The new T-level qualification begin this week with a bang at a West Cumbrian college.
The start of the academic year means one thing for Lakes College at Lillyhall – the arrival of T-levels, a new advanced, technical qualification that blends classroom work with on the job work experience.
The two-year qualification, equivalent to three A-levels, can now be studied in four areas at the Lillyhall based college – health and science, education, construction, and digital.
Emma Herve is 16 and is studying the T-level in education.
She said: “We were told about T-levels in school, it was something new, so I thought why not go for the new and not the old.
“I think I’ll learn more doing the T-level and I’m excited for the industry placement, I want to be a primary school teacher and this allows me to focus on one subject, something I couldn’t do at sixth form.”
The industry placement is a big part of the T-level course, with the requirement being at least 315 hours on a placement with an employer.
Placements for students have been developed in partnership with employers to make sure course content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for their future career or further study.
Ethan Harrison, 17, previously studied the Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in applied science at Lakes College.
He decided to move over to the T-level in science because of the more exciting learning opportunities the course offered.
He said: “I’ve been interested in science since a young age and I know I want to continue down that path.
“I want to go into chemical engineering, so I think a T-level will be good for me because it will allow me to focus on the one thing that’s important to me.”
Students have many options open to them once they complete the T-lLevel, including progressing to University for degree study, or combined further studies with an advanced or higher apprenticeship.
Chris Nattress, Lakes College principal, said: “After a long anticipated wait our T-level programmes begin this week.
“A huge amount of planning and preparation work has been carried out over the last two years to ensure we have a high quality technical course that reflects equivalency to A-Levels, as well as developing an exciting new programme for young people in our communities.”
Mark Jenkinson, Workington MP, said “T-levels are a new and exciting qualification, which will give young people in our area the skills they need to go straight into the jobs market with the knowledge they need to be able to start a fulfilling career.
“I am currently steering my Private Members Bill through the House of Commons. The Bill aims to improve careers guidance for everyone in secondary education, regardless of the setting or location.
“It is important that our area has as many training and career opportunities as possible for our young people, T- levels are part of this offer, creating more options locally, and this is to be welcomed.”
