Post-16 Pathways

What’s the difference between BTECs and A Levels?

Broadly speaking, BTEC qualifications start to prepare you for a specific career, whereas A Levels aim to give you a solid academic grounding in a given subject. However, some BTECs can be quite academic too, depending upon the subject and the specific modules that colleges choose to teach. BTECs revolve around coursework and – often – work experience, whereas A Levels are much more classroom-based and tend to be assessed largely via final exams.

A key difference is that a BTEC provides a way to learn through practical work as well as study, while an A Level course structure typically involves more written work and exams.

A Levels

Advanced Level qualifications (known as A Levels) are subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work. You can normally study three or more A Levels over two years. They are usually assessed by a series of examinations at the end of Year 13.

You normally need:

  • At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above – some specific subject(s) require grade 6 or above.

It’s important to check what qualifications and grades you will need with the college you are looking to study at.

The most important criteria for choosing A Levels subjects are:

  • Looking at what you are likely to enjoy and be good at – this is likely to mean you are more successful in terms of your final grade.
  • Are there any particular subjects and/or grades you may need in the future? If you have a particular career, job, or further study in mind, you may need to choose specific A Levels in order to meet entry requirements.

If you’re thinking about going to university, most higher education courses require specific A Levels or combinations of A Levels (or alternative Level 3 qualifications).

If you’re not sure what career or job you want to do, studying a selection of A Levels can be a good way of keeping your options open.

BTECs

BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications.  They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors – they are available from entry level through to professional qualifications at Level 7 (equivalent to postgraduate study).

BTECs are broken down into three main levels of study:

  • BTEC Firsts are available from entry level to Level 2 (equivalent standard to GCSEs). These offer an introduction to work in a vocational sector. Combined with other qualifications, these can enable you to go on to further study, to an apprenticeship, or into employment.
  • BTEC Nationalsare available from Level 3 (equivalent standard to A Levels). Many of these are well regarded by universities, further education colleges, and employers. A BTEC National qualification can lead to employment, continuing study, or professional development programmes.
  • BTEC Apprenticeships are available at Levels 2 to 5 across more than 25 sectors.

BTECs are divided into units, which cover specific areas of knowledge, skills, and understanding required by the particular sector or industry.

  • Every BTEC student takes the core units, which provide a broad foundation and understanding about the sector.
  • There is a range of optional units to choose from which enable students to focus on particular interests and plans they have for next steps into further study, an apprenticeship, or employment.
  • The course involves a series of assignments which can be written or activity-based, for example creating a film clip, planning and putting on a performance, or creating a business plan. Students complete some assignments individually and some as part of a team. For some BTEC courses, students can also apply their knowledge and skills through work experience.

BTECs are designed for young people interested in a particular sector or industry but who are not yet sure what job they’d like to do.

There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors, including:

  • Applied Science
  • Art and Design
  • Business
  • Childcare
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Media
  • Health and Social Care
  • Hospitality
  • ICT
  • Land-based
  • Performing Arts
  • Public Services
  • Sport
  • Travel and Tourism

What are T Levels?

T Levels are new two-year courses equivalent to three A Levels, which will be available to students in England from September 2020.

T Levels are based on the same standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers, and will offer around 1,800 hours of study over two years. This will include a 45-day work placement, so T Levels will be more suited to students who know what occupation or industry they want to move into.

T Levels include compulsory elements:

  • a technical qualification which includes core skills, theory, and concepts for the industry area
  • specialist occupational skills and knowledge of the career
  • an industry placement with an employer
  • a minimum standard in maths and English, if students haven’t already achieved this

Students who complete a T Level will receive an overall grade of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* and will be awarded with a nationally recognised certificate showing a breakdown of what they’ve achieved. It will also confirm that a student has met the minimum requirements for maths and English qualifications.

The first three T Levels available to start in September 2020 will be:

  • Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Design, Surveying and Planning
  • Education

From Autumn 2021, T Levels will also be available in:

  • Building Services Engineering
  • Digital Business Services
  • Digital Support and Services
  • Health
  • Healthcare Science
  • Onsite Construction
  • Science

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.

As an apprentice you’ll:

  • learn and train for a specific job
  • get paid and receive holiday leave
  • get hands-on experience in a real job
  • study for at least 20% of your working hours – usually at a college, university or with a training provider
  • complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
  • be on a career path with lots of future potential

Levels of an apprenticeship

It can take between one and six years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.

Each apprenticeship has a level and an equivalent education level. You can start an apprenticeship at any level.

Depending on the level, some apprenticeships may:

  • require previous qualifications such as an English or maths GCSE
  • give extra training in the English or maths skills needed so you’re at the right level

At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent education level. For example, if you complete a Level 3 apprenticeship, you’ll achieve the equivalent of an A level.

Apprenticeship Level Equivalent education level
Intermediate 2 GCSE
Advanced 3 A Level
Higher 4, 5, 6 & 7 Foundation degree and above
Degree 6 & 7 Bachelor’s or Master’s degree