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Course / Vocational
Find a vocational (job-related) course in the UK
     
Sections:
Vocational qualifications
  Vocational courses and career guides
  Links
   
Related pages:
Guide (information for all types of student)
  Language school (study English in the UK)
  University / college (1-year diploma/exchange, or undergraduate degree)
  Short courses (summer school classes)



QUALIFICATIONS


Vocational schools teach practical, job-related subjects. The most common exam-based qualifications are BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council) exams organised by EdExcel (http://www.edexcel.org.uk): BTEC First Diploma (level 2), BTEC National (level 3), HNCs (BTEC Higher National Certificates, level 4) which usually take 1 year to complete, and HNDs (BTEC Higher National Diplomas) which usually take 2 years to complete, or VCEs (Vocational Certificates of Education, either Vocational AS Levels or Vocational A Levels).

Modern Apprenticeships are a mixture of work-based training and education. There are two types: FMAs (Foundation Modern Apprenticeship, which last at least 1 year) and AMAs (Advanced Modern Apprenticeships, which last at least 2 years). NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or the Scottish equivalents SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are qualifications which can be obtained while working (see: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/nvq).

For more general information about vocational education and training in the UK, see: http://www.britishcouncil.org/education/vet.
There is a UK qualifications database at the website of the UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications: http://www.uknrp.org.uk.

British Vocational Qualifications: A Directory of Vocational Qualifications Available in the UK
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: December 2004
Vocational Qualifications in the UK
Author: Department for Education & Skills
Publisher: Stationery Office Books
Date: May 2002

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COURSES & CAREER GUIDES


One way to find a vocational course in the UK is to use one of these sites:
HotCourses: http://www.hotcourses.com.
Hobsons ("Springboard"): http://www.springboard.co.uk.
Floodlight (courses in London): http://www.floodlight.co.uk.

There are useful links about UK further education on the BBC site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/webguide/learning/adults

Some language schools offer English language courses which concentrate on the use of English for a particular type of work, for example "English for Tourism". For examples of the types of courses which are available, see: Course/Language.

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) can provide information about training opportunities within a certain area of work. A list of SSCs is at: http://www.ssda.org.uk/ssda/business-skills-gaps-programmes.htm

It is a good idea to buy a career guide for your chosen industry in the UK. These books often explain about qualifications, introduce useful associations and websites (which may help you to obtain relevant work experience or a career opportunity if you are allowed to work in the UK), and contain some of the key English vocabulary which you need. The following publishers produce many careers books (some of which are listed in the industry sections below).
How To Books: http://www.howtobooks.co.uk
Kogan Page: http://www.kogan-page.co.uk
Trotman: http://www.careers-portal.co.uk

Buying a subscription to one of the trade magazines is also an excellent way to learn about the current issues within the industry and to find out about courses or jobs.

If you are already in the UK, consider going to a trade fair or recruitment fair for the industry.

The Careers and Occupational Information Centre (COIC) produce an annual guide called "Occupations": this can be a useful reference book when you are considering different career choices. You can find this in many libraries in the UK. There is an online version at: http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u. Each occupation is described in detail under these headings: background information, the work, work environment, skills and interests, entry requirements, training, late entry, opportunities, pay and conditions, prospects, related occupations and a list of addresses / websites / publications for further information.

- Agriculture, floristry, environment
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) is Lantra: http://www.lantra.co.uk.
There are a number of agricultural colleges in the UK.
A leading trade magazine for agriculture is Farmer's Weekly:

Working for the Environment
Author: Barbara Buffton
Publisher: How To Books
Date: December 1998
 

- Animals, dogs, horses

Working with Animals
Author: Alex Gough
Publisher: How To Books
Date: November 2000
Working with Dogs
Author: Pauline Appleby
Publisher: How To Books
Date: March 1999
Working with Horses
Author: Jenny Morgan
Publisher: How To Books
Date: January 2000
 

- Art, design, photography, garden design
Creative & Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the arts and entertainment industries: http://www.ccskills.org.uk.

