T-levels: What are they?

New technical qualifications called T-levels are promising to simplify the process of vocational training in England.

Chancellor Philip Hammond has set out plans for them in the Budget.

He says these type of qualifications have not always been on an equal footing with academic ones - and wants that to change.

T-levels will allow 16 to 19-year-olds to study in 15 sectors in subjects like hair and beauty or construction.

The courses will replace thousands that are currently on offer and it's claimed they will make access to the job market easier.

Students in further education or technical college will also be eligible for maintenance loans.

The aim is to have teenagers "work fit" in a number of key industries which will help bolster the UK's workforce after Brexit (Britain's exit from the European Union).

The UK is currently are placed 16 out of 20 developed economies when it comes to how many people have a technical education.

The government describes its plans as the "biggest overhaul of post-school education in 70 years".

It's worth noting that those who decide to study a technical T-level will spend 50 per cent longer learning than they do at the moment, equalling 900 hours of teaching a year.

It is likely T-levels will be taught in college rather than school.

They will be developed and phased in between 2018 and 2022.