The first of the new technical qualifications will be taught from 2020, with the full set of T Levels introduced by 2022.
T Levels in Digital, Construction and Education and Childcare will be the first three subjects to be progressed, the Government has revealed.
First announced in 2016 and backed by £500m every year in extra funding, the qualifications are a key milestone in the Government’s crusade to transform technical education.
Morgan Sindall and Skanska are among construction firms plugged into newly-appointed panels comprising industry professionals and employers who will develop the content of T Levels.
Julian Weightman of Northumberland builder Boardercraft Group has been announced as the chair of the construction technical education panel.
He is also joined by former building control surveyor Dayle Bayliss, who now runs Suffolk-based Dayle Bayliss Associates, and David Matthews of the Institute of Domestic Heating and Environmental Engineering.
One of the biggest potential stumbling blocks for the T level initiative will be the required amount of work experience for each young person.
T levels will rely on all students being able to complete three months’ work experience with an employer in their second year.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Given that CITB statistics show the number of young people in construction-related further education far outweighs the number of apprenticeship places being offered by employers we need to find a solution to this problem.
“We owe it to young people to ensure we can deliver on what we promise so this needs to be properly thought through.”
He added: “It’s also important that construction T Levels dovetail with the new construction apprenticeships developed via the trailblazer process. A merger of the Department for Education’s Technical Panel with the Institute for Apprenticeships’ Construction Panel would assist this process.”
Launching the new development panels, education secretary Justine Greening said: “We are transforming technical education in this country, developing our home grown talent so that our young people have the world class skills and knowledge that employers need.
“As we prepare to leave the EU, it is more important than ever that we create an outstanding further education and skills system, giving all young people the opportunity to fulfil their potential and deliver a better future for our country.
“As part of making sure that the technical education ladder reaches every bit as high as the academic one, I want to see T Levels that are as rigorous and respected as A Levels.”
[Ref: constructionenquirer.com]
