Views sought on how T Levels should be funded

Colleges, schools and post-16 providers are being asked about how T Levels should be funded through a three month consultation.

T Levels will be the technical equivalent of A Levels combining classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement. The first T Level courses in education & childcare, construction and digital will be taught in over 50 further education and post-16 providers from September 2020. A further 22 courses will be rolled-out from 2021 onwards covering sectors such as finance & accounting, engineering & manufacturing, and creative & design.

T Levels will be backed by an additional half a billion pounds of investment every year when the new qualifications are fully rolled out. The consultation sets out how the government intends to distribute the increased funding, including recognition that T Levels will be larger, more stretching programmes and will therefore attract more funding than existing study programmes.

It includes proposals for different rates of funding for different T Levels to reflect variations in size, as well as confirmation that additional funding will be provided to support T Level students who have not yet met the minimum English and Maths requirement.

Details of how funding will be allocated to help providers set up the industry placements which will be a key element of the new T Level programmes and provide extra funding for T Level students who are aged 18 to ensure that they can have the hours that are needed for larger fixed T Level programmes.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minster Anne Milton said: "Our A Level qualifications are recognised as some of the best in the world, it is now time to deliver the same for technical education. T Levels are central to that.

"These courses have been designed with leading employers so we know that they will not just meet the needs of industry but ensure students are learning the skills and getting the experience needed to land a great job in a skilled profession, go onto a higher level apprenticeship or maybe university.

"Now is the opportunity for the further education providers who will be on the ground delivering these courses to have their say. I want them to help us shape this system. Their view is critical so that we make sure T Levels give young people the technical skills they need and our economy the workforce it needs."

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