College offers students a new type of qualification

Young people in Sunderland are being urged to consider studying for a new type of qualification at a local college.

T Level qualifications – high-quality technical alternatives equivalent to three A-Levels – will be available to study at Sunderland College from September.

The new courses will be available to students across five subject areas–construction;digital production, design and development; education and childcare; adult nursing and laboratory science – with more being added from 2022.

T Levels combine classroom study with industry placement so young people gain valuable work experience in their chosen sector.

Students will spend at least 45 days in a work environment gaining hands-on experience and learning vital technical skills.

Sunderland College – along with Hartlepool Sixth Form Collage – is part of Education Partnership North East.

Warick Stephenson, associate principal for Technical at Education Partnership North East, said: “T Level qualifications will bring significant benefits to young people and employers in the region by identifying and addressing skills gaps. They have been designed in collaboration with the priority sectors, preparing the workforce of the future for careers where jobs currently exist and where the need is predicted to grow.

“We are looking forward to supporting our students in gaining the essential skills and knowledge required by industry, and helping them to progressinto skilled employment, university, higher-level study or apprenticeships.”

The college will be hosting open events throughout the summer. Visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk/events