The announcement that the new T Level responsible for educating future gamekeepers and land managers has been paused to reassess its specialist course structure has been warmly welcomed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).

The new course, Habitat management (land and water), has been earmarked to replace the current land & wildlife technical qualifications in England from 2023.

BASC were heavily critical of the proposed content, and its lack of suitability for the game and wildlife management sectors, when it was first drafted back in 2020.

Through extensive lobbying efforts, consultation responses, stakeholder engagement and letters to the secretary of state for education, BASC has put forward a strong case for review and we are pleased to see the organisation responsible, the Institute for Apprenticeship & Technical Education (IfATE), respond to these calls.

In making the announcement IfATE said the pause will enable “further engagement with sector and employer representatives”.

Curtis Mossop, BASC head of pathways to shooting, said: “We have been engaging with IfATE and other stakeholders throughout this process and will continue our support to find a resolution.

“Our goal is to ensure that all land-based students have an appropriate and viable educational route for the future and our sector’s employment and progression routes are maintained.”