Strode College in Street is not only one of the first providers of new T Level courses - marking a massive change in technical education - but has also been successful in a bid for £1 million of funding from the T Level capital fund, which totals £38 million.

T Levels are new courses starting in September, which will follow GCSEs and will be equivalent to three A Levels.

T Levels will combine classroom theory, practical learning and a three-month industry placement with an employer to make sure students have real experience of the workplace.

The two-year T Level courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content will meet the needs of industry and prepare students for work.

They provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door to highly skilled employment, an apprenticeship or higher-level study.

Strode College will be offering students the opportunity to enrol on the Digital, and Education and Childcare T Levels from September.

The T Level capital fund is being delivered in two parts. The first, launched in January 2019, is for the 2020 providers to refurbish their existing buildings or to build new spaces.

Following this, funding for specialist equipment such as digital and audio visual kit, will be allocated to providers in spring 2020.

Katy Quinn, Strode College principal and CEO, said: "I'm thrilled that Strode College is one of the first T Level providers who will benefit from the T Level capital fund, so young people will have access to high-quality Industrial standard facilities to support their learning and successful career development.

"T Levels will be challenging, high quality Level 3 qualifications that will require the very best mix of academic knowledge applied to real, practical, industry situations.

"Strode College is very well placed to bring these elements of its current curriculum together and apply the vocational and academic staff's strengths and skills to the new T Level qualifications.

"We will be offering the Digital, and Education and Childcare pathways in September. Staff within these curriculum areas are embracing the challenge and are excited about the new content and employment opportunities that could be available to our students.

"Local labour market intelligence identifies both these areas as priority employment sectors and our work is closely aligned with the Heart of the South West LEP's priority areas."

Terri Clemo, one of Strode's heads of faculty, said: "As a curriculum manager I am very enthusiastic about the new Education and Childcare T Levels, and look forward to working closely with employers to ensure students are work ready."

Julie Wheadon, another head of faculty, said: "Strode College's involvement in the T Level pilot has been very interesting and exciting for staff who are going to deliver these new technical qualifications.

"We welcome the opportunity to shape curriculum content for the Digital T Levels and delivery. This involvement has also guided us to reflect on future training and development requirements for our staff."

These new T Levels are alongside Strode's existing curriculum which includes A Levels, vocational courses (including the new Criminology Diploma), a range of apprenticeships, degrees and other higher level professional qualifications.

The college's admissions team is experiencing its busiest period for receiving new applications for courses starting this September.

Call Jenny or Sophie in the admissions team on 01458 844591 for more information about any courses or come to the next Open Evening on Wednesday February 12 and apply on the night.