On-site T Level Competency Pilot

• Note 1 - If 1^st EPA Attempt is undertaken in June, then employer claims 3^rd quarterly attendance grant
• Note 2 - If 2nd EPA Attempt is undertaken in September then employer claims 4^th quarterly attendance grant.

If a student wants to work in a trade like carpentry and joinery, wouldn’t they be better off doing a level 2 apprenticeship?

For many students who want to learn a trade at 16, apprenticeships are absolutely the right choice. However, students may not know which trade they want to go into at 16, may not be quite ready for employment and apprenticeships may not be available in their area. The T Level is then a great choice, allowing students to decide which trade to specialise in whilst on the course and connecting them to local employers through the Industry Placement so they can progress into a trade after the T Level.

Why would a student who has completed a level 3 T Level, which gets UCAS points in line with three A levels, choose to be a bricklayer?

T Levels provide a wide range of progression opportunities for young people, including Higher Education, Employment and Apprenticeships. Many students choose T Levels because they offer a direct route into work and for Onsite Construction a route into trades. As part of this pilot we will be keen to understand students’ choices, both on the programme (for example why they chose one trade over another) but also once they have completed the T Level; whether they opted to progress directly into their trade or to higher education.

Can students who completed a T Level progress into Level 4 onsite management or a specialist trade?

T Level Onsite Construction students would be well placed to start a Level 4 Onsite Management as well as other higher-level apprenticeships. The Institute’s Progression Profiles for Onsite Construction set out a snapshot of the range of progression options for young people.

Why is this alternative trainee scheme and level 3 competence assessment needed for level 3 Onsite Construction T Level achievers?

To be able to fully access the labour market, those working in trades must be signed off as fully occupationally competent. The apprenticeship end point assessment is the most well-regarded way of assessing new entrants’ competence and entitles those who pass to apply for the CSCS card which is widely used as a mandatory requirement to work onsite.

Although T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, those who pass a T Level will not yet be signed off as fully occupationally competent and may need further experience on site to reach full competence.

Some T Level achievers may need a further 12 months or more to reach full competence in their chosen trade including more training off the job; in which case they are eligible to take an accelerated apprenticeship. However, some higher attaining T Level achievers will need less than 12 months and very little further training off the job and so would not be eligible to start an apprenticeship.

This alternative competence assessment allows students to be signed off as fully competent, without having to repeat learning, in less than 12 months.

Will the mirrored EPA be accepted by the CSCS card scheme?

CSCS are involved in the development and have agreed, in principle, that students who pass the Mirrored EPA will receive a CSCS card. As this will be at level 3 this most likely will be a Gold Skilled Worker card. However, this is subject to final design of the mirrored EPA.

What happens if my T Level Industry Placement employer is unable to offer me a place on either the trainee scheme or as an apprentice. How do I complete the process?'

We will be monitoring transition into work for T Level students on the pilot closely. If the student has completed the initial assessment and is ready to complete either the trainee scheme or the accelerated apprenticeship, but their Industry Placement employer cannot recruit them, we will look to secure them a place with an alternative employer within reasonable travelling time. T Level providers are advised to contact CITB in the first instance if they are aware that an Industry Placement employer is not prepared to offer them a place.

Which employers are backing the scheme?

The pilot scheme is being co-ordinated by the Construction Industry Training Board, and has been endorsed by employers including Lovells.

The current options for level 3 apprenticeships are very limited. Is it proposed to launch level 3 apprenticeships for Bricklaying etc?

The Onsite T level supports four trades, Carpentry and Joinery, Bricklaying, Plastering, Painting and Decorating. Of these trades currently only Carpentry and Joinery have a level 3 apprenticeship standard. IFATE have developed a level 3 bricklaying standard to be launched in March 2023 and the other trades (Plastering and Painting and Decorating will follow later in 2023)

Will students who complete the T Level in Onsite Construction and take the mirrored EPA need to have level 2 maths and English?

Achievement of maths and English at level 2 is central to learner progression and success in work and life. T Level students, who are yet to achieve level 2 in maths and English, are expected to work towards level 2 maths and English in the same way as students on other study programmes. Level 3 apprentices will be required to achieve Functional Skills at the level 2. However, as the training scheme is not a level 3 apprenticeship, there is no requirement for students on the pilot to have achieved level 2 in maths and English. To note, recruiting employers may still require employees in level 3 roles to have maths and English at level 2.

