Leaving school and figuring out what your next steps are going to be isn’t an easy decision to make, especially when you aren’t sure of what your options are and what they can lead to. If A Levels aren’t quite the right path for you, and neither is studying a vocational course, then a mix of both academic and practical work might be the way forward!
You can do this through and exciting T Level courses that we offer here at Middlesbrough College!
What are T-levels?
T Levels are an alternative to A Levels that provides you with the equivalent qualifications (3 A-levels) and are recognised by Universities and employers around the country. T Levels are 2-year courses that provide you with the skills and experience you need to be ready for employment, higher levels of study, or apprenticeships. You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% in the workplace, meaning you’re constantly getting to develop your practical skills from what you’ve learnt in the classroom to prepare you for the industry as. At the end of your two-year study, you will receive an overall grade that is a pass, merit, distinction, or distinction* with a nationally recognised certificate that has a breakdown and what you have achieved.
In addition to all of this, our courses at Middlesbrough College have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that what you learn meets the industry standards. The purpose of T Levels is to a provide an alternative option that is still academic based but focuses on preparing and teaching students in a way that will make them workplace ready.
What T-levels can I study at Middlesbrough College and how do they work?
Middlesbrough College is one of the leading providers for T Levels in the region offering courses in various sectors including: Digital, Media, Legal, Engineering and Welding, Construction, Business, Hairdressing, Science, Childcare and more!
Click here to see the T Level courses we offer.
We are proud to offer industry-standard facilities that you’ll study in. Our £120m campus will support you during your studies and will help prepare you for future employment in your chosen industry.
We boast our health and care ward, our dedicated Digital Centre, new Construction Workshops, £20m STEM Engineering Centre and more!
When studying your T Level course it will consist of the technical qualification and the industry placement.
- A technical qualification, which covers the core knowledge and skills that are relevant to the sector your T-level is based in, as well as specialist skills and knowledge for your chosen occupation. You will learn through a mix of classroom teaching, practical workshops, and assignments. You will also take exams which will go towards your final grade.
- An industry placement, which gives you the opportunity to work with an employer for at least 315 hours. You will be paired with a suitable employer by the College and be supported by a workplace mentor throughout your placement. You will also complete a logbook to record your learning and hours completed during your placement.
To be accepted onto a T Level course you must have achieved a grade 4 or higher in your GCSE Maths and English qualifications. However, some T-levels have higher requirements. If the T Level course you wish to study has higher grade requirements than what you have gained, don’t worry. We can support you with our transition T Level programmes. These programmes are one-year long and prepare you with the skills and knowledge to be able to transition onto a T Levels course.
Find out more about our Transition T Level programmes here.
What can I progress to after completing T Levels?
T Levels are designed to prepare you for your next steps into education or a career. Depending on the T Level course you have studied, there will be different opportunities, but the most common pathways are Higher Education, Apprenticeships, or employment.
Higher Education: As a T Level qualification is the equivalent to 3 A Levels, many students carry on their studies to University level. Depending on the amount of UCAS points you gain, there are different types of courses you can apply to such as Bachelor’s degrees, Foundation degrees, and Higher National Diplomas and Certificates.
We also offer our own University Centre which provides multiple job-focused degrees that are relevant to the T Levels that we offer as well as smaller class sizes. As a student at Middlesbrough Colleges University Centre you’ll benefit from 1:1 support, smaller class sizes, and you can stay local and save money too!
Find out more about our University Centre here.
Apprenticeships and jobs: Completing a T Level is particularly favourable to employment and apprenticeships because you have already built up your workplace and industry skills as well as having a recognised qualification.
We can support you at here College to find your perfect apprenticeship. Northern Skills are our apprenticeship and training arm, and our helpful team can support you to find and apply for an apprenticeship vacancy. Find out more here.
Our Careers Team can also provide impartial advice for future employment. You can find out more about the team, and book an appointment here.
How do you apply?
To apply for a T Level course starting in September 2024, you can apply online, simply head to the course you want to study and click the apply now button! or you can fill in a written application when attending one of our open events!
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity to find more about the course you want to apply for in more depth, meet the tutors and look around our amazing facilities!