T Levels are a post 16 education option alternative to A levels that include vocational study and the opportunity to get experience with employers through placements in industry.
Here we show you some surprising career paths you can unlock with a T level qualification.
What are T Levels?
T levels are a post 16 qualification that combine in the classroom learning with real world work experience.
The courses are two years and feature an industry placement that will last at least 45 days. This means anyone who does a T Level gets industry experience paired with their study. 80% of the course is study and 20% will be hands on experience with an employer.
Where could a T Level take you?
From cutting-edge tech roles to healthcare, here are five examples of the incredible opportunities T Level students have pursued:
1. Breaking into artificial intelligence (AI)
Fernanda studied the Digital Technology Solutions T Level in 2021 and spent her industry placement at IBM, a global leader in tech innovation.
Initially unsure about her career path, the experience helped her discover her passion for AI.
After completing her T Level, Fernanda secured a prestigious degree apprenticeship in AI with IBM—a career she once thought was out of reach.
2. Building dreams as a Trainee Assistant Site Manager
Sophie followed her passion for construction by taking the Design, Surveying and Planning T Level.
Inspired by her father’s trade work, she gained hands-on experience during her placement with Gallagher Group Ltd.
Sophie is now pursuing a degree apprenticeship in site management, proving that T Levels are a great first step into the construction industry.
3. Caring for communities in healthcare
Violet from Norfolk turned her personal experiences with healthcare into a career through the Health T Level.
After completing her course, she secured a job at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Violet chose T Levels because they offered a practical route into a career in health, allowing her to learn through real-world experience.
She’s now working toward her dream of becoming a paediatric nurse.
4. Advancing with Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Ben, from Weston-Super-Mare, completed the Design, Surveying and Planning T Level before progressing to a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Civil Engineering.
HTQs provide a practical and advanced next step for students who want to specialize further in their field.
Ben’s story shows how T Levels can lead to more than just university—they open doors to specialist technical qualifications too.
5. Stepping into the spotlight
The newly launched Media, Broadcast and Production T Level has already gained fans, including Strictly Come Dancing champion Alesha Dixon.
Alesha says she wishes a course like this had been available during her school years, as it combines hands-on learning with professional experience.
Whether you dream of working behind the camera or in front of it, this T Level offers a direct pathway into the media and entertainment industries.
What does progression look like after a T Level?
Whether you are looking to start an apprenticeship, enter higher education, or head straight into employment, T Levels can provide the foundation for all these paths.
One T Level is worth the same amount of UCAS points as three A Levels, meaning there can be a direct route to university. 83% of T level students who applied for university secured a place in 2024.
However, many T Level students also choose to go straight into employment or an apprenticeship in the same area of study.
Because T Level students already have practical experience through the vocational portion of their study, a higher number of T Level students go on to higher level apprenticeships than students on other courses.
With a wide range of T Levels available—including three new options, as of September, in Craft and Design, Media, Broadcast and Production, and Animal Care—there are more opportunities than ever to explore many different career paths.
Why Choose T Levels?
T Levels are more than just qualifications—they’re a launchpad for your future career.
Whether you’re interested in tech, healthcare, construction, or creative industries, a T Level can help you gain the confidence, skills, and experience to take the next step.
To find out more about T Levels and explore your options, visit the Skills for Life website