Are DFE looking to change the current model for T levels to incorporate this missing element of skill and training? Or is this permanent?

There are no plans to change the T Level content and assessment. This is a two-year pilot and the continuation of the arrangement will be subject to the findings of the pilot.

Will the alternative trainee scheme provide the students with a regulated qualification?

This programme will not provide students with a qualification in addition to the On-Site T level they will have attained. They will, however achieve a competence assessment, and receive certification, similar and comparable to the apprenticeship EPA. This will lead to an acceptance of competence demonstrated to employers by a CSCS card.

As many colleges are limited with teaching/assessing staff has there been discussion as to how these different routes/pathways will be delivered?

CITB, NOCN and others will be working with the AOC (Association of Colleges) and others to develop a practical and sustainable delivery model. It is likely that the employer’s role will need to be enhanced to address these issues.

How are providers reacting? Do you consider that cohort numbers will be viable for providers to deliver this year and in 2024-25? Also, which providers have cohorts?

Cohort numbers are small for the initial 2021/2 intake with a potential total of 107 students across 10 centres listed below. It is highly likely that because of the initial low cohort numbers that a central provider will need to be identified and that trainees will need to travel for training and assessment. Initial indications are that the 2022 intake is significantly higher. CITB have allocated resources to supporting the first two cohorts in the pilot period.

2021 delivery centres:

• Blackpool and The Fylde College
• Chichester College Group
• Exeter College
• Truro and Penwith College
• Leicester college
• South Essex
• Lakes college
• Middlesbrough College
• Manchester college
• Bedford college

Employers are happy to support students with 45 days’ work experience, but the issue is what do the students need to cover on placement?

Employers and providers need to agree upfront what a student covers on the placement; to ensure it is sufficiently contextualised to meet the employer’s skills requirements. There is clear guidance on gov.uk Industry Placement delivery. As part of the pilot, we want to find out what worked best in terms of the Industry Placement curriculum set by employers and providers; and how this helped students progress.

What are the benefits to the students to do the T levels rather than going straight onto an apprenticeship?

If a student knows which trade they want to work in and is ready for work, then an apprenticeship is the right route. However, not all students are ready for an apprenticeship at 16, and may need to time to decide in college which trade is right for them. Also, apprenticeships are not available (and in sufficient numbers to meet demand) in all areas so the T Level route may be the most viable way into the sector.

How will T Level achievers be funded on the trainee mirrored EPA?

CITB have agreed that Mirrored EPA students will receive the same CITB attendance and attainment grant as apprentices. The main difference is that the mirrored EPA will be on scheme for less than 12 months compared to those undertaking the apprentice route which will be over 12 months attendance. We are also currently discussing travel to train grant as students may likely need to travel to a central training and assessment venue.

Do the T Level achievers have to be employed for the mirrored EPA?

Yes, the individuals will have to be employed and paid the National Minimum Wage for their age.

Will the T Level achievers sit with the new entrant team?

CITB have an initial agreement with the CITB Partnership Team director that the Post Onsite T level students will be supported by the Apprenticeship Support Team. The detail of this support will vary from area to area and will require further discussion.

What is the Functional Skill entry level for the On-Site T level?

There are no nationally set entry requirements for T Levels, however each school or college will have their own entry requirements. Check with your local T Level school or college to find out the entry requirements for the Onsite Construction T Level.

Will current EPA assessors also be covering the Mirrored EPA?

This is likely but until the Mirrored EPA has been developed, will their role be confirmed.

How long will trainee need on site before they take the final competency assessment?

The trainee will need to spend a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months on site before they can take the final competency assessment.

How much grant will I receive from CITB?

The trainee grant is equivalent to the apprenticeship grant and is based on attendance and achievement. The grant you will received will be a minimum of £4750 and a maximum of £6000 at current rates depending on how long the trainee takes to develop competence (see Note 1)

How much time away from site will the trainee need to take for additional training?

