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Want to mix studying and hands-on experience? Find out about T-levels, a new type of qualification now available in England.

What are T-levels?

T-levels are a new type of technical qualification, designed for after your GCSEs. They've been developed alongside employers to make sure that what you learn meets the needs of industry and prepares you for work. Here's some key info to give you an idea of what to expect:

• T-levels are two-year courses
• They are equivalent to three A-levels
• Your time is split: 80% classroom learning; 20% industry placement
• Placements are at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days)
• T-levels could help you get into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.

And yes, you guessed it, the T stands for Technical!

Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, told Bitesize Careers that she thinks there are lots of benefits for students who choose to take T-levels:

These qualifications, co-designed with leading employers such as Amazon, EDF Energy and Lloyds Banking Group, ensure students get the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers.

How are T-levels different to apprenticeships?

Having completed my first year, I can definitely say that the 80% theory and 20% practical is a perfect balance for me… each day is different, you get to meet new people and it enables you to figure out if you’d want to do that role on a full-time basis after education.
– Rares, T-level student

What subject areas do they cover?

T-level courses for three subjects launched in autumn 2020 at selected schools, colleges and other providers in England. New subjects were added in 2021, 2022 and 2023, with more coming in 2024:

T-level courses available now

• Agriculture, environmental and animal care

  • Agriculture, Land Management and Production

• Business and administration

  • Management and Administration

• Construction

  • Building Services Engineering for Construction
  • Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
  • Onsite Construction

• Digital

  • Digital Business Services
  • Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Digital Support Services

• Engineering and manufacturing

  • Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

• Education and early years

  • Education and Early Years

• Health and science

  • Health
  • Healthcare Science
  • Science

• Legal, finance and accounting

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Legal Services

T-level courses available from September 2024 onwards

• Animal Care and Management
• Craft and Design
• Media, Broadcast and Production

T-level courses available from September 2025 onwards

• Catering
• Marketing

Where can I study T-levels?

You can head over to the and pop in your postcode to find providers in your area. You can also find a list of T-level providers on the .

What makes T-levels stand out?

The government’s Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Jacqui Smith, explains the idea behind the qualification: "Young people deserve access to opportunities and T-levels are a fantastic option, not just giving them a valuable qualification, but also the hands-on experience they need to break into the industries of the future.

"From this September there will be even more high-quality T-levels available, including Animal Care and Management, Media, Broadcast and Production, and Craft and Design, with more providers helping thousands of young people to progress into rewarding careers."

They’re an option for people who feel that other paths – like going straight into full-time work or doing A-levels – might not be right for them.

Harry, a 2023 Health T-level student, has this to say about the experience: "I really enjoyed the practical side of the T-level, from ward days to placement… I was building on skills and continually having opportunities to develop to be the best I can."

T-levels combine the best of both worlds… they’ll give the same [level of] academic qualification [as A-levels], but also that experience in real life work at the same time.
– Rose Rees, Head of Engagement and Skills at the Midland Metro Alliance, who offer industry placements for Construction T-levels

How do T-level grades work?

T-level grades are given as pass, merit, distinction or distinction.*

This grade is calculated from a “core” component (marked A* to E) and one or more “occupational specialism” components (marked pass, merit or distinction), combined to form your final grade.

When you pass your T-level, you're awarded with a nationally recognised certificate showing the overall grade you achieved along with details of what you learned on the course to help you move onto your next step.

Check out the guide below for how UCAS tariff points work for T-levels:

This really is going to be the new gold standard qualification for people entering employment… The T-level is perfectly designed to help you hit the ground running when you start work.
– Matt Reynolds, VP at Cirencester College

T-level transition programme

If you're interested in doing a T-level but think you might need a bit more time to prepare, there's the option of completing a 1-year post-GCSE T-level Transition Programme to help you get ready. The programme helps you develop your English, Maths, practical, technical and study skills, and includes work experience.

Find out more about T-levels

• Learn more and see if T-levels could be the right path for you by heading to the or
• Hear from 18-year-old Denzel, one of the first ever cohort of T-levels students to receive their results in August 2022, on ����ý News
• Interested in a technical job? Check out this on the Technicians: We make the difference website to see which roles could suit you.