Networks & TRIPs

Networks will help you to:

• collaborate with others, to develop, exchange and explore new ideas and ways of working
• network with providers across your region
• develop creative partnerships and identify future CPD based on FE sector needs
• share information, resources and toolkits to support T Level delivery
• gain expert input from stakeholders.

Networks will take place for each T Level route in each region once per term. They are designed to be face-to-face* or virtual, dependant upon circumstances and demand.

*Please note where events cannot run face-to-face due to local or national Covid-19 government guidance, they will be delivered as live online events. We will make best use of available technology to enable participants to continue to speak, collaborate and engage with high-quality personal and professional development.

We are currently hosting Networks on:

• Curriculum Design and Delivery for each 2020, 2021 and 2022 T Level routes
• Industry Placements
• Schools

Please create your profile on our T Level Professional Development Platform to access the available Networks.

The network spaces have been created to allow participants to collaborate in a subject area space about T Levels. Participants in their professional pursuits, to support in maintaining connections formed with colleagues, to build strong and mutually beneficial ties between all participants, to promote goodwill in the community and to stimulate interest and enhance involvement with T Level professional development through increased opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Q: How do I use the online community network space?

A: The community spaces are designed for flexible use, i.e., you can access and engage as and when you want to. The spaces are designed to act as collaborative spaces, and for users to post questions and share learnings.

Q: How do I access the Online Spaces?

A: You will receive a notification from Microsoft Teams welcoming you to the space, please do keep this for your reference and future access to the space.  If you are regular user of Teams, it may be part of your Teams spaces.

Q: What can I do on the online community spaces?

A: You can post questions, share resources, or collaborate with like minded sector professionals in each community. Each space is moderated by ETF Area Relationship and Development Leads who will also contribute and share information on events and resources that might benefit you as a staff member involved with T Levels.

Q: What should I do first now I have joined a community space?

A: Its always good to say hello so please post an introduction to the post stream. If you want to you could as an alternative add a quick Flipgrid video introducing yourself by accessing the Flipgrid option in the channel tool bar.

Q: Do I need to keep visiting the online community?

A: The space is available all the time, so you can access the community space whenever suits you. Content and information will be added on a regular basis so a quick check in once a week, once a day or to ask a question will be suitable dependent on your needs.

Q: Can I use the space to network?

A: The community spaces are specifically designed for collaboration to occur. Please network as you see fit with other members of the community.

Q: I have never used Microsoft Teams before where can I go to learn how?

A: When you have accessed the community space via Teams you can click the help icon in the lower left corner of the screen and select training. You will now be able to access a full range of resources to support your continued use of MS Teams.

TRIPs will help you to:

• identify shared challenges and priority areas of work for T Levels
• create, test and develop resources to support T Level delivery
• develop teaching practice for T Levels
• ensure that T Level students develop the knowledge, skills, behaviours and occupational competencies required.

Examples of project themes may include:

• developing specialist teaching, learning and assessment resources to support core content and/or occupational specialisms
• employer informed resources
• supporting learners to develop industry specific skills and knowledge.

Funding is available to enable a TRIP to be undertaken, subject to meeting application criteria. These include:

• objectives must be aligned to developing or improving T Level delivery
• providers must be in years 2020-2023 of T Level delivery
• The TRIP Lead must have been approved as a 2020-2023 T Level delivery provider in the subject area the TRIP project intends to support
• the project must be a collaboration across key stakeholders.

Participants will be expected to support the dissemination and sharing of outcomes from projects they are involved in.

Steps for applying for a TRIP:

Step 1: Read through the description of current TRIPs
Step 2: Watch the TRIP guidance video
Step 3: Attend a TRIP surgery
Step 4: Complete the Expression of Interest form
Step 5: Read the TRIP guidance document
Step 6: Attend a support call
Step 7: Complete and submit the TRIP application form

Please create your profile on our T Level Professional Development Platform to access the application form.

See our useful graphic 8 top tips for applying for a TRIP.

Key dates and deadlines:

TRIPs Surgeries

• 13 October 2021 at 14:00 – 15:30
• 13 January 2021 at 14:00 – 15:30

Application Form Deadlines

• Round 1: 17 November 2021 at 17:00
• Round 2: 11 February 2022 at 17:00