The Art & Design Directory
Publisher: Isco Careerscope
Date: September 2002
Complete Guide to Art & Design Courses 2003
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2002
Getting into Art & Design
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2000
 

- Banking, insurance, finance, financial services, accountancy
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the financial services industry is the Financial Services Skills Council: http://www.fssc.org.uk

Careers in Banking, Finance & Insurance
Author: Paul Kingston
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: May 1999
Getting into Financial Services
Author: Neil Harris
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 1998
Getting into The City
Author: Neil Harris
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2001
Getting into Banking & Finance
Author: Simon Collins
Publisher: How To Books
Date: August 1998

- Beauty, hairdressing
The training organisation is HABIA (Hairdressing And Beauty Industry Authority): http://www.habia.org.
Beauty therapy (including nail work): Guild of Professional Beauty Therapists: http://www.beautyguild.com/Training
Hairdressing: among the companies providing training are Vidal Sassoon (http://www.vidalsassoon.co.uk) and Toni & Guy (http://www.toniandguy.co.uk).
A trade magazine for hairdressers is Hairdressers Journal International: http://www.qssa.co.uk/reed/default.asp?pubid=33

Careers in the Hairdressing, Beauty & Fitness Industries
Author: Loulou Brown
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: November 2001
Getting into Beauty Therapy
Author: Joanna Grigg
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 2002

- Business, management
For postgraduate MBA courses, see: Course/MBA
A useful resource for business education students at schools or universities is: http://www.bized.ac.uk.

Getting into Business & Management Courses
Publisher: Trotman
Date: March 2003
   

- Childcare
Jobs in childcare include: playgroup worker, childminder, nanny, nursery nurse, foster carer.
For details of qualifications, see CACHE (Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education): http://www.cache.org.uk
See also: Work/Job/AuPair.

Getting into Childcare
Author: Joanna Grigg
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 2001
 

- Complementary therapies
Complementary therapy courses include: acupuncture, Alexander Technique, aromatherapy, Bates Method, Bowen technique, chiropractic, colour therapy, crystal healing, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, iridology, kinesiology, massage, naturopathy, nutritional therapy, osteopathy, reflexology, reiki, shiatsu, spiritual healing, T'ai Chi, vibrational medicine (flower and gem remedies), yoga.
Aromatherapy (essential oil): the UK governing body is the Aromatherapy Organisations Council: http://www.aocuk.net.
Aura-Soma UK provides courses in Colour Therapy: http://www.aura-soma.net.

Getting into Complementary Therapies
Author: Laurel Alexander
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 2001
Becoming a Complementary Therapist
Author: Linda Wilson
Publisher: How To Books
Date: October 2000
Becoming an Aromatherapist
Author: Rhiannon Harris
Publisher: How To Books
Date: November 2000
 

- Computing, information technology (IT), telecommunications
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Information Technology, Telecommunications and Contact Centres is: http://www.e-skills.com.

Careers in Computing and IT
Author: David Yardley
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: May 2000
Getting into IT and the Internet
Author: Neil Harris
Publisher: Trotman
Date: October 2002

- Engineering
SEMTA is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies: http://www.semta.org.uk

Getting into Engineering
Author: Neil Harris
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2002
 

- Fashion, clothing
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the apparel, footwear and textiles industry is Skillfast-UK: http://www.skillfast-uk.org

Careers in Fashion
Author: Noel Chapman
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: May 1999
 

- Hotels, hospitality, leisure, catering
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism is People 1st: http://www.people1st.co.uk
Useful information is contained on the site: http://www.springboarduk.org.uk.

Careers in Catering, Hotel Administration and Management
Author: Russell Joseph
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: June 2000
Getting into Hotels & Catering
Author: Beryl Dixon
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 2002

- Law

Careers in the Law
Author: Martin Edwards
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: April 1998
Getting into Law
Publisher: Trotman
Date: May 2002

- Marketing, advertising
CAM (Communications Advertising and Marketing Education Foundation) exams and course centres: http://www.camfoundation.com

Careers in Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations
Author: Adela Stanley
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: March 2003
 

- Media, multimedia, broadcasting, film, video
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) is Skillset: http://www.skillset.org.
To find courses in media and multimedia, see the website of the BFI (British Films Institute): http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/coursesevents/mediacourses.
There are also useful links for people interested in film-making at: http://www.britfilms.com/training.

