Alevels vs Tlevel for degree apprenticeship?

[Ofchris]

We are looking at options for DS2 next year. He has a very clear idea of what he wants to do at 18 which will be an apprenticeship in a specific area of IT, ideally a degree apprenticeship. There is a T Level with industrial placement in his specialism. DS1 did a T level so I’m familiar with them but DS2 is much more academic and predicted higher GCSE grades. He could do A levels but would struggle to find 3 he wanted to do and would prefer a practical course. Do employers look down on Tlevels? Just want to understand whether it would weaken his chances of getting a degree apprenticeship. He doesn’t want to go to uni.

Apprenticeships aren’t easy to secure so I’d say go with which ever options at level 3 give him more options for the level 6 he wants

I think that’s what I’m trying to determine - whether employers are likely to prefer academic qualifications vs a more specific practical qualification and experience via a work placement.

if ds doesn’t get an apprenticeship will he be looking to uni for the level 6 though? I wouldn’t base a level 3 choice on what employers are looking for, I would personally go for a broader approach, so good uni options if the apprenticeship applications are unsuccessful. I think some app this year were 5000 applicants for 40 jobs 😵‍💫

T levels are not universally understood yet and degree apprenticeships are wildly competitive so he should be doing A Levels if that is his ultimate goal.

A BTEC/A Level combo would also be fine, but he needs excellent grades regardless

A Levels still carry more academic weight, but for IT degree apprenticeships, T Levels are increasingly accepted. The key is the employer and how relevant the placement is. If the T Level includes real project work, that can actually give him an edge over pure academics.

Thanks for the advice. My understanding from a bit more research is that the T level he’s interested in has been designed specifically for skills gaps and the college work closely with local employers. He’ll also do 1 day a week with an employer. He’s totally opposed to uni, so if he doesn’t get a degree apprenticeship, he’ll go for a level 4 apprenticeship. We are leaning to T level as he doesn’t have 3 subjects he’d be interested in for Alevel.

I'd be asking what employers are lined up to provide the T level placements, as this could be the weak link in the course, if they struggle to source relevant work placements.

Not necessarily true. The DA that DS is on required UCAS points that equal 3 Cs. As long as you meet the UCAS points, they won’t rule you out; they will be looking for attitude, work ethic, enthusiasm etc.

That’s unusual. Every degree apprenticeship in my area is looking for Oxbridge type grades. They want the best, given the investment they’re committing to

When he was applying for all and sundry, there were only a few roles he was ruled out of because of his grades (he didn’t get Oxbridge grades). As it is, a high proportion of his cohort (at his site at least) are much older and some already have degrees. One had been a teacher for 20 years. Certainly, his employer - who are one of the biggest apprenticeships employers in their field - had a whole range of roles, all with different requirements, which may reflect demand. The engineering type ones had higher requirements if I remember correctly. He’s doing Project Controls which was only introduced just before Covid. Anyway, he got on it and is doing very nicely both in work and studies. He helped his friend finally secure a similar role a year after him, on the third time of applying.