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A BTEC qualification is a lot more of a benefit to people than you may realise. It’s a vocational qualification that relies on the learner picking up more practical-based skills as opposed to more academic ways of learning. While not taught in the traditional way, a BTEC qualification is just as valuable as any other qualification, and it can still take your child right through to university.
In this guide from a top private school in London, we share the key things you need to know about BTEC qualifications.
How do BTEC qualifications work?
They are in a similar process to GCSEs and A Levels, working all the way through to degree level. They come in levels – from level 1 to 7 – which start at GCSE level and right the way through to A Levels and a degree.
What is a BTEC equivalent to?
This will depend on the level of qualification your child is taking. If they are taking a BTEC between levels 1 – 2, they’ll be at GCSE level. A Level 3 BTEC is the equivalent of an A Level, where students will gain a lot more practical experience out of their studies. BTEC levels 4 – 7 are considered Foundation Degree to Degree level equivalents.
Why would people pursue BTEC qualifications?
There are a number of reasons why a BTEC qualification could be the best route for your child. For one, BTEC courses have much more range as opposed to academic qualifications. You can study Tourism, Engineering, Electrician work and many more qualifications that a standard GCSE or A Level format won’t facilitate.
Your child may prefer a more practical approach to learning. BTEC qualifications are great for students that aren’t used to the academic learning style and prefer to have a more hands on approach to their studies.
Will your child still have opportunities at university?
A lot of universities accept BTEC Level 3 qualifications, and it is a lot more common these days. In many ways a BTEC is just a different way of learning something new, and it gives students a lot more practical skills and life experience as opposed to the more academic ways of learning.
Your child will still gain as much out of their studies as they would through studying A Levels, and it can be argued that children gain a lot more out of a BTEC than through traditional academic study. Supporting your child through their choices will help them figure out what qualifications they’d like to pursue and how they’d like to improve their own personal development.