Course overview

T Level Structure:

To achieve the T Level learners must meet all requirements of the T Level framework of which the technical qualification is one part. Learners have to successfully complete an industry placement and any other requirements set by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) such as licence to practice qualifications.

Technical Qualification Structure:

The technical qualification is made up of two components all of which need to be successfully achieved to attain the technical qualification as well as the full T Level Technical Qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing, and Control (Level 3).

The common core component:
The core content is designed to offer sufficient breadth of knowledge and skills for the learner to apply in a variety of contexts related to the engineering industry and those occupational specialisms linked to this T Level.

The common core content is the building blocks of knowledge and skills that will give a learner a broad understanding of the industry and job roles. At the same time, it will develop the core skills they will need to apply when working within the industry.

Occupational specialisms:
Occupational specialisms develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to achieve threshold competence in an occupation. Threshold competence is defined as when a learner's attainment against the knowledge, skills and behaviours is of a standard for them to enter the occupation and industry. They must also demonstrate the ability to achieve occupational competence over time with the correct support and training.

Fitting and Assembly Technologies:

What is this specialism about?
The purpose of this specialism is to engage with the technical expertise, technology, methods and skills involved in producing items or assemblies (generally on an industrial scale), using specialist tools, equipment and machinery.
Learners will examine a range of production processes, systems and facilities, investigating factors such as scale, efficiency and demand, the application of quality management, and the analysis and optimisation of conditions, processes and practices when producing high-quality products for a variety of purposes.

Machining and Toolmaking Technologies:

What is this specialism about?
The purpose of this specialism is for learners to know and undertake a range of industrial processes and manufacturing techniques to manufacture and maintain the engineering tooling used to produce components, products and assemblies. This requires the application of a broad range of activities including the interpretation of engineering drawings and technical instructions and the use of hand, machine and automated computer-controlled machine tools and measuring equipment.

Entry requirements

At least 5 GCSEs at grade 6 or above including maths and English.

How will I be assessed?

Students will sit an externally set exam at the end of each academic year to test their understanding of the subject. They will also undertake a skill-assessment to demonstrate their competency skills. Whilst on work placement, they will be set a project by the employer that they must successfully complete to demonstrate their overall breadth of learning. Students who complete their T Level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*.

What can I do next

This course is suitable for anyone interested in a career in manufacturing, processing and control for engineering and manufacturing. Progression onto a Higher Education course is also possible.