West London College will be launching T-Levels for students to study in business, digital, health and science from September 2023. Provided students start before the age of 19, there are no tuition fees to study a T-Level.
The move to offer the next level qualification by the College follows the Government’s introduction of T-Levels which aims to ensure young people have high quality industry level skills.
A T-Level has been designed to be equal to 3 A-Levels. Over time, the T-Levels will replace BTECs and other vocational qualifications offered at West London College.
T-Levels are Level 3 qualifications for 16-19s after GCSEs as an alternative to A-levels and other post-16 courses, such as BTECs or apprenticeships. While vocational qualifications, such as BTEC currently offer a one year programme of study (roughly equal to 1.5 A-Levels), which can be extended to two years of study, (equal to 3 A-Levels), T-Levels are two-year courses.
Salem Bekele, head of business, professional studies and science at West London College said: “The biggest difference between the older style vocational qualifications and T-Levels is the work experience element.”
West London College says T-Level students will spend 80% of their time in the classroom and 20% on a 45-day placement with an employer to acquire the sector skills, knowledge and behaviours employers are looking for. With an apprenticeship learners spend 80% of their time with their employer and 20% of their time learning off the job.
Mr Bekele added: “We expect learners to attend three days a week at College on a T-Level, and to spend two days a week in industry in their second year.”
With T-Levels there are two exams to pass and most of the work is project-based related to work experience.
Lila Djellout, West London College deputy head of science said: “Science learners will work in real live laboratories, examining samples, making measurements and analysing data directly on behalf of their employers.”
There are four grades with T-Levels, pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. T-Levels are equivalent to UCAS points and a T-Level Distinction* is worth the same as 3 A-Levels at A*.
