Last month, the first ever full cohort of students completed the new government-backed T Level qualification.
Around 1,300 students embarked on the first three T Levels in 2020, with more than 5,000 then signing up in 2021. From September, a total of 17 subjects will be on offer at over 175 colleges and schools across England. Despite this being set to increase to 400 by September 2023, and more big-name employers than ever supporting the route, more still needs to be done to raise awareness of this technical equivalent to A Levels. To better understand the benefits T Levels can offer, we sat down with two pioneers who have been closest to them since their conception. Ellie Hearn completed her Education and Childcare T Level in August and is now studying Primary Education at Brighton University. Zac Aldridge is the Director of Qualifications and Assessment at the North East based educational charity and leader in vocational and technical learning NCFE, who was chosen by government to spearhead the development of the qualification.
What are the benefits of choosing a T Level instead of another option or work?
Ellie: “I loved how I could get experience in the industry before settling into a job or apprenticeship in the teaching sector, whilst also learning key knowledge and information to help me explore teaching in a lot of detail. “I’ve wanted to go into teaching since I was very young, however an apprenticeship wasn’t going to give me the skills I needed to become a primary school teacher. The T Level is also a good mix of both academic and hands-on learning.”
Zac: “I think the main benefits must be the employer involvement and industry placement. From the outset, the qualifications are created with current and future skills needs in mind and they’re genuinely developed by the employers they’re designed to serve.”
What are the skills that students will develop?
Ellie: “I’ve become more confident. Coming from a different high school, I was put into a T Level class not knowing anyone but have come out with a group of 12 good friends! During the employer set project, I developed research tools that will help me at university and throughout my placement. “I also developed my communication skills through talking to children, parents, and professionals. Placement has also allowed me to develop professional relationships with the teachers which has helped me develop my skills massively!”
Zac: “The Level 3 Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare provides students with all of the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment or higher-level study in the education and childcare sector. “From feedback, we’ve also heard that students are able to really develop their essential, transferable skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork and resilience. This helps to set them up for whatever their next steps are in life.”
What are the highlights of your T Level experience?
Ellie: “I loved my T Level. A ‘wow’ moment for me during placement was when an autistic child who is mute said a few words to me during a lesson. It was such a rewarding moment which is just the start of a rewarding career.”
Zac: “It’s definitely been a highlight hearing directly from T Level students like Ellie about their experiences. Other huge milestones for us have included being selected as the Awarding Organisation (AO) for what is now nine of the T Levels, with the most recent additions being Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy, Media, Broadcast and Production, and Craft and Design. This makes us the largest AO for T Levels in the country.”
What are the next steps on your journey?
Ellie: “My dream job is to become a primary school teacher around the Year 2 age, although the role of a Special Educational Needs and/ or Disabilities Coordinator is something I’ve thought about too. It’s such an interesting and rewarding role!”
Zac: “NCFE has just been awarded three new T Levels which will be available for first delivery from September 2023, so we’re focusing a lot of our efforts on the development of these fantastic new qualifications. “We’re also working closely with our current providers to support them in their delivery of T Levels, ensuring all students have an experience like Ellie’s. Finally, there’s still a lot of work to be done in increasing awareness of T Levels so that they are truly seen by all as a quality option for post-16 school leavers.”
And finally, what would be your advice to someone considering T Levels?
Ellie: “I’d definitely recommend a T Level to anyone who’s interested in studying one – in fact, I already have! There are so many career paths you can enter through it, and it really gets you prepared for future jobs.”
Zac: “Take a look at the T Levels available and the different occupational specialisms within them. Talk to your provider, read up on the prospects and find out if it’s the right fit for you. The important thing for us is offering choice and ensuring young people are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to make the right decision for them.”