T-Levels - the opportunities and challenges, together with thoughts in the FE sector

T Levels - the new technical based qualification being introduced between 2020 and 2023. What are they? What will they replace? What are the challenges and opportunities in offering them? Glove Consulting give their thoughts together following a webinar with FE marketing professionals across the country.

T-Levels one of the new challenges for 2020 for FE, what are the opportunities and challenges? John Brennan, Glove Consulting

Introduction to T-Levels

T-Levels are a new qualification launched in 2020. They follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A-Levels but they follow a vocational path rather than academic subjects. Their phased approach will see nearly 200 providers offer T-Levels by 2023. The 2-year courses, has content that meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study. They offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days). There will be four grades levels available to be awarded when students complete their T-Level, this will range from distinction* to pass.

They are the flip of an apprenticeship in terms of time in the college and in the workplace. An apprentice will spend 80% of their time in the workplace and 20% in the college compared to a T-Level student who will spend 80% of their time in college and 20% in the workplace.

The first 3 T-Levels started this September, 7 more will follow in 2021, and the remainder in 2022/23. The 2023 completion will see a broad range of subjects as you would expect at vocational level.

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It is clear that the T-Levels provide another route to those students who are likely to attend another college course, so the number of students on other courses, would we expect, will reduce over time. As noted by a colleague in our recent webinar ‘there are only so many students and this will attract some away from other provision’. T-Levels being a hybrid to other provision, have a clear and different offer to that of A-Levels, Vocational courses and Apprenticeships.

Challenges and Opportunity for Success

A new offer always brings challenges. Internally, course delivery tutors want to protect the student numbers on the courses they deliver, the marketing team want to take advantage of a new offer that might not be offered by a competitor whilst at the same time everyone wants to ensure that the right CIAG is offered to the young person and that they complete and succeed in their qualification.

It is evident that there are many challenges for the FE sector. Firstly, there is the need for feeder schools, staff, parents and young people to understand the new provision, the differences from other courses, the impact on university progression and what the best option is for them. Then there is the need to secure high-quality work placements. How will this work alongside colleges having apprentices in the workplace and vocational learners on certain courses doing work placements? How will the placements be managed in the college? Has demand been estimated, or are some offering as they feel they can’t afford not?

If they are offered and do not attract many students, how will this impact on the students experience and potentially reputation? There is a different approach to funding T-Levels for the first few years to ensure that there are no funding barriers. T-Levels will also attract additional funding bands as they have increased teaching hours. Some students will also be able to add an A-Level to their T-Level and funding can be claimed for both, so based on this, some students will attract higher funding than following an A-Level or vocational programme.

The view from marketing professionals was that the main challenge is people understanding what T-Levels are and seeing them as an option against the current offer.

What will they Replace?

There are currently more than 12,000 vocational qualifications at all levels, offered by more than 150 awarding bodies. Source Ofqual, Some of these qualification have few or no students on them and some vocational courses have lots of different qualifications to choose from. About 40% of these courses will stop being funded following the introduction of T-Levels.

Speaking to FE marketing professionals, there was a mixed view. Many thought that T-Levels will remain an additional option, whilst other felt that the government will further reduce vocational qualifications as we currently know them.

What is Working?

It is early days in regards to promoting and recruiting to T-Levels. It is clear that the understanding of T-Levels with feeder schools, parents and students is a concern. However, the courses only launched this September and whilst there is a big scale government campaign, it takes time for people for identify with and gain assurance in a new qualification. FE marketing professionals have been promoting them in the same way they would other qualifications. They have been highlighting the differences and most have been using the national campaign resources.

Recommendations

We suggest meeting with key feeder school staff to support them in understanding T-Levels, one fabulous suggestion from an FE colleague was to hold a ‘Tea Party’ so key staff can be informed of the college offer. Ensuring they are confident with what T-Levels entail will pass down through to pupils and form tutors. A consistent approach, high level awareness throughout the college and use of the T-Level branding will all help. Look at what your competitors are offering, how they are positioning the qualification and, if competitors are not offering T-Levels, how you might attract new students rather than displace from other courses that they might have studied with you.