What's it all about? So far, you're bound to have heard every adult you come across, tell you "You won't get anywhere without qualifications". As annoying as this may be, they do have a point! Qualifications are extremely important for your future.

There are a variety of different courses and qualifications and it is very important that you choose the right qualification for you. Qualifications are delivered through different types of courses and study methods. You might want to study full-time, part-time, on day release from work or even through distance or open learning.

Everything's Changing!

Those of you considering A level's should be aware of the changes in this qualification in the near future. Currently you gain an A Level for each subject that you achieve following two years of study and exams or the modular approach. From September 2000 the Government is introducing a new post 16 qualifications framework. The new framework is intended to broaden the 16 - 19 curriculum. To find out more about these changes check out any information in your school, careers service or websites such as the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) and the DfEE (Department for Education and Employment).

• QCA website - Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
• DfEE website - Info about qualifications

GNVQ - General National Vocational Qualifications

These qualifications are related to occupational areas, rather than a specific job and there is therefore a large amount of course content. Many schools and colleges offer these courses and they can be studied along side GCSE's or A Levels. They are based on the assessments of broad skills, knowledge and understanding. There are different levels of GNVQ that you can consider. The Intermediate levels is equivalent to GCSE standard and Advanced level is approximately equivalent to 2 A Levels. You can take these qualifications in business, art and design, manufacturing, health and social care, leisure and tourism and a range of other subjects.

Other Vocational Qualifications

Along with GNVQ's there are other vocational qualifications. There are First and National awards in wide occupational areas. First awards are roughly equivalent to GCSE grade C's and usually take 1 year to complete. National awards can take between 2 and 3 years to complete depending on whether you study full or part - time. These are equivalent to A Levels. There many other vocational qualifications at different levels and you need to check out your local area to find out what's available.

But I don't want to take exams - I want to work!

If you don't want to study full time in school or college and want to find a job, you should consider employment with training. There are different schemes available such as Modern Apprenticeships which are available for young people up to the age of 25. New Deal is aimed at young people between 16 and 24 who have been unemployed for over 6 months. These schemes provide the opportunity for young people to gain skills and qualifications such as NVQ's. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) are made up of units and are awarded for practical work and work competence. In other words… you can prove that you have the skills in the particular area relevant to your qualification. For example, part of the Business Admin NVQ may include photocopying or you might write a personal statement and provide an example of this task.

This process takes the place of a written examination. You work on your own portfolio which is a folder of evidence proving achievement of all aspects of each unit. If you have a work placement you can gather evidence as you learn new skills at work. Some of the areas that you can train for an NVQ include Business Administration, Customer Care, Early Years and Education and many others.

• Learning & Earning info from DfEE
• Modern Apprenticeships
• New Deal

How do these qualifications compare?

How do I choose the right qualification for me?

We know that figuring out all these qualifications is quite confusing and therefore choosing one may be just as difficult. It is important that you talk to your Teachers / Tutors and your Careers / Personal Adviser. There is also lots of information and advice available at your local Careers & Guidance Centre where some Careers Services have a database of courses available in your local area. Also don't forget to check out the web for useful sites that explain qualifications in more detail or local school / college / training provider websites that will provide details of local courses and qualification that they deliver.

• Find your local careers service company

• Have a chat to your Careers Adviser
• Look into the qualification that suits you.
• Find out whether you can do it locally
• Get started! Good Luck!

At school or college? Look out for Jennie's future articles which we'll have here for the first Monday of each month, and which we'll link to the best sites we can find on the Web. Why not bookmark us now?

August - Clearing and Higher Education Sites
September - Options at 16+
October - Work Experience

To get back to this page to use the links on it - enter http://www.careers-gateway.co.uk/mainpage.htm and click on Magazine then Qualifications Explained.

copyright © Careersoft 2001 - Last updated 3rd July 2000