T-levels are new, two-year, technical study programmes, designed with employers to give young people the skills that industry needs. They will provide a mixture of:
- Technical knowledge and skills specific to their chosen industry or occupation in a classroom-based environment, through a curriculum designed by employer panels.
- An industry placement as a block, day release or both of at least 45 days, will give students practical insights and experience into their sector and an opportunity to embed their knowledge and skills.
- Relevant maths, English and digital skills.
T-levels are an alternative to A-levels, apprenticeships and other courses for 16 to 18-year-olds. Equivalent to three A-levels, a T-level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.
Why do we need T-Levels?
One of the driving forces behind these reforms was a desire to improve the clarity of pathways open to young people choosing technical qualifications, and the educational and employment outcomes available once complete. T-levels will drastically change this landscape. The government is reviewing and rationalising the 10,000 plus technical qualifications currently available at Level 3.
Reforming technical education will help meet the needs of our growing and rapidly changing economy aiming to close the gaps in skills and productivity, by raising the prestige of technical education so that it is sought-after by students, and so that employers recognise and value the skills and experience that it provides.
Within the Healthcare Science T-level, there are various occupational specialisms, including Optical Care Services.
Students will learn about the key modules that are related to the knowledge and skills of the role and responsibilities of an optical assistant. This will include:
- Customers interaction – communication, retail activities
- Pre-screening
- Prescriptions
- Frames and lenses product knowledge and measurements
- Frame fitting
- Spectacle collection, adjustments and repairs
A talk at Optrafair 2019 highlighted the lack of awareness in the optics sector and while we are a year away, the government is keen to ensure that the T-levels are successful.
The Optical Care Specialism aims to increase the interest and routes into the optics industry. Optical roles such as optical assistants are often invisible to most 16 to 18 years old students, and in general optical assistants can appear to be hidden behind the front end of optometry, with optometrists and dispensing opticians. The pool to recruit from is usually small, often from family recommendations or part-time weekend jobs, leaving many potential students pass this industry due to lack of exposure.
How can optics benefit?
- Industry placements will give employers an early sight of the new talent coming into the industry, helping with smarter and a cost-effective channel for recruitment. They are an ideal solution for entry-level skills and an important step to develop students into the sector.
- Placements create opportunities for staff members to act as buddies, coaches or line managers to students, helping existing staff gain management and mentorship skills, both of which are known to increase job satisfaction.
- For employers, young people can be an invaluable source of new and interesting ideas and skills that can change the way we think about doing business. It can improve innovation, and increase the organisation’s productivity.
- In an environment where staff are doing multiple roles and struggling to meet difficult deadlines, an industry placement student could help support a key piece of work and extra help for projects.
- Placements provide important social benefits and they can help create ‘shared value’ in communities.
- Improving diversity helps employers understand customers better, creates better performing teams and increases creativity.
- A commitment to industry placements raises an organisation’s profile and enhances their brand image, locally and nationally, especially as T-levels gain more public exposure with customers and clients.
The healthcare science T-level is due to be rolled out in autumn 2021 after the first phase in September 2020, but before then it is vital to acquire the help from employers in the optical sector to support industry placements. These students will be spending significant time learning about occupational specialisms and it is of utmost importance that they have the opportunity to translate their knowledge and skills into practice.
For T-levels to have its maximum impact and effectiveness it must be supported by the profession and industry it is designed to support.
Further education and college providers will support employers offering industry placements, include assistance with the necessary paperwork, a careful planning process and support with designing the industry placement.
For more information visit https://employerindustryplacements.co.uk/routes/health-and-science.
Usman Rasul is an optometrist and former T-level Healthcare Science Panel Member.