Second wave T Level technical qualifications (TQs) have been published by awarding organisations (AOs) in preparation for them being taught to the first students from September 2021.

Overseen by the Institute following an extensive procurement exercise, these qualifications have been developed by the AOs with the support of providers and employers.

They have been accredited by Ofqual and published for construction by City & Guilds and digital by NCFE.

Carmel Grant, deputy director for technical education implementation, said:

“This is another major step forward for T Levels, following on from the successful launch of wave one. I would like to thank the awarding organisations for the excellent work in preparing these latest technical qualifications. The digital and construction sectors are vital for the economy and we expect the new T Levels to land well with students and employers from next September.”

 The qualifications will provide exciting content for learners which will be relevant to the world of work and will include projects and assignments based on real-life scenarios. 

David Phillips, managing director, City & Guilds and ILM, said:  

“We are delighted that our new technical qualifications, that will sit within the construction T Level pathways for on-site and building service engineering, have now been approved for delivery in 2021. This is the culmination of many months of hard work in partnership with EAL, who we continue to successfully collaborate with in the building services and engineering sector, as well as thanks to the ongoing support of the Institute, DfE and Ofqual.
“We are excited for September 2021 when the first cohort of learners will be welcomed onto the courses when we will see these market leading qualifications provide young people with the skills and experience they need to forge a path into a rewarding career. In addition, these qualifications will better equip young people to fill the many construction jobs that are expected to be created in the UK over the coming year.” 

Zac Aldridge, operations director for technical education, NCFE said: 

“We are delighted that these NCFE Digital T Levels are now approved for delivery.  This is a significant achievement - testament to the truly collaborative design effort between NCFE and our digital sector stakeholders.  We would like to thank those employers and providers that contributed to developing qualifications that will ensure future T Level learners thrive in brilliant digital careers. We look forward to supporting our wave 2 providers as they prepare for first delivery in September.”

The T Level TQs in health and science, also due to be taught from September 2021, will be published in the new year.

T Levels will be the technical equivalent to A Levels, combining classroom theory, practical learning, and an industry placement. The new T Levels will involve 80 per cent classroom-based learning, and 20 per cent on-the-job learning through substantial industry placements, and are equivalent to 3 A Levels.

The TQs will include a broad ‘core component’ which gives the learner an overview of key aspects of a sector and an ‘occupational specialism’ which provides specialist training for a particular occupation. Students will also learn relevant maths, English, and digital skills.

Work is ongoing preparing for the third and fourth waves of the new qualifications.