T Levels Wakefield College & Castleford College

YOUR CHANCE TO TAKE IT

TO THE

THE NEX LEVEL QUALIFICATION LEVEL NEX

Welcome from Sam

Wright

I’m delighted that you are considering studying a T Level at Castleford College or Wakefield College. With a mixture of theory and experience in the real world of work, T Levels can you give you an advantage in what will be the start of a prosperous future.

For those that are new to T Levels, they were introduced by the Department for Education in 2020 to ensure young people have the knowledge and skills that employers look for. They have been developed closely with employers and include a 45-day Industry Placement, enabling students to refine their skills in their chosen industry.

Fast forward to today, and there are now a wide range of T Level programmes available and the qualifications are widely recognised by universities across the UK.

Over 83% of our T Level students progressed onto Higher Education in 2023, with others securing full-time employment in their desired industry.

‘‘I was told that the T Level would be the perfect course for me and I’m so glad I chose it. I received amazing support from all my tutors on the course and it helped me overcome my anxiety. I will be staying on here at the University Centre to start a FdA in Young Children’s Learning and Development and hope to go on and become a Primary School Teacher.”

Emily T Level Student

Students on our Childcare T Level secured a 100% pass rate, demonstrating the success of our first cohort of T Level students.

As a new qualification, we appreciate that you may have some questions about T Levels. In this brochure, we aim to answer your questions and you will also be able to hear from some of our T Level students about how they’ve benefitted from seeing what a real career is like whilst they continue their studies. You can also explore our T Levels offer at one of our upcoming Open Events, which are listed on page 7.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or need any more information, please call our Course Information Team on 01924 789 789 or email courseinfo@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.

Sam Wright Principal and Chief Executive

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TAKE YOUR FUTURE TO THE NEX LEVEL

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‘‘

The Industry Placement on my course really helped build my confidence and gave me a true feel of the world of work. I also developed my communication skills and interview techniques skills too which will hold me in good stead for the future. As a result of my course, I have secured a job as a Teaching Assistant and I can’t wait to get started.”

Layla T Level Student

Frequently Asked Questions about

WHAT ARE T LEVELS?

T Levels are a two-year qualification that you can do after your GCSEs as an alternative to A Levels, an apprenticeship or other post-16 courses.

Students will spend around 80% of their time in college and 20% of their time in an Industry Placement, therefore giving you the opportunity to jump-start your career by combining a recognised qualification with genuine industry experience.

You will gain a nationally recognised qualification, with one T Level equivalent to 3 A Levels. T Levels carry UCAS points to help support progression into Higher Education.

HOW DO T LEVELS WORK?

You will spend around 80% of your time in College and about 20% on a 45-day placement with an employer to give you the skills and knowledge companies look for. This is called an Industry Placement and could be with one or more employers, depending on the T Level that you are studying. As a minimum, this should be 315 hours, which is roughly 45 days.

WHAT CAN I DO A T LEVEL IN?

WHO CAN DO A T LEVEL?

T Levels are ideal if you have finished your GCSEs and want the knowledge and experience to get straight into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education. They especially suit you if you know the area or industry you would like a career in and prefer a practical course designed by employers, but also want to spend time within a learning environment.

We currently offer T Levels in:

• Building Services Engineering for Construction - Electrotechnical Engineering (Electrical Installation)

• Building Services Engineering for Construction - Electrotechnical Engineering (Gas Engineering)

• Building Services Engineering for Construction - Electrotechnical Engineering (Plumbing & Heating Installation)

• Business (Management and Administration)

• Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction

• Digital Production, Design & Development (Software Development)

• Education & Early Years (Early Years Educator)

• Health

• Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

HOW DOES THE STUDY PART WORK?

Around 80% of your time will be spent at College. For your chosen subject, you will start off by studying a core curriculum. That means you will cover the theory, concepts and principles of the general subject. At some point after the start of the course, you will take a specialism. For some T Levels, for example Early Years Educator, this will be in your first year, while for others you may not start your specialism until the second year. The number of occupational specialisms varies depending on the T Level.

WILL I NEED TO STUDY ENGLISH & MATHS?

If you haven’t achieved English and Maths at Level 2 (GCSE grade 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 pass), then you will need to work towards this. We will help you to achieve this.

HOW DOES THE INDUSTRY PLACEMENT WORK?

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

Entry requirements vary for different T Levels - see pages 10-18 for the requirements needed for each T Level.

You will spend a minimum of 45 days (315 hours) on a meaningful Industry Placement, allowing you to put the skills you have learnt into practice. This can be split across two employers if needed and the time spent with these employers can be carried out as day release, in one solid block, multiple smaller blocks or a mixture of any of these models, depending on what works for you, the College, and the employer.

The placement is counted in hours to allow for the flexibility of completing it in different ways. The placement is unlikely to be paid as it is part of your course of study, but support for travel and expenses may be available.

