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What are Vocational Qualifications?
Vocational qualifications are qualifications directly linked to work and jobs. Back to top
What level are they?
There is a whole raft of vocational qualifications available at all levels. Back to top
Do I have to study full time to get a vocational qualification?
You can study for most of them part time, or while you work and earn money. Back to top
From what age can I start thinking about a vocational qualification?
There is a suitable starting point for every young person from the age of 14 upwards. Back to top
I have no qualifications and no job. Where should I start? Have a look at e2e.Back to top
What is e2e? e2e stands for entry to employment.Back to top
What support will I get if I try e2e? You will have your own adviser.Back to top
What will e2e teach me? A range of basic and personal skills.Back to top
Where does e2e lead? It should get you ready to start a work based training programme.Back to top
Can I get any qualifications on an e2e programme? Yes, you can work for a number of useful qualifications.Back to top
What does NVQ stand for? NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualifications. Back to top
What kind of qualifications are NVQs? NVQs are practical qualifications. An NVQ teaches you the skills you need to do a particular job. Back to top
Do I have to take an exam if I do an NVQ? There are no exams at the end of an NVQ: you develop and prove your skills as you go along.Back to top
What kind of support is available for people doing NVQs? You will be provided with an assessor who will help to guide you.Back to top
How hard are NVQs? NVQs are available at 5 levels from Level 1 to Level 5. Level 1 prepares you for routine jobs while Level 5 is for very demanding jobs with a lot of responsibility and supervisory work.Back to top
I’m just starting and I’ve never done any work-based learning. Where should I start? You should consider NVQ levels 1 and 2.Back to top
How long does it take to complete an NVQ? There is no fixed timetable for completing an NVQ. Your assessor will help you to keep to a reasonable timetable.Back to top
What kinds of NVQ are available?
There are NVQs for almost any job you can think of.Back to top
How do I sign up to do an NVQ? If you’re in work, talk to your employer, your company's personnel department or your trade union representative. Or you can visit your local further education college or Jobcentre.Back to top
How many people are doing apprenticeships?
More than a quarter of a million young people are doing Apprenticeships in England, and more than half the people doing Apprenticeships are women. Back to top
What sort of jobs offer apprenticeships? Apprenticeships cover all areas of employment from engineering to social care and IT.Back to top
How old do you have to be to do an apprenticeship? Students who are still at school and starting Year 10 can start a Young Apprenticeship programme.
Young people from 16 upwards can do an Apprenticeship.Back to top
What qualifications can I goon to after I’ve completed an Apprenticeship? You can consider an Advanced Apprenticeship if you want to go further with the Apprenticeship programme.Back to top
Where does an Apprenticeship lead? There are different levels of Apprenticeship available, but they all lead to NVQs, Key Skills qualifications and, mostly, a technical certificate such as a BTEC or City & Guilds.Back to top
What kinds of apprenticeships are available? Apprenticeships cover all areas of employment from engineering to social care and IT.Back to top
Where can I find out more about apprenticeships? You can visit the Apprenticeship website or get advice from an adviser at your local Connexions centre.Back to top
What are Foundation degrees? Foundation degrees are modern vocational qualifications designed and supported by businesses.Back to top
How many students are signed up for Foundation degrees? Since their introduction over 12,000 students have signed up to foundation degrees in England.Back to top
What kind of people are Foundation degrees suitable for? People who are looking for advanced vocational qualifications.Back to top
Is a Foundation degree a recognised qualification? Yes. People with foundation degrees can use the letters ‘FdA’ (for arts-based subjects) or ‘FdSc’ (for science-based subjects) after their names.Back to top
Are Foundation degrees supported by employers? Yes. Each foundation degree is designed by a partnership which generally includes employers, skills councils, colleges or universities.Back to top
Would I need to go into full time education to study for a Foundation degree? They are very flexible. Part-time learning is available if you’re already working. Distance learning or online learning can be combined with work-based learning or university based learning.Back to top
How long does it take to complete a Foundation degree? Currently, the equivalent of two years of full time study.Back to top
How should I follow up my interest in a Foundation degree? The first port of call is UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.Back to top
Where can I go for advice?
Try the Connexions service if you're aged 13-19. Back to top
If you're over 19 consult Nextstep.
Where can I get information about different kinds of jobs?
You'll find lots of useful advice and information on the Futures website. Back to top
How can I find out about particular courses?
Most colleges and some other websites have course finders. Back to top
How can I find out if I can get financial support?
You might qualify for financial support. Go to the page of the website which can connect you to some useful websites. Back to top
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