Decisions, decisions!
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
That’s the million dollar question. We can’t see the future, but we can shape it. Chosen by over 1 million students each year, BTEC offers a range of technical and applied qualifications for anyone taking their first steps into the world of work or planning to go to university.
Whatever you want out of life (and even if you’re not sure yet) there’s a BTEC qualification out there for you. With subjects ranging from science and engineering to arts and theatre, it opens doors.
What is a BTEC, exactly? Click the link to get the full lowdown. To get you up to speed, BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council (you can see why it’s easier to just say BTEC). You can do a BTEC along with GCSEs and A-levels or their equivalents, or as a standalone course at college or uni. And it’s valued by both universities and employers. A BTEC is a great way to continue your academic studies while building real-life work skills and experience.
BTECs help you show the world what you can do
People like to learn in different ways. You still study with a BTEC, but there’s no cramming for final exams. As a vocational qualification – one that relates directly to the world of careers – BTEC puts the focus on doing practical activities using the skills and knowledge you’ve gained.
You will learn tonnes of stuff, and get a qualifaction that could take you to university and beyond, if that’s what you want.
You’ll take part in real-life scenarios and get assessed throughout the course, so you can see your progress over time.
Interested? Find out more about BTEC assessments and grading to see how it all works.
BTEC in schools and colleges
The UK’s BTEC Awarding Organisation is Pearson. Their BTEC Firsts and BTEC Tech Awards come in a range of subjects and give students aged 14-16 a hands-on introduction to the sectors (or areas of business, like tourism or IT & digital careers) they are interested in working in.
BTEC Nationals, BTEC Level 2 Technicals, BTEC Apprenticeships and other post 16 courses offer students the chance to gain broad specialist knowledge and the transferable skills they will need to progress to the next level. What does the next level look like to you? Does heading out to get a job interest you, or are you thinking of doing a degree at university? That’s up to you. A BTEC will help you flourish and grow either way.
Applying to university with a BTEC
Along with A levels, BTEC Nationals are the most widely-recognised qualification for admission to higher education. In other words, university.
In 2015, 95% of UK universities (including top universities) and colleges accepted students with BTEC qualifications. With a BTEC, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that will help you to impress and showcase your skills at job interviews. You’ll also gain confidence in studying on your own and picking up new information, as well as building important life skills that will help you to succeed at university and beyond.
From BTEC to a career with va va voom
One of the reasons why BTEC is such a popular applied learning qualification is that it give students a clear route to employment.
Today’s employers are looking for confident, work-ready candidates who have the practical knowledge and technical skills you can get from a BTEC course.
Witha BTEC, you’ll tackle real workplace tasks that will help you to spot your strengths and decide what type of career you’d be interested in pursuing. And whichever BTEC you choose, you’ll be in a good place to develop the employability skills and confidence you’ll need to make the most of life and work, whatever you end up doing.
This information was brought to you with support from Pearson, the UK’s BTEC Awarding Organisation.