‘‘I switched to the T Level Business course, as I realised it offers numerous opportunities for my future. This exciting course has the potential to lead me towards many other industries, and I am particularly enjoying the finance module, which I plan to pursue at university.

The T Level course has the advantage of partnering with Wakefield District Housing (WDH), allowing work placement opportunities across various departments. This year, I will be working with the Customer Services team, and I am confident that I will apply the skills I acquire on the course and during my Industry Placement in the future.

Overall, the T Level Business course is an exceptional opportunity that presents academic challenges while opening up a vast array of opportunities.”

Murray

T Level Student

HOW ARE T LEVELS GRADED?

When you pass your T Level, you will get a nationally recognised certificate showing the overall grade you achieved - pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. It will also give details of what you learned on the course to help you move into skilled employment or a higher apprenticeship.

Your T Level will be worth UCAS tariff points – a T Level Distinction* is worth the same in UCAS tariff points as 3 A Levels at A*.

Many universities are accepting T Levels including the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group,

so you can move into higher education in a related technical course if you wish. If you have a particular university in mind, checking their admissions criteria and speaking to the admissions office is a good place to start.

CAN I GO TO UNIVERSITY AFTER A T LEVEL?

WILL THEY BE RECOGNISED BY EMPLOYERS?

WHY WOULD I CHOOSE AN UNPAID T LEVEL OVER A PAID APPRENTICESHIP?

Yes, you can. T Levels get you work ready, but you can continue studying with a higher apprenticeship or degree.

T Levels are designed with businesses and employers, to make sure you have the skills and knowledge they are looking for in an employee.

T Levels give you the opportunity to experience an industry while you continue your studies, with the opportunity to specialise later. While gaining practical experience, you also achieve the qualifications needed to move into a higher level of study, if you choose to later. Apprenticeships are paid work-based training for those who know what occupation they want to pursue.

2023 RESULTS SUCCESS

100% pass rate

83% progressed onto Higher Education

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

Applications are now open!

Apply online at wakefield.ac.uk/tlevels

CAN I VISIT THE COLLEGE?

Yes you can! We have Open Events on the following dates at Wakefield College & Castleford College. You can register your place online at wakefield.ac.uk/events

Saturday 18th November 2023, 10am-12pm

Wednesday 7th February 2024, 5pm-7pm

Saturday 15th June 2024, 10am-12pm

The Benefits of

THEY ARE DESIGNED BY EMPLOYERS

Designed with leading businesses and employers to ensure you gain the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for.

A VARIETY OF EMPLOYERS

More than 250 businesses – including Amazon, Fujitsu, EDF Energy and Skanska – have been involved so you can be confident your T Level will help you reach the next level.

COMBINING INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE WITH STUDY

T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like in a supportive environment while you continue your studies.

The Key Facts About

T Levels are a post-16 qualification, equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. T Levels are two-year qualifications.

The roll out of T Levels began in 2020 with three courses available. In 2023, more than 20 T Level qualifications have been launched.

T Levels have been designed with businesses and employers and combine qualifications with industry experience. More than 250 businesses have been involved in the designing of T Levels – including Fujitsu and Skanska.

T Levels are facilitated by colleges or training providers, and you study a core curriculum that covers theory, concepts and principles of the subject. You will also take an occupational specialism during the course. Training providers will have entry requirements for the different T Level courses.

You will spend 80% of your time in the learning environment and 20% completing an Industry Placement. The Industry Placement is unlikely to be paid as it is part of the course of study, but support for travel and expenses may be available.

When you complete your T Level, you are awarded Distinction*, Distinction, Merit or Pass. T Levels also carry UCAS points.

T LEVEL BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING FOR CONSTRUCTION - ELECTROTECHNICAL ENGINEERING (ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION)

ABOUT THE COURSE

The core element of a T Level in Building Services Engineering for ConstructionElectrotechnical Engineering (Electrical Installation) will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as health and safety practices associated with carrying out electrotechnical systems engineering, installation methods and termination of connections, systems and products used in electrotechnical engineering, analysing and using information to and from electrotechnical systems and the removal processes as part of system decommissioning.

You’ll then specialise in Electrotechnical Engineering (Electrical Installation) where you will also develop an understanding and knowledge around the key stakeholders that may be involved with electrotechnical system installation and maintenance, how electrotechnical systems are checked and tested and the different circuit types used in electrotechnical systems.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study and gain invaluable experience, as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled electrical profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

3 Castleford College

Two years

Topics studied can include:

Health and safety practices associated with carrying out electrotechnical systems engineering

· Installation methods and termination of connections

· Systems and products used in electrotechnical engineering

· Analysing and using information to and from electrotechnical systems

Removal processes as part of system decommissioning

5 GCSEs Grades 9 – 6 including English, Maths and Science.

City & Guilds

T LEVEL BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING FOR CONSTRUCTION - ELECTROTECHNICAL ENGINEERING (GAS ENGINEERING)

ABOUT THE COURSE

The core element of a T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction - Electrotechnical Engineering (Gas Engineering) will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as health and safety practices associated with carrying out gas engineering, installation methods and gas systems, systems tools and products used in gas engineering, analysing and using information to and from gas systems and the removal processes as part of system decommissioning.

