T time for Blackpool students

T Levels are being launched next year – and Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) is one of just 16 UK colleges to offer all three.

T Levels are technical qualifications combining classroom study with an industrial placement lasting at least 45 days.

One T Level will be equivalent to three A Levels, with UCAS Tariff points allocated to the overall grade.

The three T Levels being launched across the country in September 2020 are focused on computing, construction and education – and B&FC is now registering student interest in all three.

Simon Hughes, B&FC’s Vice Principal of Quality and Curriculum, said T Levels would empower businesses with a new generation of highly-employable and skilled workers.

He explained: "We are pleased with recent developments which acknowledge technical education as pivotal to the success of the UK economy, and to be chosen as one of the first colleges to offer T-levels.”

"T Levels will provide employers with an upcoming workforce fast-trackable into leadership roles. This qualification is an exciting and demanding challenge for academically-talented students who want the many benefits of a technical and professional education.

The college has a wealth of experience working with businesses across Blackpool and beyond to deliver training addressing commercial challenges.

Mr Hughes added: “It’s through our close ties with industry that we recognised T Levels would be of huge importance to the local economy.”

B&FC students already gain specialist and up-to-date commercial experience through tutors who all spend time in industry to stay up-to-date with what businesses need.

Mr Hughes explained: “Students will gain invaluable experience at college and put those lessons into practice while on industrial placements that are part and parcel of T Levels.

"Placements are not only a great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the 21st century workplace.

“Employers also get the opportunity to access a pool of otherwise hidden talent - in young people who by studying T Levels have already demonstrated their commitment to becoming future leaders.”

To find out more about T Levels at B&FC, go to www.blackpool.ac.uk/t-levels. If you'd like to offer a placement to a T Level student, email business@blackpool.ac.uk.