Vocational courses are, for the most part, practical, skills based programmes designed to prepare you for the world of work in a specific career area. Students who choose a vocational course can expect to combine practical activities in real life environments like workshops, studios and salons with more traditional theory lessons and opportunities to go out into industry on work-placements and industrial visits.
In the majority of cases there are fewer examinations involved than you may be used to in your recent experience at school with most of the qualifications being achieved through continual assessment. This means that project and tasks are assessed on a regular basis right from the start of your course so that you always know how you are doing and that you're on track for success. All the Vocational qualifications you can achieve at NEW College are well recognised by employers and, if you are successful on an Advanced Level course (e.g. BTEC National Diploma) the qualification will also be accepted for entry to University.
Vocational courses are usually 'all-in-one' packages that combine all the content required for you to progress towards your career goal, so you only need choose one course. If you do however want to combine a vocational course with an A Level subject, you can do this by opting for a Vocational course offered in our Sixth Form.
