ONE of the country’s newest qualifications has proved popular with young people in Warrington who are aiming for careers in social work, teaching and childcare.

Priestley College was chosen by the Government to be one of the first establishments in the country to offer T-Levels.

The qualifications offer a mixture of classroom learning and 'on-the-job' experience during an industry placement of around 45 days.

Adam Bird, who oversees T-Levels at Priestley, said: "T-Levels were designed with employers to ensure they gave students the knowledge and skills that are required in the workplace.

"We think this is one of the key reasons why so many students opted for this course given the uncertainty around jobs across all sectors at the moment."

Among the T-Level students at Priestley is Theo Yates who hopes to have a career working with children and families.

The former Lymm High School pupil said he was enjoying studying a level three course.

"It’s a new challenge because the course is worth three A-Levels which I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do, but I am ready for it," he said.

"I like all my teachers and developed an immediate connection to them.

"I am enjoying looking at childcare from a different perspective and want to go into a job where I help children become the best versions of themselves."

The launch of T-Levels has been so successful that Priestley College will be offering two more in science and health next September.