What is the difference between a T Levels and BTECs

T Levels are advanced level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A Levels. They offer you a much longer period of industry placement (315 hours) and are aimed at students who are very clear on the career path they wish to pursue. The course is a combination of in-class study and work placement.

To undertake a T Level you will need confidence to work alongside managers and supervisors who will teach you a specific trade and skills, give you real job responsibilities and you will be accountable for your work.

BTECs are also advanced level 3 courses and are equivalent to 3 A-Levels however, they have a shorter work experience period (2 weeks) and are mainly focused on developing key skills during practical sessions in college.

Both T Levels and BTECs are the same level and are equal in terms of what you will learn. They are both equally valuable to employers and universities. The main difference is the industry placement and work experience you will gain as part of the practical side of the course.

For both T Levels and BTECs, you will need to be dedicated, highly focussed and have a good sense of which career you would like to follow. Depending on your study style, you can choose whichever programme you feel would suit you more.

T Levels:

T Levels: your placement questions answered! 

Here at Activate Learning, we are proud to offer T Level qualifications in a range of different subject areas, including Digital Production, Design and Development, Laboratory Sciences, Health and Education and Early Years. We understand that prospective students and parents, alongside their school support staff, will have questions particularly about the work placement aspect of the T Level and, as such, we have included some helpful information here (retrieved from the UK Government Delivery Information).  

Finding a placement: 

Providers (e.g. Activate Learning) must make sure that the placement is a good match for both the student and the employer. Although the guidance states that providers may encourage students to find their own placements, please be assured that we provide lots of support to students in relation to their placements, both with finding them and preparing for them. It is the responsibility of providers to develop a good network of existing and new employer contacts to host placements, and ensure there is a sufficient supply of employers to use in the case of placement breakdowns. Even where students choose to self-source, providers must oversee the process. 

Key aspects of the placement: 

• Must be external to the usual learning environment so that students experience a ‘real life job’ 

• Must focus on the technical skills and specialist knowledge required for the T Level occupational specialism (NB Digital and Engineering can undertake a route level placement providing the skills/knowledge are relevant to the course) 
• A placement can be split across two employers if appropriate 
• A placement must be for a minimum of 315 hours which can include up to 35 hours of taster activities if relevant (NB Education & Childcare must be a minimum of 750 hours) 
• A placement can be ‘completed’ if students have demonstrated sufficient progress towards their learning goals, worked directly to an external employer, and been on placement for at least the minimum number of hours (NB special considerations can be made) 
• Providers (e.g. Activate Learning) must ensure students are ready to begin their placement 

• Employers must comply with legal duties (Equality Act 2010), including provisions for reasonable adjustments in relation to SEND needs 
• Placements can be block or day release  
• Providers must be satisfied that workplaces are safe for students 

If you have any questions about T Levels, please do not hesitate to reach out - 0800 612 6008​ or  Contact us - Activate Learning.