T levels, or Technical Levels, were launched in September 2020 and are equivalent to 3 A levels. They are a Level 3 qualification that will sit alongside A levels and apprenticeships as one of the options available for 16-19 year olds. They were introduced to provide students with a route that will give them the skills and experience they need to progress into work, further study or an apprenticeship. The work involved in a T level is very work specific, meaning they gain more industry skills in their learning in comparison to A levels. Students will gain skills, knowledge and experience relevant in their chosen specialism both now and in the future. Everything they learn has a clear application in industry, these are backed up and applied during their work placement. The qualifications combine classroom based learning with 'on the job' experience during an industry placement lasting at least 9 weeks.
T levels are being gradually introduced covering fifteen different sectors. These sectors are quite broad and can be broken up into more specific occupational areas. The fifteen sectors are:
- Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care
- Business and Administrative
- Catering and Hospitality
- Childcare and Education
- Hair and Beauty
- Health and Science
- Construction
- Creative and Design
- Legal, Finance and Accounting
- Protective Services
- Digital
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Sales, Marketing and Procurement
- Social Care
- Transport and Logistics
These sectors are not the name of the one course and will be broken up into more specific occupational areas.
