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Vocational route to becoming an engineer

Learn specific skills for a job in engineering

Maybe the thought of going straight into full time work after finishing school or staying on to do A levels doesn't appeal to you - don't worry, you still have some great options to progress in an engineering career.

Vocational qualifications enable you to study a work-related course and are delivered on a part time or full time basis. Qualifications include BTEC Diplomas, Vocational GCSEs, Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education (AVCE), General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ), Scottish Group Awards (SGA), Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND).

Many further education colleges and some schools offer GNVQ and BTEC qualification programmes. These courses are comparable to academic qualifications and, depending on the level you reach, can lead to the equivalent of two A levels.

If you have achieved four passes (A-C) at GCSE, including English, Maths and Science you can get straight onto an advanced GNVQ or a BTEC National Diploma course in engineering.

If your grades are lower than this, you can opt for Vocational GCSEs or a BTEC First Diploma and then move on to the advanced courses. These courses will provide you with a broad skills base to develop your knowledge of engineering.

The vocational route allows students to progress onto degree level study, proceed directly into employment with the option of further part time study, or opt for an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship.

In summary, a student coming fresh out of school with four GCSE grades A-D including Maths and Science can expect to study for up to three years to achieve a BTEC National Diploma or advanced GNVQ and then begin employment or study for a further three years to achieve a degree.