BTEC Introductory, OCR & others
Vocational qualifications at Level 1 include BTEC Introductories, OCR Nationals, NVQs and others.
BTEC Introductories
BTECs involve both practical and theoretical study in a vocational area. BTEC Introductories are Level 1 qualifications – BTECs are also available as Firsts (Level 2) and Nationals (Level 3).
BTECs are a good choice for developing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to work in your chosen industry.
Types of BTEC Introductory
They come in two sizes:
- BTEC Introductory Certificate: about the same size as two GCSEs (at grades D–G).
- BTEC Introductory Diploma: equivalent of four GCSEs (at grades D–G).
OCR Nationals
OCR Nationals at Level 1 are similar in many ways to BTEC Introductories – they both involve practical and theoretical study in a vocational area.
OCR Nationals at Level 1 come in three sizes:
- OCR National First Award: equivalent of a single GCSE D–G.
- OCR National Award: equivalent of two GCSEs D–G.
- OCR National Certificate: equivalent of four GCSEs D–G.
NVQ 1
NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are qualifications that apply what you learn in a work situation. They can be studied full-time or part-time.
NVQs are at different levels, from 1 to 5. An NVQ 1 is at the same level as GCSEs D–G and BTEC Introductories.
Other qualifications at Level 1
There are many other vocational or specialist qualifications at Level 1.
You can find out more about a specialist qualification by contacting the 6th form or college that is offering it
CACHE qualifications
You can find out more about a specialist qualification by contacting the 6th form or college that is offering it
CACHE offers courses at Levels 1–4 and Entry Level in the Children's Services industry. CACHE offers Introduction to Childcare courses at Level 1.
Sports Leadership qualifications
Sports Leadership courses help people develop organisation, motivation, communication and team-working skills. They are practical qualifications – students learn by doing and don't have to take written exams.
You don't need to be a sports star to take a Sports Leadership qualification. Instead you should have an interest in the activity you study, a positive attitude and a willingness to volunteer.
Sports Leadership courses are offered at Levels 1–3.
Other specialist qualifications
Many other industries and careers have specialist types of qualification you can study in Norfolk, such as AAT courses for accountancy and DiDA courses for using digital applications.
If you see a specialist qualification on help you choose and want to know more about it, contact the 6th form or college that offers it to find out more about it. You could also go to the website for the qualification's exam board; they usually describe their qualifications in detail (although exam board websites are often written for teachers not young people, so they may use lots of unfamiliar jargon!).
