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IN ASSOCIATION WITH: EDUCATION
STRENGTHENING THE TIES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATORS
In a bid to bring the worlds of education and employment closer together, the government launched T Levels in 2020.
Designed to follow on from GCSEs, T Levels are (currently) an alternative to A Levels which offer 16-to-18-year olds real-world experience in the workplace as part of their continuing studies.
Standards are designed by employers and signed off by Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, ensuring that the skills earned by students are of value to UK business.
They’re delivered by schools and colleges, giving students academic qualifications, and a route into either employment or further studies.
Owing to their relative infancy, awareness is so far reportedly low across UK businesses but the reception by those which have adopted the scheme has been positive. T Levels have been particularly well-received by Lancashire’s colleges.
T Levels are helping to create a dynamic,
motivated and highly- skilled workforce across so many sectors
Burnley College offers a diverse range of courses, covering health/science, construction, engineering, digital and early years/education.
Director of skills and innovation Neil Burrows says: “T Levels are helping to create a dynamic,
motivated and highly-skilled workforce across so many sectors.
“They’re helping to keep the UK at the forefront of innovation and skill development through their focus on combining the very best academic learning alongside experience in the workplace where theory is put into practice.”
Burnley College was an early adopter of T Levels and has already celebrated the graduation of its first set of students.
Neil added: “This summer, we’ve seen our first T Level students complete their courses and celebrated their outstanding results with them. They’re progressing to study at some of the country’s leading universities – including one amazing learner studying midwifery at the University of Manchester – and progressing to rewarding careers.
“The good news about T Levels is spreading now and we’re seeing more and more young people keen to take this study route with us after GCSEs.”
Of course, T Levels can only be effective with buy-in from local employers. Neil says: “It’s great to see more and more businesses come on board with T Levels and really begin to realise the benefits of welcoming a T Level student into the workplace and embracing all they bring.
“T Levels are a great opportunity to create a talent pipeline to fill future skills gaps and vacancies, as well as having access to the enthusiasm, innovation and commitment of our amazing T Level students.”
Blackburn College’s moves to forge closer links with industry include the creation of its Industry Collaboration Zone (ICZ) where students,
businesses and educators can share space.
It, too, has embraced T Levels as a way ensuring the education it provides meets the needs of today’s - and tomorrow’s - employers. Claire Shore, senior business development manager at Blackburn College, says that any business, large or small, can get involved with and benefit from T Levels. All it takes is having something to offer young learners.
Employers can
benefit by offering work placements or by being involved in curriculum development.
“Of course, the T Level supported doesn’t have to be the main focus of your business. Many organisations will have teams who look after their digital and finance activities, for example,” says Claire.
And even those not in a position to offer work placements can still contribute, helping shape the skills provision which feeds their industry.
Claire says: “Employers can benefit by being involved in T Levels, either by offering the work placement for a T Level programme, or by being involved in the T Level curriculum development or delivery. Both bring benefits to the employer as well as to the students.
“Employers who choose to support curriculum development can directly influence the knowledge and skills that the future workforce
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