Wigan & Leigh College

So what is a T Level?

T Levels are new courses which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to 3 A Levels and last for two years. The course combines classroom learning and an industry placement.

After passing your T Level, you will get a nationally recognised certificate showing the overall grade you achieved - pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. It will also give details of what you learned on the course to help you move into skilled employment or a higher apprenticeship.

UCAS tariff points will be allocated to T Levels ensuring a route into higher education. UCAS points will only be allocated to the overall T Level grade. Students must achieve at least an overall pass grade to receive UCAS points.

The College will support you and the employers offering industry placements. This will include assistance with the necessary paperwork and a careful planning process.

How does it work?

T Levels will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). You will spend approximately 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% at work in a placement. They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.

What's great about a T Level?

They are designed to give students a broad range of knowledge and skills necessary for employment; linked to their area of study and industry sector.

It provides the opportunity to develop specialist technical skills that employers find attractive.

The course is designed with many huge employers such as the BBC, Fujitsu and IBM having an input into what they want to be included in the qualifications. This means students will be able to learn many of the key skills that these big organisations look for.

On completion of a T Level, students will have a wide range of options available to them including being work ready.

T Levels involve more classroom study than apprenticeships, which means you can experience an industry while you continue your studies.

How can Employers support Industry Placements?

Employers can offer Industry Placements as a block, day release or a mix of these, and can discuss sharing part of the placement with another employer, if necessary.

Benefits to the Employer?

Developing existing staff mentoring and management skills
Improving recruitment for entry-level jobs
Giving opportunities to young people from a wide range of backgrounds, leading to a more diverse workforce
Having extra resources for projects: bringing in new and imaginative ideas
Building partnerships with local colleges and training providers

PROGRESSION ROUTES

On successful completion of a T Level qualification, students will have a range of progression routes including: gaining employment in a skilled occupation, apply for a higher or degree level apprenticeship, or continue a higher level technical study at university.

Higher Education

UCAS tariff points will be allocated to T Levels to help students get into higher education.

Students must achieve at least an overall T Level pass grade to receive UCAS points.

UCAS tariff points	T Level overall grade	A Level
168	Distinction* (A on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)	AAA*
144	Distinction	AAA
120	Merit	BBB
96	Pass (C or above on the core)	CCC
72	Pass (D or E on the core)	DDD

How is a T Level structured?

A technical qualification, which will include:

core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area
specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career
an industry placement with an employer
a minimum standard in maths and English (if students have not already achieved them)