Vocational Qualifications

The College offers a range of vocational courses that relate to a particular job. They are designed to help you get the work-related knowledge and experience you need to take the next steps to your chosen career.

These courses are practical and skills-focused, with many including work-related projects or work experience. They are ideal for anyone who likes to complete assignments and work on projects.

Vocational courses are studied at different levels depending on an individual's GCSE results. See the table below so that you can check where you are at now and how you can progress further in education.

Level	Examples of courses	General entry qualifications	What they give you
Level 3	AS and A Level BTEC Nationals Level 3 Extended Diploma Level 3 Diploma NVQ 3	Generally 5 GCSEs grade C or above or equivalent level 2 qualification	Ability to gain or apply a rang of knowledge, skills & understanding at a detailed level Appropiate if you plan to go to University, work independently, or (in some cases) supervise and train other in their field of work
Level 2	GCSE BTEC First Diploma NVQ Level 2 Foundation Studies	Generally 4 GCSEs grade D or equivalent level 1 qualification	Good knowledge & understanding of a subject Ability to perform a variety of tasks with some guidance or supervision Appropriate form many job roles
Level 1	Introductory Diploma NVQ Level 1 Foundation Studies	4 GCSEs grade E or above & entry level qualification	Basic knowledge & skills Ability to apply learning with guidance or supervision May be linked to job competence
Entry Level	Foundation Studies	No formal entry requirements.	Basic knowledge & skills Ability to apply learning in everyday situations Not geared towards specific occupations

Here's a brief explanation of the abbreviations above and on course information:

BTEC
These nationally recognised qualifications offer practical-based, work related experience for a rang of careers. they are available at various levels and once you have completed a BTEC Level 3 National you can progress on to univeristy or employment.

CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) / CGLI (City & Guilds London Institute)
Our construction courses are accredited by the above awarding bodies and are specific to the construction industry. These are practical-based courses, which relate directly to the occupation of your choice and ensure that you have the underpinning knowledge to carry out the skills acquired on the course within the workplace.

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification)
You may wish to take an NVQ, where you will build a portfolio of work and carry out practical assignments to prove to employers that you can actually do the job.

Qualification table
The table below shows how BTEC & NVQ qualifications are valued.

BTEC Level 2 Firsts	Credits	Same as studying
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate	30	2 GCSEs A*-C
BTEC Level 2 Diploma	60	4 GCSEs A*-C
NVQ Level 2	-	5 GCSEs A* - C
BTEC Level 3 Nationals	Credits	Same as studying
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma	60	1 A Level
BTEC Level 3 Diploma	120	2 A Levels
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma	180	3 A Levels
NVQ Level 3	-	2 A Levels

Foundation Learning
Foundation Learning qualifications are entry level or level 1 qualifications. These qualifications are designed to teach you personal and social skills as well as Functional Skills in Maths, English and ICT. You will also gain knowledge in a vocational area. A foundation learning course will support you in progressing onto other qualifications such as NVQs, BTEC’s, GCSE’s, Apprenticeships or employment.

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"I really enjoy the practical work involved in my course. The workshops and training facilities for plastering are "

Jake Robbins Formerly of St. John Fisher Catholic High School