Qualifications
A Levels
1. What is an A Level
The A level is made up of 2 parts the AS level and the A2 , the AS level
counts as a qualification in it's own right
2 What is an AS level
The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) is a stand-alone qualification and is valued as half a full
A level qualification. It has three units
(assessed at the standard expected for a student half way through an A level course)
that contribute 50 per cent of the full A level.
3 What is an A2 level
The A2 is the second half of a full A level qualification. It has three units
(assessed at the standard expected for a student at the end of a full A level course)
that are worth 50 per cent of the full A level qualification.
3 What is a VCE A level
Vocational A levels are qualifications that enable students to develop skills,
knowledge and understanding in the vocational area they are studying,
and that prepare them for both the world of work and progression to higher education.
The national qualifications framework
Department for Education and Skills
The first place to check for courses is in your local college or university
HERO is the official gateway to universities, colleges
and research organisations in the UK
HNC HND
1. What is an HNC HND
HNC Stands for Higher National Certificate accepted by employers Countrywide
HND Stands for Higher National Diploma
2. Guide for studying for HNC.
An HNC is ideal for anyone who isn't entirely sure if they want to commit to a degree course,
or for those wanting to study while continuing full time employment and wish for a slower
introduction to their chosen subject.
Most students who choose to study for an HNC do so part time over two years while they
continue to work. Once you have obtained an HNC qualification, you will be able to
enter a relevant degree course in the second year, rather than starting from scratch
2. Guide for studying for HND.
Deciding early on which type of study, and which subject, suits you best will make finding an
HND course a lot easier. You can study for an HND in almost any subject area and it is perfect
for those people who aren't sure whether they want to commit to a degree course, or for those
who are not sure about commitment to a degree course.
HND full time is 2 years study but if you then wish to go on for a degree you can enter in the
second or third year.
HNC and HND courses cover most disciplines from Accounting through to Computing Media and much more
The national qualifications framework
Aimhigher
Department for Education and Skills
GSCE
1. What is a GCSE
The GCSE is the General Certificate of Education and is the entry level
to further education
2. What is a GCSE in Vocational Subjects
The Vocational GCSE is designed to replace the part 1 GNVQ and is currently available
in the following subjects
Applied Art and Design
Applied Business
Applied ICT
Applied Science
Engineering
Health and Social Care
Leisure and Tourism
The first place to check for courses is in your local college or university
HERO is the official gateway to universities, colleges
and research organisations in the UK
The national qualifications framework
Department for Education and Skills
University Degree
You can study for the following awards at UK institutions:
Doctorates, Masters Degrees, Bachelors Degrees, Ordinary Degrees, Foundation Degrees
and a variety of other higher education qualifications including diplomas and certificates
There are 108 higher education institutions in the UK that are
permitted to award a wide variety of degrees
There are also over 300 colleges and other institutions which do not have degree
awarding powers but provide courses leading to degrees.
Courses at these institutions are validated by institutions which have
degree awarding powers
Open University Degree
In todays world one of the best innovations in obtaining a degree is through the open university
, you can study at your own pace while continuing in full time employment .
You do need to be self disciplined and self motivated as these are primarily self
learning with some tutorials and study groups in the evening at your local college
The OU is Britain's largest university, with over 210,000 students . People choose to study
for many reasons - to further their careers, to make up for missed opportunities,
to pursue a personal interest or simply to flex their minds. They choose the OU
because it offers them a chance to study with one of the most prestigious centres of
learning in the UK without sacrificing work or family commitments
Open University study for open learning
UK Course Finder for HNC HND DEGREE Diploma colleges and Universities
Obtaining a degree can take from 3 to 7 years depending on the level you wish to achieve
and your chosen area of study
HERO is the official gateway to universities,
colleges and research organisations in the UK.
The first place to check for courses is in your local college or university
HERO is the official gateway to universities, colleges
and research organisations in the UK
MBA ( Master of Business Administration )
The MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree is internationally
recognised and is seen as a passport to a successful management career
Generally an MBA would take 12 months to complete and is an internationally
recognised qualification.
