Vocational qualifications are practical qualifications that often relate to a specific job or career.

Unlike more academic courses such as A Levels, they combine a mix of theory and practical learning, and you’ll often carry out some work experience as well.

There’s a huge range of different courses that you can study, and many types of qualifications you can get, from entry level to advanced. The length of the course depends on what level you study at.

You would only normally only be able to select to study just one subject when choosing this Post 16 pathway.

Why should I study a vocational subject?

Vocational qualifications are a good option if you have a clearer idea of what type of career or trade you would possibly like to work in. They can help you to gain the specific skills you need to help you progress further into this career route.

There are many different vocational subjects that you can study. Here is just a sample:

• Accounting
• Acting
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Animal Care
• Beauty Therapy
• Bricklaying
• Business
• Cabin Crew
• Catering
• Construction
• Childcare
• Electrical   
• Engineering
• Games Development
• Gas installation
• Hairdressing
• Health and Social Care
• Hospitality
• IT 
• Media and Communications
• Motor Vehicle Maintenance
• Music
• Plumbing
• Uniformed Services

Entry requirements to these courses vary depending on the level you want to study at and each Post 16 study centre should be researched to see what these requirements are. At Post 16, entry levels range from Level 1 to Level 3.

If you begin a course at level 3, then after successful completion of the two years of study you will have a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels which will provide you with the opportunity to go on to University should you wish to pursue this pathway.

If you commence on a Level 1 course, then upon successful completion at the end of the year you would move on to Level 2.

Some useful websites for further information are - 

https://successatschool.org/advicedetails/545/What-are-vocational-qualifications%3F

https://thinkstudent.co.uk/what-are-vocational-courses/