A MALPAS businessman has welcomed the arrival of the new 'T Level' qualifications and its impact on apprenticeships.

David Barlow, chairman of the board for Building Services and Construction T Levels and the chairman of the board for Electrical Standards Governance Group for Electrical Training in England has recently been recognised by the University of Liverpool as an outstanding Alumni for his work in promoting the T Level.

The T Levels are a new technical based qualification being introduced between 2020 and 2023 in England.

They will be a Level 3 qualification on the regulated qualification framework, and the highest T Level qualification would be worth the equivalent of three A* at A Level.

David, who runs Malpas electrical firm Barlows, has been at the forefront of apprenticeship training nationally and continues to work to raise standards and governance for all electrical, engineering and construction studies.

David said: "This is a good opportunity to raise standards and expectation within our industries, allowing school leavers the chance to gain a starting position and enabling them to progress onto an apprenticeship standard or higher education."

The University of Liverpool present the Awards for the success and achievements of their Alumni across the world.

David points to the successful aspect of T Levels where young people's feedback as part of the Industry Placement Pilots Evaluation showed positive impacts while employers are proactive and get involved.

He believes this could create a whole new generation of knowledgeable young people and feels that it is the start of exciting era.

In an open letter to the T Levels Board and to employers in general, David stated there have been failed schemes previously to assist young people in the engineering and construction industry, with a lack of employer engagement blamed.

He feels the T Level will be a second chance for these youngsters to have meaningful employment.

"We must work together to encourage employers to offer a technical qualification and valuable work experience for high level engineers in the future," added David.

"The employers would have the opportunity to engage with the young people and access their capabilities.

"The T Level is set by the government as the alternative to A Levels and we at the Board and employers must work to try and ensure the system is a success.

"We must not fail these young people and work with schools, colleges and awarding bodies to deliver the correct standard of level and content.

"Barlows has always been huge supporters of training young people and have won over 20 major accolades and awards for their standards and commitment."

Along with Clifford College, the firm has won the Princess Royal Training Award for 2019 and 2020, and the organisations have been asked to present their newly developed Health and Safety Course to the 2021 Awards.