Government announces employer-backed Tech Levels

16 Dec 13 | Author Rebecca Horsley |

The government has revealed plans for the first Tech Levels – gold-standard vocational qualifications backed by top employers so young people know which courses have the best job prospects.

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said it would ensure young people know the vocational qualifications which will give them the best chance of getting good jobs in the global labour market.

The first 142 high-value Tech Levels were announced today, each supported by leading businesses or trade associations. These are rigorous level 3 courses for 16 to 19-year olds – equivalent to A levels – and designed to lead to a recognised occupation, such as accounting or IT.Matthew Hancock said: “We must be honest with our young people. For too long, too many students have been taking qualifications that do not help them get a job, into training, or to university.

Our radical reforms are part of our long-term plan for the economy and will mean that for the first time young people will know which qualifications are backed by top employers and lead to better employment opportunities. Tech Levels and Applied General qualifications will give students the skills so vital to getting on in life, preparing them for employment, training and higher education. This will also help meet the skills gap holding back UK businesses.”