T Levels are a post 16 education option alternative to A levels
that include vocational study and the opportunity to get
experience with employers through placements in industry. Here we
show you some surprising career paths you can unlock with a T
level qualification.
What are T Levels?
T levels are a post 16 qualification that combine in the
classroom learning with real world work experience.
The courses are two years and feature an industry placement that
will last at least 45 days. This means anyone who does a T Level
gets industry experience paired with their study. 80% of the
course is study and 20% will be hands on experience with an
employer.
1. Breaking into artificial intelligence (AI)
Fernanda studied the Digital Technology Solutions T Level in 2021
and spent her industry placement at IBM, a global leader in tech
innovation. Initially unsure about her career path, the
experience helped her discover her passion for AI. After
completing her T Level, Fernanda secured a prestigious degree
apprenticeship in AI with IBM—a career she once thought was out
of reach.
2. Building dreams as a Trainee Assistant Site
Manager
Sophie followed her passion for construction by taking the
Design, Surveying and Planning T Level. Inspired by her father's
trade work, she gained hands-on experience during her placement
with Gallagher Group Ltd. Sophie is now pursuing a degree
apprenticeship in site management, proving that T Levels are a
great first step into the construction industry.
3. Caring for communities in healthcare
Violet from Norfolk turned her personal experiences with
healthcare into a career through the Health T Level. After
completing her course, she secured a job at Norfolk and Norwich
University Hospital. Violet chose T Levels because they offered a
practical route into a career in health, allowing her to learn
through real-world experience. She's now working toward her dream
of becoming a paediatric nurse.
4. Advancing with Higher Technical Qualifications
(HTQs)
Ben, from Weston-Super-Mare, completed the Design, Surveying and
Planning T Level before progressing to a Higher Technical
Qualification (HTQ) in Civil Engineering. HTQs provide a
practical and advanced next step for students who want to
specialize further in their field. Ben's story shows how T Levels
can lead to more than just university—they open doors to
specialist technical qualifications too.
5. Stepping into the Spotlight
The newly launched Media, Broadcast and Production T Level has
already gained fans, including Strictly Come Dancing champion
Alesha Dixon. Alesha says she wishes a course like this had been
available during her school years, as it combines hands-on
learning with professional experience. Whether you dream of
working behind the camera or in front of it, this T Level offers
a direct pathway into the media and entertainment industries.
What does progression look like after a T Level?
Whether you are looking to start an apprenticeship, enter higher
education, or head straight into employment, T Levels can provide
the foundation for all these paths.
One T Level is worth the same amount of UCAS points as three A
Levels, meaning there can be a direct route to university. 83% of
T level students who applied for university secured a place in
2024.
However, many T Level students also choose to go straight into
employment or an apprenticeship in the same area of study.
Because T Level students already have practical experience
through the vocational portion of their study, a higher number of
T Level students go on to higher level apprenticeships than
students on other courses.
With a wide range of T Levels available—including three new
options, as of September, in Craft and Design, Media, Broadcast
and Production, and Animal Care—there are more opportunities than
ever to explore many different career paths.
Where could a T Level take you?
From cutting-edge tech roles to healthcare, here are five
examples of the incredible opportunities T Level students have
pursued:
Why Choose T Levels?
T Levels are more than just qualifications—they're a launchpad
for your future career. Whether you're interested in tech,
healthcare, construction, or creative industries, a T Level can
help you gain the confidence, skills, and experience to take the
next step.
To find out more about T Levels and explore your options, visit
the Skills for Life website
