'Technical' qualification in education and childcare to launch at University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham is all set to launch its exciting, new T-level in Education and Childcare from September – making it one of the first UK colleges to offer one of the new two-year courses. 

The range of courses have been designed with industry experts with the aim of giving young people the skills needed for them to succeed in the workplace. 

The first of University College Birmingham’s courses, which will be a Level 3 course equivalent to A-levels, is perfect for those thinking about a future working in childcare or education. 

It will combine learning in the classroom with gaining vital, ‘on-the-job’ experience.  

Crucially, it will include a technical qualification to answer today’s employer demands.

Over the two-year course, students will gain core knowledge of subjects such as supporting education, health and wellbeing, safeguarding and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), as well as developing the range of technical and practical skills which employers are calling out for.

And a key part of T-levels is the chance to gain extensive experience on a work placement and those studying Education and Childcare will complete a minimum of 750 hours in a real working environment. 

Placements are organised by a specialised team of employability tutors based in hired@UCB.

Debbie Hocknull, Assistant Dean of the School of Education, Health and Community, said: "T-levels are full-time, two-year courses which include a substantial new technical qualification alongside maths and English and a significant industry placement.

“University College Birmingham is extremely proud to have been chosen by the Government to deliver the T-level for Education and Childcare for September 2020.  

“We see this as an opportunity to be at the forefront of changes in the provision for young people's education and we are confident we have the staff expertise and capacity to deliver this new and exciting qualification.”

Those achieving the T-level qualification will be able to progress to work in a number of roles, including early years practitioner, education technician and primary, secondary or tertiary teaching and support assistant.

The qualification also carries UCAS points, allowing you to progress onto a university degree such as the Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons) degree at University College Birmingham. 

Find out more about the new T-level in Education and Childcare Level 3 at University College Birmingham.