The Institute talks… about T Levels with Ashley and Daisy from HSDC

In this episode of The Insitute talks, @IFATEched talk to Havant and South Downs College (@Be_HSDC) all about #TLevels 

In the podcast, we are joined by Daisy, an education and childcare T Level student and Ashley, Assistant Principal Vocational Curriculum. They talk about their experiences over the last 6 months and how the coronavirus pandemic has affected them.

Daisy started on the new education and childcare T Level at Havant and South Downs College in September 2020.

Daisy has already learned a huge amount and feels inspired by the thought of being among the first young people to do a T Level.

“It is exciting being one of the first to do this kind of training because I know the work I want to do will benefit young people’s futures and their carers.” she said.

“I hope that I can show people there is a new option to explore which may be better suited to them, compared to other courses that don’t offer you a chance to actually experience working.”

As one of the first colleges in the country to deliver T Levels, Ashley talks about what makes them stand out compared to other qualifications,

“They’re very much focused on developing the right knowledge, skills and behaviours for students so they are ready for the world of work”.

Ashley’s advice for students finishing their GCSEs is,

“I know lots of students think about taking A levels but for example, if a student thinks that they might want to do some science A levels and go into construction then into maybe quantity surveying or architecture. Then the T Level will absolutely prepare those students more appropriately I would say than an A level because it’s really teaching them the relevant skills for that sector and all of the underpinning knowledge for that sector”

What are T Levels?

Designed with leading businesses and employers, T Levels are two-year courses that combine classroom learning and an industry placement of at least 45 days. They give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies.

Who can study T Levels?

T Levels are aimed at 16-year-olds who have just completed their GCSEs and are looking at getting into skilled employment. They are also a great progression route if you want to do an apprenticeship or go on to higher study.

What T Levels are available?

T Levels were only launched in September 2020, so we’re currently in the middle of the first year of teaching in around 40 colleges. The first were in construction, digital and education and childcare.

More are on the way. In September 2021 T Levels will be introduced that cover other construction, digital and health and science careers. Over the next 3 years, a total of 24 T Level subjects will become available. You can look and see if any are coming up that you’re interested in.

How do you apply for T Levels?

Visit the ‘Find a T Level’ website and enter your postcode, from there you will be able to see all the colleges local to you that offer or will be offering T Levels.