Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Acknowledged
Regional economic variation poses a significant obstacle to equitable T Level access and success.
Conclusion
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 the main beneficiaries of T Levels, while those from rural, coastal and disadvantaged areas will be left behind. If unaddressed, the lack of equitable access to placements will undermine the Government’s levelling up ambitions, and hinder its ability to tackle regional and national skills shortages. (Paragraph 85) 50 The future of post-16 qualifications
Government Response Summary
The government aims for equitable access to T Levels, stating they are available in every region and will be rolled out across the country by 2025. It monitors regional uptake and will ensure marketing strategies address specific regional challenges and promote T Levels in rural, coastal, and disadvantaged areas.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Department wants to ensure that all young people, regardless of their background or where they live, can access a high-quality technical education. T Levels are available in every region of the country, delivered by 164 providers, and we have committed to rolling out T Levels across England. By 2025, T Levels will be available across the country. We also want to ensure that providers are offering T Levels in subject areas which meet local labour market needs. The Education Secretary has written to Local Authority leaders to reiterate the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every young person has access to the highest-quality technical education, helping to level up the country. The Department monitors the regional uptake of T Levels to identify any regional variations and will ensure that our marketing and communications strategies address any specific regional challenges and promote T Levels to a wider audience, including those in rural, coastal and disadvantaged areas. For example, our 2022 campaign had particular focus on targeting geographical areas that had lower T Level awareness at the outset of the campaign.