T Levels

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T Levels are a new two-year qualification for post-GCSE students aged 16 to 19 and are equivalent to 3 A levels.

Based on the world’s best technical education systems, T Levels are part of government reforms to help address the skills gap, and provide a clear range of options after GCSE. All courses have been developed with leading employers in the relevant industries to ensure that young people gain the essential knowledge and skills that businesses need.

T Levels are demanding, classroom-based, technical study programmes with industry placements that will allow you to learn what a real career is like while you study. T Level studies include around 1,800 hours of classes, industry placement and other activities over two years.

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T Levels comprise three main sections:

The technical qualification

This is the main, classroom-based element and is 80% of the course. You will learn about your chosen sector through a curriculum designed by employers and developed by an awarding organisation. This will include: core theory, concepts and skills for an industry area as well as specialist skills and knowledge for an occupation or career.

Industry placement

This will be 20% of your course (a minimum of 315 hours or 45 days) and will give you practical insights into your chosen sector and an opportunity to embed the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Every T Level includes an industry placement, with your new employer focused on fostering your talent and developing your practical and technical skills. Employers can offer industry placements as a block, day release or a mix of these, and it is possible to share part of the placement with another employer.

English, maths and digital provision

This is built into the classroom-based element of the T Level, meaning you will gain a solid foundation of transferable skills. To study T Levels at Capel Manor College, you will be required to have achieved a Grade 4 in your English and Maths GCSEs before you start.

When you complete your T Level, you will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. You will also get a nationally recognised certificate, which will show your overall grade and a separate grade for the core component (using A* to E) and for each occupational specialism (shown as pass, merit or distinction). It will also include confirmation that you have met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications, completed the industry placement and met any additional mandatory requirements.

Your overall T Level grade will be calculated from the grades you achieved on the core component and the occupational specialism(s). If you do not pass all elements of your T Level, you will get a T Level statement of achievement that will show the elements you have completed.

T Levels will suit you if you know the industry or area of work you want to pursue for a career, and like the idea of a predominantly classroom-based course but with a strong practical emphasis and time in the workplace.

Other options would be apprenticeships; which are predominantly work-based and focused on a particular occupation or our range of applied and technical programmes in all areas of Animal Management and Green Skills.

Both T Levels and apprenticeships are designed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. The main difference is that T-Levels are 80% classroom based and 20% industry based, whereas apprenticeships are 20% classroom based and 80% industry based. You may find apprenticeships more suitable if you know what specific occupation you want to pursue, are ready to enter the workforce at age 16 and have found a suitable employment opportunity.

Since a T Level is equivalent to three A levels in size, it is important to recognise the level and amount of learning involved. Our applied and technical programmes, including the Animal Management Advanced Diploma (Level 3 Courses), offer an alternative route which continue to offer our students opportunities to progress to their chosen higher education and career choices.

If you do not have the GCSE grades needed to study with us at Level 3, all of our animal management courses at Levels 1 and 2 are part of our comprehensive T Level Foundation Programme, preparing young people for further study and employment.

T Levels will support your progression into skilled employment, a higher apprenticeship or onto further study including at university.

Our new T Level course

Animal Care and Management – Occupational Specialism Animal Management and Behaviour (T Level)

This new T Level course will help you to develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the animal care and management sector, including sustainability, biosecurity and employment rights and responsibilities.

You will study a variety of essential principles to help you to start a career in animal care and management for roles such as zookeeper, animal care worker, dog handler and horse riding instructor.

Find out more and apply now here.