KEYPOINTS
Studied at various Levels – Entry, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
Variable GCSE Entry Requirements – must check with individual colleges but as a guide
Level 1 – 2 GCSEs at grade 2 incl. English & Maths
Level 2 – 4 GCSEs at grade 3 incl. English & Maths
Level 3 – 5 GCSEs 9 – 4 incl. English & Maths
Benefits
- Recognised as academically rigorous qualification by employers
- provides people with practical skills
- vocational qualifications that will take you up to the same level as a degree
- More likely to e able to start working sooner than A Levels
- Wide variety of things you can do. E.G Within City and guilds there are over 500 Different
BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors – they are available from entry level through to professional qualifications at Level 7 (equivalent to postgraduate study).
BTECs are designed for young people interested in a particular sector or industry but who are not yet sure what job they’d like to do.
You could study a BTEC at Level 2 or 3, either alongside academic qualifications or as part of a wider programme (such as an apprenticeship). You can also study a BTEC as a standalone course.
There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors, including:
- applied science
- art and design
- business
- childcare
- construction
- engineering
- media
- health and social care
- hospitality
- ICT
- land-based
- performing arts
- public services
- sport
- travel and tourism
BTEC qualifications are flexible – you can take one alongside (or instead of) GCSEs and A levels in schools and colleges. They’re also usually studied full-time, either in college or jointly between a school and a college.
BTECs are divided into units, which cover specific areas of knowledge, skills, and understanding required by the particular sector or industry.
- Every BTEC student takes the core units, which provide a broad foundation and understanding about the sector.
- There is a range of optional units to choose from which enable students to focus on particular interests and plans they have for next steps into further study, an apprenticeship, or employment.
- The course involves a series of assignments which can be written or activity-based, for example creating a film clip, planning and putting on a performance, or creating a business plan. Students complete some assignments individually and some as part of a team. For some BTEC courses, students can also apply their knowledge and skills through work experience.