Blackpool students discuss T Levels with education Minister

Education and childcare students Katie Albert and Jess Burrell joined Mr Williamson and Gillian Keegan Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, on a virtual roundtable to discuss their T Level experiences and hopes for the future.

Gavin Williamson and Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, talked about the new qualification which aim to let learners achieve career ambitions and stand out from the crowd by including work-based learning and an extended industry placement.

Jess Burrell who started her T Level in September, said: It was great chatting to other students doing T Levels and it was useful being able to share my thoughts with Gavin Williamson. When I first heard about T Levels the first thought that popped into my head was it being equivalent to 3 A-levels.

“I then found out it was a very practical course that would help me gain lots of professional skills and included an extended placement.

"Not only would I come away with a great qualification, I would also gain skills on the course that many people would have to learn after starting their job."

She is now preparing for her placement at a local school.

Becoming a teacher has been Jess' lifelong dream. "I loved being in school and seeing how much a teacher could impact someone’s life. That inspired me to want to do the same and now I want to go to university and achieve that ambition."

T Levels were launched in September 2020 and designed with industry to create the next generation of business leaders.

B&FC is the north west’s only college to offer the first three T Levels – in construction, education and childcare, and digital.

One T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels and provides UCAS points for university admission. T Levels are all about careers and employability, including a guaranteed industry placement and immersing the student in college spaces replicating the working environment.