After much anticipation and careful preparation, Gateway College is proud to be the first Sixth Form provider in the city to launch a T-Level programme to almost 50 young people.
The two-year qualification offers level 3 learners an alternative to the existing A-level and BTEC programmes of Study and features a unique in-depth 45-day industry placement which enables students to gain valuable experience in the workplace and employers to get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
To support the delivery of the T-Levels Gateway has been successful in gaining significant capital funding from the government to develop a brand-new Health Suite, Digital Study Space and Business Hub, all fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology and specialist industry standard equipment.
Rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted, the College is initially offering three T-level courses across Health, IT and Business to create a direct pathway into key roles within these sectors. Each qualification is the equivalent to three A-levels and is a viable route to university, a Higher Apprenticeship or employment. What makes these courses exceptional is the opportunity for students to see theory in practice, with 80% of their time spent in the classroom and 20% in a meaningful industry work placement where they can put their learnt skills into action.
New student Iman explained,
“I wanted to do something different that I haven’t done before. To push myself out of my comfort zone. The course has many branches for progression and is good for my future career so that’s why I chose it.”
Liz Gist, T-level Lead for Digital Business Services and Programme Co-ordinator and Teacher for IT at Gateway added,
“We are excited to be offering T-levels to our learners for the first time. These qualifications combine high level teaching and learning with specialist experience from employers to deliver exceptional quality and outcomes for young people.”
T-levels have been designed by the government hand-in-hand with industry leaders to provide young people with the knowledge required to enter the workplace at a skilled level. Gateway College is working closely with businesses, key partners and charities to create purposeful opportunities for both the students and the employer and invite employers to get involved.
Students Steven, Axit, Shaan, Dhrad, Raahin stated,
“We want the opportunity to network and gain more experience of working with local and international companies, this will help us gain the skills and knowledge to do a Higher Apprenticeship. We like the combination of industry and teaching; it gives us a head start against the competition. This is a challenge, and we like a challenge!”
Simon Brown, T Level Lead for Management and Administration and Programme Co-ordinator and Teacher for Business at Gateway added,
“This is a new and exciting course and adds to an already diverse array of courses that the business faculty offer here at Gateway. Not only is this an opportunity for our learners, who look to become future business leaders and managers from their theoretical and extended work placement, but it also affords the College the opportunity to work more closely with local businesses and organisations, who we welcome as our industry partners in the future”.
Gateway College currently offers T-Levels in:
- Digital Business Services (Pathway into IT)
- Health (Pathway into Adult Nursing)
- Management and Administration (Pathway into Business)
To find out more about the courses or to enrol as a student ring 0116 2744545 or email studentservices@gateway.ac.uk
If you are an employer and you would like to find out more ring 0116 274 4500 or email careersandwex@gateway.ac.uk