T-Levels are full-time post-GCSE qualifications that provide you with a perfect balance of classroom learning and real-world experience. The qualification is equal to 3 A-Levels and highly valued by potential employers.
T-Levels are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills that the businesses of today need. The qualification has been designed with 250 leading employers, honing the curriculum to give you a headstart into the world of work. 80% of the course is classroom-based, providing in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject. 20% is made up of an industry placement with an employer, giving you priceless hands-on experience.
This powerful combination allows you to gain both theory and practice.
At West Thames College, we offer T-Levels in Digital Software Development and Health. You pick one to focus on but the course covers a huge variety of subjects, opening up numerous options and potential career paths.
When you pass your T-Level, you’ll leave with technical qualifications including core theory in your chosen industry, specialist knowledge and skills for an occupation, a grade 4 in English and maths and valuable industry experience with a relevant employer.
T Levels open up your options. The qualification provides the same UCAS points as 3 A levels. You can choose to go on to higher education, including university or higher apprenticeship, or continue straight into the workplace. Your options, your call.
Take it to the next level.
What subjects are on offer?
At West Thames College, we offer T-Levels in Digital Production, Design & Development, and Health.
How do T-Levels compare to A-Levels?
T-level courses are backed by businesses. They’ve been designed with employers to develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills young people need. One T-level is equivalent to three A-levels, so has the same UCAS points value (the system that calculates university offers). 80% of the course is delivered in a classroom setting. In addition to this, each course has a 45-day industry placement with an employer that makes up the remaining 20% of young people’s learning.
How many T-levels should my child study?
Young people study one T-level over the two years, but each course has a varied curriculum of core content as well as options to specialise, so they can get the experience that’s right for them.
Will taking a T-Level limit a young person's choices for what they do next?
No, T-levels keep their options open and help young people progress into skilled employment – either directly into work on an apprenticeship, or via further study like higher technical qualifications or a university degree.
What if a young person isn't ready for a T-Level?
The T-level Transition Programme is a one-year course for after GCSEs that helps students get ready for their chosen T-level subject.
How do T-Levels differ from vocational study?
T-levels are different from other vocational courses, like BTECs, because they’ve been developed with employers, using occupational standards as their reference. T-levels give young people the detailed skills and knowledge they need through learning in the classroom, and the space to apply what they’ve learned to the real working world through the 45-day industry placement. Unlike other vocational subjects, the T-levels subjects have been developed to address skill gaps in the current jobs market.
Is a T-Level the same as an apprenticeship?
T-levels and apprenticeships are both based upon the same standards which are designed by employers. An apprenticeship includes some part-time study but apprentices spend most of their time in the workplace training in a paid job. A T-level is mostly school or college based, with the industry placement allowing students to put their skills and knowledge into practice in the real working world.
Are young people guaranteed to get a job after completing their T-Levels?
T-levels are designed to prepare young people for the world of work but their next step options remain open at the end of the course. Students aren’t guaranteed a job but they will be well prepared for the world of work or further study.
