In celebration of T Level week, here is a summary of all of our frequently asked questions surrounding T Levels:

What are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year courses which launched in September 2020 and are the equivalent to three A levels. Unlike A Levels, you will only study one subject for your T Level, as well as a compulsory industry placement in a relevant company to your subject.

This means that after completing your GCSEs, you now have the option to study either T Levels, A Levels, Vocational courses, or an Apprenticeship.

How are T Levels graded?

T Levels are graded overall from Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, and Pass, combining results from your core exams, practical coursework, and industry placement.

How are T Levels different from A Levels, Vocational and Apprenticeships? 

T Levels are different from A Levels because they only allow you to study one subject, and include approximately 315 hours of compulsory work experience that you must complete across the two years.

Similar to Vocational courses, also commonly known as BTECs, T Levels focus solely on one subject, however, they also include a compulsory industry placement that gives you the hands-on experience in a work environment.

T Levels are similar to Apprenticeships, however the classroom to industry placement ratio is reversed. This means that with a T Level, you spend around 75% of your course in the classroom, and the other 25% completing work experience, whereas an apprenticeship is far more placement heavy.

Do I need to secure my own industry placement?

No, unlike an apprenticeship, we have a primary responsibility to help source and arrange one for you, however you are able to find one yourself if you wish.

We have a team of experienced staff to assist when finding the correct placement. This team will make contact with you once you are enrolled to the course and between them and the tutor, you will have all the guidance and advice required to select the best option.

Most industry placements will require you to have an interview, and this is a great way to find out their expectations and whether these fit your career aspiration.

Prior to attending the workplace, Weston College will ensure that you are ready for the placement.

Can I go to University with a T Level Qualification?

Yes, the grade you get from your T Level qualification equates to the same number of UCAS points as the sum of 3 A Levels. For example, a Distinction* would be the equivalent of A*A*A* at A Level, and a Pass in a T Level would equate to CCC/DDD in A Levels.

Not only this, you can also progress onto an Apprenticeship or into full-time employment. The T Level prepares you for any future career pathways due to the blend of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience with industry professionals.

What T Level qualifications are offered at Weston College?

There are a wide variety of T Levels offered at Weston College, including:

Will I be kept on at my industry placement following the completion of my T Level?

Your industry placement does not guarantee you will be kept on with the company, however, there have been several instances from previous students where they have been kept on in order to complete an apprenticeship with the company due to their hard work and professionalism throughout their placement. This is completely dependent on the company though, and should not be expected as a typical progression. The experience you gain from the hands-on placement, however, will prepare you for future career prospects or higher education routes.

Want to become a T Level employer?

Each year we grow our T Level provision, with industry placements forming a critical part of the course. As a potential employer, you could foster their future careers and provide them with valuable insight into real employment.

As part of their course, each T Level learner needs to complete a minimum of 315 hours industry placement, which equates to approximately 45 days. This allows them to embed themselves in your organisation and provide that extra pair of hands.

We have hundreds of talented students across our provision that can support you with a wide range of tasks, with learners impressing businesses across many sectors and completing placements across Somerset, Weston, Bristol and beyond.

If you’re interested in finding out more, click here to register your interest.

Eight T Level learners studying Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction recently visited an exciting Bowmer + Kirkland construction project, the new Lime Hills Academy SEN School in the Langford and Churchill area.

The site visit provided learners with a valuable opportunity to see a live construction project in action and connect their classroom learning with real-world industry practices. During the visit, students were welcomed by the B + K Project Manager, David Enever, and two assistant site staff, who shared insights into the planning, coordination, health and safety requirements, and day-to-day management of a major construction project.

Learners explored different areas of the site and gained a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in delivering a large-scale education facility. They also had the chance to ask questions about career pathways, project management, surveying activities, and the challenges of working within the construction sector.

These industry visits form an important part of the T-Level programme, helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence while preparing them for future industry placements and careers in construction.

Weston College would like to thank the Bowmer + Kirkland site management team for their time, expertise, and support in providing such an engaging and informative experience for our learners.

Last month, our Animal Management students took a trip to the Bristol Zoo Project to meet the wide range of animals and understand how a large-scale zoo operates. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of animal welfare and operations to an external organisation which attracts a high number of tourists each year.

Our Animal Management students' study both the theoretical and scientifical side of animal ecology, biology, and welfare, as well as the practical side of how to care for animals and keep their habitats maintained. Not only this, but they also learn about the operations behind animal centres such as the strategic oversight, administrative protocols, and commercial skills required to run these facilities.

Trips like this offer our students a valuable opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a real-world environment, deepening their understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, conservation and biodiversity. By observing different species and learning about their habitats, adaptations and care requirements, students can develop their practical knowledge and gain a greater appreciation of the responsibilities involved in working with animals.

The experience also helps students explore potential career pathways within the animal care and conservation industries, including zookeeping, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Seeing how zoological organisations contribute to conservation efforts and educate the public about endangered species can inspire students to consider how they could make a positive impact on animal welfare and the protection of wildlife in their future careers.

Joe Trotham, Animal Management lecturer at Weston College, said, “Taking our students to organisations such as the Bristol Zoo Project is a fantastic opportunity for them to see how a successful wildlife conservation centre is run and gain a more in-depth understanding of the critical role that conservation zoos play in engaging communities and providing opportunities for the public to connect with wildlife. Seeing these principles put into practice gives students valuable insight into the importance of animal welfare, habitat preservation and biodiversity, while demonstrating how their studies can translate into meaningful careers within the animal management and conservation sectors.”

This curriculum trip forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

Progress to the next level in Animal Management! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.