T-Level underrepresentation
Significant underrepresentation of women, disadvantaged students, and those with SEND in T-Level programmes.
59 items
1 source
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#11 - T Levels continue to show significant underrepresentation of women, disadvantaged, and SEND students.
We challenged the Department on the underrepresentation of women in engineering and manufacturing T Levels, which mirrored the current workforce, and what it could learn from others internationally. This included the Supporting Adolescent Girls’ Education programme in Zimbabwe, which supports out-of-school adolescent girls into education and vocational training through revising the school curriculum.23 Written evidence we received also...
Matched on
terms: level, underrepresentation
Committee recommendation
69match
#28 - Address urgent concerns regarding T Level dropout rates, accessibility, employer interest, and regional availability.
The evidence we have so far from the roll out of T Levels reveals major concerns that must be addressed as the programme moves forward. Around one-fifth of the first T Level cohort are estimated to have dropped out. Concerns have been raised that T Levels are less accessible and less manageable for some groups, including lower attaining...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
69match
#21 - T Level programmes face significant challenges impacting student retention, satisfaction, and public awareness.
T Levels are a relatively new programme of study, and they should be given adequate time to develop and gain traction. However, if T Levels are to become the “gold-standard technical qualification” the Government must urgently address a number of challenges. T Level programmes have low retention rates compared to A Level and Applied General Qualification courses; the...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
65match
#23 - Regional economic variation poses a significant obstacle to equitable T Level access and success.
Regional variation in economic activity remains a significant obstacle to the success of T Levels. Evidence to our inquiry described T Levels as “a city-centric initiative”, and “the ‘urban qualification’ “. There is a risk that young people living in or near more affluent urban areas with access to a range of different sectors and industries will be...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
65match
#12 - T Levels high-risk for students due to lack of lower qualification pathways
T Levels offer no pathway to a lower level of qualification for students who might otherwise drop out completely. This makes it a high-risk option for students, particularly in comparison to existing post-16 options such as A levels or Applied General Qualifications, where a learner can drop a subject, or move to a smaller programme, and still gain...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#35 - Employer interest in T Level placements remains insufficient to meet future demand
We have been told that demand for T level placements could reach up to 250,000 placements. The Department’s own research has concerningly identified that fewer employers were interested in providing T Level placements in 2021 than in 2019 (30% vs. 36%). And almost two-thirds (63%) of employers were currently not interested in offering T Level placements. This puts...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#19 - Low recognition of T Levels among employers and young people threatens success and levelling up.
Recognition of T Levels remains low. If unaddressed, this will impede the success of T Levels. A 2021 Department survey showed that just under a quarter (24%) of employers were aware of T Levels. Other research indicates that 63% of young people had not heard of T Levels. Within this, there was significant and concerning regional variation—49% of...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#17 - Publish T Level and Transition Programme drop-out data, broken down by student characteristics.
The Department must publish data on the Transition Programme and T Level drop- out rate, broken down by key student characteristics. This should track whether students who took the Transition Programme have increased likelihood of dropping out of the T Level.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#14 - T Level Transition Programme shows inadequate progression rates to full T Levels
Too many learners on the T Level Transition Programme do not progress on to a T Level. The reasons for this are unclear. Only 14% of the first Transition Programme cohort actually progressed to a T Level, and just under half (49%) were able to progress to a level 3 qualification. This is an entirely inadequate rate for...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#11 - T Levels lack balance between rigour and accessibility, limiting student uptake
T Levels are a rigorous qualification, and this is key to ensuring they equip students with the gold-standard technical skills required by employers and the economy. Nonetheless, we do not think that there is yet the right balance of rigour and accessibility. Early evidence indicates that schools and colleges are setting high entry requirements for T Levels, and...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#14 - Colleges face significant challenges securing sufficient industry placements across diverse T Level sectors.
Colleges play a key role coordinating and securing industry placements for T Level students. They will need to find more placements as student numbers increase, ensuring employers can offer placements but also that they have the capacity to source and oversee placements.35 The Department said it offers colleges £550 per student to help them arrange a placement.36 27...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#7 - Department’s T Level starter forecasts are significantly higher than current enrolment numbers.
The Department’s latest forecast of 66,100 T Level starters in September 2029 is significantly more than the 25,508 students starting in September 2024. We asked the Department about its confidence in meeting this forecast – it told us it was positive progress could be made and that it was improving its model to more accurately forecast 6 C&AG’s...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
61match
#2 - Publish plan to improve employer awareness of T Levels, capitalising on local arrangements.
