided through the centre assessment guidance documents. If modifications are allowed, it will be in the interest of manageability for providers without negatively impacting the validity and reliability of outcomes.

In the ALMP pathway, why is there no mixed farming option?

The structure of the OS are based on occupational standards at Level 3, and reflect current and future skills requirements for working in the agricultural sector.

Will there be enough study skills content for preparation for higher education?

Study skills are taught as part of the wider T Level programme but are not explicitly defined in the specification.

Is there any update about transition requirements and what is happening with Level 2 qualifications?

We are currently preparing a response to the Government post-16 Level 2 and below consultation, and one of the proposed groups of qualifications are Level 2 qualifications designed specifically to lead to Level 3 qualifications (T Levels). We will know more when the outcomes from the consultation are published.

Will the centre approval process be updated to include new criteria?

The current criteria set out in the approval and quality assurance guidance for TQs will likely remain the same for the providers seeking approval for ACM / ALMP.

What are the possible progression routes after completing the T Level?

Possible progression routes may include higher education, skilled employment, apprenticeships or higher apprenticeships.

How can we get involved in reviewing the content?

Please fill out the form on our dedicated webpage.