What Can You Do After Your GCSEs?

Vocational A Levels

A Levels are available in a number of vocational subjects. Here are some examples of the many vocational A Levels out there:

• Art & Design
• Business
• ICT
• Leisure & Recreation
• Performing Arts

T Levels

T Levels are a new type of course. They focus on technical and practical subjects and are the equivalent of 3 A Levels. T Levels offer a mixture of classroom-based learning and on-the-job experience, including a placement lasting at least 45 days. T Level subjects include Accounting, Animal Care & Management, Education & Childcare, and Healthcare Science, among others.

BTEC Level 3

A BTEC level 3 is a vocational qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels. They are available in subjects such as Travel & Tourism, Engineering, and IT.

A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma is the same as doing one A-level. A BTEC Diploma is like doing two A levels. A BTEC Extended Diploma is like doing three A-levels.

Apprenticeship

In an apprenticeship, you work for an employer while going to school or college part time (usually one day per week.) You’ll earn a wage and gain on-the-job experience in a trade or profession, while getting a qualification at the same time. Sometimes, your employer will offer you a permanent job at the end of an apprenticeship. If not, you’ll be well positioned to find work in your chosen field.

NVQ

An NVQ is a National Vocational Qualification that you take through your workplace. You’ll need to have access to a part-time job or placement while you’re at school or college, because you need to be in some form of study or training until you’re 18. Assessment is in the form of a work portfolio of work supervision.

Mix and match!

You don’t have to choose between academic or vocational options after GCSEs. You can do both!

For example, you might choose to take a mix of academic and vocational A Levels.

You can also study BTECS along with A Levels.

All schools and colleges offer slightly different options, so find out what’s available at yours.

It’s time to think about PROs and CONs!

Download, save, then open the digital worksheet. You can then fill in the pros and cons for each post-GCSE option to see which choices start standing out to you.

TIP: It will be easier if you’ve researched the options above so you have a good understanding of what they offer!

Think about…

• How much you enjoy the subject
• If you can do the subject well
• If the subject has links with something you might like to do as a job in the future
• If you prefer the academic or practical learning style
• If you prefer coursework or exams
• If you prefer longer training hours or longer study time