£50m will be invested in colleges, schools and sixth forms delivering T Levels across England from 2022 to improve and expand teaching spaces and facilities.
The government said the funding will ensure students have ‘world-class’ facilities when studying for T Levels, helping to transform the provision of technical education to help fill local skills gaps and level up opportunities across the country.
In total, 65 building projects will receive a share of the funding, providing thousands of students with industry quality equipment for hands-on experience right from the start of their training, as well as high-tech classrooms.
T Levels, co-created with over 250 employers including Amazon and Fujitsu, are equivalent to three A Levels and were introduced in September 2020.
Uniquely, they combine classroom study with industry placements, so students gain the skills businesses need, allowing them to go straight into the workplace, onto an apprenticeship or further study.
New subjects, including Health, Onsite Construction and Science will be added from September, with more being introduced in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
The funding will be used to refurbish buildings and facilities, including upgrading classrooms and creating specialist spaces, such as teaching wards, as well as building or improving laboratories for health and science students.
Commenting, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Gillian Keegan said:
“T Levels are a game changer for young people, providing a high-quality technical equivalent to A Levels that have been designed hand-in-hand with leading employers so students and businesses can be sure they will get the skills they need to thrive in a high-tech economy.
“This multimillion-pound investment will mean even more students will benefit from world-class facilities, giving them access to brilliant new buildings that will help them get ready for the world of work.”
Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, David Hughes added:
“T Levels will be available in more than 100 colleges and schools from this September and are a high-quality option for young people looking to build a career.
“I welcome the fact that the government is continuing to invest in up-to-date buildings and facilities for these courses and students.”
T Levels form a key part of the government’s reforms to revolutionise skills and technical education, providing students with the skills and experience they need to progress into well-paid jobs, further study or an apprenticeship.
Today’s announcement builds on the £133m made available to support providers delivering T Levels in 2020 and 2021.
This includes funding given to all new T Level providers to purchase specialist equipment so students have access to the equipment they will use when they get a job.
Further funding is expected to be awarded later in the year.
PSE will be hosting a Learning & Development event on 3 February 2022. Join us for the event by registering here.
