Awarding body Edexcel has launched a brand new suite of vocational qualifications that will give students greater access to specialist vocational courses at Level 1. The BTEC Introductory Certificates and Diplomas, available from September 2003, will provide one of the key elements in filling the gap that will be created when Foundation GNVQs are phased out.
BTEC Introductory qualifications are primarily designed for students in schools and colleges who prefer to take an alternative route to GCSEs. Their equivalence rests at grades D-G at GCSE, but this new qualification allows students to gain a more positive recognition of their attainment and achievement by being awarded a grade of pass, merit or distinction. The expected age group of those taking up these qualifications is 14-19 years, but they can also be delivered to those who are older and returning to education.
The new BTEC Introductory Certificates or Diplomas, available from September 2003, will also help the Government meet its aims for vocational education through widening participation and improving retention and attainment. They will provide students with an insight into their chosen vocational sector and allow them to develop essential skills without narrowing opportunities, as the courses encourage study in related areas. Students can initially chose from health and social care; information and communications technology; performing arts; and travel, tourism and hospitality. Further subjects will be introduced in 2004.
Rick Firth, Edexcel’s BTEC Director, welcomed the new qualifications. “These new qualifications will provide students with an excellent introduction to a sector, equipping them with the skills employers want. They are the first step on the BTEC vocational ladder and provide students with the foundations to continue learning through the BTEC range” he said.
He continued, “It is important that qualifications are designed not only to give employers a skilled workforce, but also to bring out the best in students and give schools and colleges qualifications they can deliver. These new BTECs are in keeping with the true spirit of vocational qualifications and allow for internal, external and practical assessment.”
The new qualifications are flexible and can be studied at certificate level, which requires 180 hours of learning, or diploma level, requiring 360 hours. Both levels are situated firmly in the BTEC suite of vocational qualifications and provide students with the opportunity to continue their studies by moving on to a BTEC First Diploma or an NVQ or to move straight into employment. Two subjects can be taken concurrently if students wish to investigate more than one occupational area.
Visit our BTEC Introductory area.
