Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what provisions are in place to ensure learners in England are (1) able to access T Levels within reasonable distance of their homes, and (2) have access to alternative funding provision to pursue learning in a specific skill area not covered by a T Level provider in their area.

We are implementing T levels in a measured roll-out, building from the first three in September 2020 to a total of 25 courses across the country by 2024. T levels will provide training for skilled occupations at level 3 where there is a substantial requirement for technical knowledge and practical skills. The Institute for Apprenticeships has published occupational maps, identifying these occupations.

We want students to be able to access T levels regardless of where they live, but it will be for local providers to decide which courses to offer, taking into account local skills needs and demand from students. We are aware of the potential barriers that some students may face in accessing industry placements in rural areas and are working with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to consider how we can make sure that students who live in rural areas are not disadvantaged.

Providers in receipt of Capacity and Delivery Fund allocations to support industry placements have also been allocated additional 16-19 Discretionary Bursary funding of just under £2.5 million to support students on their placements, for example, to help support their travel costs.

We confirmed in the government response to the T level consultation that we would proceed with a review of level 3 qualifications to make sure that any qualifications funded alongside A levels and T levels are high quality, have a distinct purpose and lead to good outcomes. We will shortly release more information about this review.