BRIDGWATER & Taunton has been chosen as one of 52 colleges in the country to teach a new qualification. 

Education Secretary, Damian Hinds, announced yesterday (May 27) his plans for a 'world-class' technical education system. 

The new 'T' Levels, which will be on-par with A Levels, will provide young people with a choice to study a technical education.

Courses in construction, digital, and education and childcare will be first taught from September 2020. A further 22 courses will be rolled out in stages from 2021, which will cover sectors such as finance and accounting, engineering and manufacturing, and creative and design.

In his response to the T Level consultation, also published yesterday, the Education Secretary committed to working with businesses and learning from international competitors to ensure these new qualifications lead to a generational shift in technical education.

Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “Everyone should be able to have access to an education that suits them, but we know that for those that don’t choose to go to university, the routes into further technical and vocational training can be hard to navigate.  

“That’s why we’re making the most significant reform to advanced technical education in 70 years to ensure young people have gold standard qualifications open to them whichever route they choose. 

"T Levels provide a high-quality, technical alternative to A levels ensuring thousands of people across the country have the skills we need to compete globally – a vital part of our modern industrial strategy.”

Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: “T Levels represent a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform technical education in this country so we can rival the world’s best performing systems.

“For too long young people have not had a genuine choice about their future aged 16. Whilst A levels provide a world class academic qualification, many technical education courses are undervalued by employers and don’t always provide students with the skills they need to secure a good job - that has to change.

“Naming the first 52 colleges and providers where young people will be able to study the first T Levels is an important step forward, and we will continue the work with business and the education sector so everyone can benefit from these vital reforms.

“Technology and the world economy are fast-changing, and we need to make sure our young people have the skills they need to get the jobs of tomorrow. This is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.”

BATC joins five others in the South West, alongside Cirencester College, Exeter College, Strode College, Truro and Penwith College and Weston College. 

Dr Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College said: “Weston College is clear on the skills revolution needed in our country and recognises that T Levels will complement apprenticeships and A Levels in a newly devised skills system.

"We are cognisant of the care, advice and guidance that will be needed for learners and also the need for high quality bespoke work placement solutions.”

The T Levels consultation sought views from across the world of business and education, as well as young people. Employers including Lloyds, IBM, and Siemens, all responded to the consultation underlining a 'strong support' for new T levels.

T Levels are just one part of a wider programme of work to transform technical education in this country to give people choices when they are deciding on an academic or technical route.

Alongside T Levels and the introduction of more high-quality apprenticeships, the Government is creating a network of Institutes of Technology (IoTs) across the country. IoT’s will offer top-quality training and apprenticeships in higher-level technical skills - A level equivalent up to degree level and above - helping to bridge a vital skills gap in our economy in areas like advanced manufacturing, infrastructure and digital.

The Government took another step towards establishing IoTs  this week by announcing the proposal/s that will now move to the final stage of the Government’s competition – this includes proposals for the South West from University of Exeter, Weston College of Further and Higher Education and Swindon College.