Ofsted Good Provider
Our Campuses Events Book an Open Event Apply Contact

T Levels Education
with Experience

Apply for a T Level
Explore our courses
Students and teacher sat around classroom table having a discussion

Key information

What are T Levels? Choose your T Level Student stories 10 reasons to choose a T Level T Levels: how you'll learn T Levels: what you’ll gain FAQs

Are you an employer looking to host an industry placement?

Click here
Student sat at a desk smiling with hands clasped together

What are T Levels?

Whether you want to go to university or straight into skilled employment after your studies, you can get there with T Levels.

T Levels are a two year course, equivalent to three A levels. They combine academic study with industry experience: 80% classroom learning and 20% work placement.

T Levels focus on transferable skills, expert knowledge and learning that will get you hired, or ready for university. They’re also industry-recognised, and we have secured placements with over 200 businesses in the Leeds City Region.

Choose your T Level

At Leeds City College we offer the following T Levels:

  • Construction | Building Services Engineering for Construction
    Ideal for students who are planning a career in the construction industry, particularly 
in fields like electrical installation and maintenance, plumbing, or heating.Careers

    • Building Services Engineer
    • Domestic Appliance Service Engineer
    • Electrical Engineering Technician
    • Electrician
    • Engineering Construction Craftworker
    • Engineering Maintenance Technician
    • Facilities Management
    • Gas Service Technician
    • Installer
    • Pipe Fitter
    • Plumber
    • Retrofit Assessors
    • Security Systems Installer
    • Service Engineer
    • Site Supervisors

    View course

  • Creative & Design | Media, Broadcast and Production
    Gain the practical skills and industry know-how you need for a career in the creative industries. You’ll explore the different career paths available and learn how to use industry-standard software and equipment.Careers

    • Audio Visual Technician
    • Broadcast Engineer
    • Camera Operator
    • Director
    • Lighting Technician
    • Live Sound Engineer
    • Media Researcher
    • Producer
    • Production Assistant
    • Radio Broadcast Assistant
    • Sound Technician
    • Stagehand
    • Studio Sound Engineer
    • Video Editor

    View course

  • Digital & IT | Digital, Production & Design: Computer Game Development
    Passionate about the web, games industry or business? Train in the technologies that computer programmers need for an ever-changing world.Careers

    • Application Developer
    • Application Support Analyst
    • Automated Test Developer
    • Computer Games Developer
    • Computer Games Tester
    • E-Learning Developer
    • Mobile App Developer
    • Programmer
    • Software Developer
    • Software Development Technician
    • Software Engineer
    • User Experience (UX) Designer
    • Web Designer
    • Web Developer

    View course

  • Digital & IT | Digital Business Services: Software, Cyber Security & Network Engineering
    If you’re wanting to prepare for the world of work, this course will get you ‘career ready.’ Explore the world of Computer Science & IT whilst boosting your employability skills.Careers

    • Data Analyst – Statistician
    • Data Scientist
    • Data Support Analyst
    • Data Technician
    • Informatics and Data Engineer
    • Information Analyst
    • Market Research Data Analyst

    View course

  • Digital & IT | Digital Support Services: Networking, Cyber Security & Emerging Technologies
    Develop your understanding of programming, cyber security, cloud environments and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.Careers

    • Cloud Technician
    • Digital Comms Technician
    • First-Line Support
    • IT Hardware Solutions Technician
    • IT Security Coordinator
    • IT Support Technician
    • Management Consultant
    • Network Technician
    • Software Developer

    View course

  • Education & Early Years
    Gain the skills you need to progress in education and childcare, and 
specialise as an early years educator or teaching assistant.Careers

    • Curriculum/Training Lead
    • Educational Mental Health Practitioner
    • Education Welfare Officer
    • Family Support Advisor
    • Head Teacher
    • Home Visitor
    • Learning Mentor
    • Nursery Worker
    • Playworker
    • Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
    • Teaching Assistant

