NEWHAM COLLEGE of Further Education
PATHWAYS TO SKILLS, EMPLOYMENT AND FURTHER EDUCATION... Newham College offers a range of courses that you can progress on to at 16
GCSES
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. You can get your GCSE qualifications in a wide range of academic and more work-related subjects. NCFE offer re-sit programmes to help those who want to improve the GCSE grades they got at school.
Where does this get me?
GCSEs can lead to immediate work, further study or even an apprenticeship. A GCSE qualification will enable you to get straight into a job or an apprenticeship. It also gives you the option to progress to A-levels, based on an achievement of at least five GCSEs at grades A*–C.
AS and A-LEVELS AS and A-level qualifications are focused on traditional study methods. Many students choose to pursue A-level qualifications after completing their GCSEs. A-levels are made up of the AS and A2 levels, each making up 50% of the overall A-level grade.
Where does this get me?
AS and A-levels are recognised by employers and educational institutions. A‑level qualifications can get you straight into a job such as office administration, or into a trainee position in a variety of roles. AS and A-levels are also one of the main routes to higher education. If a university degree is what you’re after, AS and A-levels are a good place to start.
DIPLOMAS
Diplomas provide academic studies just like you would find in your GCSEs and A-levels. This is combined with valuable training and experience in the workplace. They include the development of skills in ICT, problem solving, practical Maths and English for use in the workplace. You are taught the relevant information, but also the hands- on skills to give you a competitive advantage.
Where does this get me?
Employers are actively involved in helping to plan and deliver the Diploma. This means that the qualifications and skills you gain are exactly what the employers are looking for. So, with a Foundation or Higher Diploma you can get a job directly, or you can progress to an Advanced Diploma which can be used when applying to university.
BTECs A BTEC qualification focuses on vocational areas such as Business, ICT or Applied Science. BTECs are achieved at a variety of levels. These provide entry level skills for working life right through to a professional qualification equivalent to postgraduate study. Units combine theory with practical exercises. Students are assessed along the way and given opportunities to analyse and improve their own performance.
Where does this get me?
Depending on the level of BTEC qualification you hold, you can choose to go to work directly or you can qualify to attend further education including university.
42
VOCATIONAL STUDIES Why choose vocational studies?
Do you prefer practical work to theory? Do you love working in hands- on environments and learning skills as you go?
Vocational studies are focused on providing you with specific skills for a job. They’re based mainly on practical work. You will have the support of a Training Officer who will
give you all the guidance, encouragement and assistance you need to achieve a brilliant portfolio of skills. Your Training Officer will monitor your progress at college and at work, making sure that you meet the standards required to get your qualification.
What courses are available?
There are various vocational courses available including Carpentry & Joinery, Food & Beverage Services, Stonemasonry, Engineering, Business, Hairdressing and Health & Social Care. There are no set time limits for any of these courses as they are determined by your personal rate of progress.
NVQs and VRQs National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s) are achieved once the student has proved that they can carry out the job to the correct standard. Most of the assessment takes place in actual work environments. Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQ’s) are achieved outside of the workplace, and are based on the student’s knowledge and understanding of the relevant work setting. Assessment is done by assignments or tests.
Where does this get me?
As your skills progress, you collect units and ultimately qualify for the award of a full VRQ. Once you have achieved this, your chosen learning centre can often help find a work placement for you. Another option is to pursue an apprenticeship and work towards your VRQ qualification while working.
APPRENTICESHIPS
Anyone aged 16 and over who has either just left school, currently working or just wants to start a new career can become an apprentice. Earn while you learn. Combine paid work experience with study, leading to a worthwhile qualification.
What’s on offer?
Large, multi-national organisations to medium and small sized enterprises offer apprenticeships in a variety of sectors including:
l Retail l Construction
l Engineering l Leisure, Travel and Tourism l Media l ICT
l Business, Administration and Law l Health, Public Services and Care
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55