With BTECs on the rise within post-16 education, let’s explore them in today’s blog post. What is a BTEC, who are they for, and are they really less valuable than A-levels?
Firstly, BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. They are specialist work-related qualifications, based on practical rather than academic study. BTEC students gain specialist skills and knowledge in their subject area, before putting those skills into practice in real-life scenarios. They combine practical learning with subject and some theory content over the course of 1-2 years.
There are 3 levels of BTECs. BTEC Firsts are a similar standard to GCSEs, BTEC Nationals are a similar standard to A Levels, and BTEC Apprenticeships are for post-18; with options available across over 25 sectors. From applied science to construction, engineering, media, and sport, these courses have been designed for young people interested in a particular sector, but unsure of the job they’d like to do. If you’re over the age of 15, you just might find the perfect BTEC for you.
BTEC qualifications have long been seen as inferior to A-Levels, potentially due to the lack of formal exams. However, BTECs are typically assessed through coursework and practical work, providing students with the skills they need to move into higher education or straight into employment. 95% of UK universities and colleges accept students with a BTEC qualification, including Russell Group universities (they usually accept BTECs alongside other qualifications, such as A-levels). Having a BTEC or two will most likely enhance your employability, rather than fall in with the common misconception of reducing opportunities.
If you tend to lose interest and change your mind on what career path you would like to follow, then BTECs may not be for you, due to the focus on one particular subject with little opportunity for variation. The constant flow of assignments and deadlines means you must also be self-motivated, and willing to work hard throughout the course.
When choosing your college course, it’s important to think about why you are looking to study. Is it to get into a particular job sector? Achieve grades for university? To gain knowledge on a subject you’re interested in? If you’re unsure of what you’d like to do in the future, A-levels might be a safer choice; this way you can study a few different subjects which interest you, and keep your options open. But if you’re set on a specific career path, choosing subjects that are closely linked is a better choice - meaning BTECs may be the best option for you!