Health T Level

The T Level Health qualification is comprised of two main components: the core elements, which are taught during the first year of the course, and the occupational specialism, which is covered in the second year. This structure is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the health sector while also allowing them to develop specialised skills tailored to specific roles within the industry.

The core component offers a broad range of knowledge and skills relevant to the health sector as a whole, serving as the foundation for all occupational specialisms within the health pathway. It covers essential concepts and principles that underpin the health industry, including topics such as health and safety, safeguarding, infection control, human anatomy and physiology, mental health awareness, and principles of person-centred care. This broad knowledge base ensures that learners gain a well-rounded understanding of the healthcare environment, preparing them for diverse roles within the sector. Some of the topics and ideas introduced in the core component are further broken down and contextualised in greater detail within the occupational specialism. This progression allows learners to apply the theoretical knowledge and foundational skills they have acquired in their first year to real-world scenarios and specific occupational contexts in their second year. Through this approach, learners develop a deeper understanding of how core health concepts are implemented in practice, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills.

The occupational specialism component focuses on the specific knowledge, understanding, skills, and behaviours required to achieve threshold competence in a chosen area of health. Threshold competence is defined as the level of proficiency that employers consider sufficient for securing employment in roles relevant to the selected occupational specialism. It encompasses the ability to perform tasks and responsibilities effectively, demonstrating both technical proficiency and professional behaviour. Achieving threshold competence indicates that a learner is well-prepared to enter the workforce and has the foundational capabilities needed to develop full occupational competence with continued support and professional development once employed.

In addition to the core and occupational specialism components, the T Level Health qualification integrates essential English, mathematics, and digital skills throughout the curriculum. These skills are embedded within the course content to ensure that learners can communicate effectively, interpret and analyse data, and utilise digital technologies proficiently within healthcare settings. The inclusion of these skills supports learners in becoming well-rounded professionals who can adapt to the evolving demands of the health sector.

An integral part of the T Level Health qualification is the industry placement, which provides learners with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real healthcare environments. These placements are designed to help learners develop the practical knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for skilled employment in their chosen occupation. Industry placements offer valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of healthcare settings, allowing learners to observe and participate in professional practices that are not easily replicated in a classroom environment. As part of the overall T Level programme requirements, learners must complete a minimum of 315 hours of industry placement. This practical experience is essential for bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. It enables learners to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world situations, develop confidence in their abilities, and build professional networks within the health sector. The industry placement also provides an opportunity for learners to receive feedback from experienced profess