<h4>What is it?</h4> <p>BTECs, City & Guilds, T Levels and OCR Nationals are vocational qualifications, available in a wide range of subjects. Vocational qualifications offer practical learning programmes that relate to specific job roles or employment sectors.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Vocational courses are designed to help you learn in a practical way about a specific job area. They can help you get the skills you need to start a job, progress in a career or go on to higher levels of education.</p> <p>They have been designed in collaboration with industry, so they can equip you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. The qualifications offer a mix of theory and practice, and can also include an element of work experience.</p> <h4>Where could I study?</h4> <p>Some schools offer vocational qualifications to students from Y10 - Y13. Many schools and all the colleges will offer vocational qualifications to post 16 and adult learners. </p> <h4>How long will it take me?</h4> <p>The length of these courses varies from 3-4 months for short and specialist courses to around two years for a larger qualification.</p> <h4>Options after the course?</h4> <p>These qualifications can lead to a job or further study. For example, you could progress from a qualification at one level to higher levels in the same or related area of study. This could eventually lead to professional qualifications. You could also use a level 3 vocational qualification as a route into higher education as many attract <a href="https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator" target="_blank">UCAS tariff points</a></p>