Vocational qualifications are either work-related qualifications designed to enable students to gain the skills required to perform a particular job, or qualifications that may be taken as part of a wider study programme or apprenticeship.
Schools and colleges may offer qualifications that are not included in the DfE performance tables, if approved for teaching to 16 – 19 year olds by the Secretary of State for Education in England under Section 96, where this is in the best interests of individual students.
This qualification is appropriate for students who are aged 18+, and is designed to ensure:
- a substantial portion of the learning will focus on developing skills, knowledge, and understanding of construction skills, so all students are effectively prepared for progression to further study or working in the construction industry
- all students develop knowledge and skills about responsible work practice, such as health and safety, so they are well prepared for the world of work
All units are graded Pass/Fail.
All units are internally assessed and externally verified.
There are a number of key considerations for HEPs when reviewing vocational qualifications that are not listed on the DfE 16 – 19 performance tables for England:
- Some of these qualifications are occupational, and may not be designed specifically for progression to HE.
- Applicants holding these qualifications may be school or college leavers, however, some may be more mature students who are likely to have other relevant experience alongside these qualifications.
- These qualifications may have been taken as part of a wider study programme or apprenticeship.
- If they are presented for admission to HE, it is likely to be in conjunction with other qualifications.
Further information can be found at www.certa.org.uk/qualifications_and_units/search/130956