We're proud to celebrate National T Levels Week. As the UK’s largest T level provider – and one of the first awarding organisations to deliver the Technical Qualification across multiple routes – we’ve seen how bringing classroom learning and industry placement together gives learners the knowledge and skills employers need to succeed.
This matters. We know from our Lost in Transition research that the learning to earning transition gap is costing the UK economy about £96 billion a year. Qualifications like T Levels can help close that gap, preparing learners for the real world and making the transition to skilled work, higher study, or apprenticeships more seamless.
What are T Levels?
T Levels are two-year courses that young people can take following GCSEs. Broadly equivalent to 3 A levels and accruing UCAS points, students blend learning with at least 45 days spent on an industry placement with an employer.
What T level students and employers say
Jay Palmer juggled academic studies with a paid work placement during his T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development (Gen 1) from Stafford College. His enthusiasm and ability landed him an offer of a paid higher apprenticeship at his placement company.
The real-world projects he worked on made learning click and he’s built firm friendships with his colleagues along the way. “If you are someone who isn’t sure where you want to progress, or want some real-world experience, I would absolutely recommend a T Level.” said Jay.
T Level student, Jay Palmer
Jake Lister took the Accounting T Level at East Sussex College in Eastbourne. His placement opened doors to different parts of the finance function and the rhythm of day-to-day business, and he eventually became a full-time part of the team. The blend of theory and practical experience boosted his confidence, improved face‑to‑face communication and teamwork, and broadened his understanding of how accounting works in practice.
Jake progressed straight into a Level 4 AAT apprenticeship with his placement employer. In his words: “My T Level was an amazing experience, where I could get the best of both worlds; working in an active business, whilst learning at college in a school environment.”
Neil Baxter, Resource Management Lead at Aviva, one of our employer partners, added: “T Levels support the workforce of the future as well as giving our staff the opportunity to mentor others to develop their skills. It’s rewarding seeing students learn new skills and support our teams doing work of value.”
Find out more about T Levels
Jay, Jake, and Neil show what T Levels deliver: real responsibility, real colleagues and real outcomes. Thank you to the colleges, teachers and employer partners who create meaningful experiences that give learners the chance to contribute and progress. We’re excited to expand our T Level offering, having rolled out a new Marketing course in 2025, with courses in Health and Science coming in 2026.
Explore our full range of T Level courses and sign up for T Level updates.