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Vocational Qualifications Guide

BTEC
A practical-based qualification that is a great alternative to traditional A Levels.

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HNC/HND
Higher National Diplomas and Certificates allow you to gain valuable skills for the workplace.

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​​​​​​​NVQ
Get practical, on-the-job training and a reputable qualification by studying for an NVQ.

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Foundation Degrees
This flexible course equips you with all the skills and knowledge required for employment.

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​​​​​​​PJEA Courses
The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy offers a range of courses, so at least one of them is likely to be suitable for you.

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What are vocational qualifications?

Vocational qaulifications offer practical learning programmes that relate to specific job roles or employment sectors.

There are many different types of vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects at all levels - from entry level, up to Level 8.

Vocational courses are designed to teach students in a practical way about a particular job area. This helps them to obtain the skills required to start a job, move forward in their career or go on to higher levels of education such as a university degree.

Vocational qualifications can lead to employment and also to higher education.

Some Level 3 vocational qualifications, such as BTECs, allow you to earn UCAS points towards higher education, like you would with A levels.

What is an NVQ?

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a work-based way of learning – which is carried out at a college, school, or workplace.

Each NVQ level involves a range of on-the-job tasks and activities that are designed to test you on your ability to do a job effectively.

You may start out by applying your knowledge to basic tasks, and progress to incorporating fundamental principles into a variety of contexts.

What is a HNC?

HNC stands for Higher National Certificate and is a qualification awarded by Edexcel in England, and a Higher National awarded by the SQA in Scotland.

What is a HND?

An HND (Higher National Diploma) is a two year course, equivalent to the first two years of university. This means a HND is a more advanced qualification than a HNC.

What is an NVQ?

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a work-based method of learning that you can complete at a college, school, or workplace.

Each NVQ level involves a range of workplace tasks and activities that will test you on your ability to do a job effectively.

You might begin by applying your knowledge to basic tasks, and progress to incorporating fundamental principles into a variety of contexts.

What is a Foundation Degree?

A foundation degree is the academic equivalent of two-thirds of a Bachelors degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) - at Level 5 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

A foundation degree will normally take two years to complete.