T Levels are a two-year qualification that you can do after GCSEs as an alternative to A levels, other post-16 courses or an apprenticeship.
About T Levels
T Levels were designed with leading businesses and are now supported by employers of all sizes to give students the workplace skills they need to succeed.
Many employers retain T Level students on completion of their course and support progression within their business onto an apprenticeship or into another role.
Equivalent to three A Levels
T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to three A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.
A 45 day industry placement
Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
80% classroom, 20% work
T Level students spend 80% of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.
T Levels in Devon (2024)
Exeter College provides T Levels in:
- automotive
- beauty
- business
- construction
- engineering
- healthcare
- childcare and education
- IT
- media
Petroc provides T Levels in:
- agriculture, environment and animal care
- building services engineering for construction (plumbing and heating or electrotechnical)
- construction (design, surveying and planning) – architecture
- digital production, design and development
- education and childcare (early years)
- education and childcare (teaching)
- engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
- hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy
- health
- legal
- management and administration (business support)
- onsite construction (bricklaying)
- onsite construction (carpentry)
- science
South Devon College provides T Levels in:
- design and development for engineering and manufacturing: electrical and electronic engineering
- design and development for engineering and manufacturing: mechanical engineering
- digital production, design and development
- education and childcare: assisting teaching
- education and childcare: early years educator
- health: supporting the adult nursing team
For employers
If you are an employer in England, you can offer an industry placement to a T Level student.
Industry placements must take place in a work environment, so it’s a good idea to offer placements via a T Level school or college that’s close to your organisation’s premises.
How much does it cost?
T Level industry placements are a free government scheme – you don’t need to pay to take on a T Level student for a placement.
There may be certain business costs, like time invested in planning, training and supervising, and you can choose to pay the student if you wish.
Why should I offer industry placements?
Industry placements give you a chance to work alongside the next generation of workers entering your industry, making sure they develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to succeed.
They give you:
- fresh ideas and input from the next generation
- a talent pipeline for the future
- a way for you to fill skills gaps
- a chance for staff to develop supervisory and mentoring skills
- an opportunity to build a more diverse workforce
- an enhanced reputation in your community