Vocational qualifications
Vocational qualifications can help you gain the skills you need for a particular occupation. Qualifications are available in many different areas of work such as business, engineering, health and social care.
14 - 19 vocational video
The benefits of vocational learning for learners in Leicestershire.
14-19 Vocational Learning Film from Connexions Leicester Shire on Vimeo.
Vocational qualifications can be studied at any level:
- Entry Level: for people learning their first work skills.
- Level 1: for people new to the area of work. It covers basic knowledge and routine tasks.
- Level 2: for people with some knowledge or ability in the area of work.
- Level 3: for people who can apply their knowledge in a broad range of complex work activities. At level 3 you might supervise others too.
If you don’t fancy having your nose in a book for another couple of years but don't want to enter the world of work just yet, there are several vocational (work related) qualifications you could take:
- GCSEs in vocational subjects
- A Levels and AS Levels in vocational subjects
- BTECs
- Cambridge Nationals (new name for OCR Nationals)
GCSE in vocational subjects
GCSEs in vocational subjects offer a hands-on approach to learning and use practical skills. They are available in eight vocational subjects known as Double Awards. Depending on what your school offers you may be able to take GCSEs in:
Applied art and design
Applied business
Engineering
Health and social care
Applied information and communication technology
Leisure and tourism
Manufacturing
Applied science
AS and A Levels in vocational subjects
AS and A levels in vocational subjects are designed to:
- give a broad introduction to a vocational area
- be delivered through work-related contexts
- let students gain an understanding of a vocational sector
- provide a broad educational basis for further training, higher education, or progression to a job.
You may also be able to study for a double award equivalent to two A levels. Vocational A levels are available in these areas:
- Applied art and design
- Applied business
- Applied information and communication technology (ICT)
- Applied science
- Engineering
- Health and social care
- Leisure studies
- Media, communication and production
- Performing arts
- Travel and tourism
vocational A levels they are often called 'applied' A levels.
BTEC Awards, Diplomas and Certificates
These are vocational courses in which you study one work related area. For example, engineering, childcare or business.
BTECs are available at four levels - Entry, Level 1, 2 and 3
A level 3 BTEC can lead to higher education or a skilled job with training.
| Level | GCSE/A Level | BTECs |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Advanced |
3 A levels 2 A levels 1 A level 1 AS level |
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma BTEC Level 3 Diploma BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma BTEC Level 3 Certificate |
| 2 Intermediate |
4 GCSEs (A*-C) 2 GCSEs (A*-C) 1 GCSE (A*-C) |
BTEC Level 2 Diploma BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate BTEC Level 2 Certificate |
| 1 Foundation | Up to 5 GCSEs (D-G) | BTEC Level 1 Awards Certificates and Diplomas |
| Entry Level | National Curriculum levels 1-3 | BTEC Entry Level Awards Certificates and Diplomas |
Cambridge Nationals (new name for OCR Nationals)
Cambridge Nationals are practical qualifications that give learners an insight into a vocational area. They can be taken at levels 1 and 2.
Cambridge Technicals
These new qualifications a designed for 16-19 year olds who have completed Key Stage 4. They can be taken at level 2 and 3. These qualifications prepare learners for the world of work or to continue their studies in Higher Education.
| Level | Subject |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Nationals Level 1/2 |
|
| Cambridge Technicals Level 2/3 |
|
The unit-based qualifications are flexible. Learners can get a certificate for achieving just one unit if they want, or they can get one for the whole qualification. Optional work experience opportunities are offered in some units.
Page last updated 25/10/12
