T-levels are a new type of qualification that focus on high-level technical study and work-ready skills. They have been developed to offer a quality alternative to A-levels and will provide young people with a clear route to skilled employment, as well as progression to higher or degree Apprenticeships, or degree-level study at university.

T-levels will combine the career focus and practical elements of current technical and professional qualifications like BTECs and NVQs, with the theory and study of traditional A-levels.

A core component of the T-levels qualification is a 45-day industry-based placement, where students will apply the theory they learn in the classroom to the workplace and develop the essential work-ready skills that employers are looking for.

During the 2-year programme, students will develop the core knowledge and skills that are needed for entry to a range of management and administration occupations. It is a Level 3 qualification that includes 9 weeks minimum working with an employer on an industry placement.

Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

• business context – an overview of organisational cultures and values, different types of internal and external stakeholder, different forms of governance and the impact of organisations on society and the environment

• project and change management – an understanding of the common change management theories and models and how to support and improve projects

• business behaviours – the importance of good communication and adapting social communication styles to professional standards and according to purpose, medium and audience

• quality and compliance – the importance of maintaining and improving quality in all aspects of public and private sector organisations

In addition to the core content, each student will also complete at least one module of occupation-specific content. This specialism will focus on business improvement.