Vocational technical qualifications (VTQs) teach you to do tasks related to the industry you would like to work in. They are a practical learning programmes that relate to specific job roles, such as Hairdressing, Bricklaying or Catering or employment sectors such as Childcare, Engineering or Health and Social Care.

There are many different types of vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects at all levels - from Entry Level right up to Level 8.

Vocational courses are designed to help young people learn in a practical way, enabling them to get the skills needed to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher levels of education. If you are more practical and like to learn by “doing” rather than “studying” VTQs might be something you are interested in pursuing.

The length of a VTQ depends on the level and size of the qualification you will be completing but the minimum length is one year. The VTQ’s you will find offered by FE colleges usually range from level 1-3.There are a few different types and levels of VTQs, including:
BTECS: level 1 to 7 
Cambridge Nationals: level 1 and 2 
Cambridge Technicals: level 2 and 3 

What Level?

Available at entry level - level 3 for school leavers. 

What Next?

Vocational qualifications help you develop the skills that employers want so they are good preparation for apprenticeships or employment. On some courses, you can also acquire the competencies and knowledge needed to progress to a higher level in education - such as degree level courses, HNCs or HNDs.

Where can I find out more?

Contact local colleges and find out which vocational qualifications they offer. Each college will be different, and they will offer different courses. You will need to do your research to find out who offers what. Speak to the collages about how the course are run and what they involve. Some colleges will have videos that you can watch on their websites to help you to understand what a course might be like. 

If you have a particular course in mind but you don't know where offers that course, you can use the Find Courses website to help you to find which local colleges offer different courses. You can put in the course title and then search by geographical area.  

 

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