T LEVELS
T Levels are new vocational 2-year qualifications that started in September 2020 with the launch of three subjects : Design , Surveying and Planning for Construction ; Digital Production Design and Development ; and Education and Childcare . A further seven T Level subjects will be available in September 2021 with more available in 2022 and 2023 .
• T Levels follow GCSE study and are equivalent to 3 A Levels . They are designed to prepare students for work while they study .
• Approximately 80 % of the qualification is classroom based and 20 % is work based . Students gain valuable work experience and will undertake a 45-day industry placement while on the course .
• As they have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses , the content of T Level courses meet the needs of industry and prepare students for skilled employment .
• As part of the course , students will achieve a technical qualification ( core theory , concepts and skills for an industry area ), undertake an industry placement with an employer and complete a minimum standard in English and maths , if this has not already been achieved .
Are they right for your child ?
• T Levels are an excellent choice if your child is interested in gaining knowledge about an industry , taking part in work experience and learning in the classroom . They are suitable for students who are either looking to enter the workforce at 18 , or who are looking to progress on to higher education .
• They are different to apprenticeships , which are 80 % job-focused and 20 % classroom-based . Apprenticeships are more suitable for students who know the occupation they want to pursue , want to earn and learn and are interested in entering the workforce at 16 .
• Although equivalent , they are also very different to A Levels , as they have more of a vocational and employability focus . However , they will also allow progression on to higher education courses .
• From 2020 , T Levels are being taught at selected institutions . You can find out more at www . tlevels . gov . uk / students / find
NVQs
NVQs are work-related qualifications ; they are available in more than 1,000 subjects across a wide range of business sectors , including business and management , construction , manufacturing and healthcare . They can be taken at college or in a workplace . An NVQ at Level 3 is roughly equivalent to two A levels . Most people complete a Level 3 NVQ in one year .
Are they right for your child ?
• NVQs are assessed by testing students ’ skills in the workplace , so if your child knows what career they ’ d like to go into and prefers a practical learning style , NVQs could be for them .
• Many universities do not accept NVQs in their own right for entry to degree courses ; some accept them alongside A levels or other Level 3 qualifications . If your child wants to leave their options open , they should check the entry requirements of universities and courses that interest them .
• For some NVQ courses , applicants already need to be in a relevant job , so make sure your child checks course requirements carefully .
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