Gavin Williamson visits Havant and South Downs College to 'give birth' to new T-level qualification

EDUCATION secretary Gavin Williamson has paid a visit to a college today.
Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, flying a drone during a visit to Havant and South Downs College.

Picture: Habibur RahmanSecretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, flying a drone during a visit to Havant and South Downs College.

Picture: Habibur Rahman
Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, flying a drone during a visit to Havant and South Downs College. Picture: Habibur Rahman

The education secretary is visiting Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) to look at its new facilities for T-levels.

During a speech in the college’s new digital hub, Mr Williamson said: ‘We are pleased to partner with Havant and South Downs College to give birth to a new qualification which will last for years to come.

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Josh Sines, 16 (front), believes T-levels offer a balance between A-levels and apprenticeships.

Picture: Habibur RahmanJosh Sines, 16 (front), believes T-levels offer a balance between A-levels and apprenticeships.

Picture: Habibur Rahman
Josh Sines, 16 (front), believes T-levels offer a balance between A-levels and apprenticeships. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘T-levels set out a great opportunity to equip a young person to be the best they can be.

‘We recognise we have to invest more capital in college infrastructure to ensure the best for young people in this college and community.’

Mr Williamson believes the new qualification offers a more employment-driven qualification compared to traditional A-levels.

He added: ‘This course has been developed after extensive consultation with employers and and their needs. The skills students develop are very much based around the world of work.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson at Havant & South Downs College on September 17 2020. Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond is pictured standing next to Mr Williamson. Picture: Habibur RahmanEducation secretary Gavin Williamson at Havant & South Downs College on September 17 2020. Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond is pictured standing next to Mr Williamson. Picture: Habibur Rahman
Education secretary Gavin Williamson at Havant & South Downs College on September 17 2020. Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond is pictured standing next to Mr Williamson. Picture: Habibur Rahman
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‘I have been really impressed with what I have seen here at HSDC and which is part of our strategy to create a college education system that is world class.’

It’s a sentiment shared by college principal, Mike Gaston.

Mr Gaston said: ‘T-levels allow students to combine college study with industrial work placements. We work closely with local employers to ensure we are delivering students who are equipped with the skills they want.’

One student who particularly enjoyed the balance between academic and vocational training is 16-year-old construction student, Josh Sines.

Josh, who used to attend Horndean Technology, said: ‘I prefer this to an apprenticeship as it offers a good balance with A-levels. I also really like the fact you get to do 45 days in a work placement.’

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During the visit, Mr Williamson spent time flying one of the drones which is used on both the construction and digital courses.

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