What is a BTEC?
BTECs are work-related qualifications suitable for a wide range of learners. They’re built to accommodate the needs of employers and allow progression to university. They provide a practical, real-world approach to learning without sacrificing any of the essential subject theory. BTECs can be taken alongside, or in place of, GCSEs and A levels. They can also form the knowledge component of Foundation Learning or BTEC Apprenticeships. BTECs are available to learners across a wide range of industry sectors, they’re continually developed and updated to meet the needs of employers and learners.
Why Choose a BTEC?
The learning style of BTECs can be quite different to other qualifications. Learners have to undertake a number of units for which they present evidence, based on real-life work and learners. This allows them to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in practical situations. If you think you would succeed better working in this way, the BTEC route may be the one to take.
There are many options available to school-leavers: further education, vocational degrees, and apprenticeships and jobs that offer workplace learning. If you’re not sure about the path you’ll wish to take, the flexibility of BTECs makes them a good choice, as they offer useful practical experience as well as a recognised qualification.
Learning should be fun and BTEC programmes often specialise in areas of learning linked with work that learners are interested in, such as sport or music. Courses tap in to what learners enjoy, feel good at and find familiar.
Learners build their confidence because they’re developing practical skills that will help them secure a job in the future. Answers to assignments may be in written form, but it’s just as likely they will be in other forms – such as film clips, project proposals, business plans and structured databases. Learners are always given clear guidelines so they know what they have to achieve and how to do this.
Learners will need to meet deadlines set by teachers and individual progress is monitored by teachers who provide personal support and guidance, helping learners develop their learning skills and reach their potential. Learning is progressive, from small-scale and simple topics to larger and more complex themes.
For those of you who have already chosen the BTEC route we wish you all the best in your learning and hope you enjoy your studies.