You’ll then specialise in Electrotechnical Engineering (Gas Engineering) where you

will also develop an understanding and knowledge around the key stakeholders that may be involved with gas engineering installation and maintenance, how gas systems are checked and tested and the journey to becoming a qualified gas engineer.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days., giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study and gain invaluable experience, as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled gas engineering profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

3 Castleford

· Installation, maintenance, and service methods for gas systems

Systems and products used in gas engineering

Analysing and using information to and from gas systems

Removal processes as part of system decommissioning

5 GCSEs Grades 9 –

T LEVEL BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING FOR CONSTRUCTION - ELECTROTECHNICAL ENGINEERING (PLUMBING & HEATING INSTALLATION)

ABOUT THE COURSE

The core element of a T Level in Building Services Engineering for ConstructionElectrotechnical Engineering (Plumbing & Heating Installation) will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as health and safety practices associated with carrying out plumbing and heating installations, installation methods and plumbing and heating systems, systems tools and products used in plumbing and heating engineering, analysing and using information to and from from plumbing and heating systems and the removal processes as part of system decommissioning.

You’ll then specialise in Electrotechnical Engineering (Plumbing & Heating Installation) where you will also develop an understanding and knowledge around the key stakeholders that may be involved with plumbing and heating systems installation and maintenance, how plumbing and heating systems are checked and tested and the different tasks, tools and materials used in plumbing and heating systems.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study and gain invaluable experience, as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled plumbing & heating profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

3 Castleford College

Two years

Topics studied can include:

Health and safety practices associated with carrying out plumbing and heating installations

· Installation methods and plumbing and heating systems

· Systems tools and products used in plumbing and heating engineering

· Analysing and using information to and from plumbing and heating systems

Removal processes as part of system decommissioning

5 GCSEs Grades 9 –6 including English, Maths and Science.

AWARDING BODY

City & Guilds

T LEVEL BUSINESS (MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION)

ABOUT THE COURSE

This Business T Level study programme provides you with the practical and academic skills and knowledge to progress into a career in Business Support, Team Leadership and Management.

The qualification will help you gain an understanding of the Management and Administration sector. You will cover topics such as: Business Context, People, Quality Compliance, Project and Change Management as well as focusing on an

Employer Set Project. Your second year of study will focus on the specialism of Business Support.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days. Giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship. Career options might include becoming a Senior Business Administrator, Office Manager or Business Manager - speak to your careers adviser to find out more.

3 Wakefield College Two years Topics studied can include:

Supporting the overall running and operation of an organisation

· Using prioritisation skills to support time management and delivery of workloads

Considering improvements and recommend ways to develop and improve business practices

Developing effective communication to support business practices

· Managing the flow of information through the organisation

5 GCSEs Grade 9 - 4 including Grade 5s in English and Maths.

City & Guilds

T LEVEL CONSTRUCTION (DESIGN, SURVEYING & PLANNING FOR CONSTRUCTION)

ABOUT THE COURSE

This T Level for Construction is the introduction of career ready education for the Construction curriculum. The core element of a T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as health & safety, design principles and procedures and measurements. You’ll also learn about the commercial side of construction, including management, and commercial business and law. And as the construction industry is always evolving, you’ll dive into the world of science with building technology, innovation and sustainability, to understand how the industry will be shaped in the future.

You’ll then choose a specialism designed to support your interests, so you can get deeper into your chosen subject and build up the skills you need for your future job. You can choose from specialist modules in either Building Services Design, Civil Engineering or Surveying and Design.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, such as a construction company or civil engineer, and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

Career opportunities include:

Surveying Technician, Civil Engineering Design Technician, Architectural Technician, Construction Design Coordinator.

3 Castleford College Wakefield College

Two years

Topics studied can include:

· Health and safety

· Design principles and procedures

· Science with building technology

· Management

· Measurement

· Commercial business and law

5 GCSEs Grades 9 –6 including English, Maths and Science.

Pearson BTEC

T LEVEL DIGITAL PRODUCTION, DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT (SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT)

ABOUT THE COURSE

This Digital T Level is aimed at students who want to be able to choose between moving into a skilled profession based around the Software Development industry or further study.

The core element of a T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as programming, emerging issues and impact of digital, legislation and regulatory requirements, business context, data and digital environments. It’s a cutting-edge subject, so you’ll also learn about the potential security risks that organisations can face and how to analyse problems and identify

solutions through computer programmes.

