First engineering T-Levels awarded as vocational routes gain favour

T Levels are two-year courses that can be studied by 16-18 year olds after finishing their GCSEs, designed by employers and based on the same standards as apprenticeships. This year marks the first cohort of students to graduate with Engineering and Manufacturing T Levels, seen as a vital link to provide young people with the practical skills industry is craving. 

Against this backdrop, engineering skills body Enginuity has released new research that demonstrates how interest in these vocational career routes is growing. According to the survey, nearly 90 per cent of parents are now more interested in vocational routes for their children to enter their chosen careers versus the traditional university path. As for young people themselves, the research found that 82 per cent of 11-18 year olds said they would be interested in more vocational routes to get a foothold in their chosen career. 

“The results of our survey paint a clear picture on T Levels results day: both parents and young people are increasingly recognising the value of vocational education, particularly in fields like engineering and manufacturing that require technical expertise and hands-on experience,” said Ann Watson, Enginuity chief executive.

According to Enginuity, the shift in attitudes has been largely driven by the escalating costs associated with university education. With both fees and living costs rising substantially in recent times, parents are becoming more reluctant of saddling their children with university debt.

At the same time, the value of vocational training is becoming more apparent. Addressing the much maligned skills gap across UK engineering and manufacturing has long been a priority for industry.  Employers have been vocal that purely academic routes are not meeting demand, highlighting the need for more practical teaching at both secondary and third level education.

The Enginuity research found that interest in apprenticeships is on the rise, with 93 per cent of parents expressing a desire to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities for their children. Young people also had a strong interest in apprenticeships, with 86 per cent of 11-18 year olds saying they would now consider an apprenticeship over a conventional university degree.

“T Levels and Level 3 apprenticeships are both equivalent to three A Levels and widely accepted by universities across the UK,” said Watson.

“It’s good to see that this equivalence is now being appreciated by potential students and their families, making them an increasingly considered and potentially preferable pathway to a successful career.”