General
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.
Who are the T Level selected providers?
You can access the full T Level providers list on the government website.
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
Below is a breakdown of the T Level pathways and the AQ responsible for the TQs:
From September 2020 - first delivery
- NCFE are responsible for Education and Childcare
- Pearson are responsible for Construction: Design, surveying and planning and Digital: Digital production, design and development.
From September 2021 - first delivery
- City & Guilds and EAL are responsible for Construction: On-site and Building Services Engineering
- NCFE are responsible for Digital: Business Services and Support services, Health and Healthcare Science and Science.
From September 2022 - first delivery
- City & Guilds and EAL are responsible for Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control.
- City & Guilds are responsible for Business and Administration: Management and Administration.
Where can I find your timeline of activities?
Our T Level timeline of activities are accessible from the following pages:
How do I become eligible to deliver T Levels?
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.
Which T Level TQs is City & Guilds developing?
City & Guilds is working with the Panel to develop the technical qualification specification and developing the assessment strategy for the following qualifications:
- Construction Onsite and Building Services Engineering – available for first teaching from September 2021.
- Engineering and Manufacturing – available for first teaching from September 2022
- Business and Administration – available for first teaching from September 2022.
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.
However, they are required to achieve either Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths or GCSE Grade 4 in English and maths to achieve the T Level.
What support is available for eligible providers in terms of teaching, delivery and assessment?
We’re currently developing support resources for eligible providers for first teaching. We will be sharing these with you as soon as they are ready. Visit our dedicated page for regular updates.
For Construction we are also producing two core textbooks through Hodder Education. A Building Services Engineering and a Construction on-site edition. These are currently scheduled for publication in Spring 2022.
In the meantime, you can access the government’s NexT Level campaign launched last year. It has the information young people need to apply for the T Levels.
There is also the Department for Education (DfE) website for more information on T Levels. The Education and Skills Funding Agency has recently updated its 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 Education and Training Foundation (EFT) has been asked by the DfE to deliver a workforce Professional Development offer ahead of T Levels. The T Level offer aims to ensure that further education and post-16 providers are T Level ready. This means ensuring that teachers, trainers, and leaders have the teaching skills, subject knowledge and confidence needed to deliver high-quality courses from the outset. Visit their website for more information.
Funding
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
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Average planned hours
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Minimum planned hours required for the band
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Funding rate (2 years)
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Band 6 - small T Levels
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1250 hours
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1100 hours
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£8,726
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Band 7 - medium T Levels
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1450 hours
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1300 hours
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£10,122
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Band 8 - large T Levels
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1600 hours
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1500 hours
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£11,168
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Band 9 - very large T Levels
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1750 hours
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1650 hours
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£12,216
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More information can be found on the Government’s website.
Progression
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.
Content outline
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.
The Education Secretary has recently unveiled a new package of measures so employers can be at the heart of T Levels. For more general information, please visit the dedicated webpage.
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.
Employer Industry Board
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.
Industry placement
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.
Engineering and Manufacturing
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?
The outline content can be accessed via the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website. Alternatively, you can click directly to the pathway below to access the outline content you need.
Engineering and Manufacturing pathways:
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.
Agriculture, Environment and Animal Care
When is the first date for teaching?
Both Technical Qualifications (TQs) - Agriculture, Land Management & Production (ALMP); and Animal Care & Management (ACM) - will be available for first delivery from September 2023.
Do we have to deliver the T Level from 2023?
This is at the discretion of the centre, dependent on the timeline for defunding of overlapping qualifications at Level 3.
Is there a core that all learners have to study?
Yes, all learners sit the common core exam and there is also a requirement to sit a pathway core assessment.
What is a pathway core?
Content that is common to one (or more) occupational specialisms will be assessed via a pathway core exam.
Do learners take one pathway core, or can they take more than one?
Learners will only be able to take one pathway core (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 Pathway Core 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.
Does the ACM Pathway Core exam split between Animal and Equine?
This pathway core is common to both Animal and Equine learners, they will all take the same core assessment with the same content.
What IAG would you suggest for applicants who want to study Animal Management and want to progress to HE?
The science content may be developed further once the initial development is finalised. The Institute has not ruled out adding science content at a future date. Each university will set their own entry requirements however, if learners are intending to progress to HE it’s advised that they contact the university as soon as possible as there are many universities that will state the UCAS points required only and others that will ask for more specific qualifications alongside UCAS points.
Will the animal categories remain the same as in the Technicals?
Yes - the same resources can be used to deliver the T Level.
Is there any update on the equine stud work element? Also, is there any update on the riding heights not being comparable?
The full specifications will be released after the end of May, but there will be consultation on the content prior to this.
Is there any content relating to equitation coaching on the new T Level?
Equitation coaching is not covered by the Level 3 occupational standards, therefore is not in the TQ content.
Will the riding pathway have content regarding the rider aspects both physical and mental?
Rider performance development is not specifically covered in the OS content.
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.
How can we get involved in reviewing the content?
Please fill out the form on our dedicated webpage.