Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships (top)
Learning at this level involves building knowledge and/or skills in relation to an area of work or a subject area and is appropriate for many job roles. Examples of Level 2 qualifications are: GCSEs grades A – C; BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates; NVQ Level 2; Apprenticeships.

BTECs (top)
These qualifications recognise specialist learning and involve detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in an area of work or study. This level is suitable for people working in technical and professional jobs, and/or managing and developing others. Examples of Level 4 qualifications are; BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards; Certificates of Higher Education (C).

eNVQ (top)
eNVQ is totally web-based, so you can access it 24 hours a day from any computer, at any time - from home, from a laptop, even from an internet café. The user-friendly programme makes it really easy to track your progress – with the click of a mouse button you can see how far you’ve come and what’s left to do. With eNVQ you can submit work in a wide range of media, including documents, scans, pictures, witness testimonies and audio and video clips – all of these could count towards your qualification!

Foundation Degrees (top)
This is a programme of learning and qualifications, completed in the workplace to help them progress in a chosen career or industry. The Apprenticeship is made up of the following qualifications:
NVQ/SVQ (National Vocational Qualification), Key Skills which work on the "soft skills" required for work, such as Communication, Problem Solving, Numeracy and Working with Others and a Technical Certificate which provides and tests the underpinning knowledge required for the industry or job role. An Apprenticeship is completed at level 2 and an Advanced Apprenticeship is completed at level 3.

Level 1 (top)
An undergraduate qualification that is roughly equivalent to the first half of a degree. Learners would generally study a BTEC Higher National after a BTEC National. Examples of Level 5 are: BTEC HNDs and HNC’s; BTEC Professional Diplomas, Certificates and Awards; Diplomas of Higher and Further Education (I).

Level 2 (top)
A higher education qualification which leads from NVQ3/Advanced Apprenticeship. Developed in conjunction with local employers, and include work based learning.

Level 3 (top)
These are specific to different areas of retail work, and are usually not accredited. They are usually paid for by the employer.

Level 4 (top)
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-related and reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job. They are usually completed whilst working, being assessed on the job.

Level 5 (top)
BTECs range from entry level qualifications to post-graduate qualifications. A BTEC course is often taken as an alternative to A levels and covers a wide range of vocational subjects. Schools are able to offer Introductory, First and National qualifications and colleges tend to offer a wider range of BTECs (including Higher Nationals) for part-time and full-time learners, including adults returning to education.

NVQs (top)
Learning at this level involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. It is suitable for people wishing to go to university, people working independently, or in some areas supervising and training others in their field of work. Examples of Level 3 Qualifications are A Levels; BTEC National Diplomas, Certificates and Awards; NVQ Level 3; Advanced Apprenticeships.

Short Courses/Workshops (top)
A vocational qualification for pupils aged 14-16. On this programme pupils continue to study the core National Curriculum subjects, including English, mathematics, ICT and science, but they also pursue qualifications in a vocational area. They learn through a mixture of classroom lessons, practical training and work experience.

Young Apprenticeships (top)
Learning at this level is about activities that mostly relate to everyday situations that may be linked to job competence. Examples of Level 1 qualifications are: GCSE’s grades D-G, BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates, and NVQ Level 1

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