The Department for Education will provide £38 million in capital funding for the first T-level providers.
The announcement will be made by education secretary Damian Hinds at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham today.
The cash will be available from spring 2019 for providers chosen to deliver the first suite of the flagship new technical qualifications, due to be introduced in 2020.
“This investment will fund the latest industry-standard equipment to ensure that qualifications meet the needs of employers,” said a statement from the party. “This will include computers and digital equipment for those studying digital and heavy plant and machinery for those studying construction.”
‘Transforming technical education’
Mr Hinds was expected to tell delegates that the move reflecting the government’s determination to treat technical education as being of equal importance as academic education.
“We are transforming technical education so that every young person has the opportunity to get a skilled job,” said the statement. “From 2020, students will be able to study T levels - a new high quality, technical alternative to the A level. T levels are designed by business and include substantial placements in industry so that young people master the skills they need to get a great job at the end.
“Today we are announcing that we will invest £38 million in cutting-edge equipment and facilities so that these new gold standard qualifications will be taught in world-class facilities.”
‘A world-class education for everyone’
The government will also today announce which 21 colleges have been chosen to establish a Maths Centre of Excellence.
Mr Hinds added: “Our ambition is simply said but truly stretching: a world-class education for everyone, whatever path you take, whatever your background.
“We will not rest until results in all parts of our country are as good as they are now in the best, opportunity is equally available to all of our society and all routes, whether academic or technical, are of equal standing.”
