THREE new courses are set to be offered at Bridgwater and Taunton College as it becomes one of the first in the country to offer a new type of qualification.

The college, which has campuses based in Bridgwater and Taunton, as well as Cannington, was chosen to be one of the centres to help deliver the new T Level qualifications.

The new courses, which are equivalent to three A Levels, were announced as part of the Government's plan to transform education.

From its Taunton campus, the college is offering the first three T Levels: construction: design, surveying and planning; digital: production, design and planning; education and childcare.

Principal and chief executive, Andy Berry said: “Bridgwater and Taunton College is dedicated to helping each student to reach their potential and prepare them for their futures, whether that’s further education or a career in a highly skilled industry.

"I believe these new qualifications will enable us to continue to fill industry specific skills shortages, benefitting our students and the local community.”

Along with specialist teaching, a placement within an industry is a key part of the programme.

Pupils will work with an employer in the workplace to help apply the new skills and knowledge learnt.

Experience with a real employer in a real workplace will allow students to apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the classroom to the job, giving them a taste of the world of work they can expect once they complete their studies.

Last year the college ran a pilot programme introducing industry placements to current students.

Matthew Sutton who is studying early years, said: “The 750 hours of work experience spanned various settings and really helped my studies.

"My time at Creech St Michael Primary School was fantastic and confirmed my ambition to become a primary school teacher.”

For more information on the new qualifications visit www.btc.ac.uk.