Careers in Television and Radio
Author: Michael Selby
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: September 1997
Careers in Film & Video
Author: Ricki Ostrov
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: July 1996
Getting into the Media
Author: Emma Caprez
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2001
Getting into Films & Television
Author: Robert Angell
Publisher: How To Books
Date: January 2002

- Medicine, psychology, dentistry, vetinary surgeon (vet)

Dentists: NACPDE (the National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Dental Education) provides information for qualified dentists about working in the UK, clinical or specialist training, or studying for a postgraduate degree in the UK. See: http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental/fds/nacpde

Doctors: NACPME (the National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education) is an information service for overseas-qualified doctors who wish to train in the UK. See: http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/nacpme

Careers in Medicine, Dentistry & Mental Health
Author: Judith Humphreys, Loulou Brown
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: September 2000
Getting into Psychology
Publisher: Trotman
Date: May 2002
Getting into Medical School
Author: Jim Burnett
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2003
Getting into Veterinary School
Author: John Handley
Publisher: Trotman
Date: May 2001
Getting into Dental School
Authors: Joe Ruston, James Burnett
Publisher: Trotman
Date: May 2000
 

- Music, dance, performing arts, drama
The British royal colleges of music and/or drama are:
- Royal Academy of Music: http://www.ram.ac.uk.
- Royal College of Music: http://www.rcm.ac.uk.
- Royal Northern College of Music: http://www.rncm.ac.uk.
- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art: http://www.rada.org
- Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama: http://www.rsamd.ac.uk.

The National Council for Drama Training: http://www.ncdt.co.uk

Careers in Music
Author: Ruth Yockney, Mark Edgley Smith
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: May 1999
Careers in the Theatre
Author: Jean Richardson
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: April 1998
Getting into Performing Arts
Author: Emma Caprez
Publisher: Trotman
Date: October 2002
 

- Nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, healthcare
For information about nursing, see: Work/Job/Nurse
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the healthcare industry is Skills for Health: http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk

Getting into Physiotherapy Courses
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2002
Getting into Physiotherapy
Authors: Laurel Alexander, Raquel Simpson, Jane Tonkin
Publisher: Trotman
Date: January 2003
Getting into Healthcare Professions
Author: Laurel Alexander
Publisher: Trotman
Date: October 2002
 

- Oil, gas industry
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the oil and gas industry is Cogent: http://www.cogent-ssc.com. A course search is provided at: http://www.trainuk.com

- Publishing, journalism

Careers in Journalism
Author: Simon Kent
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: September 1997
Getting into Journalism
Authors: Lorna Bartley, Verite Reily Collins
Publisher: Trotman
Date: January 2003

- Retailing
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for retailing is Skillsmart: http://www.skillsmart.com

Getting into Retailing
Author: Joanna Grigg
Publisher: Trotman
Date: October 2002
Careers in Retailing
Author: Loulou Brown
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: September 1997

- Secretarial & office work

Careers in Secretarial and Office Work
Author: Graham Hayward
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: November 1995
 

- Social care, counselling, housing

Careers in Social Care
Author: Bernard Moss
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: March 1999
Getting into Counselling
Author: Jeff Riley
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 2001
Getting into Housing
Author: Debby Ounstead
Publisher: Trotman
Date: September 2002
Learning to Counsel
Authors: Jan Sutton, William Stewart
Publisher: How To Books
Date: July 2002

- Sport, fitness, recreation
See also: Life/Sport
CCPR (Central Council of Physical Recreation): http://www.ccpr.org.uk/education&training
The National Training Organisation is SPRITO.

Careers in Sport
Author: Louise Fyfe
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: September 1998
Getting into Sport & Fitness
Author: Beryl Dixon
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 2002
Sport and Recreation: Courses Leading to a Career in Sport
Author: CCPR (Central Council of Physical Recreation)
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: October 1997
 

- Teaching
See also: Work/Job/Teacher

Careers in Teaching
Author: Felicity Taylor
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: September 1997
Getting into Teaching
Author: Nick Higgins
Publisher: Trotman
Date: January 2003

- Travel, tourism
The Sector Skills Council (SSC) for hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism is People 1st: http://www.people1st.co.uk

Careers and Jobs in Travel and Tourism
Author: Verite Reily Collins
Publisher: Kogan Page
Date: May 2004
Getting into Tourism
Publisher: Trotman
Date: July 1999

- Voluntary sector
See also: Work/Job/Volunteer

Getting into the Voluntary Sector
Author: Verite Reily Collins
Publisher: Trotman
Date: June 2000
Working in the Voluntary Sector
Author: Craig Brown
Publisher: How To Books
Date: September 2002

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LINKS


Using an education travel agent: Prepare/Agent
The cost of living in the UK: Prepare/Cost
UK immigration issues: Prepare/Visa
Guide to British towns: Travel/Tours/UK

Home page: Home

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