You’ll then move on to the subject specialism. You’ll work on problem solving, developing solutions within a collaborative environment and learn how to change, maintain and support software.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, such as a software or IT company, and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

Career options might include a software, app, web or games developer; a junior application support analyst; or a junior programmer.

3 Wakefield College Two years

Topics studied can include:

· Problem solving

· Programming

· Emerging issues and impact of digital Legislation and regulatory requirements

Business context

· Data

· Digital environment

· Security

5 GCSEs Grades 9 – 5 including Englis and Maths.

AWARDING BODY

Pearson BTEC

T LEVEL EDUCATION & EARLY YEARS

ABOUT THE COURSE

The core element of a T Level in Education and Early Years will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as child development, safeguarding and special educational needs; as well as your understanding of the role of families and support agencies. You’ll also dive into the specifics of social interaction, behaviour, and how language is acquired, as well as build your skills in becoming a reflective practitioner.

You’ll then specialise in Early Years

Education. This will provide you with a licence to practise as an early years practitioner.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, such as a school or nursery, and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

Career options might include becoming a Teaching Assistant, Early Years Practitioner or Special Educational Needs Assistant.

LEVEL DURATION WHAT YOU’LL STUDY

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS LOCATION

3 Wakefield College Two years This course is split into core knowledge and specialist knowledge. Core topics include child development, safeguarding, special educational needs, the role of families, and support services and reflective practice.

5 GCSEs Grades 9 – 4 including Englis and Maths.

You will be required to complete an interview session.

T LEVEL HEALTH

ABOUT THE COURSE

The core element of a T Level in Health will boost your knowledge in a range of topics such as how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice. As health is one of the fastest growing industry sectors, you’ll have a chance to make a huge difference to other people’s lives and society as a whole.

You will specialise in supporting healthcare and you will focus on the care of supporting adult nursing. Specialist knowledge and skills that will be covered on this course

include assisting with clinical tasks and treatment of service users, providing care and support to service users before, during and after clinical or therapeutic procedures and taking a physiological reading of service users and recording data.

Then you’ll be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement of around 45 days, giving you an amazing opportunity to work with an employer while you study, in a hospital or other healthcare setting, and gain invaluable experience as well as key skills that employers are looking for.

3 Wakefield College Two years Your course starts with the essential knowledge and skills to work in health or science including how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

Following a T Level, you could progress straight into a skilled profession or continue your studies with a degree or higher apprenticeship.

Career options might include working in a Midwifery team or as an Ambulance Support Worker - speak to your careers adviser to find out more.

5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 including English, Maths and Science.

You will be required to complete an interview session.

NCFE

T LEVEL MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION & REPAIR FOR ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING

ABOUT THE COURSE

In the first year you will develop knowledge and understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector through the study of core elements including manufacturing processes, engineering design, engineering maths and science, materials science, electrical and electronic principles, process control systems, business and project management and health & safety.

In your second year you will focus on Mechanical Specialisms. The purpose of this specialism is for you to know and understand mechanical engineering systems commonly used in industry.

This will include how components are removed, replaced and repaired as part of mechanical engineering systems, skills to plan and prepare mechanical maintenance activities using evaluation and skills to select and use tools, equipment, machinery and technology safely and effectively to complete maintentance, installation and repair activities.

Then you will be able to put everything you learn into practice, with a substantial industry placement within the engineering and manufacturing sector for a minimum of 315 hours across Year 1 and Year 2.

WHERE COULD THE COURSE TAKE ME?

After completion of a T Level you have the opportunity to progress onto Higher Education courses, degreelevel Apprenticeships, industry employment or training.

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USEFUL TERMS GLOSSARY

A Levels

Application Process

Apprenticeship

Career

Employment

A qualification in one specific subject typically taken by school pupils aged 16-18 years that is usually classroom or learning environment based. You study three different subjects at A Level.

The act of applying for a particular course/job.

A real, paid full-time job combined with studying to gain skills and knowledge.

The job or series of jobs that you do during your working life.

Having paid work.

Functional Skills Level 2 Qualifications in English and Maths that are equivalent to GCSEs.

Higher Education

Industry Placement

Occupation

Specialism

Traineeship

Training Provider

UCAS Points

Education at universities or similar educational establishments, at degree-level

The 45-day / 315-hour work placement with an employer where you can put into practice the knowledge and technical skills learnt in the learning environment.

A job or profession.

An area of the T Level that you take during the course, focussing on a particular occupation.

A work focused study programme that prepares you for work or an apprenticeship.

The organisation or college who you enrol with and where you spend 80% of your time in the learning environment.

The tariff used to allocate points to post-16 qualifications. Universities and colleges use this when making offers to applicants.