Recent research from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) provides a snap-shot of how T Level providers are preparing to deliver the first three T Levels from 2020.

Providers are broadly supportive of the move to introduce T Levels. They see this as an extension to their existing provision and an opportunity to be at the forefront of changes in technical education. The providers surveyed did not see T Levels as a replacement for applied general qualifications.

Other key findings from the research include:

• Providers were being kept well informed about overall T Level design noting the tight timescale to fully develop their curriculum plans, which could impact on quality. Several providers raised concerns about delivering a programme the size of a T Level with its range of requirements.
• Providers were generally confident in their staff expertise and capacity for delivery in 2020 but could not be sure without the detailed qualification specifications. Where staff did not have all of the specialist sector knowledge, most providers planned to develop existing staff rather than recruit new staff for 2020, expecting to have to recruit in the longer term to be able to scale up for T Levels. This was seen as a major challenge in some sectors which could lead to ‘patchy’ delivery in the future. Funding for professional development was a concern for providers.
• While providers were confident about recruiting their target student numbers for 2020, they reported challenges around future student recruitment. All 25 of the providers surveyed reported they were only planning to recruit between 12 and 20 students for each T Level in the first year. More clarity on potential progression routes for T Level students would be welcomed.
• Providers highlighted the need for continuing support and funding for new providers delivering T Levels in the future, particularly those with less experience and capacity than wave one providers.
• Most providers felt reasonably confident in securing the required industry placements for 2020 but reported challenges in certain sectors and over the longer-term with increased student numbers. Securing Digital placements with the small size of many of these businesses was a particular challenge.

NFER plan to review progress in the autumn.