Study your way towards a job

If you want to pursue practical rather than academic studies, the choice is wide

New research from Edexcel shows that parents are even more confused and, asked to define a BTEC, many answered: "I haven't a clue." The YouGov poll, which involved interviews with 1,250 parents, found that while many knew about vocational courses in art, design and business, few had any idea their child could study retail, land and environment, or construction. Yet the demand for new vocational courses is growing. One of the most popular courses at Hemsworth Arts and Community College, in West Yorkshire, is construction – with twice as many applicants as there are places.

But perhaps it's not surprising that parents don't know much about the options available, considering 40 per cent said that their parents didn't helped them. For those unsure about what to do once they reach 16, the advice from Connexions Direct is to start with what really interests you. For many, this means opting for a course that is practical and job related. About 500,000 students do a BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) each year, as an alternative to A-levels and as a route into employment or further/higher education.

BTECs are available in a wide variety of subjects, the most popular being art, design and media, business, and engineering. They can also be studied at different levels, ranging from GCSE to degree standard.

The BTEC National Diploma is equivalent to two or three A-levels, while the BTEC Award is equivalent to four GCSEs. There are also bespoke short courses concentrating on small blocks of learning in a specific employment sector. There are new BTEC qualifications in e-business, beauty therapy sciences, and travel and tourism management.

At the CRED Centre in Reading, support manager Eija Hughes says the BTEC programme works well because it's marked through continuous assessment, not exams, and students feel that practical courses have a real purpose. She cites the case of Becky Keiltuczki, 16, who was totally switched off school, to the point where often she didn't turn up. But now she's just finished the BTEC introductory level 1 in health and social care – and her attendance has been 100 per cent.

Business remains the most popular vocational area overall, according to Maggie Scott, from the Association of Colleges. One reason is that business courses include IT and most people know they need such skills. Another reason is that students don't know what sector they want to work in and see business skills as transferable.

But if you fancy working - and earning - while you learn, Itchen College, in Southampton, has a successful "Learn and Earn" scheme, introduced two years ago. Students study from Monday to Thursday, and on Friday and Saturday work in a part-time job - usually in the retail sector - which the college helps them to find.

According to Jackie Udy, the college's marketing manager, the fact that lessons are crammed into four days means that students are less likely to drop out. The most popular BTEC programmes are in the uniformed public services – such as the navy, the marines, and the ambulance and fire services.

"Students on our 'Learn and Earn' scheme gain a year in maturity, they gain a qualification and work experience, and many also claim education maintenance allowances," says Udy.

"It's a win-win situation, and it allows students to see education in a different way." So, if parents are unaware of what practical courses exist, at least some students are taking advantage of the vocational route.

To find out more about BTECs and other vocational courses visit www.edexcel. org.uk, www.dfes.gov.uk, www.connexions-direct.com