This consultation closed at midnight on Monday 14th November. We are currently analysing your feedback

Occupational Specialism in Science for the Animal Care and Management T Level

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) would welcome views from providers, employers, and industry bodies on draft outline content for the Occupational Specialism in Science for the Animal Care and Management T Level. 

T Levels are new 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels. Launched in September 2020, these courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for entry into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or related technical study through further or higher education.

For more information on T Levels please visit: Introduction of T Levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This content has been developed by a panel of experts and will be used by an awarding body to develop this Animal Care with Science technical qualification.

Why are we seeking views?

The Outline Content aims to provide learners with the specific knowledge and skills to progress to employment within the industry and the foundation knowledge that would support progression to higher education courses.

Employers, providers, and industry bodies are well-placed to feedback on the suitability of courses, which is crucial in developing the detailed qualification specification.

We are asking for those groups mentioned above to take part in a short survey in order to help us find out:

  • The suitability of the content for teaching in a study-based setting.
  • If there are gaps in content or content that is unnecessary.
  • Whether the content will provide good preparation for skilled employment.
  • Whether this content would provide a good preparation for students to go on to higher education in a relevant area.

 

What are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year, technical study programmes that are available across 11 industry routes. Alongside apprenticeships and A levels, T Levels are one of the 3 major options available to students aged 16 – 19.

T Level panels of experts set out the knowledge and skills required for each T Level, based on the same occupational standards as apprenticeships. This ensures that individuals taking T Levels can develop the technical knowledge and skills required by employers in that industry.  

The Outline Content for the T Levels waves 1 to 4 has been approved. Wave 1 T Levels in Education & Childcare, Construction and Digital were first delivered in September 2020. Wave 2 T levels in Construction, Digital and Health & Science were delivered from September 2021. Wave 3 and 4 T Levels will follow in September 2023 and 2024.

The Institute awards and manage contracts for the development of T Levels. The Institute also oversees the development and approval of the standards, qualifications and occupational maps for T Levels and apprenticeships. In addition to their role in approving apprenticeship standards, the Institute’s Route Panels, made up of employers and industry experts, scrutinise the outline content for all T Levels. 

The survey

We are asking the relevant groups previously mentioned take part in a survey that pertains to the attached outline content to answer questions on whether the current iteration of the outline content suffices in a number of areas mentioned above.

Please note: This new Occupational Specialism will contain the same Core content found within the Animal Care and Management T Level.

If you are a provider or industry body and would like to send in your feedback, please respond by midnight on Monday 14th November 

What happens next?

We will consider your responses as we further develop the Outline Content for the Occupational Specialism in Science for the Animal Care and Management T Level.

Published 20 Oct 2022
Last updated 21 Nov 2022
(CTK/NS)