Hartpury College set to offer new T-level ag qualifications

Hartpury College is set to receive almost £2.4m of government funding in order to purchase specialist equipment and facilities ahead of its new T-level course opening.

The Gloucestershire agricultural college will be launching new qualifications in land-based engineering, crop production, and livestock production from the 2024-2025 academic years.

It will use the Department of Education funding to refurbish engineering workshops and purchase new equipment.

See also: Is an agricultural degree worth doing?

T-levels are a technical qualification and form a new two-year post-GCSE study option, aimed at preparing students before they progress to skilled employment.

Students enrolling for the courses at Hartpury will spend 80% of their time in academic studies, while the remaining 20%, at least 45 days, will be spent undertaking practical work-based training each year.

The college has confirmed that further T-level courses in animal management and equine subject areas are in development.

Hartpury deputy principal Claire Whitworth said the college was grateful for its share in the government’s £100m national funding scheme.

She said: “We’re always looking to align our curriculum with industry needs, and remain poised to contribute to the growth and success of the agricultural sector in Gloucestershire and beyond.

“We’re grateful for the government’s recognition of our expertise and commitment to advancing vocational training and are delighted to have been successful in securing a share of this UK-wide T-level investment funding.”