    Education and Early Years course

    Assistant Teacher course

  • Engineering & Manufacturing | Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing
    Learn how to maintain and fix a range of mechanical devices.
    Topics include: fault detection, diagnosis, isolation and resolution methods.Careers

    • 3D Printing Technician
    • CAD Technician
    • Costing Engineer
    • Design Engineer
    • Electrical Engineer
    • Installation Engineer
    • Instrument Engineer
    • Manufacturing Technician
    • Mechanical Engineer
    • Production Support Engineer
    • Software Technician
    • Structural Design and Draughtsperson

    View course

  • Engineering & Manufacturing | Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing
    Study topics such as processes of production and manufacturing, materials, specialist machinery, product and project management, quality assurance and quality control.Careers

    • Auto-Electrician
    • Automation and Controls Engineer
    • Electrical Power Networks Engineer
    • Engineering Maintenance Technician
    • Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician
    • Marine Engineering Technician
    • Mechanical Engineering Technician
    • Motor Mechanic
    • Motor Vehicle Breakdown Engineer
    • Telecoms Engineer
    • Vehicle Body Repairer

    View course

  • Health & Science | Healthcare
    Put your compassionate nature to good use by learning the practices of person-centred care. Choose to specialise in adult nursing, therapeutic support or mental health.Careers

    • Ambulance Care Assistant
    • Ambulance Support Worker
    • Assistant Practitioner
    • Care Worker
    • Dental Nurse
    • Emergency Care Assistant
    • Healthcare Assistant
    • Midwife
    • Nursing Associate
    • Palliative Care Assistant
    • Rehabilitation Worker
    • Send Coordinator
    • Social Worker
    • Support Worker

    View course

  • Health & Science | Laboratory Science
    Looking for a hands-on route into a scientific or lab-based work setting? From key regulations to good clinical practice, this is a great way to put the theory you learn into practice.Careers

    • Analytical Chemist
    • Food Manufacturing Inspector
    • Food Technologist
    • Hygiene Manager
    • Laboratory Technician
    • Metrologist
    • Microbiology Support Scientist
    • Molecular Biologist
    • Product Innovation And Development Technologist
    • Quality Manager
    • Research & Development Scientist
    • Technical Support Scientist

    View course

  • Business & Administration | Management & Administration
    Develop important theoretical knowledge of how a business operates alongside gaining hands-on experience in the workplace, preparing you to make a meaningful impact 
when you progress into the world of work.Careers

    • Barrister’s Clerk
    • Business Improvement Coordinator
    • Civil Servant
    • Continuous Improvement Executive
    • Court Administrative Assistant
    • HR Support Officer
    • Indexer
    • Information Scientist
    • Manufacturing Supervisor
    • Medical Secretary
    • Office Manager
    • Personal Assistant
    • Process Technician
    • Project Manager

    View course

  • Marketing | Advertising and Media Executive, Digital Marketer
    This qualification offers learners a fantastic opportunity to learn important theoretical knowledge of how a marketing function operates alongside gaining hands-on experience in the workplace, to ensure they can have a meaningful impact when they progress into the world of work.

    Careers

    • Advertising and Media Executive
    • Digital Marketer
    • E-Commerce Manager
    • Events Manager
    • Fundraiser
    • Marketing Manager
    • Marketing Assistant
    • Marketing Researcher
    • Public Relations Manager

    View course

  • Accounting | Finance officer
    This qualification provides learners with a fantastic opportunity to develop essential theoretical knowledge of how an accountancy function operates alongside other business departments. You will also gain hands-on workplace experience, equipping you with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact as you pursue a career in accounting.

