Blending T Levels with Industry Certifications

Introducing the T level

In 2020, the British government introduced the new T Levels qualification, a career-focused qualification for 16 to 18-year-olds. T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and have been designed with employers from specific industries. These new, technical-based qualifications are focused on meeting industry and employer needs.

As the education system and curriculum evolve at Bedford, so do the students the College supports. Currently, Bedford College has over 260 active students across its IT-related courses. With new courses becoming available, such as T Level-based curricula and part-time education offerings, student enrollment numbers are increasing.

Introduction of industry technology

"One of the biggest challenges, as with many public schools, is funding. Having a free resource like the Cisco Networking Academy has been invaluable in supporting our educators and ensuring the high-quality delivery of our courses. We're increasing learners' 2023-2024 T Levels options to include Digital Production, Design, and Development," explains Mark, IT Course Manager and Lecturer at Bedford College.

"Additionally, we were very lucky to have received some funding to upgrade our IT equipment to support our students with their learning," says Mark.

Combining education and industry experience

Mark discusses how invaluable the new T Levels are to students: "Students are required to complete 70 hours of industry-related courses (per year) and 315 hours of industry placements. This shows employers that students understand the technologies and have gone above and beyond what a regular qualification would offer."

Cisco Networking Academy courses as a companion to T Levels

With over 20 years of experience delivering Cisco's Networking Academy courses, the team wanted to find a fit with the new T Level qualifications. From IT essentials to the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, all teaching is done in person to give students the best learning environment, whether they are doing labs or studying theoretical knowledge.

Students have differing levels of knowledge and skills. To address this challenge, Bedford College offers dedicated classes to provide more effective individual support. The classes are 90 minutes long, allowing students to complete assignments, studies, labs, or other Cisco Networking Academy platform activities.

Connecting students with job opportunities

With an ever-increasing demand for IT skills, preparing students for a variety of IT roles is essential. From 2021 to 2022 the UK saw over 36,000 digital and IT apprentices start their early career journeys. Apprenticeship opportunities are growing 13 percent annually, providing a helpful landing space for T Level students.

One T Level student, James McKay, discussed how he had been offered a Level 4 apprenticeship in a software development-focused role. McKay explained, "I was not the best programmer who applied. However, the ability to talk about my practical experience and having certifications to support it helped me through the interview stages and land the position."

Other students have gone into Aerospace, Automotive, Government, Service Providers, and Service Management organizations, and some graduates have even started their own businesses.