 |
answer text |
<p>The department is reviewing post-16 qualifications at level 3 and below, to ensure
that every qualification approved for public funding has a distinct purpose, is high
quality and supports progression to positive outcomes.</p><p>Our recent consultation
on level 3 qualifications and call for evidence on study at level 2 and below set
out proposals to ensure students have the best opportunities for progression into
further or higher education, or into skilled employment, including support for students
not ready to start level 3 at age 16. The consultation set out our proposals for clear
academic and technical routes post-16, with A levels and T Levels as the qualifications
of choice for each route. We are considering responses to the consultation and call
for evidence, and will publish a full response to the level 3 consultation, and proposals
for consultation at level 2 and below, later this year.</p><p>Alongside this, we need
outstanding information, advice and guidance to support students to make the best
decisions at age 16, including both academic and technical options. The Skills for
Jobs White Paper set out a roadmap for how we will achieve this, including support
for students to choose the route that best supports their career and study aims.</p><p>The
consultation above recognised the need for mixed programmes on the academic route
to allow students to combine A levels with a number of high quality alternative qualifications.
T Levels are technical programmes but are classroom-based delivered by a further education
provider, where students will spend 80% in the classroom and 20% on the job during
an industry placement of a minimum of 315 hours.</p><p>Higher Technical Qualifications
are largely classroom based, taught in further education colleges, universities or
independent training providers. Although Higher Technical Qualifications are primarily
designed for entry into skilled employment or those looking to retrain or upskill,
they can also allow progression to further study and/or training.</p><p>T Levels,
once fully rolled out, will give access to high-quality technical education for thousands
of young people, so they can progress to the next level, whether that is getting a
job, going on to further study or an apprenticeship. T Levels are more rigorous and
substantial than most existing technical qualifications and earn UCAS points in line
with 3 A levels. Therefore, we expect T Levels to provide a route into higher level
technical study, including degree courses and higher apprenticeships in relevant subject
areas. We are working with a wide range of higher education providers and employers
to ensure that they are able to make a judgement about the suitability of T Levels
for their courses and recruitment approach.</p><p>The content of T Levels has been
developed in collaboration with panels of over 250 employers ranging from leading
national businesses to small and medium sized enterprises. These panels set out the
knowledge and skills needed to perform skilled occupations in their industry, using
the approved standards which are common to apprenticeships. They also advised on specific
maths, English and digital requirements necessary for occupational competence. The
core content of the T Level provides underpinning knowledge and breadth of skills
to support adaptability and prepare the student for work in their chosen industry.
This breadth of knowledge and understanding, combined with core employability skills
relevant to all occupations in the route, like problem solving, teamwork or communication
skills, provides a firm foundation for a variety of roles. The occupational specialism,
which students will choose, will develop technical competence in the area the student
wishes to work in.</p><p>All students who take T Levels will undertake a substantial
industry placement for a minimum of 45 days, so students can be confident that they
will get the opportunity to gain real experience of work and develop many transferable
skills that employers look for.</p>
|
|