There is a risk that colleges cannot secure enough industry placements for more students to complete their T Levels. Industry placements are a mandatory part of a T Level. While 98% of students finishing their T Level in summer 2024 completed a placement, colleges will need to find significantly more placements should student numbers increase in line with...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#37 - Introduce moratorium on defunding Applied General Qualifications until T Levels prove superior effectiveness
The Department must place a moratorium on defunding Applied General Qualifications. Tried and tested Applied General Qualifications should only be withdrawn as and when there is a robust evidence base proving that T Levels are demonstrably more effective in preparing students for progression, meeting industry needs and promoting social mobility. (Paragraph 141) 52 The future of post-16 qualifications...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#34 - Applied General Qualifications play crucial role in promoting social mobility distinct from T Levels.
T Levels are a rigorous technical qualification which will offer the ideal pathway for many students, but they will not be the right choice for all learners. Applied General Qualifications serve a distinct and different purpose to T Levels, and play an important role in promoting social mobility by widening access to, and participation in, higher education and...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#26 - Convene an employer-led industry placement taskforce with SMEs to tackle T Level scaling issues.
Scaling up T Level placements could have inadvertent negative consequences for other parts of the skills agenda by reducing employers’ willingness to continue with existing programmes such as apprenticeships, and supported internships which also require placements. The Department must convene an employer-led industry placement taskforce, with particular emphasis on incorporating the views of small and medium- sized enterprises...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#24 - Lack of T Level industry placement forecast threatens the programme's successful rollout.
The Department has not published its own forecast of the number of industry placements that might be required once T Levels are fully rolled out. A clear acknowledgement of the scale of the challenge is needed, particularly as we have heard that the numbers of T Level placements required could reach 250,000, with up to 43,500 placements needed...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#15 - Review the Transition Programme to understand low learner progression to full T Levels.
The Department must work with providers to review the Transition Programme to determine why so few learners progress onto the full T Level. We would expect an effectively functioning Transition Programme to support at least half of learners to progress to the full T Level, with virtually all Transition Programme learners able to move onto a level 3...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#15 - Department addresses employer concerns regarding T Level placements through funding and flexibility.
The Department also described its work to address employers’ concerns and challenges in offering placements.40 For example, we received written evidence from Make UK and EngineeringUK describing the health and safety concerns associated with hosting students.41 The Department described reintroducing funding to support employers, available from 23 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, for small to medium employers...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#13 - Shortages in mandatory industry placements could limit future T Level student numbers.
Industry placements are a mandatory part of T Levels. Of those finishing their T Level in summer 2024, 98% had completed a placement. However, in August 2023, the Department estimated that shortages in placements could limit T Level places to 48,000.31 Nevertheless, the Department told us that its work to date gave it confidence that the forecasted 66,100...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
57match
#12 - Many employers, particularly SMEs, remain unaware of T Level qualifications.
Employers play a critical role across T Levels, through helping to develop qualification content that meets their requirements and providing students with industry placements.27 However not all employers are aware of T Levels – the Department told us that currently only a third of employers know about the qualification.28 Written evidence from EngineeringUK highlighted that while most of...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
56match
#33 - Unclear number of students with protected characteristics disadvantaged by reforms, risking rise in NEET.
The Department’s equalities impact assessment identifies that some students with protected characteristics may be disadvantaged by the reforms as they may no longer be able to progress to a level 3 qualification. We heard that this could result in a rise in 16–18 year olds who are NEET (not in education, employment, or training). While the Department outlines...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
53match
#36 - Require robust T Level success and placement capacity before scrapping further Applied General Qualifications
The ability of businesses to offer sufficient, high-quality industry placements, and a clear track record of T Level success as well as evidenced improvement in equalities outcomes, should be prerequisites to scrapping further Applied General Qualifications on the basis of ‘overlap’.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
53match
#21 - Monitor T Level marketing success by publishing annual awareness statistics nationally and regionally.
The Department must monitor the success of its T Level marketing and communications strategy through the publication of annual statistics—at both national and regional level—on T Level awareness among young people and employers.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
53match
#16 - T Levels have not yet become the main technical qualification for young people.
