As you look forward to the next stage in your educational journey, it can be quite a daunting and difficult decision choosing the pathway that’s right for you. One of these decisions may be the choice to study either vocational courses or A Levels.
What's the difference?
A Levels are two-year courses, in which you study three different academic subjects. In most cases, these are assessed by exams at the end of your studies. Vocational courses are one or two-year courses, in which you study one vocational subject. In most cases, these are assessed by coursework and assignments throughout the duration of your studies.
At Wirral Met College, we offer a wide range of vocational qualifications, designed with your career prospects in mind. Our courses reflect employer needs and market demands, preparing you for a bright future in your chosen career.
Get work ready
Vocational education has a heavy emphasis on hands-on training and development of practical skills, preparing you for entry into the working world. Working in our world class facilities, you will familiarise with industry standard equipment, practices and methods, which you can take straight with you into your career.
Vocational education also offers improved employability. Not only do you leave college with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in your chosen industry, but during your studies with us, you will undertake work placement, ensuring you also enter the job market with the necessary experience.
Over the past few years, our students have enjoyed a wide range of exciting work placement opportunities, both local and international. Our Hospitality and Catering students have benefited from regular experience working at our fine dining restaurant, ‘Met at the Square’, whilst our Travel and Tourism students have gained a variety of experience working in theatres, cruise terminals and jetting abroad to help in hotels.
Our Hair and Beauty students work with the public, taking appointments in our state-of-the-art salons, and have also applied their skills at salons in Lisbon, whilst our Sports students conducted training and coaching sessions in Dubai!
Reduced stress
Another benefit of vocational qualifications is reduced stress during exam season. Exams aren’t for everyone, and even people who do well in exams can hate taking them due to their stressful nature.
As most vocational qualifications are assessed through practical work and assignments, which can feel like a more accurate representation of your knowledge and expertise, there’s often no stressful exams.
Earn more
Studying in further education also offers the opportunity to earn more. A study from the UK Government found that on average, those who study qualifications in further education earn more compared to those who do not, and that studying a qualification than your current level, working your way up the FE ladder, is associated with higher future earnings.
Additionally, many vocational education fields offer competitive salaries and opportunities to advance up the career ladder and grow.
Pathways on offer
We also offer different types of vocational pathway including Apprenticeships and T Levels.
Becoming an apprentice is a great way to start a new career. Apprenticeships allow you to work, gain qualifications and valuable experience, whilst earning a salary. You will split your time between your place of work and college, gaining vast knowledge and skills in your chosen field. For more information about Apprenticeships, visit Apply for an Apprenticeship | Wirral Met College (wmc.ac.uk)
T Levels are a new, technical qualification, equivalent to taking 3 A Levels, meaning that they also offer progression routes direct to university. You’ll spend 80% of your time at college, and the other 20% at a work placement, gaining high value skills, knowledge, and experience for use in the working world, and to include in your CV. For more information about T Levels, visit wmc.ac.uk/our-courses/t-levels.
There are so many benefits to studying a vocational qualification. If you think this sounds like the pathway for you, click here to check out our range of courses.