FIVE Somerset colleges receive share of £48.5m for T Levels

T-Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and are a combination of classroom study and industry placements. 

Bridgwater and Taunton College is one of 49 educational establishments to secure the Government funding ahead of their roll-out of T Levels in September 2021. 

Four other colleges in Somerset have also received the funding, including Bath College, Strode College in Street, Weston College in Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil College. 

Strode College, Street

T Level courses have been co-created with over 250 employers, including Fujitsu and Amazon.

The first three T Levels were introduced in September 2020 – in design, surveying and planning for construction, digital production, design and development and education and childcare.

“The successful launch of T Levels represents the start of a transformation in our technical education system, giving young people the vital skills they need to get ahead and giving employers the talented workforce they need to thrive as we build back better from the pandemic,” said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.

“To deliver world-class qualifications, providers need to have world-class facilities and cutting-edge equipment.

“This funding will help to make sure students have the skills and knowledge to succeed when they finish their T Levels.”

A further seven T Levels will be available from September 2021, in subjects including Health and Science and Construction. In 2022 and 2023, finance, media and legal will be added to the T Levels available. 

T Level providers can now bid for a share of £135million to upgrade classrooms and buildings in readiness for students starting courses in September 2022.