    Careers

    • Finance officer
    • Accounting technician
    • Payroll administrator
    • Payroll manager

    View course

Student stories

“I was given the opportunity to reach out to different companies and find my own placement, and it was great to have some support with my application, which gave me the confidence to find something I was passionate about.”
Jess, Digital & IT T Level

“In our course, often we learn things in a high level of detail, meaning that we get access to more advanced technical knowledge than is available on other Level 3 courses.”
Flynn, Digital & IT T Level

“This T Level in childcare has been an amazing course as I’ve had great first-hand experience in the area I’ve always been interested in. I chose this course over other options, such as A levels, because I felt that this was a more in-depth way into the childcare sector.”
Jodie, Education & Early Years T Level

“It has genuinely been really good. I’ve gained so much experience from it and I feel like I’ve developed a huge range of communication skills that I didn’t necessarily have before.”
Jessica, Health T Level

10 reasons to choose a T Level

  • 1. Specialise in your chosen subject area with a nationally recognised qualification, taught across two years: one T Level is equal to three A levels
  • 2. Gain transferable technical skills and gain in-depth
knowledge of your chosen industry
  • 3. Spend 80% of your time in the classroom studying your
subject, and 20% in the workplace applying your knowledge
  • 4. Complete a work placement of at least 45 days, where you work on a meaningful real-life project
in your chosen industry
  • 5. A mix of learning styles helps you put your classroom knowledge into practice, applying relevant and useful
skills during your work placement
  • 6. T Levels are designed with input from employers, so that you know your skills will be valued by businesses in the future
  • 7. We have secured placements with over 200 businesses in the Leeds City Region – our industry connections will help you find the right placement
  • 8. Earn UCAS points to get into university – for example, T Level Distinction* is equivalent to 3 x A*s at A level (see table below)
  • 9. Accepted by over 140 providers for degree-level study and higher apprenticeships: in 2022, 80% of T Level students
who applied to university were successful
  • 10. Accepted by 17 out of 24 Russell Group Universities,
including Manchester, York and Bristol

Ready to apply?

Click here

T Levels: how you’ll learn

80% of your time will be spent in the classroom
Learn from expert tutors with first-hand industry experience
Industry placement of at least 315 hours (or 45 days) with an employer

T Levels: what you’ll gain

  • A qualification equivalent to three A levels
  • A nationally-recognised certificate showing 
the overall grade received
  • Industry experience with a relevant employer
  • Transferable technical skills that employers seek
  • Valuable connections – and the potential 
for paid work after your placement
  • UCAS points if you choose to go to university
Two students sat looking at laptop, smiling wearing Leeds City College lanyards

FAQs

  • How do T Levels work?
    T Levels are a great option after GCSEs as they blend education with experience. If you already know what industry you want to work in, you can get a head start in your career by choosing a qualification that gets you work experience with an employer. The classroom learning gives you the knowledge you need to succeed, and your work placement gives you the essential skills that you will use in your future career.
  • What does a normal week look like?
    It depends! You will usually spend 4 days a week in college and the fifth day will be spent on your placement. Or your placement could take place all in one go, so you would spend 5 days in college for some of the school year and then 45 days (or 9 weeks) in the workplace. Or it could be a mix of both. Typically you will undertake your industry placement in the second year of your two year course, so that you have a good understanding before you enter into the workplace. Your first year will usually take place entirely in the classroom.
  • How are T Levels assessed? Do you have to do exams?
    Usually T Levels are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework: whether you do more exams or more coursework depends on which T Level you take. The project you complete during your industry placement will also contribute to your final grade. Each T Level page on our website explains how the course is assessed.
  • How are T Levels marked?
    T Levels are a nationally recognised qualification. On completion, you will receive a certificate with your overall grade, which is marked as pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.Your overall grade is made up of the core component, which covers the knowledge and understanding of your subject, and the occupational specialism, which covers the skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. The occupational specialism component is an employer-set project, designed by a group of national employers in your industry.

