T Levels are being championed as part of National Apprenticeship Week
The newly introduced T Levels will help bring new blood into farming while offering fresh opportunities for members of farming families, Education Minister Robert Halfon has said.
Mr Halfon, who was visiting Suffolk New College in Ipswich to mark T Level Thursday - part of National Apprenticeship Week said it was a ‘no brainer' for students thinking about an agricultural career to take one of these courses.
The college is one of several across England to offer the qualification in Agricultur, Land Management and Production, covering such topics as livestock, crop production and land-based engineering.
Introduced in 2020, T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and education providers to ensure ‘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'.
They provide a mix of college-based learning and at least 45 days spent on industry placement over the two-year course. Once complete, a T Level is the equivalent of three A Levels.
Mr Halfon said the qualification was perfect for any young person wanting to pursue a career in agriculture.
"There is a mix of people from farming and non-farming backgrounds and a mix of options regarding pathways. And there are options to follow different aspects of farming from the one you already know should you want to."
"What you get is real work experience that will lead to a job."
Read more: Farmers advise new entrants to 'dream big, work smart and keep farming'
Mr Halfon said the new T Level sits alongside the agricultural, environmental and veterinary science apprenticeships and can also support those who wat to go on to study at university.
"The courses enable students to find out more about the agricultural industry in the first year and then in the second year they have the opportunity to specialise.
"In my opinion it is a no brainer. If you do a T Level or an apprenticeship you are more likely to get a great skill and a good job. In terms of apprenticeship, 93 per cent of those who participate in the scheme are employed by the company they have been placed with. You earn while you learn which ultimately leads to job security and prosperity."
Read more: Jobs in Agriculture announces seven ambassadors for its #CareersInAg campaign
Mr Halfon also urged farmers and land managers to get in touch with local colleges in order to help support would-be agriculture students.
"It will be the best decision you could ever make," he said. "It gives you a chance to pass on your skills and it gives you a chance of employing someone with the right skills later on. I guarantee you will not regret it."
You can find out more about T Levels on the Government website or head here to find out more about careers for young farmers.
