Education Secretary Justine Greening has written a comment piece for the Sun today, as part of the announcement of the first three T levels that will be taught from 2020.
My mission as Education Secretary is to give all children wherever they are growing up the best possible start in life. That means a high-quality education that unlocks their potential and ensures a bright future along whichever path they choose to follow.
For those who want to study at one of our world class universities, that path is clear and well-trodden. This government has reformed our GCSE and A levels to ensure the route through school is world class
However for those who want to follow a different path into employment, the same high-quality alternatives for technical education does not yet exist. There are too many courses of varying quality and value, and a confusion of routes making it harder for young people to find the right course or be confident they will learn what they need to get a great job.
Our new T levels will finally address this. T-levels will be new courses, developed with the help of top firms like Rolls Royce, IBM and Space Engineering Services. They are the start of a revolution that will help us create an army of skilled young people for British business.
Last week I announced that the first T levels in Digital, Construction, and Education and Childcare - on a par with Britain’s world class A levels – will be taught in classrooms from 2020. The full set of T levels will be up and running by 2022.
These courses are not just about study. Every student taking a T level will do a high quality work placement so they can apply what they’re being taught in a real workplace environment.
We’ve already begun reforming technical education by doubling investment in apprenticeships to £2.5billion. Apprentices can earn while they learn, secure great careers in the companies that develop them and in the case of degree apprenticeships walk away with a degree at the end.
The introduction of T levels will sit alongside these options. Backed by £500million investment every year, once all routes are up and running, they will provide a gold standard for technical and professional excellence.
More importantly they will give young people a clear path to skilled employment and the confidence that they have the skills that the best employers are crying out for.
Once we leave the European Union we will create a wealth of opportunities for people across our country. I want to see government and business working together to develop our homegrown talent so British business has the skills it needs on its doorstep.