Oldham College has been approved as a specialist T Level provider by the Department of Education.
T Levels are being introduced as an alternative to A Levels as part of the Government’s Skills Plan. The Plan is encouraging more young people to consider technical and professional pathways at 16 so that they can progress onto higher level qualifications in specialist areas relevant to the economy.
The College will begin delivering the qualifications in 2021 in Digital, Construction, Health and Social Care and Early Years.
This year has been one of continuous success for the College. Following an excellent Ofsted inspection in January, it has subsequently secured the long term lease on the Oldham University Technical College, and won a £9m investment in a new construction skills centre on the Rochdale Road Campus.
Chair of Governors, Jonathan Edwards said: “Following this decision, the College will become the primary provider of T Levels in the town. T Levels are a specialist type of work related provision and the College is uniquely equipped to deliver them, given that we already have a strong apprenticeship programme and excellent higher education provision delivered locally at University Campus Oldham. This is excellent news for Oldham and a great decision by the Department of Education.”
Alun Francis, Principal and Chief Executive said: “The College has an important role in shaping alternatives to the traditional A Level to University route, which is expensive and can be disappointing in terms of employment outcomes. We are committed to learners achieving degree and degree level qualifications when the industry or occupation they choose genuinely requires them. The T Levels are an important part of this. Our belief is that these are best delivered with strong employer involvement, staff who have industrial experience as well as technical expertise, and specialist facilities. Oldham College is the now the obvious choice for anyone who is not 100% certain if A Levels are for them.”
Oldham Council Leader Sean Fielding said: “As lead for skills in Greater Manchester, this is excellent news for Oldham. People understand the need for clearer routes into good careers, and this means that Oldham College can pioneer some new approaches which have the potential to radically change the landscape of post 16 education.”