In 2019, the Department stated that T Levels would become the main technical qualification option for 16- to 19-year-olds.46 In response to questions around how T Levels fit into its plans to address critical skills gaps across the economy, the Department told us they are part of a landscape 37 Q 3; C&AG’s Report, para 3.21 38 ITL0008...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
52match
#15 - Thirty-Eighth Report - Managing colleges’ financial sustainability
T levels combine classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during a work placement of around 45 days (20% of the overall time) over the two-year course.26 Committee Members have heard from college principals about difficulties in recruiting students, largely because of the challenge of securing enough work placements, and 17 Q 84 18 C&AG’s Report, para 11 and Figure...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
52match
#4 - Thirty-Eighth Report - Managing colleges’ financial sustainability
Successful implementation of the new T level qualifications risks being delayed by a lack of work placements. In May 2018, the then Permanent Secretary at the Department requested and was given a ministerial direction, as he had concerns about the feasibility of delivering the new T level technical qualifications in 2020. The first three qualifications were launched in...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
52match
#27 - Ensure hybrid T Level placements maintain workplace component quality and overall student experience.
We welcome the Department’s introduction of a hybrid model for T Level placements in certain subjects. This could help reduce the travel burden for students, and widen access to placements. It also reflects the preferences of some employers who called for greater placement flexibility to match the increased uptake of hybrid working patterns. However, the Department must take...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
52match
#20 - Improve T Level recognition among students, parents, and employers through an awareness campaign.
The Department must improve recognition of T Levels among students, parents and employers through a T Level awareness campaign that raises the profile of the new qualification at both a national and local level.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
52match
#2 - Require Ofcom to prioritise age diversity in broadcasting workforce EDI strategies and reports.
We welcome Ofcom’s prioritisation of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and its annual report on EDI in the broadcasting workforce. We note, however, that, despite glaring underrepresentation of older people in radio and television, this is not currently a priority area for Ofcom or the sector. We believe increased age diversity in the workforce has the potential to...
Matched on
terms: underrepresentation
Committee recommendation
48match
#32 - Equalities assessment reveals disproportionate negative impact on vulnerable student groups from qualification reforms.
We are disappointed that the Department’s equalities impact assessment identifies that students with special educational needs and disabilities, Asian ethnic groups, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and males are disproportionately likely to be affected by the Department’s qualification reforms. The Department’s ‘expectation’ that its reforms will be “generally positive” for these groups is an insubstantial premise on which to...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
48match
#30 - Reinstate the £1,000 T Level placement incentive for small, medium, and micro businesses.
Up until July 2022, employers could claim £1,000 for every T Level industry placement. The Department must reinstate this incentive for small and medium enterprises, and microbusinesses, in order to facilitate their participation with T Levels. (Paragraph 104) The future of post-16 qualifications 51 Applied General Qualifications
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
48match
#29 - Monitor and annually publish evaluations on hybrid versus in-person T Level placement outcomes.
The Department must closely monitor how learner satisfaction, attainment and progression for those undertaking hybrid T Level placements compares with those undertaking fully in-person placements. Evaluations on this should be published annually.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
48match
#22 - Work with SMEs and careers hubs to promote T Levels to a broader audience.
The Department must work with small and medium-sized businesses as well as with the network of careers hubs supported by the Careers and Enterprise Company to promote T Levels to a wider audience.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
48match
#16 - Thirty-Eighth Report - Managing colleges’ financial sustainability
The Department acknowledged that the move to T levels was challenging, particularly delivering work placements which were an important element of the new qualifications.28 The ESFA emphasised the additional funding it had given to colleges to create work placements, and said that it had had positive feedback from colleges and students involved in the first T levels. It...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
48match
#17 - Strengthen support and intervention measures for Baker Clause compliance.
There is a stark disparity between how post-16 technical and vocational education and training pathways are presented to pupils and how academic pathways are presented, and fundamental differences in the levels of support and guidance that students receive about each. The Baker Clause and the provider access legislation are meant to ensure that school pupils are introduced to...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
44match
#31 - Reforms risk inadvertently narrowing opportunities for young people's progression and success.
We welcome the Department’s ambition to simplify and declutter the post-16 landscape by tackling the 5,000 plus qualifications at level 3 and below with low or no enrolments. This will create a system that is clearer and easier to navigate, giving learners and employers confidence that qualifications are rigorous and high-quality. Nonetheless, the speed and scope of the...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
44match
#10 - Examine government and UKRI efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Should our successor Committee wish to consider levels of diversity and inclusion in STEM, we recommend it considers: • Examining whether the trends in STEM education, particularly in subject uptake and attainment, as well as the delivery of STEM curriculum content, have changed since the Committee’s inquiry, and the potential reasons for this; • The role that neurodiverse...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
41match
#44 - Film and HETV sectors remain highly under-representative despite progress towards inclusion.
