Careers Gateway - It's Not a Life Sentence!

What do all the letters stand for?

The past couple of years has seen big changes in post 16 qualifications. BTEC's, NVQ's and AS Levels…what does it all mean?

The good news is that this article gives you an update of what is happening at the moment……..but one things is for sure….find out about qualifications and be aware of what they mean. It's the only way to find the best ones for you. Different qualifications are structured in many different ways, studied at different places and use various study methods. Make sure that you understand all of your choices!

Fast facts about qualifications!

Here are some brief notes about different qualifications. If you want more information, check out the various websites to get more detailed, specific and up to date information.

GCSE's

These are available in a wide range of subjects, some are compulsory, some you can choose, they can be studied in college but they are first studied in years 10 and 11 in school. You can get grades from A* - G and you might find that further studies require certain GCSE's at specific grades before you can start the course.

Moving on Tip - Even if you don't want to go on to further education, many employers will expect their staff to have English and Maths at C or above for some jobs. Don't ignore GCSE's just because you don't want to become the next Einstein!

A/S Level (Advanced Supplementary Level) and A Levels (Advanced Level)

You can study these separately (AS Level - generally 1 year course) or complete a further year to achieve the A Level. The second half of an A Level is often referred to as A2.

Moving on Tip - If you are thinking about University, you will need to think about qualifications such as A/S or A Levels in order to meet the entry requirements.

GNVQ (General Vocational Qualification)

This qualification is useful for those considering employment after school because they allow you to study a range of subjects that relate to a particular area of work. There are various levels such as GNVQ Part 1, Foundation GNVQ and Intermediate GNVQ. Each level generally takes about a year to complete and helps you on a 'step by step' process to a further level.

Moving on Tip - Open up more job opportunities by showing you have more to offer in the way of vocational study. You will look far more attractive to an employer!

AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education)

You could consider this after completing an Intermediate GNVQ or GCSE's as entry requirements usually apply. They can be studied in module awards of either 3, 6 or 12 modules and obviously vary in the time each level of module takes to complete.

BTECs

These could be a BTEC First (1 year course) or a BTEC National Diploma ( 2 year course). The BTEC First can be used to help you get into training, employment or further your study with the next stage (BTEC Diploma, AVCE or other options). The BTEC Diploma can also be used to get into training or employment, but also higher education as it is an equivalent to A Levels.

NVQ's (National Vocational Qualifications)

These qualifications are available in most areas of work and are useful for those people who don't want to 'formally' study (with exams and full time education etc.) and who either have or want to enter employment. They are recognised by employers nationally and available in levels 1-5. They are usually taken through training schemes such as Modern Apprenticeships etc. and allow you to collect what you learn as you go along (building a portfolio - file of evidence showing you can do certain aspects of the job)

Moving on Tip - You can look at NVQ's before you get a job, but think about it……you don't want to be stuck in the same job forever. If you consider NVQ's, it gives you the chance to prove your skills and experience and opens up more job opportunities for the future. Don't get left behind!

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.

How do they compare?

Higher Level	Qualification	NVQ Level 4/5
A Level	AVCE or BTEC Diploma	NVQ Level 3
GCSE grade A* - C	Intermediate GNVQ or BTEC First	NVQ Level 2
GCSE grade D* - G	Foundation GNVQ	NVQ Level 1
	Certificate of Educational Achievement

If it's still making your brain hurt!

Don't give up just yet! Have a chat with your tutor, careers adviser or personal adviser. Ask for help in explaining the different types in more detail and tell them about yourself and what your career ideas are. This will help you find a qualification that will help you get what you want and will still be right for you. It is pointless spending 2 years completing a qualification if it won't let you move on to the next steps to achieve your goals. It certainly won't help if you find the course, place of study or method of study that is wrong for you. It would be a waste of time, money and effort and you might have to start all over again. Do your research, get some advice and make the right choices!

Find your local careers service company

So….Don't forget to….. ·
Have a chat to your Careers Adviser
Look into the qualification that suits you
Find out whether you can do it locally
Get started!

Further Information

Please use the links below to find further information on your choice!

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

Good Luck!

Jennie Glitherow

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?

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