With the latest on T Levels and the transition for Engineering and Manufacturing, we hope to provide insight into the future of technical and academic qualifications in this update.
In light of the government's qualifications reform, we want to ensure that learners of all ages in the sector have access to the qualifications and skills they will need and benefit from.
What exactly are T Levels?
T Levels are a new post-16 technical study programme that, along with apprenticeships and A Levels, will become one of three main options for learners. These two-year programmes, which are equivalent to three A levels in size, were developed in collaboration with the government, business, and education to streamline technical education, meet the needs of industry, and prepare students for work.
There will be 23 T Levels available in England only, each with its own set of route pathways and occupational specialism options.
What does this mean for the automotive industry?
The T Level that includes automotive repair is in Engineering and Manufacturing and will be available for the first time in September 2022. T Levels do not currently cover the Transport and Logistics sector.
As part of the reform, the government confirmed that all qualifications that 'overlap' with T Levels would no longer receive government funding.
Defunding qualifications that overlap with T Levels will be phased out over time.
The government is expected to publish a preliminary list of qualifications for defunding in 2024 in early 2022. It intends to publish the final list by July 2022, giving providers at least six months to prepare.