Your Choice in Tameside

Opportunities at 16

Further Education Studies

Full Time Education might suit you if....

• you want to gain new qualifications or study new subjects
• you enjoy studying and want to carry on learning for at least another 1 or 2 years
• you don't feel ready to start full time work yet
• you haven't decided on a career and need more time
• you are considering going to higher education in the future

Get more information on what university is like at www.aimhigher.ac.uk or www.uni4me.com

You need to be sure that a full time course is the best way into the career of your choice. For some careers a particular route is recommended. You will therefore need to think carefully about what type of course you want to take. You can study academic courses and vocational courses. Academic courses are AGCEs (AS/A levels). Vocational courses include NVQs, BTEC Diplomas and Applied GCEs. It is possible to study a combination of both academic and vocational courses.

Courses are available at a range of levels: Entry, Level 1 - Foundation, Level 2 - Intermediate and Level 3 - Advanced. You would usually study fewer subjects than at school but to a higher more specialist level and your course is individual to you. You may go on from sixth form study to university but you can also go onto apprenticeships or employment.

EMAs

You may also qualify for Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) which pays you up to £30 per week to support your studies.

Vocational Courses explained

Vocational courses focus on a broad area of work and can be studied at four different levels. You will learn by classroom activities and practical activities, taken from the real world of work and will often take part in work experience.

Entry Level - Entry courses give you the chance to get started in a vocational area. They also help you develop basic and social skills and become more independent.

Level 1 - There are many courses at level 1 which can be a first step towards a career. Foundation GNVQs and BTEC Introductory Diplomas are work-related qualifications which offer you a choice of routes into further education. Most of your assessment is by projects and assignments. Foundation Construction Awards help prepare you for a practical occupation and improve your practical skills. NVQs are available in a range of occupational areas, are practically assessed and focus on skills and knowledge in specific work situations.

Level 2 - There are a range of courses at level 2 which can lead to employment or further education and training. BTEC First Diplomas, Applied GCSEs and Technical Awards help you develop the skills and knowledge that Industry and Business want. If you succeed on these courses you could go onto a National Diploma or Applied A level programme. NVQs concentrate on skills and knowledge in specific work situations. You will be assessed through a portfolio of evidence which proves you can work to industry standards.

Level 3 - Level 3 vocational programmes can lead to employment, further training or higher education. BTEC National Diplomas and Certificates, and Applied A levels help you develop the higher level skills required by Industry and Business. They can lead to higher level study or directly into technician level jobs. NVQs concentrate on skills and knowledge in specific work situations and you will develop skills needed to guide and supervise other people.