We wanted to keep you updated on the latest on the T Levels Programme, especially in the light of Covid-19.
The Government remains fully committed to continuing with the delivery of both T Levels and the T Level Transition Programme in 2020 and 2021 as planned. While the Covid-19 outbreak has had a huge effect, we are determined that students will not lose out on opportunities, and now, more than ever, it is vital for the economy that we have a pipeline of skilled young people to help the economy recover. The majority of 2020 providers are keen to continue with delivery, though many of course do have concerns that we will need to work through alongside them.
We understand that at the moment offering industry placements for young people cannot be a priority for most companies as they focus on doing what they can to protect their business and their workforce. Even after the crisis has eased it will remain challenging for companies to offer industry placements. The industry placement is however an absolutely core part of a T Level and we are determined to work with providers and with business to continue to deliver these as part of the T Level programme.
In addition, we have also announced:
That qualification specifications for the first three T Levels have been approved by the Institute and accredited by Ofqual. While providers have seen drafts of these qualifications, this is an important step towards first teaching of T Levels in September and will allow providers to plan their course and curriculum. You can find more information on this in the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education news story.
That we will not claw back Capacity and Delivery Funding for providers who are unable to deliver their targets for industry placements this academic year, given it will in many cases be impossible for students to be on site for a work placement. We will ask providers for evidence of the work that they are doing in this area, including building links with businesses and doing what they can to make sure that they are well set up for Industry Placements for next year. While offering placements will of course remain challenging even after restrictions are eased, students must be work-ready before they undertake Industry Placements, so for next academic year we would expect them in most cases to be weighted towards the latter part of the course.
There is of course much work to do before first teaching of T Levels in September, and before T Levels are embedded throughout the education system, but we are committed to ensuring that these qualifications, developed with industry, are successful.
For more information on T Levels: https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
For more information on Employer Support for Industry Placements: https://www.employerindustryplacements.co.uk/
Any other enquiries please email: tlevel.placement@education.gov.uk or call: 08000 150 600, Option 1