Hailed as the biggest shake-up to education in a decade, T Levels are designed to create a direct pathway into the world of work and will be available in Liverpool from September. Tony McDonough reports

New qualifications that will better prepare young people for the world of work will be offered by the City of Liverpool College (COLC) in September this year.

Employers have often complained that traditional qualifications such as GCSEs and A Levels are not designed to equip young people with the skills they need in the workplace. The introduction of T Levels in 2020 was aimed at addressing this issue.

T Levels are advanced two-year qualifications that have been developed by the Government in collaboration with leading businesses and employers to better meet the needs of industry.

They combine the traditional classroom format of A Levels, with the hands-on element of apprenticeships to provide learners with both theory and practical understanding allowing them to “hit the ground running” when they enter the world of work.

As well as ensuring learners are prepared for the workplace, T Levels will help aid the recovery of the UK’s economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. The course curriculum will address the skills gap, as well as drive up productivity, raise aspirations and, as a result, support social mobility.

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T Levels were introduced as part of the Government’s 10-year plan to overhaul technical education and offer a qualification outcome equivalent to three A Levels. T Levels are structured to combine 80% classroom theory and practical learning with 20% industry placement of at least 315 hours – or 45 days – with an employer.

From September, COLC will offer 11 T Levels in digital, education and childcare, construction and engineering, health and science, with courses delivered across its five city centre campuses.

COLC principal Elaine Bowker said: “We’re passionate about creating high quality opportunities for young people. T Levels, with their focus on connecting students directly with employers, will offer an improved route from classroom to workplace.

“I have always been a big believer that curriculum should be designed with industry in mind; doing so allows us, as educators, to provide businesses with the skilled workers they need to help them grow, while also giving those who are just starting out in their careers the opportunity to gain real-world experience.”

Click here for more information on T Levels at COLC.