Vocational Qualifications

Vocational Qualifications are classroom based courses, with practical elements. They can help the learner gain work related knowledge and skills. It can be like having your favourite subject all the time, and so keep you interested.
They are available at differing levels, depending on your GCSE’s grades:
- To enter a one year Level 1 you need GCSEs at grade E or F.
- To enter a one year Level 2 you need GCSE at grade D, Level 1 or equivalent.
- To enter a two year Level 3 you need 4/5 GCSE’s at grade C and above, Level 2 or equivalent
Level 3 Technical level qualifications lead to a recognised vocational occupation such as engineering, computing and accountancy. Applied general qualifications are for learners who would like to learn about a vocational area such as Business, Health & Social Care, Sport or Science.
Level 3 can lead to UCAS points but they can narrow your choices down in University compared to A Levels
Level 3 can also be taken as a full time course, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels (These are usually offered at college).
National Vocational Qualifications are taken by learners to prove they have the abilitiy to carry our their job to the required standands. The work could be paid or voluntary. Most apprenticeships have NVQs. Learners usually take an NVQ that reflects their role i.e. someone working in administration may take an NVQ in Business and Admin

Further Help and Support

UCAS Progress - find details of different courses, training programmes and providers, as well as which ones are closest to where you live.

The Student Room - Information and articles on study, careers and exams.

National Careers Service - careers advice and information on a wide range of jobs, training course resources and funding.

Not Going to Uni - information for those not planning on going to University.