The industry’s attempts to become more inclusive and representative of communities across the UK have made some progress in terms of the stories that are being told and the people working in front of and behind the camera. But the film and HETV sectors remain highly under-representative, and more must be done. (Conclusion, Paragraph 153) 106
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classifier match
Committee recommendation
41match
#35 - Adult apprenticeship maths and English changes risk widening attainment gaps and age-based inequalities
The current apprenticeship system faces inconsistencies as a result of recent changes to maths and English requirements for those aged 19 and over. Whilst removing the requirement for adult apprentices to attain grade 4 maths and English before completing their apprenticeships may increase participation, it also risks widening existing literacy and numeracy gaps, and creating age-based inequalities. Changes...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
39match
#14 - Thirty-Eighth Report - Managing colleges’ financial sustainability
T levels are new technical qualifications which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to three A levels.23 In May 2018, the then Permanent Secretary at the Department had concerns about the feasibility of delivering T levels by the target date of 2020. He requested, and was given, a ministerial direction to proceed to that timetable.24 Delivery of the first...
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
39match
#25 - Publish national and regional forecasts on potential industry placement demands and shortfalls.
The Department must publish forecasts on potential industry placement demands and shortfalls as soon as possible, at both national and regional level.
Matched on
terms: level
Committee recommendation
36match
#33 - Foundation apprenticeships fail to target everyday sectors crucial for youth employment
Foundation apprenticeships have been welcomed by the sector. However, whilst these shorter apprenticeships rightly aim to help young people enter critical sectors, there are concerns about the Government’s decision not to target “everyday sectors”, such as the hospitality, retail and care sectors, when they were rolled out in August 2025; these sectors are major employers of young people...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
36match
#13 - Youth Guarantee eligibility too narrow, excluding 16-17 and 22-24 year olds.
The number of young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) in England is unacceptable both for the life chances of young people and for economic growth. The Government’s Youth Guarantee goes some way to support 18–21-year-olds to access education, training and employment opportunities. However, it will only benefit those in the narrow 18–21 age group,...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
36match
#8 - Government devolution plans for skills are welcomed but exclude 16-19 education and training.
We welcome the Government’s plans to deepen and widen the devolution of skills and employment support in England. Devolving further powers to Strategic Authorities will help to drive growth, encourage the co- ordinated delivery of education and training services across the country, and meet the unique needs of local communities. It is disappointing, however, that the English Devolution...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
32match
#68 - Ensure adult education policy reflects diverse motivations and safeguards lifelong learning opportunities
As adult education policy and funding transitions to the Department for Work and Pensions, the Government must ensure that learning and training opportunities remain accessible to anyone seeking to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, or take incremental steps toward personal development. Adult learning must not be narrowly framed as a pathway to employment alone—it also serves as...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
32match
#14 - Expand Youth Guarantee eligibility to include all young people aged 16-24.
We recommend that the Government expands eligibility for the Youth Guarantee to include all 16–24-year-olds so that all young people are given the same opportunities to re-enter education or access employment. (Recommendation, Paragraph 57)
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
27match
#40 - Expand flexi-job apprenticeship scheme to 5,000 by 2025, supporting SMEs and fair pay
Subject to positive evaluation, the Department must expand the flexi-job apprenticeship scheme with an ambition to support 5,000 apprentices on the scheme by 2025. The Department must maintain a particular focus on supporting small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) to share apprentices. This will help ease pressure on SMEs by removing the requirement for a full 12-month training...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
27match
#39 - Commission independent review to boost young people's apprenticeship starts through levy reform
The Department must set out how it will address the long-term decline in apprenticeship starts among young people, and ensure apprenticeships are the gold-standard ‘earn and learn’ option for school and college leavers. The Department must commission an independent review to examine possible mechanisms to achieve this, for example, considering ways in which levy reform could effectively incentivise...
Matched on
classifier match
Committee recommendation
27match
#38 - Prioritisation of older workers for apprenticeships limits opportunities for young people
The 19% increase in apprenticeship starts among under-19s between 2020/21 and 2021/22 is a positive step forward. However, all too often older, more highly qualified workers are being prioritised for apprenticeships at the expense of young people trying to get their foot on the first rung of the careers ladder. For apprenticeships to play their full part in...
Matched on
classifier match