What Are T Levels And Can T Level Students Get Student Discount?

Trying to keep up with recent changes to the UK’s educational landscape? We’ve got you. In recent years, there have been some big transformations, including the introduction of T Levels. 

Here’s everything you need to know about them - including how you can bag yourself student discount as a T Level student with TOTUM! 

If you’re considering your post-16 options, you may be wondering what type of T Level courses you can study, the duration of these courses, and how this qualification differs from an apprenticeship or other forms of further and higher education. 

We’re here to help, as well as running you through exactly how you can save money as a T Level student by grabbing yourself a TOTUM Apprentice membership! 

What are T Levels?

In September 2020, the government launched T Levels to help prepare students to enter skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.

T Levels - short for Technical Levels - are aimed at providing a more vocational and hands-on approach to education, offering students a new pathway to prepare for their future careers. 

They’re designed in collaboration with employers for 16-19 year olds - covering everything from healthcare and engineering to technology and education - and are an alternative to apprenticeships, A Levels and other forms of post-16 education. 

Each T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and provides students with a mix of classroom learning and industry placement, so in many ways they’re similar to apprenticeships. 

However, there are some key differences… 

What is the difference between T Levels and apprenticeships?

T Levels and apprenticeships are both vocational pathways aiming to provide students with practical skills and experience that directly align with industry needs. However, there are key differences between the two in terms of structure, focus and the overall learning experience.

Structure:

• T Levels: T Levels are two-year long courses which include a mix of classroom-based learning and a mandatory industry placement of at least 315 hours. They offer a balance between academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are typically longer-term commitments, often lasting between one to four years depending on the level and industry. Apprentices split their time between on-the-job training with an employer and classroom-based learning, usually provided by a training provider or a college. They must spend at least 20% of their working week completing ‘off-the-job’ training, while the remaining 80% can be spent on-the-job. 

Learning Setting:

• T Levels: The majority of T Level learning occurs in a classroom or college setting, where students receive theoretical instruction in addition to their practical industry placement. 

• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships involve a significant amount of on-the-job training (typically around 80% of the week). Apprentices work directly with employers, gaining practical experience and applying their skills in a real-world setting. Classroom-based learning complements this hands-on experience.

Employment Status:

• T Levels: T Level students are full-time students, and their industry placement is part of their course requirement. They are not considered employees during this placement and do not receive a salary from the employer.

• Apprenticeships: Apprentices are employees from day one of their apprenticeship. They receive a salary for their work, and their employment is subject to employment contracts and workplace entitlements such as sick pay. 

Qualifications:

• T Levels: Upon completion of a T Level programme, students receive a T Level qualification, which is equivalent to three A Levels. 

• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships result in a work-based qualification specific to the industry, such as an Apprenticeship Standard or Framework. The level of qualification varies based on the apprenticeship - this can range from Intermediate (Level 2) to Degree (Level 6 or 7).

Progression Routes:

• T Levels: T Levels have a range of progression options, including skilled employment, an apprenticeship or higher education (such as university).  They can enter the workforce directly, pursue further education, or transition into higher apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships.

• Apprenticeships: Apprentices can continue working with their employer upon completion of their programme, move into a higher-level apprenticeship, or explore other career opportunities within their chosen industry.

What T Level courses are there?

Wondering what T Level courses are available to you? As of January 2024, 17 T Levels have been rolled out across the UK, but this is set to increase to 24 in total. The T Levels currently on offer include: 

• Agriculture, Land Management and Production

• Management and Administration

• Building Services Engineering for Construction

• Onsite Contruction

• Digital Business Services

• Digital Production, Design and Development

• Digital Support Services

• Education and Early Years

• Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing 

• Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing

• Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

• Health

• Healthcare Science

• Science

• Accounting

• Finance

• Legal Services

The following T Levels will be available from September 2024:

• Animal Care and Management

• Catering

• Craft and Design (September 2024 onwards)

• Media, Broadcast and Production

• Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy

• Marketing

Can T Level Students Get Student Discount?

Being a T Level student comes with its perks, and one of these is the access to various student discounts. While traditionally associated with university students, many brands extend their discounts to T Level students as well via the TOTUM Apprentice scheme - the only discount card for apprentices in the UK. 

As a T Level student, you’ll get to enjoy the same incredible range of discounts and offers available to apprentices, allowing you to make huge savings on purchases from big brands including Apple, Samsung, ASOS, Boots, Cult Beauty, Garmin and so many more. 

You’ll also get a FREE 12-month tastecard membership worth £39.99 for every years’ TOTUM membership you purchase, which means getting to enjoy perks such as up to 50% off pizza delivery, 2 for 1 at thousands of restaurants, 25% off barista-made drinks at Caffe Nero, Krispy Kreme and Black Sheep and so much more. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to take advantage of TOTUM Cashback - our new cashback scheme which allows you to earn money back when you shop at hundreds of leading retailers such as Asda, M&S, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Primark and more.