FE colleges and providers can now apply to deliver the second wave of T levels, skills minister Anne Milton has announced.

Chosen providers would be the first to deliver the seven new T levels due to be taught from 2021 - health, healthcare science, science, onsite construction, building services engineering, digital support and services, and digital business services.

T levels, the first of which will be launched next year, were introduced by the government as the technical equivalent of A levels, combining classroom theory, practical learning and an industry placement. The first three courses in digital production, design and development, design, surveying and planning, and education will be taught in over 50 further education and post-16 providers from September 2020.

‘Transformational reforms’

Ms Milton said this was “a truly exciting time”.

“I’m absolutely thrilled at the progress we have made to deliver new T levels. These transformational reforms have been designed in partnership with industry experts so employers can access the skilled workforce they need, and so more young people gain the skills they need to get a great job, go on to do a higher level apprenticeship or further study.

“I would absolutely urge further education providers that meet the criteria to consider applying to be the first to teach the next wave of T levels from 2021. It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of education history and help change lives for the better.”

Association of Colleges deputy chief executive Julian Gravatt said: “We are delighted to see the publication of the Expression of Interest for 2021 T level providers. The commitment that both good and outstanding providers will be eligible to deliver the first 10 T levels from 2021 will ensure that many more young people from across England will have access to these new, innovative study programmes.”