T Levels – new route to employment in construction and business

Career prospects are looking bright for young people, with the construction and business industries crying out for highly-skilled new recruits.

Labour Market Information (LMI) from the Office for National Statistics shows that demand for skilled workers within construction has increased by 60% in the last 12 months. Whilst in June 2021 LMI Humber predicted 20% growth within the region’s business sector, anticipating 15% more jobs becoming available in the next few years.

With clear demand and employment opportunities in these areas the government’s new T qualifications can provide the perfect route to a career in these industries. Bishop Burton College in the East Riding is excited to be delivering two brand new T Levels in Onsite Construction and Management and Administration from September 2022, alongside its existing T Level courses in Education and Childcare and Health. These qualifications represent important and significant support for the region’s economic growth by upskilling and preparing the next generation of workforce in sectors with the greatest needs.

So what are T Levels?

Onsite Construction will offer two pathways in plastering and bricklayingOnsite Construction will offer two pathways in plastering and bricklaying
Onsite Construction will offer two pathways in plastering and bricklaying

Designed in collaboration with business and employers, T Levels are a new option for students following GCSEs. Pioneered in September 2020 they were created to provide a unique alternative to other vocational qualifications through exposure to meaningful industry placements.

With the ultimate objective of equipping students with the skills and knowledge employers are searching for, T Levels are equivalent to 3 A Levels so count towards UCAS points. This means that students can enjoy a vocational approach to education with the opportunity to specialise or move into a higher level of study in the future.

The qualifications have been adopted by Bishop Burton College, as part of a selected consortium to deliver this world-class technical education. The College firmly believes T Levels are an excellent grounding for young people to acquire a qualification that will stand them in good stead for the job market.

Mike Ridley, Head of Department for General Further Education, said: “T Level qualifications will give students who want to pursue a career in their chosen sector a fantastic opportunity to work extremely closely with industry professionals, whilst learning the most up-to-date industry content, skills and knowledge.”

Management and Administration will focus on running and working in a business leadership and management skillsManagement and Administration will focus on running and working in a business leadership and management skills
Management and Administration will focus on running and working in a business leadership and management skills

Why has Bishop Burton introduced T levels to the curriculum?

Bishop Burton prides itself on its vocational offering for students in the region and the T Levels being delivered by the college provide an alternative with clear career routes. They are ideal for young people who have a genuine interest in a particular sector but want to continue studying rather than moving straight into the world of work, giving them the option to pursue higher education in the future.

The College is delivering T Levels that meet the demands of the job market in the local and regional area, to make sure that all qualifications support student journeys into successful careers. They also complement the existing syllabus to provide even more choice for students to achieve success.

Geoffrey Guy, Head of Department for Land-Based said: “The T Level enhances our current curriculum, which is focused on practical vocational skills, by offering a slightly more academic route… to prepare them for work or further study. The increased focus on industry engagement also means that students develop skills for work and a true understanding of the industry.”

Health students visiting the new Allam Medical Building at University of Hull for clinical skills building sessionHealth students visiting the new Allam Medical Building at University of Hull for clinical skills building session
Health students visiting the new Allam Medical Building at University of Hull for clinical skills building session

Leading the way with T Levels

Bishop Burton College have been offering T Level courses in Education and Childcare since September 2020 and introduced Health in 2021. The College is delighted to add Onsite Construction to its offer from September 2022, which has two pathway options in plastering and bricklaying. It will also be offering a new T Level in Management and Administration, which provides students with an understanding of the intricate workings and procedures of running and working in a business, focusing particularly on leadership and management. Both are open for applications now.

These two new courses offer opportunities in highly sought-after careers and meet rising demand in the region for fresh talent, particularly for those who have higher-level skills and the aptitude and capability to embrace technological advances.

Join our next open event

Discover more about T Levels here and find out all that’s on offer at our next open event. These are packed full of activities designed to provide you with all the knowledge and support you need to help you decide on your next step. You can explore the state-of-the-art facilities and full equipped accommodation, speak with your future tutors about the course(s) you’re interested in and learn about the range of support available for you at Bishop Burton and much more! Register now

Applications are open now for all courses - www.bishopburton.ac.uk

Call 01964 553000 for more information.

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