Academic qualifications are based on traditional classroom learning. Vocational (practical) qualifactions are often career-based. Which option is best for you? Or do you want to do BOTH?
Example subjects:
- Art History
- Biology
- Psychology
- Business Studies
Example subjects:
- Sports Studies
- Business Studies
- Health Studies
- Art & Design
Standard classroom setting
Often a mix of practical work environment and some classroom learning (either real-life or virtual)
Can often stay in the same school – or switch to sixth form college if you prefer
Will often take place in a new environment like a college or a mixed work/study environment
The safety of the familiar (but still a step up from what you know, and it will feel like a whole new world)
The possibility of a new approach (but you will settle into the new way of doing things quite quickly)
Likely to involve homework, coursework, exams
Likely to involve some coursework but often doesn’t require exams
Ideal for students who want to learn through discussion and reading
Ideal for students who want to learn through practical training, mentoring and some reading
Shorter learning hours (but longer research/homework hours)
Longer training hours, usually 9-5 (but may not have any research/homework)
You are not paid to study
If you are on a paid training programme like an Apprenticeship, you will earn a salary while you learn in a work environment
Example qualifications:
- A Level
- Scottish Higher
- Baccalaureate
Example qualifications:
- T Level
- HND / HNC
- BTEC
- NVQ
There is no wrong choice. There is only what’s right for you.
Some subjects overlap as academic OR vocational courses. There are lots of ways to study a subject you love!
Tagged in: BTEC, student advice, vocational study and qualifications
Discover Youth Friendly Employers
ABP Foods
Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable food
EXPLORE
Careers in Eyecare
From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careers
EXPLORE
Aspiration Training
Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business admin
EXPLORE
Careers in Racing
Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football.
EXPLORE
Catch22 Youth Services
Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help.
EXPLORE
Coach Core Apprenticeships
See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careers
EXPLORE
Coca-Cola EuroPacific
Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people!
EXPLORE
Environment Agency Careers
Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us!
EXPLORE
Essex Youth Service
Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships.
EXPLORE
Generation: Free Skills Training
Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast.
EXPLORE
Get Into Teaching
You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships!
EXPLORE
Heidelberg Materials
Play to your strengths. Travel the world - if you want to. Work with people, money, sales, or technical skills!
EXPLORE
Haven
Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air!
EXPLORE
Historic England
Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests.
EXPLORE
IHG Early Careers
Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality!
EXPLORE
Working in local government
Local government touches everyone's lives every day
EXPLORE
Martin Brower Careers
Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo.
EXPLORE
McDonald's Early Careers
You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree?
EXPLORE
NCFE Vocational Qualifications
Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too.
EXPLORE
Pret Apprenticeships & Careers
When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey!
EXPLORE
Prezzo Restaurant Careers
Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss!
EXPLORE
Red Carnation Hotels
Have fun at work with internships, degree apprenticeships and management schemes when you join Red Carnation Hotels.
EXPLORE
Royal Air Force
There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living.
EXPLORE
Severn Trent Careers
Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond!
EXPLORE
Sodexo
Come and EXPLORE your career at Sodexo. See what amazing opportunities come about along the way.
EXPLORE
Surrey County Council Careers
Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC!
EXPLORE
Taylor & Francis Early Careers
Our international publishing company believes in doing things differently. You could be just what we need!
EXPLORE
The British Library
Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities.
EXPLORE
VHR Technical Recruitment
The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience!
EXPLORE
Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.
As experts on youth employment and co-founders of the Youth Employment Group, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policy makers.
