Multi-million-pound investment across both Sparsholt and Andover campuses in preparation for new T Level qualifications

Sparsholt College Group has announced a multi-million-pound investment across their campuses ahead of a new qualification offering.

15 February 2023 • 2 min read

Sparsholt College Group has announced a multi-million-pound investment across their campuses ahead of a new qualification offering.

The college will introduce the T Level qualifications, a two-year qualification designed to give 16-19 year olds a head-start towards the career they want and also to meet the needs of local employers,and have been awarded an investment of 2.2 million by the Department for Education from their dedicated funds to support the initiative.

The Hampshire-based College will see the installation of a new robotic milking parlour and the development of agricultural technologies to support the roll out of the T Level in September 2023 and 2024 in Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Care.

The investment will allow students to complete technical qualifications in livestock farming, arable farming, land-based engineering, tree and woodland management, and ornamental horticulture specialisms.

The college will also share their digital, construction and health and science departments.

College Group Principal Julie Milburn said: The introduction of T Level qualifications is an exciting time; with new qualifications which meet the needs of local employers, and which have been designed to provide parity of regard between vocational and academic qualifications."

For more information about Sparsholt College and agricultural courses visitwww.sparsholt.ac.uk

What are T-Levels?

Equivalent to three A-Levels

T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

Industry placement

Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.

Classroom and work balance

Level students spend 80% of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.