T Levels: A Game-Changer for the Next Generation of Professionals
As we celebrate National T Level Week from13th-17th October, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the significant impact these qualifications are having on the UK’s education landscape.
T Levels, or Technical Levels, are a relatively new and exciting option for young people aged 16-19, offering a direct route into skilled employment, higher education, or apprenticeships!
What are T Levels?
Launched in 2020, and offered with us at the RNN Group since 2023, T Levels are designed to address a critical need: Bridging the gap between classroom learning and the practical demands of the modern workplace. Developed in collaboration with employers, these two-year courses are equivalent to three A-levels and offer a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
As we recently celebrated T Level Results Day in August, students studying T Levels with us at our 3 campuses, Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College, have gained results including 2 Distinctions, 19 Merits and 17 Passes! Our learners have achieved so much. Their results are directly comparable to A Level grades, with a distinction being equivalent to three A’s, a merit to three B’s, and a pass to three C’s. As the first group to complete our new two-year program, their success is a major milestone for the Group!
Industry placement
A key component of every T Level is the industry placement. Students spend at least 45 days in a real-world work environment, applying their classroom knowledge, gaining invaluable professional skills, and building a network of contacts. This is not just work experience; it’s a structured and substantial placement that gives students a genuine taste of their chosen career. It’s this practical element that sets T Levels apart and makes them so valuable to both students and employers.
This ensures that students can pursue a career path they are truly passionate about, while also meeting the skills needs of the UK economy. By providing a pipeline of qualified and experienced young professionals, T Levels are helping to build a more skilled and productive workforce.
T Levels that we offer at the RNN Group
Our range of T Levels is continually expanding, covering a diverse array of sectors from:
- Animal Care
- Business and Administration
- Construction
- Digital
- Education and Childcare
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health
Here are some quotes from some of our 2nd year Health T Level learners:
‘It has given me many new opportunities to grow and develop in different ways, especially through placements.’
‘This course has helped me in many different ways, one big thing it’s helped me with is that it’s helped me secure a job at TRFT (The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust), and it’s helped me gain knowledge on what I’m wanting to do in the future and what things I need to accomplish.’
‘This course has really helped me with gaining ideas of what I’d like to do for work in the future, due to the amazing health suites, teachers and work placement opportunities.’
So, this National T Level Week, let’s celebrate the students, educators, and employers who are championing this innovative qualification. T Levels are not just another qualification; they are a game-changer, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals and building a brighter future for the UK.
If you’re a young person considering your options after GCSEs, or an employer looking to invest in new talent, now is the time to discover the power of T Levels.