  • How does the industry placement work? Is it beneficial?
    Absolutely. Employers will give you meaningful, real-life projects to work on during your placement. The placement will be designed to progress your practical skills and support your studies, and give you genuine experience of working in that industry. Your placement will last at least 315 hours, which is around 45 days – but some employers offer longer placements.T Levels are designed with employers, so that you know your skills will be valued by businesses in the future. This practical exposure looks great on your CV, improves your employability and gives you valuable insight into how the industry works. You may also build a professional network and meet people that could help your career in the future. Some employers even hire their T Level placement students after they’ve completed their studies!

  • How do you find an industry placement?
    Leeds City College will help you every step of the way. You typically undertake your industry placement in the second year of your course, so we will organise an information session in your first year to talk you through the process.We work with local businesses to understand their needs so that we can match you to a suitable placement. Once you have found an employer that you would like to work with, and they’re already offering a placement, you can apply for it. Alternatively, we can support you to contact them directly and request a placement.

    Employers want to hear from motivated students; they want to ensure that they are making an investment in the future of their business and industry, so we will help you demonstrate your value through your application. This is also a great opportunity to learn essential skills for the future, such as writing a CV and attending an interview – don’t worry, we will help you prepare for this!

  • Do I need specific GCSEs to get onto T Levels?
    Entry requirements for T Levels depend on the individual course, but most of our T Level options require students to have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or 5, or above. Some T Levels require specific GCSEs, such as maths or science.However, we will always consider individual circumstances, so if you are worried you will not get the grades required, we will talk you through your options. There may be an option to retake your maths or English GCSEs while studying your T Level if you do not achieve Grade 4.

  • Can I get to university?
    Yes! T Levels are designed to prepare you for employment, and they can also help you reach university. Your T Level grade can be converted into UCAS points (see table below). While not all universities accept T Levels, over 140 higher education providers do accept them, including 17 out of 24 Russell Group universities. 
For a full list of universities currently accepting T Levels, please see here.Whether a T Level is accepted depends on each university and the individual course you would be applying for. In 2022, 71% of T Level students who 
applied to university were accepted.

  • Do T Levels get UCAS points?
    Yes, your T Level can be converted into UCAS points. One T Level is the equivalent to three A levels, and like A levels, your final grade reflects how many UCAS points you have earned. For example, a T Level Distinction* is equal to three A*s at A Level.

    UCAS tariff points T Level overall grade A level
    168 Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism) A*A*A*
    144 Distinction AAA
    120 Merit BBB
    96 Pass (C or above on the core) CCC
    72 Pass (D or E on the core) DDD
  • What can I do after a T Level?
    While T Levels are designed to prepare you for work, you can also go to university with a T Level. You may choose to go straight into employment, using the skills you’ve already developed in your studies. Or you may choose to pursue an apprenticeship, earning money while you continue to study – depending on your field of study, you could pursue a higher or degree level apprenticeship.
  • What are the advantages of T Levels over A levels?
    T Levels are designed with input from employers and businesses, and tailored to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in your selected profession. T Levels are a perfect choice for people who already know what career they want after their studies, and who would benefit from developing practical skills and real-world experience. A levels are a more traditionally academic route where you choose a few different subjects to study, and they are concentrated on theory, rather than practice.
  • What are the advantages of T Levels over apprenticeships?
    T Levels have a more classroom-based approach to learning, whereas apprenticeships have the majority of their training ‘on the job’. Therefore T Levels may offer a more academic option than apprenticeships, whilst still providing the benefit of work experience. T Levels also provide UCAS points to access university courses.
  • What else can I study?
    While T Levels are a great choice if you already know what career you want to go into, A levels allow you to study a range of subjects (usually three). Apprenticeships see you in paid employment while you study, where you will work for an employer for 80% of your time, and complete off-the-job training for the remainder. Vocational courses are full-time study options, specialising in your chosen subject – while learning essential theory and gaining valuable practical skills which will help you pursue your dream career.

Time to apply

Simply click below and get ready to 
start shaping your future

Apply now