T Levels Explained

The next level qualification.

T Levels are a nationally recognised two-year programme designed to give you the head start towards the future you want.

Equivalent to 3 A levels in UCAS points, T Levels provide a high-quality, technical alternative to A Levels by combining classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement.

The courses are endorsed and designed with employers and provide an opportunity to continue studying while gaining broader insight into what it is like to work in a certain sector, with the opportunity to specialise coming later. All T levels at Wirral Met have been chosen to align with the local, regional and national demand for skills and are perfect for setting you on the path to a job or further study at college or university.

Wirral Met also offer a T Award – an amazing package of benefits designed to support you in your studies.

We currently offer T Levels in:

And from September 2023, we will also be offering T Levels in these areas:

What are T Levels?

What are T Levels?

  • Technical qualifications at level 3, equivalent to taking 3 A Levels.

  • For those aged 16-19 who have finished their GCSEs and want the knowledge and experience to progress into a job, apprenticeship or Higher Education.

  • Two year programmes: you’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom learning and 20% on a minimum 45 day placement in a role which is relevant to your course e.g. you could spend 10-20 weeks working 2-4 days per week.

DOWNLOAD OUR T LEVELS EXPLAINED GUIDE

Benefits of T Levels

Benefits of T Levels

  • You get a high quality industry placement to include on your CV or UCAS application.
  • You make connections and gain a valuable reference, to help you find a job once qualifying.
  • You gain a real insight into the industry you’re training to enter – give yourself a head start in knowing what type of job you will want to go into after finishing your course.
  • You will develop high quality technical skills.
  • You will benefit from focused individual support and personal development. 
  • As part of a T Award we offer a package of benefits worth at least £300* including free branded workwear, entry to national competitions, masterclasses, a laptop and much more.

*Subject to requirements including 95% attendance, positive attitude and grade profile.

Poly

How will T Levels be taught?


1 Core Component

  • Technical knowledge and skills relevant to your chosen industry (75% assessment)
  • An employer-set project (25% assessment)

2 Specialist Skills

  • 80% spent in specialist industry learning environments, developing knowledge and skills for specific jobs

3 Industry Placements

  • 20% spent on an industry placement - between 45-60 days
  • You’ll develop the workplace skills that employers are looking for, gain a clearer idea about the job and learn about the opportunities to secure future employment

Where can I progress to after achieving my T Level?

  • Employment in a skilled occupation in your chosen career

  • A level 4, 5 or Degree Apprenticeship

  • Higher level study such as university degree (T Levels are equivalent to A Level UCAS points), Higher National Certificate/Diploma, technical or professional qualification.

What are the differences between apprenticeships and T Levels?

Apprenticeships - 80% in the workplace and 20% off the job training i.e an employment opportunity with training for those who are keen on working in a specific role.

T Levels - 80% classroom-based with 20% on an extended industry placement. A T Level gives an overview of different roles and career routes within an industry. You do not get paid for your industry placement on the T Level course, however you may be eligible for the ‘T Award’ which includes a package of benefits worth up to £300.

What qualifications do I need?

A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/9 - 4, including English Language and Maths.

The Digital Support Services T Level requires an IT-related GCSE such as IT, Computing or Computer Science.

Not quite ready for a T Level?

Wirral Met offers T Level Transition programmes – find out more below.

Poly

T Award

 

Those successful in gaining a place on our T Levels or Transition Programmes will be eligible for the ‘T Award’, a package of benefits worth up to £300* including:

  • Free branded work wear
  • Entry to national competition and masterclasses
  • Access to industry standard technologies
  • A laptop
  • Guaranteed progression to a university level course at Wirral Met College, and much more!

*Subject to eligibility

T Level Transition Programme

If you’re not quite ready for a T Level or don’t quite achieve the grades and would still like to do a T Level there is the option of a one-year Transition Programme, which will then allow you to move on to a T Level the following year and gain a qualification at the same time.

The T Level Transition Programme is a 1-year post GCSE course. It will give you relevant knowledge, practical and study skills to excel in your subject.

On a T level Transition programme you will:

  • Gain technical knowledge and practical skills relevant to your chosen T Level route.
  • Get ready for your T Level with industry work experience and preparation.
  • Develop your English and maths skills.
  • Benefit from focused individual support and personal development.

It’s not too late to apply for our Childcare and Early Years T Level Transition programme starting this year (Sept 2022).

New T Level Transition programmes for September 2023 include:

Poly

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE? 

If you have any questions about T Levels, please get in touch.

Call 0151 551 7777 or complete our ENQUIRY FORM

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