What is a T-Level?

T-Levels are a post-GCSE qualification designed to take your future to the next level. They are Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to three A-Levels) that take two years to complete.

Students who complete them can go straight into skilled employment, further study or a Higher apprenticeship. You could even go to university.

Focusing on vocational skills, they’ve been developed by employers to make sure that what you learn meets the needs of industry and prepares you for the world of work.

Here’s everything you need to know about them.

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How do they work? What T-Level subjects are available? T-Levels vs apprenticeships T-Levels or BTECs? Are T-Levels worth it? What qualifications do you need? T-Level foundation year How do you apply?

How are T-Levels structured?

You have to be 16 or over to be eligible for a T-Level. Perfect for post GCSE’s!

T-Level students spend 80% of their time in the classroom, learning theory and practical skills. And the other 20% are putting this into practice on an industry placement.

The classroom learning time takes place at a school, college or with a training provider. You’ll study core theory, concepts and skills relating to the industry, before focusing on one or more occupational specialisms.

For the industry placement, you’ll work directly with an employer for a minimum of 315 hours (approx. 45 days). Depending on your employer, the placement will be completed as a block of time, a series of day releases or a combination of both.

You’re unlikely to get paid for your placement due to its short duration, but your provider will receive financial support from the Government for investing in you, so it’s worth asking. They may, for instance, support costs like travel or lunch.

Also, if you start before your 19th birthday, you won’t have to pay any tuition fees!

What T-Level subjects are available?

The list of T-Level subjects available is constantly increasing from agriculture, environmental and animal care to legal, finance and accounting. For the updated list, check out the government website and see what options are available to you!

Here is a review from a T-Level apprentice in IT:

‘I have definitely learnt new skills. I now have an extensive knowledge of various IT tools, apps, and programmes to aid me in troubleshooting and diagnosing problems, As well as this, i have improved my social skills and confidence with employers and collaborative work, as the team has been very supportive and helpful in all aspects of the job.’ T-Level Apprentice, Poundland

How do T-Level grades work?

You’ll need to complete the following THREE elements to achieve a T-Level:

Technical qualification
Industry placement with an employer
Minimum standard in English and Maths (Level 2 Functional Skills or GCSEs if not yet achieved), and digital skills if required.

On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a nationally recognised certificate with a breakdown of your achievements.

T-Level grades are given as pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.

Your grade will be calculated from a ‘core’ component (A*-E), and one or more ‘occupational specialism’ components (pass, merit or distinction), combined to form your final grade.

If you don’t pass every element, you’ll get a T-Level statement of achievement showing the elements you completed.

What’s the difference between a T-Level and an apprenticeship?

Good question. The truth is, T-Levels and apprenticeships are pretty similar.

Both offer a mixture of on-the-job experience and classroom learning. And both are designed by employers to train students in the skills they’re looking for.

The main difference is the time split. Whilst an apprentice spends most of their time at work, a T-Level student is mostly based in the classroom. AND apprentices get paid, as it’s a real job!

T-LEVELS:

80% classroom learning, 20% industry placement

APPRENTICESHIPS:

80% on-the-job, 20% classroom learning. Earn a salary.

Not sure which is the right fit for you?

It all comes down to whether or not you have your heart set on a specific career.

Apprenticeships are great if you know exactly what career you want, want to earn a salary and prefer a more hands-on approach to learning. (Find out more in our riveting guide to apprenticeships.)

But if you can’t decide between hairdressing and aerospace engineering, and crave more education, T-Levels offer a chance to test-drive a career BEFORE you commit.

T-Levels or BTEC?

In summary, T-Levels and BTECs are both Level 3 vocational qualifications, equivalent to three A-Levels, but differ in their focus and structure. T-Levels are designed to be industry-specific and include a significant work placement element, while BTECs offer more flexibility and can be completed with a shorter work experience period.

Other key differences include:

T-Levels incorporate a mandatory industry placement (at least 315 hours) to provide real-world experience, whereas BTECs may have a shorter placement or none at all.
T-Levels focus on a single subject specialisation, while BTECs offer broader subject options and can be combined with other qualifications.
T-Levels generally have higher entry requirements than BTECs, due to the emphasis on industry placements and prior skills.
T-Levels are suitable for students who have a clear career path in mind and want a hands-on learning experience. BTECs are a more flexible option for students who are still exploring career options or prefer a blend of practical and academic learning.

Are T-Levels worth it?

Yes! With a T-Level under your belt, you’ll have the following:

GET AHEAD IN YOUR CAREER

Your 45-day placement is an opportunity to develop your skills in a real work environment, whilst continuing your studies. You’ll work on real projects, gaining valuable experience to put on your CV, building a network of useful contacts AND finding out if your chosen career is what you imagined.

DEVELOP THE SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT

Created by businesses, T-Levels equip you with the exact knowledge and skills you need to thrive in the workplace. Around 300 employers have been involved in developing T-Levels, ranging from small local businesses to multinational corporations like Fujitsu and Skanska.

GAIN QUALIFICATIONS THAT COUNT

When you pass your T-Level, you’ll get a nationally recognised certificate detailing your grades and what you learned on the course. You can then use these qualifications to apply for a Level 4 apprenticeship or apply to go to university.

T-Levels are also worth UCAS points (a T-Level Distinction* is equivalent to 3 A Levels at A*). So if you want to keep studying afterwards, nothing is stopping you from applying to university or other higher education programmes.

What qualifications do you need?

You generally need to be between the ages of 16 and 19 and have completed your GCSEs. A lot of employers require at least a grade 4 in GCSE maths and English. But, it’s always best to check with the employer directly, as they normally say in the job description what they require.

T-Level foundation year

If you’re not quite ready to start your T-Levels or have the qualifications, you could get on to a T-Level foundation year. The foundation year is aimed at 16-19 year olds and aims to develop the skills, experience and knowledge to help prepare you for the T-Level you want to progress on to.

During the foundation year, you’ll develop your…