Practical and more hands-on, vocational study programmes are studied after GCSEs and will equip you with the skills and knowledge in one subject area. They include lots of different qualification types such as NVQs, BTECs, City & Guilds and UAL Diplomas and can be studied full time at level 2 to level 3 (the same as A Levels.)

The programmes include work experience and lots of contact with employers. When you finish you can progress to university, an apprenticeship or into work.

Similar to having a job, on an apprenticeship you’ll spend most of your time with an employer working as part of their team as well as some time at college, usually one day a week.

You can go onto an apprenticeship after GCSEs, A Levels, a Vocational Study Programme or T Levels, depending on the level of apprenticeship and the skills and experience the employer is looking for. You can also go onto an apprenticeship as an adult.

Introduced in 2020, these practical qualifications are studied after GCSEs and are similar to vocational study programmes, but include a longer work placement. This can be spent with one employer or with several employers. T Levels are only offered in a few subject areas.

A one year, intense level 3 course for adults that helps you gain access to university. If you want a job that requires a degree, such as midwifery or nursing, these courses allow you to top up your existing qualifications to meet university entry requirements.