MBA World for further information
on Business Schools
Armed Forces
Careers in todays Armed Forces
Todays Armed forces can offer everything from training to be a Pilot or Ships Captain through to the
lower ranks but it is worth remembering that the forces are extremely high tech and need
some highly skilled personnel and provide the training which is highly sought
after when you leave the forces
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy will take school leavers with little or no qualifications and provide
them with full training for some roles in the navy
Operators
Chef
Mechanic
Steward
Writer
are just a few
Officer
5 GCSEs or equivalent (including Maths and EnglishYou could join direct as an officer,
starting as a Midshipman and rising to Sub Lieutenant after two years. If you’re studying maths and
science subjects, you could apply to read for an engineering degree at Southampton University under
the Engineering Sponsorship scheme
Degree or Studying for degree
If you are applying to university we could offer you sponsorship. Bursaries may also be
paid and you remain a civilian while studying. There are also a limited number of
Cadetships available. As a graduate or professionally qualified man or woman you
will enter naval service as a Sub Lieutenant in any one of our main branches.
By your early 30s you can expect to reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander –
a middle management role
Royal Navy
The Army
A few of the careers you can choose in the army
Combat
Engineering
IT / Comms
Logistics
Healthcare
Specialist
Except for those who wish to train in certain technical employment, an applicant's
eligibility for service and/or to qualify for a particular form of training will be
determined by the results achieved on the Army Entrance Test (known as BARB).
The test assesses an applicant's ability for training by using computer touch screen
question and answer techniques
Officer
It's possible to apply for Officer training direct from school, college or university,
or while in civilian employment. About 80% of potential Officers joining today are graduates
British Army
Royal Airforce
A few of the careers you can choose in the army
Tradesman
Officer
Aircrew
The Royal Airforce has strict academic requirements you should check with the RAF careers
page below for a more detailed idea of qualifications you need
Royal Air force
CV Writing Help
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae an outline of a person's
educational and professional history, usually
prepared for job applications
Writing Successfull CV from Kent University
University of Leicester CV Guide
NVQ National Vocational Qualification
1. What is an NVQ
NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification accepted by employees Countrywide
NVQs are work-related, competence based qualifications
NVQs reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively
2. What levels do NVQ go up to.
Level 1 NVQ Foundation skills in occupations
Competence which involves the application of knowledge
in the performance of a range of varied work activities,
most of which may be routine and predictable
Level 2 NVQ Operative or semi-skilled occupations
Competence which involves the application of knowledge
in a significant range of varied work activities, performed
in a variety of contexts. Some of these activities are
complex or non-routine and there is some individual responsibility
or autonomy. Collaboration with others, perhaps through
membership of a work group or team, may often be a requirement.
Level 3 NVQ Technician, craft, skilled and supervisory occupations
Competences which involves the application of knowledge
in a broad range of varied work activities performed in
a wide variety of contexts, most of which are complex
and non-routine. There is considerable responsibility
and autonomy and control or guidance of others is often
required.
Level 4 NVQ Technical and junior management occupations
Competence which involves the application of knowledge
in a broad range of complex, technical or professional
work activities performed in a variety of contexts and
with a substantial degree of personal responsibility and
autonomy. Responsibility for the work of others and the
allocation of resources is often present.
Level 5 NVQ Chartered, professional and senior management occupations
Competence which involves the application of a range
of fundamental principles across a wide and often unpredictable
variety of contexts. Very substantial personal autonomy
and often significant responsibility for the work of others
and for the allocation of substantial resources features
strongly, as do personal accountabilities for analysis,
diagnosis, design, planning, execution and evaluation.
3.Can you do a direct correlation between NVQ other standard Accademic Qualifications?
No it is not possible to give an exact a = b as NVQ's are not based on
accedemics but on the workplace, but if you think of from level 2 up to
level 5 ranging from A / AS levels up to degree level
Level 1 - Foundation skills in occupations
Level 2 - Operative or semi-skilled occupations
Level 3 - Technician, craft, skilled and supervisory occupations
Level 4 - Technical and junior management occupations
Level 5 - Chartered, professional and senior management occupations
The first place to check for courses is in your local college or university
HERO is the official gateway to universities, colleges
and research organisations in the UK
Department for Education and Skills NVQ Section
Modern Apprentiships
1. What is a Modern Apprentiship
An Apprentership allows you to work and be paid while learning and gaining a formal qualification
Modern Apprentiships are suited to people who are focused and know the career they want.
