The Creative Industries has seen significant growth in recent years, which has given rise to the T Level in Craft and Design. This two-year qualification equips you with diverse skills for the craft and design sector. Aimed at those interested in fashion and textiles, it covers product making, designing, and understanding the creative economy. The course explores industry and career opportunities, focusing on key practical skills defined by employers.
The T Level Technical Qualification in Craft and Design: Textiles and Fashion Maker, is the main classroom-based element of the T-level. Students learn using a curriculum that industry experts have shaped. During the two-year programme, students will acquire the core knowledge that underpins each industry. They will develop occupationally specific skills that will allow them to enter skilled employment within a specific occupation.
The Textiles and Fashion Maker specialism covers the textiles, leather and sewn products, disciplines and associated techniques required i.e. stitch, knit, weave and print. Students may make products for a range of contexts and settings. They will be required to work with more than one material and experiment with different processes, tools and techniques.
What you'll learn
Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the fashion and textiles business sector, including:
- the creative economy
- the individual in the creative industries
- cultural context and vocabulary
- audience and consumer needs
- legal and regulatory requirements
- professional standards and conduct in the workplace
- equality, diversity and inclusion requirements
- research skills
- project methodology and administration
- continued professional development
The creative skills learnt will encourage students to develop their confidence in a wide range of materials, processes and design and making.
T-levels are two-year, Level 3 programmes that follow GCSEs and Technical Awards, offering an alternative to A Levels and Apprenticeships. They combine classroom theory, practical learning, and a minimum of 315 hours of industry placement, ensuring real workplace experience. Developed with employers, T-levels meet industry needs and prepare students for skilled employment, Apprenticeships, or higher study, including university.
How you'll learn and be assessed
You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% on a 45-day placement with an employer to give you the skills and knowledge companies seek.
Your industry placement allows you to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. When and how you complete it depends on the T-level, school or college, and employer. Like A levels, there are no tuition fees to study a T-level if you start before you are 19.
The core knowledge and understanding are assessed through an examination, and core skills are assessed through a practical employer-set project.
Students who complete their T-level will receive an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. They will receive a nationally recognised certificate showing their overall grade and a breakdown of what they have achieved.
Progression
The T Level Technical Qualification in Craft and Design: Textiles and Fashion Maker (Level 3) equips students with the knowledge and skills for highly skilled employment, apprenticeships, or higher-level study in textiles and fashion.
Potential careers include: fashion design assistant, dressmaker, tailor, and wardrobe assistant, with transferrable skills for roles in soft furnishings for interior design and furniture upholstery.
Entry requirements
You will need five GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5, including maths and English language.
You should also demonstrate enthusiasm and a keen interest in the subject.
