The latest advice from the National Careers Service can be found by clicking on the link below:
A–Levels
- Depending on the college, a specific grade may be required to enrol onto a specific A level course, with many requiring at least a B grade in the chosen subject.
- Usually split into AS-Levels and A2 levels.
- Studied over a duration of 2 years with exams at the end of second year to determine grade. Students generally choose to study four AS-Levels, and Three A2 Levels.
- Mainly exam based with little focus on coursework.
- After completing, it is possible to apply for an Advanced or Higher Apprenticeship; these are top level apprenticeships and guarantee work after leaving.
Apprenticeships
- You must be 16yrs old to start an apprenticeship.
- An apprenticeship generally takes between one and five years to complete.
- All apprenticeships are real jobs so all apprentices earn a salary. You must be paid at least the national minimum apprenticeship wage – and many employers pay significantly more.
EXAMPLES: https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships
BTECs
- BTEC Nationals are classed as a ‘vocational’ qualification which offer a mix of practical (work experience) and theoretical (personal study) tasks. They are usually specific to a certain sector of industry and produce specialists in the given field of interest.
- Assessment is more focused on coursework with few exams (if any at all).
- They can be taken in conjunction with A-Levels or they can be taken on their own. BTEC Nationals carry UCAS points which can be used to apply for University after completion.
T Levels
- T Levels are courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year courses, which launched September 2020, have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.
- T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days).
- You can find more information about T Levels, including the subjects currently available to study, by clicking here.
- You can find a list of courses and providers by searching here.