Everyone reading this article of Schools Week shares a common purpose: we all want to create the brightest possible picture of learner success. One of the many ways we can achieve this is through the powerful impact of vocational education, offering learners a diverse range of opportunities to reach their full potential.
Engaging our young Key Stage 4 learners at ages 14-16 is critical in laying the foundations for their further and higher education journeys, as well as their pathway into the workforce. Level 1 and 2 BTEC Tech Awards are able to deliver this through vocationally relevant content and assessment which encourages learning through application and project-based work. Facilitating a range of evidence types such as presentations, reports, videos and practical outcomes, learners can develop the transferable skills and abilities to thrive in a digital world. All internal assessments are based on scenarios or case studies that help bring the content to life and engage learners. BTEC Tech Awards are available in 12 different sectors and are highly career-focused and accessible, with a comprehensive support suite.
The reason vocational education holds so much power is because it goes beyond the course content and key knowledge by developing an array of different skills. Former student, Tim Bailey, started his BTEC journey at Wiltshire College and University Group studying a BTEC Level 2 and 3 in Sport, and has since progressed on to complete a BTEC Higher National Diploma, and even topped up his qualification to complete a Level 6 BSc (Hons) degree. He explained, “it wasn’t just the knowledge I gained studying BTECs at various levels, but also the employability skills that have really helped me in the workplace.”. He went on to say, “I feel that my social skills and teamworking abilities significantly developed during my time studying for my BTEC qualifications”. The transferable skills Tim acquired throughout his learning journey also played a key role in building his confidence, particularly in communication skills. Research from the Pearson Skills Outlook (2022) shows us that ‘communication’ is at the top of the list of skills that are projected to be most in-demand by 2026, outlining the ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly, and to listen to, understand, and respond to others’ ideas. Learning effective ways to communicate, particularly in an increasingly digital world, is one of many key transferable skills for KS4 students to become confident in as they move into further and higher education.
Furthermore, Tim stated that “the topics we covered in each subject were varied, which kept me interested and helped me to make my choices as I progressed through my education.”. Exposing young learners to multiple disciplines with creative assessment techniques opens an exciting world of possibilities, a world that is enabled through choice. By having these options available, Tim was able to identify his likes and dislikes to start to make informed choices to pave his career in the Sports sector. His wide-ranging skill set enabled him work in a variety of roles, and since graduating with a Level 6 qualification he now works as a Hot Materials Laboratory Manager, and he explained how his role “includes making composite materials for Formula 1 teams as well as sports equipment including badminton and tennis rackets and hockey sticks”. The positive impact that vocational learning has had on Tim extends into his employment, highlighting long-lasting success, and Tim is just one of many students to have experienced this. What’s more, vocational education is loved by hiring managers, with 72% of UK employers believing that BTEC candidates have an advantage over non-BTEC candidates (Perspectus Global, 2021). Extending into the workforce, 1 in 5 of the UK adult working population has a BTEC, so they are qualifications that all employers recognise and value.
At Pearson BTEC, we’re committed to vocational excellence and learner choice. Our range of BTEC, T Level, and Apprenticeship vocational qualifications offer endless learning and employment opportunities from Level 1 all the way through to Level 5. In addition, our academic GCSE and A level qualifications provide you with a wide variety of options to engage and motivate learners. At KS4, our vocational Tech Awards perfectly complement and offer subject choices not covered by GCSEs.
It is clear that vocational education at KS4 and beyond has a powerful impact on our students and consequently, our future workforce. Vocational education has a strong place in our education system and is here to stay. If you would like to find out more about teaching vocational education at KS4, please visit our website.
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