Technical Education Information for Employers

What are T Levels?

T Levels are a new, 2-year qualification for 16- to 19-year-olds which can be taken after GCSEs. Each T Level is equivalent to 3 A levels.

T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses. This ensures that the content meets the needs of the industry and prepares young people for work, further training or study.

How are T Levels delivered?

T levels offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience. 80% of the course takes place in the classroom, learning skills. The other 20% is an industry placement, to put skills into action. The industry placement is at least 315 hours which is approximately 45 days and helps students to rapidly develop their skills and increase their employment prospects at the end of their studies.

What is involved in the industry placement?

The 45-day industrial placement allows students to become immersed into the business, working full-time with you for the whole period, following your normal working hours.

How are they graded?

On completion of a T Level, students will gain a nationally recognised certification with their overall grade. This will be:

  • Pass
  • Merit
  • Distinction
  • Distinction *

It will also provide details of what was learnt during the course.

What are the benefits to employers?

Industry placements can support your organisation to

  • Find solutions for entry-level skills shortages
  • Develop your future talent pipeline as well as your current employees
  • Bring a fresh perspective
  • Give back to the local community
  • Generate new ideas

More information can be found about the benefits.

T Levels on Offer in Dorset


You can search to find a T Level school or college
here. An overview of local providers and course start dates can be found below:

Courses currently on offer:

Provider T Level Courses
Bournemouth & Poole College
  • Business: Management and Administration - Business Support

  • Business (Foundation)

  • Digital Production, Design and Development

  • Digital Support Services

  • Digital (Foundation)

  • Maintenance Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

  • Engineering (Foundation)

  • Education and Early Years

  • Health

Brockenhurst College
  • Education and Early Years 
Ferndown Upper School
  • Digital Production, Design and Development (Software Developer)
  • Digital Support Services
  • Education and Early Years
Kingston Maurward College
  • Animal Care and Management
  • Agriculture (Crop Production)
  • Agriculture (Livestock Production)
  • Business Management
  • Horticulture
  • Land-based Engineering
  • Trees and Woodland Management
  • Technical Qualification in Onsite Construction
Poole High School
  • Finance
  • Accounting
Weymouth College
  • Education and Early Years
  • Digital Support Services
  • Health - Supporting the Adult Nursing Team
  • Surveying and Planning for Construction

Where can I find out more?

For an overview of T Levels, the subjects and to hear current employer and student stories, head to the T Levels website.