Many Apprenticeships are sought after, so demand for places is high.
But if you have the determination and drive to succeed,
then you may end up as one of the 250,000 people currently doing an Apprenticeship.
Administration and Professional
Agriculture
Construction
Customer Service, Retailing and Wholesaling
Engineering
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
Health and Beauty
Health, Care and Public Services
Hospitality
Manufacturing
Media and Printing
Recreation and Travel
Transportation
The best place to find further information on modern apprentiships is at
Learning + Skills Council site Learning + Skills Council site
Industry Specific Professional Qualifications
1. What is an Industry Specific Professional Qualifications
Many Industries look for qualifications outside of those provided by the Government.
The reasons can be varied below are a few examples
IT Qualifications
IT Specific ( the IT industry changes so quickly that it would be impossible to make sure
the courses were put in place quick enough to keep up with the changes )
Below are a few of the most important courses if you wish to work in IT and unless you are
trained through a modern apprentiship or your company provides some sponsorship , they are
quite expensive
MSCE Microsoft Products OS Networking
Compag Certified Compaq / HP helps in obtaining a job supporting the H/W
Cisco Certified Cisco is major provider of routers that helps the internet function
3COM Certified 3COM is a major provider of routers switches hubs in networking
Novel CNE Novel is still a large player in network operating Software
There are many others in IT ranging from Application support qualifications
through to UNIX check with a major provider of IT training to obtain further
information
We have included a link to a major provider of IT courses throughout the UK
Interquad IT Training and Certification with 9 UK Offices
Driving Licence PSV HGV
If you wish to drive anything larger than a van for a living you need to obtain
a PSV licence
Small Van Clean License over 21
Rigid Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes Over 21 with a Category C License
Articulated lorries and lorries towing a trailer Over 21 with a Category
C and E grade License
These can be sometimes obtained through the
The Learning and Skills Council
Or you can use a private supplier to obtain your licence
Driver Hire – this programme links a number of our offices
to providers of LGV training. At present we have 17 training
providers linked to over 60 Driver Hire offices.
Driver Hire
CORGI Registration UK
CORGI maintain a register of competent gas installers in the UK
Registration is now a legal requirement for businesses and self-employed people
working on gas fittings or appliances.
There are many other area's with specific professional qualifications check with the
industry that you are interested in for further details
UK Government Employment Sites
Graduate Prospects
Graduate Prospects
The UK's official graduate careers website
Hero Website
Hero
HERO is the official gateway to universities,
colleges and research organisations in the UK
Learning + Skills Council
Learning and Skills Council LSC
Responsible for planning and funding high-quality
vocational education and training for everyone.
Information on modern apprentiships.
DfES, Department for Education and Skills
DfES, Department for Education and Skills
The Department for Education and Skills was
established with the purpose of creating
opportunity, releasing potential and achieving
excellence for all.
Aimhigher Government Portal
Aimhigher
The Aimhigher portal has been developed to provide
those contemplating entering HE with access to the
necessary information from which to make effective
decisions.
The Governments Can Teach Website
Can Teach Webite
Help with choosing a career in teaching in the UK
NHS Careers Page
NHS Careers Gateway
Information about Careers available in the NHS
Health sector together with training qualifications
and employment jobs available
Civil Service Recruitment Gateway
Job Centre Plus
Job Centre plus Job Hunting help guide
includes letter writing
and much more
Redundancy and Legal Rights
The UK Government Department of Trade and Industry
Regulations with regard to UK Employment including
the Following :
Benefit repayment by employers after a tribunal award
Collective redundancies and business transfers
Continuous employment and a week's pay
Contracts of employment:
Dismissal: fair and unfair
The Employment Agencies Act 1973
European works councils
Know your rights:
National minimum wage
Posting of workers directive
Redundancy and insolvency:
Redundancy entitlement - statutory rights
Rights to notice and reasons for dismissal
Unfairly dismissed?
Working time regulations
Maternity rights
Industrial action and the law: a guide for employees
Industrial action and the law:
Union membership: rights of members and non-members
Department of Trade and Industry
Redundancy Help Site
Redundancy Help ( Good resource for help and Information )
Disclaw Publishing - Employment Law
National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
