Why T-Levels must be supported by government

Over the years, I have too often heard companies bemoaning the fact young people are just not work ready.

It’s an indictment that becomes a general perception far too often, and one that I think is very much dismissed by the results here in Gloucestershire from the new T-Level qualifications.

Cirencester College have been the trailblazers for the new T-Levels here in the county and one of only 50 Further Education colleges in the country which has produced its first cohort of successful students.

That success rate has been brilliant- a 100% pass rate and all of them work ready.

T-Levels, which started at Cirencester College in 2020, are broadly equivalent to three and a half A-Levels and offer practical study at college for technical qualifications and provide lots of on the job experience.

Unlike previous qualifications, T-Levels are designed by, and the main assessment, is set by employers so they are relevant and up to date.

Central to T-Levels is the 45 days of work placement.

With an ordinary apprenticeship, the student might do one day at college and four days work placement.

T-Levels are the other way round, and to me the key to their future success with employers. 

The employers are so important here. Cirencester College has recruited them and worked to their views and requirements with great success.

These companies are now getting the young people they want.

Jim Grant, Principal at Cirencester College tells me:

“Our whole focus has been working with the employers. The students have been guinea pigs on T-Levels but the employers have too and been fantastic.

“Everybody was saying that T-Levels would be a flash in the pan and they wouldn’t last. 

Two years later we have had a 100% pass rate and T-Levels are growing like Topsy”.

Cirencester College are now looking for new employer partners for their T-Level programme, particularly for engineering, business and accountancy.

In a recent Business West blog, it was argued that a greater effort was needed to ensure businesses are aware and understand T-Levels.  

To me, T-Levels must be encouraged and supported by government as the students who come out with these qualifications will play a key part in the UK’s technical development.