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6th August 2020
From September 2021, The City of Liverpool College will offer T Levels to its students, in a move described as ‘the biggest shake up to technical education in a generation’.
T Levels have been created in collaboration with industry experts and aim to provide young people with the skills they need to enter the world of work and develop talent to support the economy’s recovery.
The qualifications are high-quality technical alternatives to A Levels, combining classroom theory, practical learning and a work placement to make sure students have the skills they need to progress and help rebuild the economy. They will provide young people with the chance to start their career, pursue further study or complete a high-quality apprenticeship.
The news comes following figures suggesting a third of graduates end up in non-graduate jobs, despite often paying fees of £9,250 per year, which were quoted in a recent speech by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. Williamson called time on the notion that university education is superior to further education, suggesting it is unhelpful to drive half of all young people down a path which can mean they do not end up with the skills they need to find meaningful work.
The new T Levels have been created in collaboration with industry experts so students gain the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and so businesses can access the workforce they need to thrive.
A unique element of T Levels will be the completion of a high-quality industry placement – of at least 315 hours, or approximately 45 days – where students will build knowledge and skills and develop confidence within the workplace environment, helping to kickstart their careers.
Elaine Bowker, principal and chief executive of The City of Liverpool College, said:
“For so many years there has been the perception that A Levels and a university degree are superior to any other route into employment, but the world of work is changing and we have seen that more than ever in recent months. Now, more and more employers are looking for work-ready candidates with real world, technical experience, not just theory.
“These T Levels will support our economy to address the skills gap, to drive up productivity, raise aspirations and, as a result, support social mobility.
“There is understandably a huge amount of confusion and uncertainty for young people who are looking at their next steps at the moment, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to provide more options for them to find a path that is right for them.”
The City of Liverpool College is one of 88 new providers across the country to have been selected to deliver 18 T Levels. The providers will teach new subjects such as Legal, Finance and Accounting, Engineering and Manufacturing.
The first three T Levels for Digital, Education and Construction will be taught from September with a further seven to be taught from 2021, including three in Health and Science.
T Levels have been backed by an additional half a billion pounds of investment every year whilst programmes are fully rolled out, alongside £133 million to ensure students have access to industry standard equipment and high-quality facilities.
To browse courses and to start an application, click here.
