T Levels

T Levels are technical qualifications, which have been designed in partnership with employers and businesses to ensure the content aligns with industry needs and equips students for the workforce. They are also a a popular route to university, for students who choose not to stay on at 6th form and would prefer to study at college.

T-Levels at Carlisle College

T-Levels are an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other 16 - 18 courses. Equivalent to 3 A Levels, a T-Level focuses on vocational skills and can help you progress into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

What are T-Levels?

T-Levels are a vocational qualification made to give you the skills you need for your future. They’re a two-year course created with input from employers to mix classroom learning and work experience.

With a T-Level, you’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a work placement. This way, you’ll gain the skills and experience employers want. Whether you’re aiming for a career, an apprenticeship, or a degree, a T-Level will help you get there.

What T-Levels Can I Study?

At Carlisle College we offer T-Levels in:

Business
Computing
Construction
Early Years
Science

Business Support (Management and Administration) T-Level - Level 3

If you’re looking for experience in the workplace while building your business know-how at the same time, this Business Support T-Level is for you.

Length: 2 years
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
Location: Carlisle College

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Early Years Educator – T-Level (Education and Childcare) – Level 3

Are you looking to start a career in the childcare industry and want to expand your knowledge and skills? Would you like to work with children and young people? Then this Early Years Educator T Level could be the course for you.

Length: 2 years
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
Location: Carlisle College

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Laboratory Sciences – T-Level (Science) – Level 3

If you’re looking to start a career in laboratory sciences, build your skills and gain real-world experience, all whilst learning from our industry-experienced tutors, this T-Level could be for you.

Length: 2 years
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 1st September 2025
Location: Carlisle College

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Do I have to study a T-Level?

No, we still offer other vocational options for 16-18 year olds that will help you move on to higher study, apprenticeships, or employment. We also have apprenticeships for those who wish to earn while they learn. If you want to study an academic subject, you can choose to study A Levels at a different institution.

Where can I progress after completing a T-Level?

T-Levels are equal to three A Levels, giving you lots of options! You can move on to a degree, other higher studies, an apprenticeship, or jump straight into skilled employment.

How are T-Levels different to A Levels?

T-Levels are all about giving you hands-on skills, while A Levels focus more on theory.

One T-Level is equal to three A Levels and you'll still earn UCAS points. With a T-Level, you dive deep into one subject and explore different pathways to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in your chosen field.

Each T-Level takes two years to complete and includes an industry placement lasting at least 45 days. You'll spend 80% of your time learning in the classroom and the other 20% gaining practical experience in the industry, ensuring you develop the skills employers are looking for.

How are T-Levels different from Apprenticeships?

With an apprenticeship, the focus is on hands-on training in the workplace. You will spend 80% of your time working in a real, full-time job and 20% in the classroom receiving support.

T-Levels combine classroom learning and work experience, with 80% of your time spent in the classroom acquiring skills and 20% in the workplace applying them.