T Levels aim to narrow engineering skills gap

11/08/2020 |

This September marks a step forward in vocational engineering training for young adults, with the launch of the Government's T level qualification.

T Levels are two-year study programmes that follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A levels.

They offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days), offering a potentially attractive alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships.

The courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.

The Technical Qualification (TQ) is the main classroom-based element of the T Level and will see students learning from a curriculum that has been shaped by industry experts.

The outline content for the T Level TQ in construction - the Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction course - has been produced by panels of employers, professional bodies and providers, based on the same standards as those used for apprenticeships.

Employers involved in designing the outline content include Skanska and Morgan Sindall.

Organisations that have worked on the civil engineering content of the course include:

  • Arup
  • Balfour Beatty
  • BAM Nuttall
  • Cast Consultancy
  • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
  • Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Kier Group
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Technician Apprenticeship Consortium

The professional bodies worked on behalf of the Engineering Council in order to confirm the qualification contributes to the requirements for professional registration.

There will also be a T Level course in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, one in Building Services Engineering for Construction; and a Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing course.

Former chief executive of the Institute of Highway Engineers Richard Hayes is a member of one of Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education's (IFATE's) route panels. 

There are 15 route panels, which represent the employer voice within IFATE.

Panel members are experts in their industry, and advocates for all apprenticeships and T-Level qualifications.

Mr Hayes said: 'Together, T Levels and apprenticeships will provide a reformed, comprehensive and high-quality technical option. This marks a major change in post-16 education and will seek to rationalise the many current arrangements which can be confusing to many prospective employees and employees.'

There are no special funding arrangements for T levels, but employers are allowed to pay wages during the work placements if they wish.

Fine out more here.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Transport Planner

£47,532 - £50,574
Royal Greenwich is a borough synonymous with first class modern services Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Technician - Highway Inspector

Grade 8 £28,797 - £30,708 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Within the Highways Maintenance Team we are looking for an enthusiastic, customer focused and experienced person to join the Service Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bulky Operative

£25,584.00 - £27,269.00, Grade 5, 37 hours, Permanent.
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Bulky Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts Council

£52000 - £61000 per annum
Shared Service Manager (Waste) North Herts CouncilNorth Herts CouncilPermanent, Full Time£52,866 - £61,866 per annum, plus car allowance (pay award pe England, Hertfordshire, Letchworth Garden City
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District Council

£30000 - £34000 per annum
Street Scene Protection Officer - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full Time£30,313 to £34,612 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council

Works Technician

£37,399 (plus unsocial hours allowance)
The Works Technician is responsible for ensuring that the London Trams civils and off-track infrastructure Croydon (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Transport for London
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW