T Levels explained

How a T Level works

T Levels launched in September 2020 and were developed with employers. Most of the time is spent learning at a school or college – typically 1,100 to 1,300 classroom hours across the two years – plus an industry placement of at least 315 hours, which is roughly 45 days.

The placement can be done as a block, as day release or a mix of both, and it can be shared between employers. It gives you genuine workplace experience and contacts before you finish.

• Introduction of T Levels (GOV.UK)

Who can take one

You need to be 16 to 19 and live in England. Schools and colleges set their own entry requirements, so check with the provider; for trade-related T Levels, the National Careers Service often mentions 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and maths. The Department for Education's Skills for Careers service lists T Levels as free.

If you are not quite ready, some providers offer a one-year T Level foundation year to prepare you.

• T Levels (Skills for Careers)

T Levels for the trades

The Building Services Engineering for Construction T Level is the main one for trades such as plumbing, heating, electrical work, gas and cooling. After a shared core covering construction, health and safety, measurement and building regulations, you choose one specialism.

• Electrotechnical engineering
• Gas engineering
• Heating engineering and ventilation
• Low carbon heating engineering (new for September 2026)
• Plumbing and heating engineering
• Protection systems engineering
• Refrigeration engineering and air conditioning engineering

• Building Services Engineering for Construction T Level

Other T Levels worth knowing about

Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing suits people drawn to machinery and engineering maintenance. Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction leads towards technical and design roles in construction.

The Onsite Construction T Level, which covered trades such as bricklaying, carpentry and plastering, took its final enrolments in September 2024. If those trades interest you, look at college diplomas or apprenticeships instead.

• Full list of T Level subjects

Grades and UCAS points

You get an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*, with separate grades for the core and your specialism. T Levels carry UCAS points, so you can apply to university as well as going into work or an apprenticeship.

• Distinction* – 168 UCAS points (the same as A*A*A* at A level)
• Distinction – 144 points (AAA)
• Merit – 120 points (BBB)
• Pass with C or above on the core – 96 points (CCC)
• Pass with D or E on the core – 72 points (DDD)

T Level or apprenticeship?

The main difference is where you spend your time. A T Level is mostly classroom-based, with about 20% of the time on placement, and you are a student rather than an employee. An apprenticeship is typically around 80% on the job, you are paid a wage, and you finish qualified for a specific occupation.

Choose a T Level if you want broader knowledge and time to decide; choose an apprenticeship if you are ready to start work and want to earn while you learn. Many people do a T Level first and then move into an apprenticeship or job.

• Find a T Level near you