What are Vocational Qualifications?
Success at School refers to vocational qualifications as “practical qualifications that relate to a specific job or industry.” They are specific in that they give learners a real look into a particular career or sector they’re interested in. Vocational qualifications are extremely beneficial as they give learners vital work experience and skills which employers value in a particular sector and role. They offer an alternative pathway to starting a career than traditional academic routes taken such as A-levels. aren’t traditionally classroom-based, and they have a blend of theory and hands-on learning, where learners can gain an insight into what a career would look like in their chosen role. They are also a great option for learners who are wanting to upskill or retrain for their career. Sectors to train in could include, Healthcare, Business, Administration and Teaching, but the list of possibilities is endless!
If learners have a particular career and sector in mind, vocational qualifications are perfect to gain specific skills and experience which may give them an advantage in the job market. Learners can also start their studies on a level that suits them and their aspirations, as this qualifications are for everyone, regardless of age.
How are Vocational Qualifications Perceived?
Ofqual commissioned a survey about the ‘Perceptions of Vocational and Technical Qualifications’ and found that in 2022, “Seven in ten providers agreed that VTQs were good preparation for work.” Furthermore that, “The most commonly given reason by learners for choosing to take a VTQ was wanting to improve their skills (37%), while the most frequently perceived benefit was being more confident using these skills (35%).” This suggests that learners are aware that targeted specifically towards their chosen careers and to take them to improve their capabilities or to upskill. It also suggests learners are satisfied with the quality of the qualification, as they are gaining real-life experience on the job, and develop a high level of competence in their roles.
Myths Surrounding Vocational Qualifications
One of the largest myths surrounding is that they are for school-leavers and young people only. But learning never has an age limit! People who are settled in their current careers, may need to take a vocational qualification to update their knowledge and skills. There is no deadline to achieving a new qualification, and many adult learners take one for upskilling purposes. See our previous blog post about upskilling and adult education if you wish to know more!
It is also an outdated misconception that vocational qualifications are ‘easier’ than traditional routes into a career, simply because they don’t contain a huge stressful exam at the end. Instead, they often stretch practical assignments across the year. This is a great alternative for learners who don’t thrive in a classroom environment, as not everyone learns in the same way.
Benefits of Vocational Qualifications
Vocational courses are designed to offer students real-life experience in their chosen industry for learners to develop abilities and knowledge which are highly valued by employers. They are designed to prepare learners for real situations in the workplace, rather than using theoretical approaches. They will gain the necessary experience employers look for, so after completion, it could lead to employment much quicker than those who have just left university or about to enroll.
Vocational qualifications are usually studied part-time and can be done alongside work commitments, meaning learners can earn alongside their studies. This is a great benefit for those who are balancing work and learning, and there is more flexibility surrounding studying times to suit the learner’s needs.
Those who prefer hands-on practical learning will perhaps find better suited to them, opposed to classroom-based learning. Learners will be able to demonstrate practical skills through the course of their learning and will be able to apply this in real situations. Academic routes such as A-levels are classroom-taught and exam-based, which may not be for everyone. Focus Awards’ recognized qualifications are portfolio-based rather than exam focused. They are designed to give learners’ an in-depth knowledge and understanding about the real world of work and provide learners with the capability to thrive in their careers. As an extra bonus, there is no need to stress over an exam!
Our Vocational Qualifications
Focus Awards offer over 200 vocational qualifications across 11 sectors including:
If you’re interested in offering any of our qualifications to your learners, please send an email to: info@focusawards.org.uk or give us a call on: 0333 3447388
Success at School on Vocational Qualifications:
https://successatschool.org/advice/study/what-are-vocational-qualifications/545
Of qual survey, ‘Perceptions of Vocational and Technical Qualifications’:
