A Barrow education leader has described the creation of a new T Level qualifications as a major step forward for technical skills across Cumbria.

Furness College assistant principal Sue Hannan said the qualification is a perfect fit to help grow the county’s world-leading industrial workforce.

T Levels were launched nationally this month as a new two-year qualification following GCSEs, that have been developed in collaboration with employers.

The qualifications offer 16 to 18 year olds an equivalent to three A Levels, and feature a compulsory industry placement to support a student’s readiness for employment.

The assistant principal said it was a significant opportunity to address the higher-level skills shortage and equip students with qualifications and experience as it recovers from the pandemic.

“Year 11 students in schools across Cumbria have a unique opportunity to secure places on these courses and receive high-quality technical training that is equivalent to A Levels,” she said.

“For a long time, vocational education has not been given the recognition it deserves and we are pleased that the Government is now investing in the prestige of technical education.

“As the county recovers from a global pandemic, the businesses that sign up to offer an industrial placement will be already benefitting from fresh-thinking and new ideas that our first cohort of T Levels will bring to the workplace.

“We are sure these places will be sought-after by our students and expect they will attract the best and brightest as they will not only complete their courses job-ready but will have made the connection through the industrial placement that could land them with future employment.”

Furness College will offer T Levels in digital, education and childcare from September 2021 and has started recruiting to courses.

The qualifications will involve classroom work and a 45-day placement.