T-level providers will receive a £110 million boost to help them prepare for the delivery of the new qualifications in the 2020-21 academic year, the government has announced.

Of that, £95 million will be invested through the T-level capital fund to help colleges buy industry-standard equipment and upgrade facilities to a high standard. The remaining £15 million will go towards the government’s T-level professional development programme. 

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the cash injection would make sure that T-level providers and staff are ready to teach the new qualifications. 

He said: “T levels will play a vital role in our drive to unlock talent and level up skills across the country.

“This cash injection will make sure more T-level providers and their staff are ready to teach the new qualifications, so young people have access to the high-quality teaching, first-class facilities and industry-standard equipment they need to succeed.”

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From today, providers can bid for funding to refurbish existing buildings or create new space. In the spring of next year, all providers will be allocated funding for specialist equipment, such as digital and audio-visual kit. 

The first three T-level routes – digital, childcare and health and construction – are due to be delivered from September 2020.

The T-level capital fund has already provided Barnsley College with £2.25 million to improve its SciTech Campus building and create a Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), and Exeter College has received £2.5 million to help create a number of new facilities, including a dedicated space for students taking the construction T level.

'Invaluable support' for T levels

David Russell, chief executive of the Education and Training Foundation, said it was crucial that the staff teaching the new qualifications were equipped to do so from the very first day. 

He said: “We are excited about working with teachers, trainers and leaders to meet their T-level professional development needs over the coming years. The partnership approach that we have previously taken on T levels will continue, and we look forward to delivering this support in the wider context of investment in the professional development of those delivering further and technical education and training in England.”

David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said he was delighted the DfE had extended professional development for T levels. 

“It will provide invaluable support to teaching staff and managers as they adapt their skills and knowledge to delivering T levels from September 2020.

“Workforce support, development, networking and collaboration are key to the success of T levels.”