The time away from site will vary depending on which trade they are following. As most of the skill and knowledge has been covered and assessed during the T level it is likely that the additional skill training required will take no more than 10 to 15 days in total. Much of training is knowledge based and can be covered by webinars

Where will this training take place?

It is likely that the additional skill training will take place at a central venue as T level trainees will be employed across England. CITB cover 80% of all accommodation and Travel costs through the travel to train grant.

Who pays for the additional training ?

All additional training costs will be fully covered by CITB.

What sort of additional skills will need to be delivered?

Some areas of skill are not covered by the T level. Examples include how to carry out complex structural timber stud partition work for Site Carpenters and Transferring of levels using straight edge, Spirit level or optical or laser level.

Can the trainee apply for a CSCS card after completing the Competency Assessment?

On successful completion of the Competency Assessment CSCS have indicated that the trainee will be eligible for a blue Skilled Worker Card.

What experiences will I need to provide onsite to help the learner to gain competence and pass the final assessment?

The final competency assessment is based on the End Point Assessment that an Apprentice takes at the end of their apprenticeship. The trainee will have completed a detailed skills scan before starting employment. This will show in detail where the college tutor believes the trainee is skilled and less skilled.

How much will I need to pay the trainee?

The trainee will be employed and will ned to be paid at least the minimum wage for their age group. Details can be found o the web site below. Currently these are £7.49 for a 18–20-year-old and £10.18 for a 21-22 year old. Post T level learners are likely to be in the 18–20-year-old category. Figures correct at of the 19th May 2023.

Minimum wage rates for 2023 - GOV.UK

What support will CITB offer me when I take on a trainee?

In addition to the grant described previously and below CITB will arrange and pay for additional training and support you in explaining what additional grants are available to you and how you can obtain these grants. CITB Advisors will also explain what experiences the trainee needs to have on site to ensure they achieve the final competency assessment.

Note 1

CITB Grant rates are a maximum of £2500/year attendance grant when the trainee is employed and has not completed their final assessment. This is paid on a quarterly basis which is £625/quarter. There is an additional £3500 payable when the trainee successful completes the final competency assessment.

How long will I be a trainee on site before I take the final competency assessment?

As a trainee you will need to spend a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months on site before you can take the final competency assessment.

How much time away from site will I need to take for additional training?

The time away from site will vary depending on which trade you are following. As most of the skill and knowledge has been covered and assessed during the T level it is likely that the additional skill training required will take no more than 10 to 15 days in total. Much of training is knowledge based and can be covered by webinars. However, you may need to attend training centres in other parts of England to undertake skills training.

Where will this training take place?

It is likely that the additional skill training will take place at a central venue as T level trainees will be employed across England. CITB cover 80% of all accommodation and Travel costs through the travel to train grant. Your employer will be asked to cover the training cost.

Will I be paid whilst I am on training?

Yes, it is an expectation that your employer will pay you when you are undertaking training.

Who pays for the additional training?

All additional training costs will be fully covered by CITB.

What sort of additional skills will I need to learn ?

Some areas of skill are not covered by the T level. Examples include how to carry out complex structural timber stud partition work for Site Carpenters and Transferring of levels using straight edge, Spirit level or optical or laser level.

As a trainee can I apply for a CSCS card after completing the final Competency Assessment?

On successful completion of the Competency Assessment CSCS have indicated that as a trainee you will be eligible for a blue Skilled Worker Card.

What experiences will I need to gain onsite to develop my competence and pass the final assessment?

The final competency assessment is based on the End Point Assessment that an Apprentice takes at the end of their apprenticeship. As a trainee you will have completed a detailed skills scan before starting employment. This will show in detail where the college tutor believes that you are highly skilled and less skilled.

How much will I get paid as Trainee?

As a Trainee you will be employed and will need to be paid at least the minimum wage for your age group. Currently these rates are £7.49 for a 18–20-year-old and £10.18 for a 21-22 year old. (Figures correct at of the 19th May 2023)

What support will CITB offer me as a trainee?

CITB will pay the employer a grant to support your employment. CITB will arrange and pay for the additional training and support you need and will work with your employer to explain what experiences you as a trainee need to have on site to ensure you achieve the final competency assessment.